His Majesty Adores Me

Chapter 17: The News

Chapter 17

Days passed, everyday news broke from the Imperial Palace about the nobles being stripped down by their titles. I heard that there are many people who are being investigated. Even the Imperial palace was forced to submit a report about the taxes report. Those nobles that are involved in indecent acts are being pushed to the edge right now. After the coronation, it will be a lot stricter. That’s why nobles are begging for the Prince to reconsider his decisions.

I flipped to the other side of the newspaper and continued reading, “I can tell that the fourth Prince, soon to be Emperor, is a very strict person.” I sighed.

“Would you like to have another cup of fruit tea?” Maia asked and I nodded. “Yes.” I replied. I am currently at the garden while reading the news about the Imperial news.

Now, the crowning ceremony will happen next week and families including us are invited. I hate to admit it but I don’t want to see the new Emperor! I have a feeling that if I meet his gaze he will end up eating me alive. I wonder what kind of person he is. What if I made a mistake in front of him and he will banish me in this kingdom? That gave me the chills.

Just like me, some families are scared to attend but that’s not an option right now. It is stated on the invitation that failure to attend means disagreement of the crowning of the new Emperor and will be considered as traitor. That Prince is bold with his actions.

On the other hand, that damn Asher! He’s getting on my nerves. He still refuses to see me until now. I tried to write back on his letters but when I was about to send it, there’s no address for it. I have no idea where to send it. It became a problem of mine. I feel frustrated knowing that he knows where I am but I don’t know where he is. That coward! He still sends me lavish gifts that are super expensive. I can’t take it anymore. It’s enough to run away and start a new life with now financial problems.

“Is he trying to buy me gifts?!” I hissed.

Maia laughed, “So that’s what you are thinking so hard. You are thinking about that man you slept with back in the-“

“Maia! Shh! don’t say it. What will happen if people misunderstood this?” I said and she smiled.

“I guess you have grown fond of him. Do you like him now? He looks rich enough to match your status, my lady.” She said and I sighed. I don’t really care about money that did not come from my own pocket.

“Are you saying that I like him?” I said and she giggled.

“I don’t even have to ask you that. I know it. You don’t want to show it but, when you open gifts every day after your debut you always look at the letters. You wish to see that person’s name on it, don’t you?” she said and I did not have anything to say. She’s hitting on the right places. Maia and I have been together since we were young so we are like best friends. It’s fine as long as it was kept just between the two of us.

“Asher is still a mystery to me. It’s true that I have come to like him. Maybe it’s because of his words and efforts but as long as he doesn't come and get me just like his promise, I will not hope for anything more.” I said and took a sip on the fruit tea that Maia prepared for me. It’s sweet.

“In my perspective, that man should hurry up on making his decisions. You are flooded with suitors and you have your time to choose anyone you want to be with. You are at the right age for marriage anyway.” She said and I scoffed. Right, Asher asked me to marry him back then. I wonder if it’s still the same. “Also, did you know that the new Emperor is single? I heard that nobles are willing to sell their daughters to have a seat next to the future sun of the Empire.” She said and I laughed, she must have heard it from the maids gossiping in the kitchen.

“Isn’t the fourth prince old?” I was imagining him as a grown adult in my head. I mean his decisions in life are quite bold.

“I heard that the fourth Prince just turned twenty five! Can you imagine it? He’s young and single. What do you think?” She said and I rolled my eyes.

“Are you seriously asking me that? There’s no way that person will like someone like me.” I said.

“With your rare beauty I am sure that you will capture the heart of everyone who looks at you, my lady!” She said and I laughed. She’s praising me too much.

I don’t think I would like to involve myself in such a dangerous man. I want to live my life in happiness. I want to have a normal and peaceful life. Also, I want to marry someone that I like, someone I can get along with as we grow old. Like a partner in life, I don’t need someone perfect but at least someone who tries. It’s too early to think about marriage. I still need to do many things.

I told Maia that we need to go shopping to find a dress that I would wear in the crowning ceremony. I need to look decent and elegant. There are a lot of nobles going there so I must be careful. Thankfully, I will be meeting Madam Avalon Sinclair tomorrow for our class and I also invited her to a tea.

When I was about to go out I saw Sir Philip coming my way. “Sir Philip?” I called him.

“Where are you heading, my lady?” He asked, “I have a package from the Imperial palace.” He said two servants are carrying boxes behind him. What did he say? Did he just say that it was from the Imperial Palace? Is it delivered to the right residence?

“Is it really for me?” I asked and Sir Philip gave me a letter and it was indeed addressed to me. But why? I asked them to deliver it to my room. Once Again my plans of heading out were postponed. It seems like the world is pushing me back in the house and forbids me to go out!

I went to my room and opened the box. On the first box, there’s a pair of shoes and jewelry? “The sender was not mentioned.” I said. However, I am pretty sure that it came from the Palace because the letter has the official seal.

“The sender wants you to wear that in the crowning ceremony, my lady.” Maia said and I nodded. She’s right. It’s starting to make sense but, does that mean it’s from the Emperor himself?

I opened the other box and inside it is a beautiful gown. “Wow...” I was astonished by the beauty of the dress. It was detailed with red rubies and gems; it was a very beautiful red dress. I have never seen something like this. It’s so pretty!

A letter dropped and I opened it, “I am hoping to see you wearing this at the ceremony. I hope you like it, Celeste.” I read. It can’t be. It was sealed with the Imperial seal.

“By any chance, does the Emperor know you?” Maia asked.

“I don’t know. I am not sure as well but there’s only one way to find out. I need to see the person who sent this and ask him why he knows me or maybe I know him as well.” I said. Who are you?