" Mommy! Let's go. Margie and Uncle Daniel are waiting for us."
Violet had planned a picnic for Nathan and Margaret at a flower field and Daniel had decided to tag along.
Violet knew that the envoys from Asterin
had come to discuss solutions regarding the empire to the north of both empires ,
the Empire Trevonian which would incessantly cause troubles to both countries.
Sebastian and Ethan seemed to be busy having meetings after meetings with the Emperor and his officials while Daniel always had free time to visit her.
He was the cousin of the Crown Prince and the highest ranked among the three envoys but here he was , spending time with her and the kids.
" You look beautiful, Violet ."
" Yes, Mom looks like a princess!", Margaret said happily.
" Mommy is always the most beautiful."
To Nathan , Violet was the most beautiful person in the world that no one could compare to.
" All of you look good too. Xander and Lillian , select only a few knights and maids to follow us."
Violet , as the Empress was supposed to have an entourage of knights and maids following here wherever she went.
But Violet preferred to go out with a small group of capable people only.
It was exhausting to have people follow you all the time.
The carriage ride was noisy with Daniel playing with Nathan and Margaret.
Violet smiled gently as she watched them play together.
'He would be a great father.'
They arrived at a field of colourful flowers .
Red. Yellow . Blue. Pink. Orange. Purple . White.
The air was fresh and cool.
The sky was clear and bright.
" Pretty. It's so pretty , Mom!"
" I like it , Mommy!"
" Let's go and play!.",
Margaret pulled Nathan as she ran and laughed.
" Lillian and Xander , please take care of the kids. I shall rest for awhile".
Violet sat under a huge birch tree and Daniel sat beside her .
" Are you not feeling well, Violet?"
Violet saw Daniel looked at her with worried eyes.
" Just a little motion sickness. It happens when I travel distance of more than thirty minutes."
" But , Daniel , is it alright to spend time with us here?"
Violet knew that there had been heated discussions regarding the issue of how to deal with Trevonia.
" Sebastian and Ethan can handle it. And I am not slacking off . I always listen to their reports every night during our discussions."
" That's good to know.
Actually , I'm glad that you're here with us . Nathan and Margaret enjoy your company a lot ."
Violet was genuinely grateful for Daniel spending time with her and the kids.
" I like them too. And I enjoy spending time with you as well Violet.
What about you? Do you enjoy spending time with me?"
Of course , she did.
But Violet did not know how to phrase it in such a way that she wouldn't sound so eager.
Violet looked at the kids playing and replied,
" Yes , I enjoy Daniel's company. It's always pleasant to spend time with you."
"Are you happy?"
Violet was startled at Daniel's question.
'Am I happy?'
"I'm alright."
"Are you happy?"
Violet stared at Daniel who asked the same question twice.
Daniel was staring back at her with eyes that held warmth and understanding.
Violet did not know how to answer his questions.
She had two lovely kids and a family who adored her.
Exclude the husband and mistress.
' But am I truly happy stuck in this Palace?'
"I get by. Those two kids. And my family. They're my pillar of strength. That's what keeps me going."
"So , are you happy?"
Violet chuckled as Daniel asked the same question again.
"You're persistent."
"I am."
" I don't know. Have I ever felt happiness since I entered that damned Palace?
These past five years has been anything but peaceful and cheerful.
But having these kids by my side , especially Nathan has made me unable to leave this place.
If I said that I wanted to escape from this place , would you save me ?"
Violet asked in a light tone to ease the atmosphere.
She did not expect Daniel to have taken her question seriously.
" Do you want me to?"
' Yes.'
That was what Violet wanted to say.
" I can't leave the kids behind."
"So you do want to leave.
I can take you away from this place.
If you are willing. Even if I have to go against the Emperor."
Violet was stunned with Daniel's reply.
They haven't known each other for that long.
" Wh..Why would you do that for me?"
" Because I like you , Violet.
I liked you since the day I saw you. And I like you more each day.
I could sit beside you doing nothing and yet feel perfectly happy.
I just took one look at you and I knew that you were the one. There's no turning back for me."
"Daniel , I..I .."
Violet felt overwhelmed by Daniel's confession.
She was struggling with guilt because she had to reject him.
She didn't want to hurt him.
It was better to completely cut off hope without dragging and leading him on.
She wanted to say 'yes' , but how could she leave Nathan and Margaret alone with those two people?
She could have asked for a divorce.
But that would mean she might be separated forever with Nathan and Margaret.
" You do not have to be burdened by my feelings.
I did not tell you my feelings hoping for you to reciprocate.
I just wanted to let you know how I felt."
" Thank you, Daniel.
But I'm sorry that I'm unable to accept your feelings.
I cannot leave Nathan and Margaret. The Emperor would never allow me to take the children."
Violet could feel her heart break seeing the pain that briefly flashed in Daniel's eyes.
But she did not have a choice.
'Why do I have to be restricted to so many privileges just because I was born a woman?'
" I understand. But my offer still stands whether you accept my feelings or not. "
Violet felt grateful that Daniel was so understanding towards her situation.
But at the same time , that only made her feel worse .
" I'm really sorry , Daniel.
I ended up hurting your feelings."
" And if you ever choose to leave the Emperor and decide to marry me, I'll adopt the kids under my name."
"Eh? Adopt?"
" Yes . I'll treat them as my own."
" Ah..that.. what are you even talking about? Marriage? Adopt?"
Violet looked at Daniel with incredulous eyes .
" When I said that I liked you , I meant that I would accept everything about you."
Violet did not know what to say.
The both of them sat in an awkward silence.
Violet was taken aback with Daniel's confession.
She did not hate it .
But she simply did not know how to reply .
"Mommy! I'm hungry."
Nathan ran towards Violet and Daniel while Margaret ran behind him.
Violet was thankful for Nathan and Margaret's sudden presence as they helped ease the awkward atmosphere.
" Tired?" Daniel wiped Nathan's face with a handkerchief.
" Mom. I'm exhausted." Margaret ran into Violet's arms.
" So, did you have fun?". Violet wiped Margaret's sweat as Lillian served them drinks and laid out the snacks that they packed for lunch .
" It was so fun. It feels magical. And warm." Margaret replied happily.
" Uncle Daniel, thank you for coming with us.
I like you a lot."
" I like you a lot too, Nathan. "
" What about me?" Margaret pouted.
" Of course, I like Margaret too." Daniel replied with a laugh.
"Uncle Daniel , do you like Mommy too?"
" Of course , I do. Your mom is beautiful and kind. She treats everyone well. Why wouldn't I like her?"
" Then why doesn't Imperial father like Mommy? He treats only Margie's mother well."
Violet was about to scold Nathan for asking such a question to Daniel , when she felt Daniel's warm hands lightly holding her hands.
" I do not know why His Majesty doesn't like your mommy.
But I know that the Emperor is the one who's losing at lot for not loving your precious mommy.
And your mommy is alright even without the Emperor.
Because mommy is not alone.
Mommy has you and Margaret.
Mommy also has your uncles and grandparents.
She also has me as a friend.
Don't you think so?"
" Yes. Yes . Yes." Margaret agreed at Daniel's words as she nodded with extra enthusiasm.
Violet saw Nathan staring at her then back at Daniel and slowly nodded.
" You're right , Uncle Daniel. "
Violet smiled and mouthed a thank you to Daniel.