CHAPTER 5
Truly, the 3rd Prince was a perfect choice for the seat of Emperor. His speech had the entire crowd pumped for the start of the festival and I couldn't help the shiver of excitement from crawling down my spine. But with the way my eyes took him in, the Alpha dressed like the Duke and Prince he was, I had a feeling that it wasn't only excitement I felt.
I had fun that night and the remaining days to come. The festival made me see new products and things I haven't had the opportunity to see in the capital. I and Laura spent a handful (read: a lot) of gold indulging in what caught our attention and fir once I didn't have to worry about anything.
The day of the lantern lighting cane, which signified the end of the festival. Six days had passed since our last discussion and Lucien hadn't called me to his study. Sure we saw each other at breakfast and had civil conversation, not once have we discussed about my proposition. To be honest, I feared that he wasn't going to take up my offer and if he didn't, I'd have to quickly think of a plan B that didn't see i and my brother running away to the far ends of the continent. Not like it was possible, seeing as our lives were in this Empire.
Currently, I was sitting on a hill that was close to the lake, overlooking as people were gathering around to light up their lanterns. From what I've been told, the lightening of the lanterns signified various things. The lightening of white lanterns signified the celebration of a loved one who had passed away; Red lanterns were for love; blue lantern for peace and prosperity; and green lantern for good things to come. Even with these various colours, the lantern tend to shine so bright and I couldn't wait to see the beauty of them.
"You have a good eye, picking here to see the action."
I jumped up on my feet and immediately gave a curtsy. "Greetings, Your Highness."
"Please, none of that." Lucien waved his hand as he sat drop on the grass covered ground. "Both of us are in normal clothing, so please, drop the formalities. Please, sit."
I slowly sat down on the ground, my legs cushioning my body.
"From what I've seen so far, I take it you've enjoyed yourself."
I nodded with a small smile. "Yes, Your Highness." Lucien gave me an amused look but that didn't deter me. "Your Highness has a wonderful territory filled with various cultures and traditions. You truly built a haven for so many to thrive."
"I simply took over from where my uncle stopped and continued his legacy. I owe him that much."
I glanced at him with the corner of my eye, my smile still on my lips.
Lucien was the son of the Emperor's second Royal Concubine, Lady Jane Cole. She had found Favour in the Emperor's eyes and she happily took the position as his second Concubine in order to ease the suffering of those in the North during a particular harsh winter. Although she had no love for the Emperor she had loved her son and her brother, Adam, loved them both. When Lady Jane died along with the First Royal Concubine at sea during their journey to the First Royal Concubine's motherland, Adam had been utterly distraught. He barely managed to ensure the survival of the North. But when he heard that Lucien had almost been killed when he was thirteen years old, he had rushed back to the capital and pleaded with the Emperor to foster his nephew, the only remaining link to his sister. The Emperor saw the wisdom in that decision as the capital was buzzing with the two fractions for the 1st and 3rd Prince. Adam didn't hesitate to sprit Lucien away and he had been living in the North ever since as Adam's heir, only going back to the capital on the Emperor's birthday celebration or very important balls. When Adam died, Lucien took over the mantle as Duke of the North at the age of nineteen. At twenty-three years old, he was the perfect definition of a leader.
"Give yourself credit when it's due, Your Highness. You also worked hard for this. Be proud."
I noticed him glancing at me for some few moments before he went back to watching the people gather. Soon, the sun went down and out came the moon and the stars, and with their appearance came the release of the lanterns into the air. Their presence reminded me of a time long away, when I had visited the Palace one night and met a certain boy who had a sad look on his face. That night, fireflies had dotted the skies and we had sat side by side on the small bench overlooking the pond in the royal garden. My memories are fuzzy and I can't remember what that sad boy looked like.
My attention was drawn back to the present by Lucien getting up and patting his pants free of grass and dust. He cleaned his hand on the thigh of his trousers before outstretched his right hand to me.
"We have lots of things to discuss, Lady Alyssa."
My heart soared in joy and I placed my hand into his. Under the moon, stars and lanterns, we stared into each other's eyes – Alpha and his King Maker. I was led to the study and was met with the sight of six people already waiting for us. We all discussed at length about our plans, vetoing anyone that had more cons than pros. By the stroke of midnight, a contact had already be drawn up and I and Lucien signed it with our blood. We came to an agreement that I'd marry him and bare at least three children to strengthen his hold on the throne, and when our duties have been fulfilled, we can either divorce or stay together. That I accepted without much complaint.
The next morning saw me and Laura making our way back to the capital with trusted guards assigned to us by Lucien, who had placed a chaste kiss on the back of my palm whilst looking into my eyes – like one would do a lover. I couldn't help the blush that dotted my cheeks. With my plans in motion, I steeled myself to the fact that I'd have to break off my engagement with Luther and the repercussions that would come with that decision.