My poor heart must have skipped ten beats in one sitting. Five times out of fear, and the other times were out of…whatever else that was. How can a man be so scary and charming all at the same time? He could have given me a warning before springing such an absurd request on me. Is it possible that he's jealous? No, there's no way a man of his standing would bear such feelings towards someone like me. I'm sure he's being unreasonable just to annoy me. That side of him is still intact, at least.
"You may enter, your highness."
My word! What a fascinating place! If I were to describe heaven, I'm certain it would look exactly like this. Everything is so vibrantly colorful with the refreshing atmosphere of nature adorning the entrance. A paved tunnel made entirely of different colors of wisteria flowers arched above our heads as the birds and butterflies happily fluttered about the branches. Just beyond that is a large pond beneath a wooden curved bridge in which the trees along its borderline rested their flowery vines.
"Right this way, princess. Her majesty awaits at the pergola near the lake." Informed the handmaiden.
An outdoor lunch?! I was not expecting that. How innovatively refreshing.
She was sitting at the head of a table filled with all kinds of delicacies, bearing a scowl that stirred a certain wariness from within me. Her current facial expressions drastically differ from yesterday's. It seems she merely suggested I join her for lunch as a show of courtesy to make a good impression on the emperor. In reality, she holds no interest in me whatsoever.
"When I read your measurements, I was quite baffled, princess. I thought my very own eyes were playing tricks on me." She shook her head with a heavy sigh as she elegantly cut her steak.
I've been avoiding her gaze since I sat down, for it is considered rude to stare at a member of the royal family straight in the eyes. Right…that's what I was taught in Ecchelon, but I presume it's the same here, given that Alkaraz is quite the sizable country after all. I'm sure they have a lot of intricate etiquettes I've yet to familiarize myself with.
"It is considered poor manners to avert one's gaze in a conversation, princess."
She's saying that as if I'm supposed to know.
"M-my sincerest apologies, your majesty. I assure you it was not my intention to offend you in any way. I am simply mesmerized by the sight of your majesty's marvelous abode. I also feel greatly honored to be sharing such a scrumptious meal with you, your majesty. I will enjoy each and every bite with the utmost gratitude." I giggled nervously.
Why am I prattling like a fool? Someone, please get me out of here!
"Is that so?" she said with a chortle.
The empress suddenly burst out laughing, and her handmaidens jolted in fright. They were side eyeing one another as if something strange had just happened. Has her majesty never laughed out loud before?
"Give us privacy." She waved towards her attendants who immediately scurried out of sight.
"Now then, I want you to eat everything I put in front of you down to the very last bite. I shall decide when you've had enough. Are we clear, princess?"
She glowered at me with menacing eyes that made chills run down my spine. It seems my suspicions were correct. The empress invited me here to torture me, after all.
++++++
"Your highness, duchess Emilia is requesting an audience with you."
"Escort the duchess to my private drawing room. I shall be there momentarily."
"As you wish, your highness." bowed Leo before leaving the study.
I wonder how Fati is doing. As much as I'd like to think that she's faring well, her opponent is quite formidable.
+++++
"I have a bone to pick with you, brother." She chided with her brows furrowed while shooting death glares in my direction.
"Likewise, my dear sister." I sighed nonchalantly as I sat on the chair across from her.
"Very well…"
I've never seen such a troubled expression on her face before, which means this must be a precarious matter. I've learned this since we were children. Appeasing Emilia's worries requires one to feign calmness until she too follows suit. That way we can address whatever it is levelheadedly which will produce a more fruitful result at the end of the conversation.
"I shall go first." She sighed while placing the teacup down on the table.
"Your imperial highness, crown prince Kazein. As you are already aware, you cannot wed commoner, much less a slave who can't even assume the title of concubine, save for princess consort."
I had a hunch that this issue would eventually come up. Though I was not expecting it to be so soon. It's natural for Emilia to be curious after indulging my whims this entire time. Our communication did not cease during those years in battle, mainly because I wanted to be in the know about Fati.
"Fatima is neither a slave nor a commoner." I replied with a heavy sigh.
"And how will you prove that, if I may ask?"
She's not sparing me any slacks at all.
"I suppose I've no choice but to tell you the entire truth. However, you must promise that our conversation will not leave this room."
"I'm glad we're finally on the same page, your highness." She replied curtly.
"That is not the answer I'm waiting for, dear sister."
"You know as well as I do, that do not blabber your highness." She scoffed with a glare.
"Say it." I insisted firmly.
"Alright, I promise not to tell a soul about our conversation here. Happy?"
"Very." I nodded with a smirk.
"Now then, where should I begin?"
+++++
I ate everything she placed in front of me and the next thing I knew; the table was empty. The empress must be thinking that I've starved all my life. I'm so full I can barely walk.
"Your highness!" blurted a maid.
I almost fell over.
"Please, allow me a moment to recompose my bearings."
Another step further and I might throw up right where I stand.
~Moments Later
I am finally in my room! It took me a while, but I made it. I've never seen such patient maids before. Not once did they complain about my struggle to walk properly.
"What a world of difference." I sighed.
A pecking noise emerged from the balcony which prompted me to be on guard. At first, I thought someone was throwing pebbles at my window, so I decided to check. I cautiously approached the glass window and slowly draped open the curtains, only to come face to face with a bird. It was frantically flapping its wings as though it was asking to come inside, hence I let it in.
"Thank goodness she opened the window in time. I thought I was going to melt in the blistering sun."
What a beautiful bird! It sounds like a girl.
"Excuse me. Are you alright?" I asked nervously.
It perched at the foot of the bed frame quietly staring at me. I could have sworn I heard her voice when I opened the window, why is it not saying anything?
"Ahem! Since you seem genuinely curious, I shall grant you the honor of knowing my name, young maiden. You are in the presence of Rosie Von Alkaraz, the crown prince's favorite companion. Since I'm feeling quite generous today, I hereby permit you to address me as dame Rosie in the future."
What a self-centered creature. I almost don't want her to know I can understand animals.
"…and earlier I caught a squirrel stealing from my secret stash of snacks and nearly ended the fiend's life. I was so upset that I grabbed its neck like so, and…"
"…and then there was this time I nearly…"
She's rambling and reenacting her recent confrontations with random animals. I feel as though my ears will fall off at any moment now.
"Oh! And just yesterday I stumbled upon Vederre licking his nether regions and I puked out everything I had in my stomach."
Oh dear... I don't think that's something I should know.
"Come to think of it, I never asked for your name. What do people call you, child?"
Pretend not to understand a thing, Fati. No matter what she says, I must keep my mouth shut.
"Hm…He told me she could understand animal language. Why is she staring at me in a daze? Did that old fool play a prank on me again? Vederre! How dare you?!"
Uh-oh! She's having a go at sir Vederre now. What to do?
"H-hello dame Rosie, my name is Charlotte-Rose Fatima. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
I hope that was satisfactory enough for the high and mighty dame Rosie. On another note, her name is the same as my childhood pet name my brother came up with.
"Good heavens! How marvelous! It seems the reprobate idiot was telling the truth after all. How wonderful! In that case, we have much to discuss, my dear."
Oh dear…
+++++
When I found out the truth about her origins, I instantly felt spiteful towards her. I couldn't make sense of the situation, as a storm of fear and confusion brewed inside my head. Now that I've learned the truth, I can't help but feel awful. Even if I didn't trust her, I should have put my faith in Nathan, at the very least. I must have a word with her today, or else I won't be able to fall asleep tonight.
"Princess Emilia? Are you alright, your highness?" asked a familiar voice.
"Oh, chamberlain Leo. Perfect timing."
I can't seem to get a hold of myself after hearing such a disheartening story.
"Could you kindly guide me to where Zen's guest is currently staying?"
"Of course, your highness. Right after I get permission from his highness."
He's as thorough as ever.
"He's already aware."
"Very well, then, your highness. Please allow me to escort you."
~Moments Later
"Is that… Rosie I hear squawking inside her chamber?"
"It appears so, your highness." He frowned.
"Pardon my intrusion, my- oh my, she's sleeping" exclaimed Leo in surprise.
Rosie was frolicking on the bed, while shrieking in her ears yet she remained fast asleep. How can she sleep in the midst of such a boisterous commotion?
"Rosie?" called Leonardo menacingly.
"Yes…brother?" answered Fatima while rubbing her eyes in a daze.