The Emperor's Rose

KATHRYN'S POV

What exactly am I doing with my life right now? Why did I even agree to be at the club when I am fully well aware that I have to work the next morning? And, how on earth did I even get myself to bed after last night event? Should I skip work today and call in sick? But if I do that, that old witch will really fire me from Le Stella. I need that job more than ever now. I groaned in pain when the headache finally hits me. That's what you get for drinking too much when you're well aware you can't even handle a small amount of alcohol. Am I not alone in this bed? Why do I feel someone is actually laying beside me? Oh no. Please don't tell me that I had actually given my virtue to this person beside me? I slowly let my eyes see my surrounding and was bewildered by the scene. Why are my clothes scattering on the floor?! And what's with this luxury room?! When I look under the sheet, I am completely naked with my body covered with red hickeys. Oh no ... what have I done? Why did I let this happened?! I turned to the person beside me who laid on his front, sleeping soundly. Doesn't he know how bad the situation is? Who am I kidding, a man never cares about what a woman thinks! He finally was woken up when I poke on his back. I have to admit that his back does show that I was enjoying myself last night. But still! That is such an improper act that I should've waited until the day I say 'I do' to the man who will take care of me for the rest of his life. "Good morning." His voice ... sounds familiar for some reason. Is it because we had spent a night together that my drunk self is telling me that I know this man? "What have you done to me?" I asked. "What have you done to me?" He asked me back with a hint of amusement. "I should be the one who asked you that! I can't remember anything that happened last night. Did we ... I can't even finish my own sentences!" He chuckled before got up to a sitting position. My eyes widen when I saw something that a man shouldn't have.

"You're a woman?!" It is smaller than what I have but that is still a pair of breast. Should I be happy about this? Because if she's a woman, my virtue should still be intact, right? "Hmmm ... not really." His voice is hoarse, like a man even. But we can't hide the fact that she has a pair of breast. She's a woman. That's what I believe until she reveals something a woman shouldn't have. And again, my eyes widen. "I am what you called ... hermaphroditism. A freak who was born with two genders. Congratulation, you have discovered a human who should be behind glass while those so-called scientists experimented on." She gave me a quick smile before gathering his/her clothes on the floor. I watched him/her putting on his/her clothes until my eyes noticed something that gives me quite a shock. More shocking than the revelation of how he/she possessed two sets of genital! "That ring ... you're ... impossible ..." he/she smiled while putting on his or her coat. "What is it? Do you wish to say something? What's wrong with my ring?" He/she asked with a hint of amusement. "Only the Imperial family has that ring. That's what we were told in school. For someone like you to possess such a ring, that means you're ... a member of the imperial family," then I realised something I should've moments ago. "Your feature ... your voice ... you're the emperor, am I correct?" He/she smiled eyes again. "I am Emperor Alvia of the Gralia Empire. Nice meeting you," he/she bows his/her head to me. "That means I should return the gesture, correct?" He/she shrugged his/her shoulder.

"That depends if you are willing to show me your naked body again. But I'm pretty sure you don't wish to again. That's okay. The Palace is seeking for me. Nice meeting you, Kathryn. Last night was wonderful. And don't worry, a person like me, can't reproduce. You don't have to worry about getting yourself pregnant." He/she bow yet again before excusing himself/herself out. Wait, how did he/she know my name? Before he/she opens the door, he/she turns back and smiled. "I preferred it if you would pronounce me as a woman rather than a man. I know deep down, I am a woman. My position doesn't allow me to be the person whom I truly am. Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the person I am not last night. Good day, Kathryn." And just like that, I met the emperor. Should I even consider myself as a lucky person or the other way around at this moment? Whether I like it or not, the emperor did take my virtue away from me. But still, the real question is, how did she know my name? Don't tell me the emperor ransacked my personal belonging while I was out cold last night. Oh God, how on earth did I even get into this mess in the first place? And why did my friends let me do whatever I please in the first place?! This is absurd! I will remind myself to give them a piece of my mind when we meet each other at work. That I promise! Emperor Alvia of Gralia Empire. Who would've thought that the nation most good looking bachelor is actually a person who holds such a big secret?! Wait, now that she revealed herself to me, am I a threat towards the imperial family? Am I in trouble? *** ALVIA'S POV "Where have you been?! Did you know that all of us have been worried sick about your sudden disappearance last night! Where the hell did you go to?" This is expected. To be yelled at by my mother while my father just sits there pretending to read his morning newspaper and sipping his tea. "Well, I'm waiting! What do you have to say for yourself?" I face my mother who seems quite in rage for my sudden behaviour. I'm the emperor for God sake. I shouldn't be afraid of my own mother. To hell with that mentality! Only ungrateful children will say that. To be honest I am quite afraid of my mother when she's in this kind of situation. She is hard to consult with. Even my father, the former emperor can't refuse or even say anything when this former empress opens her mouth.

"I'm sorry. Forgive me for I have abandoned my position to be with my friends. I was simply being seduced by them to go have some fun at the city most populated area." My mother reaction was priceless. "Please don't tell me that the emperor went to have a joy ride last night. Please, just don't say that. Alvia, we're in such delicate time. For our people to know that the emperor went for a joy ride in the city while there's a threat all around us is not really assuring," she is right. I can't deny that. "Did you have fun at least?" My father asked. I smiled at him. "I take that as a yes," my mother glared at him. "Ferdinand! Don't encourage her," I looked around the lounge and smile a little. No wonder she pronounces me as a woman. She instructed the maids to leave us alone. "Mother, I'm sorry for doing something that I perfectly know will upset you. As you may know, my friends can be quite persuasive. Even I, the emperor can't say no to them. But trust me, no one knows that the emperor had joined them last night. Everyone was simply too drunk to recognise me," I chuckled. "Come on Violette. Let the child live for once. Since she was born, she never gets to be a kid nor a teenager. We're lucky that she even have such good friends on her side. How do you expect her to find someone to be with if she just stayed inside the palace, doing the emperor's boring job?" My mother literally about to hit my father but the man raised both arms. "I surrendered. Please don't hit me." I laugh a little watching my parents little bantering. "Father, we all know it's impossible for me to find a life partner. That person would have been insane to accept me as the way I am. I thought we already agree that the next heir to be in line for the throne should be Kennedy's future kids. Am I wrong?" My parents turn to me with sadden expression. Why do they have to be this way every time we talk about this? "Let me ask you this, Alvia. Are you really certain to give away that position to your brother's child? We have the power and money to do something about your current situation. Why don't we try to ..." I raised my hand. My mother should know that once I said something, I will never take it back.

"We already agreed that Kennedy's future firstborn will have the throne once I'm descended. There is no need to make a fuss about it anymore. Besides, what do we have to worried about? You two choose the perfect bride for him. Duchess Abella is perfect for him, and perfect to be the mother of the future emperor or empress of this nation." Besides she came from a good, kind-hearted family. "But what about your own happiness, Alvia? I'm sure there is someone out there for you. If you could just ... Search for her, you'll find her." I smiled at my father. There was a moment in my life that I question about my sexuality. Studying abroad really opened my eyes to be more open-minded and to accept myself the way I am. I'm happy that my parents accepted me for the person I am today. They still love me even though I should be locked up. Sometimes I do question the existing of God and why did He create me to be ... a freak. But of course, as a human, I shouldn't be ungrateful. "I doubt that will happen to me. Anyway, I'm sorry about yesterday. I should get back to work. I'm pretty sure I have a packed schedule waiting for me in my office," I smiled at my parents and went to give them a kiss on their head. Before I even get to open the door, my mother called out for me. "I almost forgot to tell you this. Your sisters and cousins will come to visit soon. Just get yourself ready for anything." Wait, why are they coming? "Why?" "They're here for Kennedy's wedding and also the matchmaking." Why So soon?! The wedding is still a month away! Wait, did I heard the woman right. Matchmaking?! "Just get yourself ready, okay? You know how they all are. They will never stop until you find yourself a lady to be with." My mother wink. This is not a winking moment! This is a serious matter! Those monsters are coming and I'm not ready to be their plaything! Not for a whole month! "Can't you guys do something? The last time they came here, I have to be on a blind date almost every day until they decided to go home! Why are they so work up on finding me a bride?" My parents shrugged their shoulder.

"Probably its what the council members told them. The emperor's wedding might make a great impact on people's mental state. After what happened with the borders and our neighbouring kingdom, everyone needs something to be happy with. What will be happier than a wedding?" Huh?

"Kennedy is about to get married in a month. Let him have the fun of being betrothed," I waved my hands and walk out from the lounge. What kind of logic was that? How can the emperor's wedding lift up the mood of every Gralian's? That's just absurd! Insane I tell you!

KATHRYN'S POV

"What wonderful friends I have. Friends ... who leave others to their own demise! Why did you guys just let me do something I shouldn't have done that night?! Do you know how much trouble I have to face just because?!" They were surprised to see me. "Kat?! You're alive! Thank God! We were worried sick when you followed that stranger home! We did try to reason with you that night but you seem to know that man so we just let it go. Then we realised how anti-social you are and we got worried about your safety," wow. Just wow. "So worried that you guys didn't even try to convince me to say no? We did something we aren't supposed to do! Did you know that?!" Their eyes widen. "Like what? Tell us, all the details." I can't believe them. Don't they know how severe this is? Did they forget how close-minded my family are? How they believe that a maiden should be well 'intact' until marriage?! I'm a disgrace in front of my family's eye now. What if my future husband as close-minded as they are? What if he looks down on me just because he's not my first? How would he react if I told him that my first was THE emperor of this empire who's actually a person who possessed two sets of genital?! Oh, God ... What should I do? What should I say even? "You know what, fuck this. I will never go out with you guys again." I turn around and walk towards my locker and get ready for my shift. I heard them apologising from afar but hell! If only I had said no in the first place. None of this would happen. Anyway, I should be focusing on the task at hands. I can't screw up this job because ... this is my last resort. I'm pretty sure I can't nail a better job than what I have now. To even be a maid here in such establishment place is a dream come true for a person who came from my background. Le Stella. There are many places here in Gralia Empire that could match the taste of the nobility and all those rich wannabes but none says elegance and dignified like Le Stella. It has been established since the beginning of Gralia and it is known to be a place where the former Emperor Ferdinand asked for the former empress Violette hand in marriage. Since then, it's a famous venue for young lovers to have their alone time together or to propose. For me, all those things are bull. You don't need a perfect venue to express your love. All you need is love and why would you spend so much just to prove that you love your partner? I really don't get how nobility thinks.

"Kathryn! We have been summoned by the head maid!" My friend informed me since I was taking my sweet time preparing myself to look decent. I can't help it. I should've changed from my uniform before going out last night. Now it's all wrinkle thanks to that emperor. "You didn't go home after last night rendezvous? Please don't tell me you wore yesterday's uniform?" I didn't answer her. "Kathryn! You know how perfectionist the head maid is." She helped to make me look presentable as we walk towards the head maid office. For her to summon us into her office the first thing in the morning must've meant something big. We look at each other before knocking on the head maid's door. After we heard a soft 'come in' we open the door and bow our head. "Kathryn, Levi. Just the people I want to see." The head maid smile from ear to ear when she saw us walking in. "Good news! You have been selected to be serving a group of members from the imperial family for today. Just take it, it's not every day a rookie like you two have such an honour bestow upon you," our eyes widen. This is not a coincidence. This is His way to make fun of me! "But, we have no real experience serving the royals yet. We just got out from the academy and I don't think it's wise for your part to simply choose us to be the face of your fine establishment," I counter. "Exactly what she said. Why don't you sent Bellatine? She's the finest maid in Le Stella and she did served the royals before. Why us?" Levi asked the head maid. "Trust me, if Bellatine is available, I would have just sent her but she's currently serving the president of the imperial council members. We have no one more capable than you two. Both of you graduated from the academy top of your class. There is no doubt you'll match Bellatine's skills at this moment." Did the head maid just praise us? That's rarely happened before. "So there is no way for us to not accept this?" Levi asked while sighing hard. The head maid shakes her head no. "If that's the case, brief us about our guests," I gave up. There is no way for us to turn this around. "Splendid! This is the file you needed to go through before serving the ladies," Oh. Ladies. We're not serving the emperor? Too bad. I wish I could meet her again. "Princess Madeline, also known as the sword princess by her enemies. The younger sister of the emperor who he loves so dearly. She's a kind-hearted princess but .... everyone has their own secret that you should know soon enough." The head maid just made me wonder so much about the emperor's younger sister.

"The emperor's cousins, grand duchess Annabelle and grand duke Joel. Knowing they won't be able to have any say about who's going to be the next heir for the throne, they both working hard on being the emperor's allies instead of enemies. From my point of view, that was quite a smart move because anyone who goes against the emperor never even sees the light of day," now she makes it sound like the emperor rule with an iron fist. "It was proven when the incident happened. Everyone, including the council members, was having doubts when the former emperor appointed Emperor Alvia at such a young age. He became the youngest emperor Gralia ever have." That I know. It was all over the news when the current emperor rises to the throne. "Please, read it thoroughly. If anything happened to them while they're here, it's the end for Le Stella. Whether we like it or not, the imperial family is our biggest benefactor. They're the one who found us, they won't hesitate to end us as well." That was a threat. I know it too well. How hard could it be right? They're like any other nobles. It's just they're the members of the imperial family. That's it. Yes ... we can do this! *** We can't do this! How on earth did I even manage to think that I could match up with Bellatine?! She served the emperor and other important guests of Le Stella while we just graduated from the academy! We can't beat her in terms of experience! We suck at this! "Are you okay?" To make the princess worried about us, that's just unacceptable. I bow my head in front of the princess and her cousins. "I'm sorry. Your highness shouldn't be worried about a person like me. Please enjoy your visit instead." The princess tilted her head and look straight through my soul. Is it me or it's getting hot in here? "That's quite a mark on you. Did you had fun last night?" The princess asked, giggled as she pointed at her neck. My neck? Suddenly yesterday's event came rushing to my mind. I forgot to cover yesterday's mark, am I? "I'm sorry for such unsightly scene, your highnesses." The princess waved it off but something made her look at me from head to toe again.

"I can't help it but scent something familiar on you, Kathryn. Your scent ... it reminds me of someone I love dearly," huh? Please don't tell me that the princess possessed a hound-like nose. Did she really sense the emperor's scent on me? If I know I have to serve the members of the imperial family, I would've changed! Maybe if I came to work slightly late I wouldn't be chosen to be here. I blame myself for being such a good maid. "You smell like Alvia. But, the fragrance he used is sold widely in Gralia. So it's only normal for her boyfriend or husband to have the same product. Every man wanted to be like Alvia. To have such devilish good looks, manly build and to have such a gentleman attitude, he's a dream man for every woman." Duchess Annabelle said. "What about me, sister? Am I not dreamy enough in your eyes?" The Duke asked. "The only person who sees you differently is your wife, Joel." Both the Princess and the duchess chuckled when the duke seems to be offended. "You have a boyfriend?! Why am I not informed about this?" Le I whispered. I can't believe this friend of mine. Did she forgot about the whole ordeal last night?! "Anyway. We should be discussing the real reason why we're here early than expected. If Alvia knows that we are here now, he's going to plan something to escape again." The duke said while the ladies nodding their head. "Actually, why are we so fixated to find him a bride? He's the emperor. It should be easy for him to find one if he really wants to." The Duchess does have a point. She probably could just snap her fingers and all those nobility will line up for him. Only idiots don't want to be the next empress of this nation. I can't believe I'm actually listening to their conversation while serving them.

"Of course it's easy for him to find the next empress but as his family, I'm sure you both know why we should be a concern with it. What if he found a woman that only wants him for the things he has and not for love?" The Duchess and the duke look at each other. "That is true. Gralia will be doom if he found another Tatiana. That woman is bad news and it's a good thing that Alvia saw her true self before they announce their engagement." The emperor had a lover before? And she doesn't care about her physical flaw? If so why did the imperial family didn't just let them be together? Yes, the woman did something but isn't it more dangerous if the secret got out? I wonder what did they do to that woman. Did they kill her? Or simply deported her to another country? "This time lets make sure our plan work. He doesn't have enough time and if we don't succeed, the council will find him the perfect bride. And we all know they're going to choose the president's oldest daughter, Duchess Alexei. I don't want her to be my sister in law. I rather have that maid to be with my brother than that bitch." I can't believe the princess just swear! I blushed when I realised she rather has me as her sister in law than the famous duchess Alexei. If only they knew about last night event. To be honest, the emperor seems like a good 'husband' material. If only I can just remember what actually happened last night. "Kathryn, may I ask you one important question?" I bow my head to the princess. "You may, your highness," I smiled at them all.

"Where did you get that handkerchief?" Huh? A hanky? Where? I was looking around for it but there's nothing. "It's sticking out from your side pocket. There is only one person who has that handkerchief and that is the emperor of Gralia. Are you two acquaintance?" The princess asked. A hanky that belongs to the emperor? Wait, why is it here? "For you to possessed handkerchief, meaning you two had met with each other. Am I right?" The duke questioned. I turned to Levi for help but to no avail. She looks away every time I mouth for help. What should I do? Or say at this moment. Why didn't I notice the handkerchief before? Why is it inside my pocket to begin with? "I .... well ... I don't ..." The Grand Duchess suddenly clear her throat. "We all know how Alvia likes to disguise himself and walk around the city. Maybe they met and help her or something. Let's not go to the worst-case scenario," The Grand Duchess wink at me after convincing the princess and the duke. I bow my head a little, thanking her for the help.

"Now, let's discuss how go forth with this matchmaking event." And just like that, they begin to discuss the emperor's future. I can't help but notice that the Grand Duchess keep looking at me for no reason. I just look back at her with a smile on my face. What's going on actually? Why is she observing me? Did I do something wrong?

ALVIA'S POV

"Where are you going, my emperor? We have a meeting with the duchy after this. It's on the schedule for today," I smiled at him and went to grabbed a decanter and pour myself a glass of wine. "To meet those grand dukes and duchess, I need to have a bit of alcohol in my system. God knows what they have planned. Some of them want to take over throne from me, some want to make me marry their daughter. I don't like that." My advisor sighs a little before pouring himself a glass of wine as well. "I heard that the princess together with the grand duchess and grand duke is actually here in the capital city already. What should we do about them?" Asked my advisor. Madeline and others will never give up on finding me a partner. I'm the emperor for God sake. I can do whatever I want with my power. "Let them be. Who knows, maybe they finally introduced me with someone I can tolerate with. I rather let them choose my life partner than the council members." I went back to my chair and reevaluate the reports. Why was my father so fixated to build a tower that represents our power for the world to see? Gralia has always been on top of everything. We don't need this tower to begin with. I can't help but wonder if there is something going on behind my back that he hadn't have the guts to tell me yet. "Frederick, about this tower. Did my father ever tell you about the significance of this tower for Gralia?" My advisor shakes his head no. "But, in one of his doctrine, this tower is essential for the emperor's power to bloom. I guess it supposes to tell the world that the current emperor is the one who holds the power. His belief was this monument could prevent another civil war from happening," war will happen whether we like it or not. But for him to believe that this will prevent them, that's another level of confidence. "Well, it's halfway done now. There is no need for me to question this anymore. Also, did you find out more information about her?" My advisor smiled before he nods.

"Kathryn Park. 26 years old. Just graduated from the Le Stella Academy and now currently working as a maid in Le Stella. She came from an average family with siblings of 8. No criminal records, never joined any resistance group. Nothing special. They're just an average family who struggles to get by." I smiled when I saw Kathryn's picture when she was in high school. This woman ... she's different than all the noblewoman I have met before. She's not afraid to say no and be vocal about her beliefs. That woman ... she was the first who dared to question the emperor's motive on things and it made me wonder more about her private life. It's been 24 hours since we last met and I haven't even heard any news about me yet. Does that mean she's not going to gain something from knowing my secret? "Emperor Alvia! Are you even listening to me?" I was brought back to reality by a loud noise. My advisor was staring at me. "I'm sorry Frederick. What were you saying?" He sighed. "Why did you asked me to find out information about a mere commoner? Does this have something to do with your mysterious disappearance last night?" I gave him a small smile before running my fingers through my short brown hair and give him an expressionless shrugged. That always annoys him for some reason. "Do I have to restrict your friends now? Obviously, the ones who manage to bring you out from the Palace is the one who I should be aware off," I waved it off. "There's no need to be so strict about that petty stuff. I was the one who wishes to go last night. Even an emperor need some time off." I smiled and continue to do my work for a few more hours. After finishing the last report I have to read through, I push the file forward and stood up from my chair and went to the balcony just outside my office to see the night view of the capital city of Gralia. What I had to go through since I was born, all so that I could provide a stable future for the next generation of Gralian's. Since I was crown as the emperor, there's nothing more important than to avoid every single conflict so that the newer generation would live in a peaceful environment. After what happened at the border incident, it opened my eyes to a new reason. And that is to not following my ancestor footstep who got too greedy. It almost causes the life of my precious Gralian's. Will I ever found someone who has the same ideology as me? What if I choose the wrong empress and my people ended up suffering because of it? I've seen too many of our neighbouring kingdoms did as so and I don't want to risk my people's life just because. As the emperor, my marriage is somewhat important for my nation's future as well. What if my future empress decided to spend the nation's wealth for her own gain? My people will suffer and it will cause a major problem for the economy as well. None of the nobility ever match up with that woman whom I've met last night. Yes, we only know each other for a few hours but ... she manages to capture my attention with her own thoughts and action. She's truly a magnificent woman and I am saddened that I will never ever get to meet her again. To think that I met someone like her at the club, it must be a coincidence. I heard a knock before a pair of footstep can be heard entering my office. "Your highness, would you like to have your dinner here or at the dining hall?" Asked the attending maid. "Having dinner with my family really does sounds nice." I turned around while buttoning my suit before following the maid towards the dining hall.

***

"What do you mean you need for funding from the council? Your duchy doesn't even give the empire any source of income and yet you have the guts to ask for more? This is nonsense. Your highness, please ignore this man because he doesn't have what it takes to lead a territory given by you." This annoys me. Every single time we have this meeting, it always happens. They tend to bicker among themselves, trying to show who's the best duke or duchess so that they could take over each other's duchy. To be quite frank, none of them suits the title given to them by my father and grandfather. None of them has what it takes to lead a territory within Gralia. But I can't help it. It is a known fact that these useless bunch of people came from a respected family and they hold the keys to my empire success. But as a strategist, I can always use them for my own gain. For now, I let Frederick dig thoroughly about their deepest and dark secrets within their duchy so I can present them to the council when the time comes. It's either them trying to sabotage me or me trying to keep my standing as the emperor. "Please refrain yourself from being an embarrassment. You're in the presence of the emperor." I turned to face the owner of the voice. It's none other than my own cousin, Grand Duchess Annabelle. I gave Duke Joel a head nod when I saw him standing behind his sister.

"Grand Duchess Annabelle and Grand Duke Joel, in a flash. We all thought that you two might not make it for today's annual meeting." This annoying duke is faking it and we all know how upset he is with their presence here. "Oh keep your worries. We all know how upset it is now that we're here." Annabelle smiled at me. "We apologise for our tardiness. It's all Madeline's fault." Of course it is. I waved it off and let them go to their seat before continuing with this pointless meeting. "Now, about my funding ..." here we go again. I laid back to my chair and sigh mentally because I have to listen to his reason for wanting more funding than the others. After hours of listening to what they have to say, it's finally my turn to give them my own thoughts whether I agree to what they want or not.

"There won't be any unnecessary raise on funds for each duchy. I will reevaluate the education system so that everyone will have their fair share of knowledge. Your point is fully noted, Grand duke Joel." I was surprised when he mentioned this when it was his turn to talk. I never thought that my cousin would actually say something meaningful for his duchy. "And as for everyone's concern regarding the same incident like the one we face at the borders, I can assure you that the imperial family is well aware of some illegal activities that have been happening behind our back. My people will look through it." Do they really think I don't know about that? Even I have to do some fieldwork when it comes to my people's safety. Unlike them, I will never rest until I know what's really going on. "And about the rising of illegal immigrants in your duchy, please remember than our neighbouring kingdom is on verge of war. We are protected by a peace treaty. Even if we accepted them into our nation, they will never get their hands on us or they will break the treaty. If hey broke the treaty meaning we have rights to go all out and I'm sure they're smart enough to think about the consequences." They all seem relief. After the coronation, the first thing that I changed was the strength of our soldier and their equipment. After the border incident, Gralia was well known for its defensive strategy and how my sister and I manage to infiltrate enemies territory without them knowing. Madeline may look as girly as she is soft. But when it comes to sword fight, she's way better than I ever will.

"Dear cousin, why do you look so distant?" I was brought back to my senses by Annabelle's voice. It's only the two of us left. Even Joel is not here anymore. "Nothing much. How are you, Anna?" I asked. She shrugged her shoulder. There's only one thing I hate about her is that she never wants to talk. Why can't she just open up as everyone can? I know she's suffering from her marriage just because she holds more power than her husband is. And knowing that man, he's just an egoistic little bastard who belittle her just because she's a woman. "Anna ... if there is something you want me to do, just say it. What's the point of having me as an emperor if you don't want to use my power," she chuckled. "Alvia, I know how to control my husband. Don't worry. If he ever gets his hands on me, you know I won't let him go. I'll chase him around with my bow." A warrior will always be a warrior I suppose. "That's not why I'm here, Alvia. I know what happened on the night you disappeared." Huh? What does she mean by that? I was waiting for her to explain to me until she shows me a picture of her and Kathryn together.

"You gave her your handkerchief. She has your scent too. That woman didn't think of the consequences of not changing her clothes for work. Madeline and Joel were too dumb to connect the dots but I'm not. You were having fun with her on the night you were disappeared, correct? Those marks on her body, it was from you right?" I look away from looking at my cousin. Annabelle giggled before patting my shoulder. "You don't have to worry much about it. I won't tell anyone about it. Even the emperor need some time off as the nation's leader." She was about to leave when she turned to face me again. "I almost forgot to tell you that Madeline and Joel has chosen their candidate for the matchmaking. That includes me. My advice, just choose someone that your heart desire. It doesn't matter the background she's from. Just remember that." She smiled and leave me alone to my thoughts. What does she mean by that? Why shouldn't I?