A Saint and A Flower

Chapter Seven

After that, I was not asked anymore personal questions, instead, the dinner ended quietly. As I was about to excuse myself, the King stopped me. 

"I'm sure it has been lonely, not having anyone your age to spend time with. Remly would be happy to spend time with you, so why not having tea together tomorrow after your lessons?" 

I swallowed, my gaze going to the young prince whose eyes were already on me. He seemed happy with the idea, but what was the emperor's intention? Did he hope to pair the two of us together, and unite the Saintess with the imperial family like three hundred years ago? 

"If that pleases the empire's star, then I would be honored."

Even if that was the case, there was nothing I could do. How could I reject, especially with the crown prince sitting right there? Yeah, there was no reason worrying about such a thing anyway. Amelia will come to the palace nine years from now, and the prince will fall for her at first sight. Whatever the king is planning, it will fall through in the end. 

"I would love to, Saintess Esme," The prince replied, a slight blush covering his beaming face. Was he embarrassed that his father had volunteered him so easily? Or did he guess at why the king was throwing us together? 

"Then I look forward to seeing you tomorrow," I bowed my head, and wished the three of them a good night. 

After leaving the room, I let out a sigh. Honestly, being in the same room with the most powerful people of the empire was nerve wracking. After today, I was exhausted and that large, very comfy looking bed seemed very appealing. I wondered briefly how Adom was doing. I hadn't seen him in a few hours, and it felt odd not to hear his little feet pitter pattering after me. 

I hurried back to my room, my three maids tailing behind me. I was ready to get out of this mountain of a dress, and the hair pins were poking my scalp. I missed the comfort of sweatpants and baggy shirts. When I read the novel, the idea of these vivacious gowns and glittering hair ornaments sounded dazzling but living it was a pain. The maids opened my door, and I strutted in, my mood sour. It makes sense that the Emperor would want to pair Remly and I together. Unifying with the church is always a smart plan, and having an empress with great divine power, meant that the next emperor would be able to inherit that ability as well. I know that logistically I would be a good choice, but marrying Remly was the last thing I would do. 

As the maids undressed me, I couldn't help but contemplate the royal family. Emperor Quilon was the one who decided to throw Axel somewhere he'd never be seen, but Empress Diana was more than happy to do so. Remly was just a baby, but he never sought out his older brother, though he is aware that Axel is alive. Axel's existence isn't known by most. The common folk only know of one prince, but there are some amongst the aristocratic faction who know of Axel. The six pillars of the temple also know of the eldest prince, even before I came into this world. Though Remly is guilty, I don't blame him. I do, however, blame the King and Queen. 

Maybe it's because I know how much Axel yearned for their love, but I just can't ignore this resentment. But, I'm not here for revenge, especially because the King and Queen will die in seven years time. I watch as the maids pull out the last of my hairpins, and I fluff out my long, silver hair. I glanced in the mirror briefly before turning to the maids.

"Thank you for your hard work. I'm sure you're exhausted. I will be resting, so all of you are dismissed," I informed them. The three bowed gently before leaving the room. I rubbed my temple. That's right, when the twins turn fifteen, both of their parents will die by the hands of Count Pollock, whose daughter was rejected as a crown princess applicant. Though his daughter was beautiful, she was too dull and prideful. The count hoped that without the king and queen, Remly would see his daughter, and accept her as his fiancé, but the Count never thought he would be caught. Unfortunately for him, his schemes fell through. He was executed, and his family was stripped of their titles and wealth. 

My thoughts were interrupted when a knock came at my door. Did one of the maids come back? 

"Come in," I called hesitantly.

The door creaked open, and there stood Adom, with his gleaming white hair and vivid green eyes. 

"Hello, my lady," He greeted softly.

"Adom, come in. Is anything the matter?" I answered him warmly, standing to meet him across the room. 

He shook his head, then shifted his gaze to his feet. I almost giggled at how cute he looked, like a little kid too shy to ask for a piece of candy. 

"Did you come to check on me?" I asked him, patting his head affectionately. 

"I hadn't seen you in awhile, my lady," He admitted, finally meeting my gaze. 

"I was just thinking that I missed you. Do you like your room? Did they bring your clothes?"

"Yes, my lady."

"I'm glad. We start lessons tomorrow. Is there a class you're looking forward to?"

"Sword lessons," He admitted without much hesitance.

Adom was really adorable, almost like a puppy. He was starting to warm up bit by bit. He really was a cute kid. I smiled at him brightly, patting his head again. Thinking about it, was six too young to start sword lessons? I know that Prince Remly had been practicing since he was six, but he was the prince. Should I wait until he gets older?

"Shouldn't you wait a year or two before starting your knight training, Adom? You shouldn't strain yourself so much at such a young age."

Adom shook his head stubbornly.

"No, I must become a proper knight as soon as possible."

"Why is that?"

"Because if not, someone else might swear loyalty to you before I can, and then I won't be your first knight."

I laughed lightly at that, and Adom tilted his head, as if he couldn't understand what I found so amusing. How many knights did he believe would appear and swear fealty to a girl with no house or blood relations to nobility? I may be a Saintess, but I was basically just a figure head of the Temple at the moment. In this world, I was only a seven year old girl.  Honestly, all I truly had was the backing of the Temple, and my own status and power. Being sponsored by the Imperial family didn't mean I had their loyalty or trust, I knew that I was just a tool for them. 

"You don't need to worry, Adom. I will wait for you," I said, smiling in earnest to the boy before me. 

He said nothing, but his green eyes brightened at my words. After a moment of silence, when he still didn't dismiss himself back to his room, I let out a yawn.

"Did you want to sleep in my room tonight? Being in a new place can make one anxious at first."

A pink flush spread onto Adom's ears at my offer, and his eyes widened. Thinking back on my words carefully, I knew that would be a shameful offer if we were adults, but we were both still children. It wouldn't be weird for us to share a room. 

"M-My lady?" 

"Does that  make you uncomfortable, Adom? We shared a room at the Temple though..."

"Just... Just for tonight then," He said, turning his face away, that bashful shade of red still flushed at the tip of his ears. I found it endearing, the way it never spread to his face. One would never know he was embarrassed unless they looked close enough.

I smiled. He was too cute.