His Majesty Adores Me

Chapter 1: Celeste

Chapter 1: Celeste

As I sit beside the window of my room, I feel saddened. This view doesn’t look as astonishing as it was before. As I gazed upon the trees, I realized they don’t look the same. Everything that looked lively and colorful before became so dull that it pains my eyes. I wonder what this feeling inside me is. How come those things become so different? Is it because the seat beside me was empty that I feel alone?

I miss my Mother.

It’s been three days since my Mother died from heart failure. Now, I am left here in the cabin inside the woods. This place is far from the Capital and when I was young I always asked my Mom why we live here. She was an honest person and she told me the truth even though it would hurt me. My Mother Ophelia is a foreigner from a different country and she was brought here to become a court lady. She met Viscount, my father who is a high ranking official, and he fell in love with her. Unfortunately his family declined their relationship and he got engaged with a lady equal to his status. That time, my Mother already had me in her womb. She was scared at first but she was determined to raise me even if she’s doing it alone. My father supported my Mother’s decision and I never had the chance to meet him. She decided to have a private and peaceful life.

Every time I tried to blame my Father, I always remember my Mother’s remarks. The words of hate never escaped her lips. I can see that she truly loves him even when the world doesn’t want them to be together. Even in her last moments she was happy and content. My mother is a good woman but one thing I hate about her is she’s too selfless. She gives too much and receives less.

“My lady, please have some tea.” Maia said and brought a tray over the table. I nodded my head and she started to pour tea for me. Maia is my friend and she served our family for as long I can remember. She has been here since she’s just a child. Her Aunt is the one who made her work for us. However, my Mother is a kind woman and instead of treating her like a slave she treated Maia like a child of her own.

“Did you write a letter of reply to the Viscount?” She asked and I nodded. I feel a little down while writing it. Will everything really be okay?

“Yes. I made up my mind and asked him that I need a month before going to the Capital.” I said and she sighed. I can’t just leave this place that fast. I atleast need to prepare myself to live a new life. That is why on my remaining days here, I will make sure that it will be worth it. Only in this place can I feel my Mother’s presence.

“I will deliver the letter tomorrow morning and I will also buy food for us. It will take me a few days. Will you be alright here?” She asked. That’s right, for now it's only the two of us.

“I will be fine since I’m staying here. Maia we are almost at the same age, are you sure you can do the task alone? Not to mention you will be going to the Capital. Are you sure you don’t want me to come along?” I said and she shook her head. She’s being overprotective because my mother told her to take care of me. She was as broken as I was. Both of us feel empty right now.

“Don’t worry about me, my lady. I went to the Capital once with Madam and it wasn’t that hard. Please rest and stay, I know that you’re still not in a good state.” She said and I did not try to stop her. It will be the best for the two of us to have it this way. I can have my time alone as well. 

“Okay.” I said and took a sip on my tea.

I asked for a month to stay here for the last time before living with my father. To be honest I am scared. I don’t know what kind of person my father is. He’s always featured in the newspapers because of his success in the field of entrepreneurship. He is indeed an influential man. I tried not to mention him because my mother looked so sad whenever I did. When I think about the Capital I feel uneasy. I only read about it from books and magazines. Not to mention I need to change my family name to Amaranth. To live a whole different life without my Mother there, I am uneasy.

The letter that I received from my father shook me. The Amaranth family has been serving the Imperial Family for hundreds of years. Their image and fame to high society is well known. The image of me, an outsider, will tarnish their name. However, why does my father want me to live with him that badly? Based on his letter, he wants me to go there and promised to take good care of me. I don’t have any choice right now. He’s the only family I have left.

Even though I have questions in my mind none of these will be answered if I don’t go out there and find things out. As I leave this place I need to be strong and become independent on my own. It won’t be easy but I will try my best.

“I am leaving now. Please take care of yourself while I am away from my lady. I left enough food for a couple of days for you. Don’t skip meals and don’t let anyone in. Do you understand me?” Maia said and I nodded. She worries about me too much.

“I will do as you say. Have a safe trip, Maia.” I said and she smiled.

“Thank you, my lady.” She said and put on his hood as she started to walk away.

The cabin is big and it has many rooms. I was told that this was built according to the Viscount’s ideals. There are many things that are provided for us by the Viscount that’s why I did not hold a grudge over his absence. He was always supporting me from afar. I wonder what my father is like. I hope he will treat me well.

I went to my bedroom and grabbed a book about my favorite topics like business and economics. I have been interested in starting a business since I was young. I also figured out that if I have a business of my own I will no longer use the Viscount’s money and live independently. I am planning to live independently once I have saved enough money. I told this to my Mother as well. I have such high hopes for the both of us. I am afraid that I have to do all of that alone now.

I noticed that the sky is getting cloudy. After a little while it started to rain so I quickly ran to close my window. As I was about to close it, I saw a man outside and he’s drenched wet. He looked like he was searching for a shelter. I quickly went down to help him.

He must’ve lost his way to the place. Only a few people knew this place and not many people go around here. As I was about to open the door, Maia’s words came to me. “Don’t let anyone in.”

Should I open this door or not?