"I... I will think about all that is said in today's meeting. I highly appreciate all the efforts and thoughts put by our men to make our empire more strong and prosperous. And today's discussion spotted the light on many new issues and resolutions. But, all the odds and situations should be considered. Thank you everyone who came here tonight. And I hope you would be present tomorrow when we make the big of news tonight here, official." Emperor Alexander stated and everyone stood up and respectfully bowed towards him. The Emperor and prince left the meeting hall first, followed by the guests of other kingdoms and then the main officials, who were discussion about the points made in the hall.
Felix made his towards the front where Aeinshia was there. He placed his hand softly on her shoulder and then he understood how much her body was tensed. She turned and looked up with worry in her eyes and he can spot fear? Yes, he saw her glinting with fear after a long time. After the Empress left them and proceeded to afterlife. He didnt understand why there was such a negative emotion in her eyes. "Did I mess up?" she asked, her voice small from the tension. He instantly reassured her nothing was wrong. He figured out, Aeinshia was afraid that she had offended the Emperor, their uncle, badly.
Their father approached them with a frown on his face. He couldn't believe what his daughter just did. There is nothing wrong in speaking in front of the Emperor. In fact the Emperor always entertains honesty in his court and discussions. But, cutting off an official, that too a main one, and speaking without permission. This was not tolerant. Andrew could tell the Emperor was surprised by such a behavior from the person he cherished the most. Thats why the discussion was ended so abruptly, without knowing the Emperor's opinion. He saw how shaken up Aeinshia was and his heart and eyes softened. He clearly understood her feelings. "Don't worry. The Emperor is not upset. Just don't do things out of impulse." He patted her head and walked out of the hall. Felix took her hand and guided her out to her chambers.
Aeinshia's mind was racing with all wild thoughts. She didnt expect all of this. A tornado. A tornado full of doubts, emotions, thoughts and anxiety was raging inside her. First of all, she didnt know anything about the meeting. She was so relieved when she found the objective of the meeting. But, she didnt know this would be like this. Now, she clearly understood from where exactly Lily Carmondy came into the picture. She always thought, they decided do because Carmondy's had no option. The arrival of Carmondy princess was decided already and she didnt know anything.
Aeinshia:
I can't wrap my head around this. What am I supposed to do with all this information. There are some things that I didnt know in my past life. That means there are many things that have changed. Have the things changed or were they always like this? Was I too blind and naive that I didnt see all this? I came back to change my fate. But, with all these unknown and new things, can I really? What if I mess this chance and end up like earlier. They say fate cannot be changed? Then, will it end the same? Just the process changes but, the result is same?
No! Don't think like that. If this was all going to end like before then, you wouldn't be given a chance. The Almighty believed in you to give you this chance. Don't think negative. When he believes in you then, have trust in yourself. You can complete what you came again for.
She desperately convinced herself. But, the nervous feeling lingered inside her. She was afraid if she made a wrong decision to come back, without clearly thinking. After all, going against the fate was a big thing. Can she really do it?
Her thoughts wandered wildly. She looked out of her window, which showed the beautiful night sky with moon as a small crescent, showering a dim light on the land. Aeinshia always liked the nights. She found it interesting. The mystery of the darkness which she wanted to solve. But, now she is here trying to solve her life which was filled with darkness. Suddenly, the darkness she was fond of and found comfort in, looked like it was taunting her. It was taunting her to solve her own darkness. With a dim light to no light to guide her. She thought she knew everything so it was easy. But, today it proved nothing is easy in life. Whether it be experiencing, living or changing it.
A knock interrupted her self pitiful thoughts. She turned around to find Shirley. "Princess, the Emperor would like to have talk with you." hearing this her heart beat took up its pace. All her thoughts aside but, she definitely didnt know how to face the Emperor right now. She knew her uncle never took offense in whatever she did. But, she never stepped out of her line till now. Well, today was different. She was so wound up in her things, she didnt think of anything or anyone. This might have offended him. No, she was sure he was upset by her act. She didnt want to face the consequences. But, she has to do it.
She simply nodded and walked out of her chamber, trying not to trip on nothing considering how her legs were trembling. Shirley led her to the rose garden. The place which was filled with love. Whenever the Emperor wanted to clear his mind. This garden was planted by the late Empress. It was very special to everyone who, were close to her. Aeinshia wanted to cry when, she realized it was rose garden. All the memories of her visiting here came to her. Now, that she came back again she felt overwhelmed when she stepped inside.
Shirley left her when she took a step inside the threshold of the doors. The smell of roses combined with wet soil filled her nostrils. It was calming. But, only a bit. She saw her uncle standing and glancing up at the stars in deep thought. He was wearing simple robes. So, he wanted to talk as Alexander not as Emperor.
She took timid steps towards him. "How have you been?" he asked still looking at the stars. "I'm good, uncle." she stuttered a bit due to her nerves. Silence filled between them for quite a while. Aeinshia couldn't hold this anymore and blurted out "I'm sorry. I didnt mean to speak like that." her voice increased an octave while speaking. Alexander simply laughed. "Well, I knew something was to happen when Aeinshia, who hates to come boring meeting, came to the most important one." She was confused whether it was sarcastic or teasing from her uncle. Alexander laughed even more looking at her cute confused face.
"Don't worry, I didnt call you to scold. Sure, I was a bit taken back. But, I wanted to know the reason of you speaking like that." This was far worse than the scolding. Explaining. How was she going to explain all of this spider web of complicated things to him. "Is there something on my face?" Alexander asked when all she did was stare at his face. She nodded her head and cleared her throat to explain which seemed to reasonable.
"Uncle, you know me. I speak up when I don't like things. The idea of marriage is foolish in my opinion. With trading we can strength ties and it would benefit both the sides." she stated carefully so as to not sound suspicious. She didnt know whether it was believable when Alexander looked at her thoughtfully. "So, you say all who married for alliance are fools." he asked raising an eyebrow. "Well, at least for me."
This time he laughed out hard, clutching his stomach and with tears escaping his eyes. Aeinshia didnt understand what was funny but, she was happy her uncle didnt take any offense. "Well, I wanted to ask you a question. If need is that important then, won't they betray us if others provided that need?"
She smiled. Well she expected this question. She only said half of her plan. Truth fully saying, she didnt even know what was she saying. When, she heard marriage she immediately thought of trading. And as she was saying the idea slowly started to develop and click into place. "Where to do the most of trades come to our empire, uncle?" she asked. "From traders" her uncle said immediately. She rolled her eyes and put on a stoic face. Alexander chuckled and expected the reaction. "Well, they mostly come by land and some by the sea" he said and looked up as something seemed to be clicking in his mind as well. Aeinshia understood this and smiled widely while she continued to explain.
"We may get most by land. But, other kingdoms do that through sea route. The other day, you said other kingdoms have to invest a lot if they want something by land as they have to go around our kingdom to reach their place. So, we take advantage of this. We put barriers on the sea route. This is beneficial for them as well. They can obtain their needs with lesser money and our ties would be good. We collect their respective needs here in our kingdom and send them via land through our empire. Thus saves time and money for them. But, it is mostly beneficial for us. Our treasure would increase through this method." she took a deep breath because she rambled out her thoughts as fast as she could ,before she forgot something in between. Alexander was looking at her with shock and disbelief clearly evident on his face. He never expected it this from his beloved niece. He spoke out what was on his mind "You remind of your mother." His eyes and voice showed nothing but pure love towards his sister. And the girl sitting beside him now, was like exact replica of his sister's behavior and thoughts.
Aeinshia smiled up to her uncle. She scooted closer to him when, she saw the array of emotions and tears welling up in his eyes. Alexander smiled and looked up to see the stars above and said a soft "I got it". Aeinshia hooked her hands onto her uncle's arm and leaned her head onto his shoulder. She also looked up and hoped that she could complete her task. She hoped she achieve what she wished with her whole heart truthfully.
"Could I complete for what I came for?"