Chapter 27 - 27

Linda finally woke me up and i could hear the sounds of drums and trumpets. The games start from today. I don't wanna go out. I'm sure everyone blames me, even him. Why does God hate me? Things were going good and then it all went down the drain. Linda put out my clothes and set them on the bed. It's just a simple purple dress, suitable for outdoors. I'm sure no one would miss me even if I don't go. But since I'm here i should atleast see what happens.

I finally came out. Everyone was getting ready to start. The games scheduled for today was Polo for men, first round of hunting and finally a ball game for all. For the children it's just on the other side so I didn't go. Everyone stopped when they see me , I'm used to it now. Among the crowd i once again stood alone. "Vivian?" A familiar voice called out. I turned to see who it was and my heart calmed down when I saw his face. Felix, so he's here too. I smiled and greeted him back. "Damn you look like a ghost. I guess it's because of what happened last night huh?" He asked.

"You were there?"

"No i was outside with my men. But you know the gossips from a noble's mouth never close right?"

That's true. Well it's nice to see atleast one person talk to me. "You joining any game?" He asked. I nodded no. Why would anyone wanna play with me. As we were talking a horn finally blew and Their Majesties came out. "Dear brothers and sisters, friends and families. I declare this years Hunting session begins!" The Emperor announced.

And very soon everyone began to gather. The first game will begin with Polo. 8 teams with 5 members each will play the first round today. And the first match was between the Red and the Blue team. My husband leading the Red. The very first game and it was already thrilling. I sat and watched them play. The whistle blew and the ball was hit by my husband. Each team raced to support their teammates. Every horse was strong and fast. I fear they may get hurt if they fall but in the end excitement overtook me and I started cheering for Red.

As expected my husband's team was leading and soon they were on break. I got up to meet him. He was sweating a lot so I wanted to give him something to wipe it off. But when I got there Her Majesty was already there wiping his forehead with a smile. They were conversing so happily i wouldn't wanna intrude so I left.

But when I turned I saw someone unexpected. His Majesty looking at the same scene i just saw. And i knew what he felt. That look i knew that look, a look of jealousy and longing and sad. Was he not happy? Did Jesseline and he not love each other? I couldn't ask but when our eyes met i thought he would glare at me like before but he only greeted with a bow and left.

Was something going on? I don't know but I decided to drop it. I just left just like His Majesty. After the break was over the players came out and soon the match continued. It was obvious to everyone who would win. The Red came out as the victor for today's first match and soon the Polo game was over. Very soon those participating in hunting went inside the forest. There are three kinds of prey carrying different points. Rabbits and small animals are worth 50 points. Birds are worth 100 as they're flying targets and finally bigger animals like deer, wild boars, etc are 150 points. Everyday the hunt will last for four hours and at the end of the week the one with the most score gets the prize. Anyone can register and join as long as they're good at shooting. While they're on their way, the ball game started. It's mostly women here. This game is just for fun, for the women to enjoy while the men hunt.

They have to throw as many balls as they can in a basket from a certain distance. The one with the most balls win. It was fun to watch, the laughter and joy they had i wanted to join but... I'm sure I will ruin the mood.

It was a long day of just me going around watching and cheering for others in my heart. I finally came inside and wonder around here and there in Sheshire Halls. I finally got myself to the library. Away from the crowd and noise, this is my peace. I spend the rest of the day reading here instead.

By the time the sun sets the game was over for the day and I got up to leave but when I went to keep the books I saw someone unexpected again. His Majesty Augustus was here in this section. I thought he participated in the hunt. I bowed and greeted him and he too greeted back. From the looks of it he doesn't seem to hate me at all. There was some kind of understanding between us but I can't pinpoint what.

"Your Majesty didn't join the hunt?" I asked trying to fill the silence. "I'll join from tomorrow." He said. I walked up to keep the book in its place and then for the first time the Emperor and I had a conversation.

"Knowledge on genetics. It's a good book Duchess " he said.

"Your Majesty read this too."

"Of course it's an interesting approach. The author says we humans each have our own differences due to some very small strands in our body. It's a funny yet interesting thing."

"Right! He said that not just us humans but every living creatures as well!" I couldn't control myself and excitedly said. " Ah Forgive me your majesty i mistakenly got too excited."

"Don't mind. It's nice to meet someone who reads these kinds of stuffs...." He said.

The Emperor before me just seems like a simple man. "Might i suggest a book then your majesty?" I asked with nervousness. He looked up with interest.