Chapter 74 - Grand Celebration II

Someone? Who in the world wants to see her? Judging the smile on his face, he didn't look like he was kidding around. But it didn't mean she was going to trust a stranger who came from the Vivan Empire.

"Doesn't sound exciting at all," Muttered Emelia, turning her back to only be stopped when she felt a hand around her wrist. She turned her neck, looking at Enoch, and asked, "Is there anything else you want from me?"

Enoch looked at his hand, holding Emelia's, and immediately released her hand. He rubbed his nape, "I apologize. I didn't mean to grab your hand." 

'Doesn't she recognize me?' Enoch asked himself, watching her back. Emelia's eyes looked like when she first came to the camp. It used to be brighter, but now it's not even shining. Just what happened during the mission?

Emelia rubbed her arms as the wind blew in her direction. That man earlier was strange. He looked like he had more to say, but he didn't say it. Either way, it was none of her business, and so she didn't question herself any further. But then that man knew Emelia would go to gardens unless he followed her here.

It's suspicious why would a diplomat from the enemy empire go to her. Not to mention there is someone who wants to see her. Just thinking about it more, Emelia felt ridiculous. She didn't know he meant it as a joke or as a serious matter.

"What are you doing here? Didn't you say you were going back to your room?" The last voice she wanted to hear intruded her personal space. Is it wrong to lie just to be free at least once? Emelia listened to his footsteps as they gradually grew louder. "Aren't you going to answer?" He asked with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

"And why is the Great Emperor himself here?" Emelia asked Henry as she sat on the staircase. She knew it wasn't the best time to provoke Henry, but it would be nice to show others how he treats her. 

"I'm here to get my Empress. As you know, it's your job as my lover to entertain the noblemen," Henry grabbed Emelia by her wrist and pulled her along as he walked his way back to the ballroom. Henry kept pulling her not until she lost balance and fell onto the ground, landing on her stomach.

"Isn't this why I tell you to not pull me?" Emelia gritted her teeth, looking up at Henry, watching her as she sat up. This didn't happen just once but lots more. This was the reason the burns from her knees never healed. "And even if you continue to force me to be your lover. I will never acknowledge it," Said Emelia for the nth time. 

They looked at each other not saying anything. It was just them in their own world of silence. He had everything except the person he liked. Why can't Emelia accept him? Why is she still so stubborn even if her memories are gone? He had to pull thousands of strings just to keep the servants shut about the truth. 

Emelia stood up, turned her back, and walking as far away from Henry, who this time didn't stop her. From top to bottom, everything was a mess. Her dress was a mess, and that included her hair. How can she present herself to the nobles, looking like a haggard?

No matter how hard Henry tries persuading Emelia, he ends up hurting her. She seemed so weak and small, flying with a pair of wings. But those wings had been pulled since the time he locked Emelia in her own room.

It's frustrating to not get what he wanted. But it's a matter of time he does something to threaten her.

The maids who helped Emelia this morning gasped when they saw her. They couldn't help but be angry because Emelia ruined their hard work. 

Though it isn't Emelia to be blamed but Henry. She dismissed all the maids who came rumbling to her and shut the door in their faces.

Emelia sat on the couch and pulled her dress up, raising up to her tight. She lowers her body, looking at the scrapes on her knees only to frown at.

It's unreasonable to forgive that man. First, he takes her freedom from doing what she wants. And second, abusing her all he wanted.

Now that her necklace her mother once owned was gone, Emelia felt her luck had run out. She pursed her lips and placed her legs on the couch, bending them and hugged it after. She buried her face in her knees to only hide her face. To hide her eyes from anyone, including herself, from seeing a tear slip off.

It felt lonely, as if she was the only person living in this world. No, rather it felt lonely to be the only one suffering from this kind of treatment. But this is how the world is. Eventually, every single one of us has to endure pains they don't want to.

Emelia raised her head and looked out of the window. It's not time to be thinking of these kinds of things. She needed to do something to get out of this place. It didn't matter if she got out of this palace hurt, even if she is on the verge of dying. At least her freedom was gained.

That someone Enoch mentioned earlier might be the person who will help her. But then, with too little information, Emelia couldn't make any assumptions. She still doesn't know if she can trust them or not.

"Well…let's see where things go," Emelia closes her eyes until she fell into the dark.

At the same time, the grand celebration was still going on. Then, a sudden loud trumpet played, catching the eyes of the nobles. They looked at the grand door and to be only shocked to see the Emperor of the Vivan Empire.

His delicate features captured the hearts of the noblewomen, whether they be old or young. No one could take their eyes off him. He wasn't the only one making a scene when his personal aide walked alongside him.

"His eyes look beautiful. I wonder if he has a lover. If not, I might try going for him," Giggled a noble lady who looked to be in her early 20s. His golden eyes caught the noble lady looking at him, and he gave her a smile. She softly squealed and pulls a noble lady's arms to her side, thinking this Emperor was giving signals, but in fact, he wasn't.

Henry, who had been watching Elliot walk closer to his throne, stood up. The only time he welcomes them was when they were close enough to converse.

"Welcome to the home and center of the Redodel Empire. I humbly welcome the Emperor of the Vivan Empire. Thank you for making time to partake in this grand celebration," Henry bowed his head and followed Elliot.

"Thank you for making time to invite us," Said Elliot, grasping the nobles with his deep voice.

"Please enjoy the celebration. Waiter, come and bring these esteemed guests something to drink," Ordered Henry, only to be stopped when Elliot raised his hand.

"No, actually, I feel tired from my journey and wish to end the day early," Said Elliot while Henry continues to put on a smile on his face despite feeling ridiculed.

"Jason, bring these esteemed guests to their rooms. Have a great night Emperor Renaud," Henry greeted them for the last time.

Jason, the head butler, lead Elliot and his personal aide to their rooms. Air thanked Jason for leading them the way and dismissed all the maids who were supposed to be serving Elliot.

Elliot removes his coat and folds it around his arms. He opens the balcony door and looked at the view of the gardens. Not bad, they gave them the view of the gardens and the city below.

"So this is where she lived all her life…." Elliot mutters to himself. To think the time has finally come for him to be here. The last time he came here was when he came to conquer this place. Not to mention the palace was reconstructed just like how it was before it was burned.

"It's amazing how they were able to replicate the whole palace back," Said Air, looking around the room.

"But it feels suffocating," Said Elliot, turning his back to look at Air. "Don't you agree?" He asked, frowning, clenching his fist.

"I don't know what's in your mind, but whatever you believe in, I believe it," Assured Air as he stood beside Elliot. "You do know that the princess is alive. Enoch had talked to her earlier," Air smiled, leaning his head on the balcony door. "What I can't understand is why you aren't seeing her. If you miss her that much, then go to her," Added Air.

"But it's not the time yet. She doesn't even know that I'm here," Elliot walked inside the room and poured himself a cup of wine. He shook his cup in circles, "Not only that does she know me?"

Air watch his friend gulp his wine in one shot. Despite smiling, it wasn't a refreshing one but rather a painful smile. He was speechless. He couldn't do anything to help. That day was very tragic.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a much-tiring day," Said Air getting Elliot's coat and placed it on the rack. "Don't push yourself too much. If Miss Vanessa hears you talking about these depressing things, she will slap me in the face."

Elliot laughed, "Too bad she isn't here with us. It might be nice to see her beat you up." Air rolled his eyes, and Elliot continued, "That reminds me, where is Tanya?"