The Diabolical

The Empress, The Prince and The Princess

Rose’s PoV

“Your majesty! Please forgive us! We didn’t know that spies were working under us. We are loyal to the empire, and we will never betray your trust. Please spare our family and us!” One of the elders begged when the imperial knights captured them from the comfort of their homes.

The new and improved knights seem to be much better than the ones the former commander had trained. Everyone seems to be against my decision by making Gisele the commander. But look at the result now. Even rogue soldiers and former mercenaries are better than those so-called noble breeds.

“But you let the enemies into our great empire and almost put our people in trouble. You, as my advisor and elder of the crown, should know better than pushing the future of this empire in the palm of our adversaries. I can’t continue to give you my support since you’ve caused turmoil among our people. You shall be stripped from your title, and thus, your family is condemned to be commoners. Face it, old man- your reign as the oldest noble birth in the empire has ended. You and your family can be considered lucky because I didn’t force you to leave this empire.” The elders kneel on the marble flooring of the throne room and continue to beg for his punishment to be reconsidered.

“This meeting has come to an end. I have eyes everywhere. Even if you try to do something to me and this empire, you will meet my blade, and by that time, I won’t be as merciful as I am now.” The knights grabbed the elder’s arm and dragged him away from my sight.

“Rose-“ Kian placed his hand on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I know the old man is your uncle, but I have to show the people that I am not a ruler who takes sides with any family members. I want to rule this empire without prejudice.” When I looked up at Kian, he was smiling wide. Doesn’t this man affect any of the things I’ve been doing to his family members?

“When I lost my parents, none of my family ever considered taking care of me. Why should I do the same now that I am married to the crown?” Kian smiled. Well, that’s a good reason not to help any of your family members.

“Know that whatever you do, I will support you. As long as it’s for the empire and our family.” Kian leaned forward to kiss me on the forehead.

“I have to go now. It seems my presence is needed in the training field. How long did Gisele say she will be away?” Oh yes-

“Rona said they will be away for a few days. It won’t be too long since Gisele has a lot of things to do here. Say, did you notice there significant changes made by that woman on the knights? Even I was surprised by it.” Kian smiled.

“I watched how they spar with each other before. It seems Gisele’s vice-captain knows what he’s doing. I would like to have a duel with him if the vice-captain is willing.” I smiled at my husband.

“I think it would be a good example for the knights. Anyway, any news from Kiera? What is that child up to?” Kian hummed.

“The nanny said Kiera wants to host a tea party with the noble kids. I’m pretty sure she is receiving guests at the moment. Why? Do you want to go and greet the ladies?” Is my husband gone mental?

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m sure children's perspective of I is quite different, and I don’t want to scare them too much.” Kian chuckled.

“I thought you wanted to change others' opinions on you. This is your chance, my dear.” No- I know where this is going. This man is going to force me to go to the princess palace.

“Get the carriage ready. The empress will go to the princess palace.” Wait! I didn’t even say yes! The servants nodded and scattered away as Kian kneeled in front of me.

[It’s best to listen to (Gustixa - Orange) as you read this part]

“Let’s practice how you would greet the noble ladies. Give me your best smile.” I sighed as I entertained this husband of mine.

“Hmmm, maybe a little less frightening and more to a gentle smile. Oh- I know! Just smile the way you first held Kiera in your arms.” Huh? I did what?

“Come on, my dear. I’m sure you remember how you first saw and held our child after she was born. That was the best and my most cherished memory of us together.” Perhaps I suffer some memory loss because I can’t remember ever smiling like what Kian described.

“Oh my- this only means one thing. We ought to have another child for you to remember how you smile.” I knew it! Kian chuckled before grabbing both of my hands with his.

“Why don’t we try again? After all, this matter is solved; why don’t we try to have a child again? I’m sure Kiera won’t be too lonely, and the palace would be even merrier with the birth of a prince or princess. What you say, Rose?” Kian was an only child, and it was his dream to have lots of children. Even with the current issue solved, will we have the time to raise a child?

“Kian, I-“ Kian place a finger on my lips.

“I will do my best to be a perfect husband and father. I promise I will protect our family. I am not forcing you, but I implore that you think about it.” Kian smiled before kissing my hands.

“Now- I’m sure the carriage is ready for you. Go and mingle with our child’s friends.” I- I don’t want to disappoint this man. I- I want to give him the best I can, but I’m scared. What if I lost another child? I-

“Rose- I’m sorry. I know deep down you suffered the most when our child died. But we need to move on.” Kian’s right. I smiled before giving my husband a peck on his cheek.

“I’ll think about it. I promise.”

THE PRINCESS’S PALACE

How long has it been since I came to the princess’s palace? Normally I would summon Kiera to the main palace whenever we have things to talk about, but I have never been here. Only when she was a baby, and that’s it.

“Your Majesty?!” Kiera’s servants were surprised by my arrival. Didn’t Kian inform them beforehand? Wait- I see. Is it a surprise? But I don’t think Kiera will appreciate that. That child made it her mission to tell me that she hates my guts. It’s understandable since I hated my parents'' guts too when I was her age.

“I will announce your arrival-“ I raised my hand.

“That’s alright. I want to see how the princess is with her friends.” The servants seem worried for some reason. Is something wrong?

“I see. Please follow me to the garden.” I nodded as the servant led me to the garden. Why does everyone seem to be wary of something? Is it that weird to see me here?

“Please don’t think of my words as rude, your highness, but I don’t think you’re fit for having the princess title. Your recent action in associating yourself with commoners has made it clear that you have no sort of nobility in you.” I stopped dead in my track when I heard what those noble ladies were saying.

“What lady Lily said is true, your highness. You will be the future empress. It’s best to start by making real connections if you want to be a respectful empress. Being friends with commoners doesn’t help you in raising ranks. It will only hinder you with their low birth.” Is that how nobles view the people of Goterra who earn their living by working hard?

Commoners are an important asset to the empire’s economy! Without them, the empire won’t be thriving as we speak! How dare these noble children to look down on commoners! Didn’t they realize that most of their servants are commoners?!

How is Kiera taking all of this? Her guests are belittling her friends. What will you do, princess?

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I am entitled to listen to your words about my friends. The only reason why you’re invited is that my mother told me to make sure to give my best attention to other noble ladies. But as you can see, the only people I’m happy to see are lady Madeleine and lady Angela.” Oh, that girl made friends with ladies from the count family?

“Madeleine and Angela is the definition of true friends who came as my friends. Did you know that their family helped the royal family builds homeless shelters for the commoners who suffered from the recent attack from their neighboring kingdom?” I see- that’s what Kian was working on for the past few days. That explains why the counts were at the palace yesterday.

“I will not stand this humiliation! My father will hear about this! My father is a marquee who made a name for himself! I am from a long line of nobles. Even though Lady Madeleine's family is a count, she has a low birth mother who seduces the count! Need I say more when it comes to lady Angela? His parents are nothing more than lowly traders who received recognition from the empress! Compared to them, I am far superior!” I watched as Kiera stood up from her seat and poured a cup of tea on the loudmouth noble lady.

Oh my- I guess my child possessed one of my traits. I can’t say that I am proud of it.

“Ahhh! My dress! Your highness! Do you know how expensive my dress is?! Even if you’re a princess, you shouldn’t do this to me! Even the empress doesn’t like you! Do you think the empress will side to a child who is putting the empire in danger?!” I decided to reveal myself before anything bad happened.

“Mother?!” I smile at Kiera before staring at the noble lady who has been running her mouth to my daughter.

“Which noble family taught their kin that it’s okay for them to say such rude things to the imperial princess?” Oh- I thought this girl would try to say something back now that I am here.

“State your full name!” I raised my voice.

“Veronica Betha.” Ah- marquess Betha’s only daughter? The man has always praised his daughter as the noblest lady in Goterra. But I don’t think I witnessed any of it today.

“Mother, what are you doing here?” I don’t even know.

“Your father told me that you’re having guests. I am here to greet them, but I don’t even know what to expect now that I witness something I shouldn’t have. Tell me, lady Veronica, why do you hate commoners so much? Do you know that without commoners who voluntarily be soldiers, Goterra might be destroyed by our enemies?” The lady keeps her head low.

“Tell me- do those who work at your houses were born noble? I don’t think so. Commoners are people too. It would be best if you never ridiculed them for their birth. They never asked for being born that way. And as nobles, you all should be helping them.” I smiled at the other guests.

“Welcome to the palace. It’s a pleasure to have you here. Kiera, don’t let my presence be a hindrance for you to have fun. I will be at the study if you need me.” I excuse myself and walk to the study.

“Nanny, tell marquess Betha and his wife to come to the palace tomorrow. I would like to see them.”

“Of course, your majesty.” When we arrived at the study, I asked the nanny to close the door behind her before inquiring.

“How is everything in the princess palace?” I asked.

“Nothing seems to be in odd. The princess is eating well, and she continues to study as she should. After having some time alone with the prince, the princess decided to learn swordsmanship properly.” Hmm- that’s good news. I didn’t expect that.

“Did the prince himself teach the princess?” The nanny shook her head no.

“The princess choose the new knight’s commander to be her teacher.” Hold on- Gisele?! I admit that she’s the best swordmaster in the empire but is it safe? That woman will be such a bad influence on the princess.

“Your majesty? Is something the matter?” I shake my head no. Well, at least the child wants to learn now. Let’s be positive for once.