Ever since that day experience Kleila became a name no one remembered.
The main reason for this is because you hardly see Kleila out of her quarters and this stayed this way even the day the Prince went on his first war of becoming the Emperor of Hanbon
No one else knows this until the day it happened, but Kleila knows ..how couldn't she when she even fasted for his success which indeed he succeeded and the day before that joyful day, Prince Ji-Hyun became the Emperor of Hanbon.
It was a joyful day for all, a day which caused days of endless celebration. Kleila wasn't among any of it but she saw, she saw it all.
Things stayed as they were even as she turned Sixteen. No one wished her happy birthday, but again how could they? ever since she's been staying in the palace, she hid herself away from the people.
She did tried making contact with the Emperor but it seems like he doesn't even realize her existence and knowing she looked different, having half-africa and half-Asian blood, she blame this on that, she thought she was plain, not beautiful enough to gain the Prince gaze and therefore she was constantly hiding.
Even though Kleila believed this, she still wished to be close to the Emperor and just like any other days since she turned sixteen, she got up from her room, her scarf covering her hair, she set off to the battle arena training centre.
When she got there, she stood near the side entrance and began to watch the Emperor as always, defeating his opponent.
After the Emperor was done, he took a towel and wiped the sweat on his face and neck before placing the towel on his shoulder and began to walk out. When he got to the entrance, Kleila greeted him and to her surprise the Emperor answered her while smiling.
This hasn't happened ever so Kleila is quite surprised by it. Normally the Emperor always ignores her whenever she greets him and this made her think that he hate her, although it didn't stop her, neither did the fact that the Emperor has a woman.
"Although mother told me your name, I can't quite remember, will you help me with that?" The Emperor asked.
Kleila blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed at finally having his attention. She could feel herself shaking from nervousness and took a few steps back to get some space while tugging down her hair cover in a good position.
"Stop covering your hair, has anyone told you that you're beautiful?" The Emperor asked, then moved a little closer to her and whispered. "You are beautiful." His hand reached out and stroked Kleila's hair. "Beautiful black hair and lovely skin."
Kleila gasped at the intimate contact and turned to look at the Emperor, her eyes shining in excitement . No one had ever stroked her hair before and for the Emperor himself to do so caused her heart to flutter with joy.
The Emperor looked at her and smiled, he smiled because this is the first time he has seen Kleila not in one corner hiding and she's smiling and he's the reason why. Still smiling ..he moved his hand to caress Kleila's face making the young girl's heart melt beyond redemption.
Kleila shyly returned the Emperor's smile, liking his warmth and his gentle, feathery torches. Her innocent heart glowed, and she felt warm all over.