Lafyette Cemetery was in stark contrast with the somber mood of the Del Montague household. The sun was shining, flowers were blooming, birds were chirping and the entire place was immaculate with freshly trimmed green grass and hedges. It looked more like an oasis for a picnic rather than a home for the dead.
Striding along the cobblestone pathway, Emperor Robert felt all his earlier dread slowly dissolve. Each step that brought him closer to Moniqua's grave filled him with both warmth and longing. He would never be able to stop loving her.
If only....even for only a brief moment I can be at peace.
Coming to a stop in front of the black headstone, he took the flowers one of his servants handed him and knelt down. His guards quickly moved out of hearing distance. Having been here before, they knew the Emperor liked to speak to the dead lady privately.
Robert brushed away the wilted petals from the slightly elevated tombstone and placed his white roses on top.
Here Lies
Duchess Moniqua Viviane Del Montague
Beloved Wife
Devoted Mother
Free Spirit
"Should we now also add birthed a demon child?" The Emperor chuckled bitterly. "Once again, my lady, I am so sorry you had to die that way. And I am even more sorry for what has become of the family you cherished so much."
He sat down, not caring that both his robe and his hose got wet from the freshly rained grass.
"I know that you did not love me as I do you, Moniqua, but still I feel an obligation towards you. I should have protected you from all harm when you were at the palace. Unfortunately, your own daughter did not cherish you as you did her."
Rubbing one of the dead petals between his fingers, Robert remembered an interaction he had with her and her daughter nearly a decade ago.
Felicia had been nine years old and the Del Montague family was thriving. The Duke had been happily married to his soulmate for twelve years, he had a fine young son to be his heir and a beautiful and intelligent daughter whom he'd marry off into a prominent family when she came of age. The family was very tightly bonded and their joy in each other was palpable to anyone who watched.
It was the Emperor's thirty-fifth birthday and all of nobility had been invited to the palace for the celebration. The Del Montague's were no exception.
After the main festivities were over with, Emperor Robert found himself seated in his private garden conversing with Duchess Moniqua and her very exhausted daughter, who was sleeping on her lap.
The little lady had spent most of the day running around with her brother chasing after her. Looking after his little sister at the event was his assigned duty and he took it very seriously. He tailed her everywhere until he got fed up. Grabbing her by her scruff, he picked her up and carried her back to their table. He complained to his parents about how tired he was and called his sister a demon. Felicia stuck her tongue out at him. His father patted him on the back, commending him for his diligence and his mother laughed as she took her daughter back into her arms. Little Felicia was still bouncing with energy, so her mother decided to take her for a walk through the cherry blossom trees which looked even more enchanting with fireflies buzzing around everywhere.
The Emperor's most trusted aide spotted them and invited her to the veranda. Agreeing, Moniqua pointed out the star constellations to her weary daughter and the next thing she knew she was entering Robert's private garden. Complete with a tea set placed next to a manufactured pond with koi fishes.
She had been here many times before when she was still Robert's betrothed and he was trying to woo her. She knew Roelle would not approve of her coming here, but things were different. They were both married and had families of their own. All feelings of the past were gone.
Or so she thought.
Taking a seat in front of the beaming Emperor, Moniqua gently adjusted her grip on her daughter who was fully asleep at this point.
"It has been a long time since we met here, Duchess Moniqua," Robert intoned, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Moniqua shrugged. "Time flies. And you can call me by name. I've told you already there is no need for formalities." She placed a kiss on Felicia's head.
Robert smiled. He still loved her, but he respected her choice. He felt happy watching her be happy. Having a daughter really seemed to bring an even greater joy out of her than both her husband and son.
"I heard she was running around everywhere today."
"She was. As always. She has so much energy." Moniqua smirked. "At least today I won't have to sing her to sleep. She is such a spoiled little thing. It's such a task getting her to go to bed. I really have to work for it."
"She will grow up to be a beauty," Robert complimented.
"Absolutely! Especially with this red hair that look as if she's got fire growing out of her head," Moniqua gushed.
"She can marry my son and become the next Empress."
Moniqua arched a brow. "Only if that is what she desires. I will not force her into anything."
Robert laughed. "You are as stubborn as ever, my lady."
"My only wish is that she remains happy. Whatever path she takes, I pray she will be safe and content with her choices. And I hope she will be strong enough to face her adversaries."
Now it was Robert's turn to raise a brow. "Adversaries?"
Moniqua stoked her daughter's cheek. "My precious girl is destined for greatness. Naturally, she will have a tough fight on her hands. I have to ensure she had the emotional and mental fortitude to stand tall in the harshest of storms."
"You always speak so cryptically. Have the spirits spoken to you again?" Robert was well acquainted with Moniqua's belief in mysticism.
"Not spirits, Robert. It's the Goddess. Each time I pray in front of her statue, I only ever see Felicia's face. My child is special. She will go on to do great things for this empire. I have to guide and protect her. I do not want her to ever cower when hit with a challenge."
"She is your blood, Moniqua. It would be impossible for any child of yours to not be strong willed."
"She is slowly coming out of her shell. She hated strangers for the longest time. It was so hard getting her to interact with her playmates." Moniqua stifled a yawn. "I must go now. I have enjoyed our talk."
The Emperor remained seated as Moniqua bowed and walked off. He looked at her teacup which she had only taken a single sip from. He picked it up and touched his lips where hers had. Drinking the sweet and warm herbal liquid, Robert thought about her statements.
What challenges does she think her daughter will face? Little Felicia was born into privilege, has been raised in privilege and she will remain so for the rest of her life. I doubt the child will face any true hardship in her lifetime.