Chapter 22 - 22

As time went on, the harvest festival was coming on its way and very soon the city is being decorated with flowers and lights and fancy ornaments. There wasn't much changes but I would be lying when I say there's nothing at all.

As usual I was woken up by the maids, they don't hate me anymore. Ever since the war they would smile and greet me and sometimes tell me gossips that they have heard. This must've been what the noble ladies feel with their maids. I feel warm and fuzzy in my heart as if I don't want this to end.

The breakfast today came as a suprise, the usual empty seat in front of me was now occupied by its owner. Ceaser, my husband, taking a sip from his cup and glasses rested on top of his nose bridge, he was an eye candy you might say. The morning sun did him justice as it shines through the window and into his face. Ah it seems he had just shaved as I saw his face crystal clear. His eyes looked up from the documents and fell into me.

"Good morning Duchess." He said.

For the first time he greeted me. My husband actually said something to me and he's waiting for me to start our breakfast. You can't do this me my dear husband, I was planning on asking for a divorce and now I won't be able to do that. But... But I want this. "Good morning." I said and took my seat. Soon breakfast came and he put down his documents and we started eating.

It was usual, but I didn't suspect anything. I was swayed by his sudden attention to me. And that would be greatest regret.

From that day on we started having our meals together. He even invited me to the garden. The garden which I was never allowed to enter I was finally inside. It's such a small garden actually compared to the huge one right outside our mansion with a huge fountain, this was small, warm and lovely. The white flower blooms as it's last days are coming. The season for bloom was almost over and soon the time for autumn will set in.

"I tend to this garden myself." He said. He looked at the flowers growing around us especially the white ones. His eyes still tender as the white flowers landed it's shadows on his pupils. "Duchess do you have a flower you fancy?" He asked.

I don't know. I've never thought about any flowers. To me that's all, they're just... Flowers. But hoping to talk to him I lied, " Dandelions when they turn into white fluffy seeds..." .

"Oh.... I see."

"Is something wrong, Your Grace?"

"No.... It's just you're the first to say a dandelion. Usually most women said something like lilac, tulips or roses." He said so seriously. I love this I couldn't help but smile. I wish he loves me.

The harvest festival finally started and soon the city was filled with many things. Farmers came out to the market to sell their best products. And my bar had never been busier. Many merchants and traders from overseas came and stopped by our bar as they join this joyous occasion.

"My people! It is with great honour to start our harvest festival and I thank all the farmers who have worked their best. Thank you all and enjoy!" Our Emperor said on the first day. The birthday of our Crown Prince was also coming soon.

"Vivian, do you have time to spend this evening with me and go see the festival?" My husband asked. My name, I heard it. He called my name. And like a fool I smiled and said yes with excitement. The maids got all excited and dressed me in the finest clothes. It's just walking around the city so I wanted to dress lightly. And so they put me in a dress, the length stopped a little below my knees and it was just a simple dress. A white top with full sleeves with a red skirt below and then a black waistcoat. I like it. I liked how simple it looked. Just like any other woman in the city.

"Oh my lady I want to put flowers in your hair." One of them happily said and the others got all excited and started putting small flower ornaments in my hair.

"Wow my lady you look beautiful!" They said.

Indeed I did. Especially my hair, I love it. The colourful little flowers really showed contrast to my dark hair and if I move they twinkles in the lights.

When I walked down I saw Ceaser waiting for me. So he also thought the same. He just wore a simple style to blend in with the crowd. How romantic.

"Shall we go?" He asked and offered his hand. That hand which I so longed for.

"Yes."