There, In the Imperial Gardens where the sun was shining quietly , I saw my husband and the concubine. So happy, joyful? Something that should have been mine.
But who am I joking with? If not myself in this life..
"Whatever happens in this life? It happens for a reason"
"I've survived this far… longer than any other life"
"I can't mess this up"
I muttered Those words under my breath, as I approached The pair. The concubine's eyes widened as she saw me as she clinged onto the Crown Prince's arm quite tightly… so this is how she'll always play it?
That innocent act…
"Your Highness!"
I called out as I quickly walked towards the Crown Prince and his concubine, not caring much for the woman at his side who looked equally surprised to see me.
"Your Highness, I Need To speak with you for a moment"
I demanded as I looked at him.
"What is it Elisabeth?"
"I cannot say here, but i really need to speak with you in private, Leo"
"Does it? Involve the woman by my side at any chance, Duchess?"
The Crown Prince spat as he glared at me, He was going to try and turn this into another quarrel between us. No, I wanted a civil Marriage, I needed it to survive.
Not now, Not yet, I can't die… not when I've made it this far.
"Ah? Well, Your Highness"
"I just truly think it's better if we discuss it in private"
"It concerns the basic affairs of the Empire"
"The basic affairs of the empire?"
The Crown prince let out a scoff as his loud maniacal laugh left a bitter taste in my mouth, as I felt the atmosphere get more tense and cramped.
"Just Let The Empress do It then—"
"Why do you even need to involve myself in this matter!"
I took a moment to Think about what I was Going to say. Quickly, I then Heard a soft voice speak up – the concubine? Why was she…
"Leon, If it really is that important that the Princess Requests to speak to you in private, I should really go"
"You'll come see me later Right?"
The Concubine said, her voice as sweet as an angel as she looked up at the Crown prince with love in her eyes. She then quickly took her arm away from his Arm and lifted up her skirt as she proclaimed calmly.
"I will take my leave now, Your Highnesses"
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"..."
Hearing the gentle tap of her heels against the stone floor as she walked away, the noise gently fading into the background.
The Crown prince then turned to look at me with a slight scowl On his face as he glared at me, before he then roughly said with a sense of frustration in his voice.
"You didn't have to send her away did you?"
"Does – It involves Lady Toussaint? Doesn't it?"
"Your matter… Elisabeth?"
I looked up at him before I then said calmly as I kept my hands elegantly In front of the dress I was wearing, though it was quite windy. I wasn't letting my demeanour crack, I couldn't give him a weakness to pry onto. I needed to be perfect — perfect, if I wished To survive to be the Empress Of Rodwine.
"Ah? I just wanted to ask about the New Years eve ball."
"What about it? I thought You had already handled the preparations for it"
"Yes… Yes, The Preparations Were finalised about a month ago by mother"
The Crown prince raised an eyebrow as he looked at me.
"Mother? Who gave you the right of call The Empress your 'Mother' Elisabeth"
"The Empress, she said it would make me feel more at home here!"
I said with a sense of joy in my voice, if he is going to Turn such a trivial matter into an Argument? I don't know how much of my reminding patience will bear it. I've already felt it thinning after every minor argument with him.
I quickly remembered what I wanted to ask him about before I then said With a sense of calm and tranquillity in my voice.
"Ah? Leonardo! We are at least keeping up our public appearances aren't we?"
"I'm sure you and I are both aware of how many guest are coming"
"We wouldn't want to be seen as a dysfunctional Couple would we?"
Leonardo, quickly understanding what if just asked let out a low chuckle as He responded
"Yes, Elisabeth? I'll be with you the entire night if that is what your asking"
"We wouldn't want to give anyone a reason to doubt our marriage"
"But? I have got something quite special planned for you"
Leonardo, then quickly grabbed ahold of my chin as he tilted it up as he said with a sense of admiration in his voice
"I really think? That you will"
"Quite like what I've planned for you"
He then let out an awkward yet joyous chuckle as he looked at me in the eyes… What was it there? Some feelings for me? Am I more than something political for this Man or is his view just Conflicted and clouded.
"After all? You are quite special to me… aren't you Elisabeth."
"You know I'd never want anything bad to forsaken you"
"Haha"
I slightly let out a happy laugh as I looked up at him as I felt the presence of some of the palace staff such as the gardener's who were busy attending to the various flowers and trees of the Imperial Palace.
"Yes, I'm sure you would Leon"
"I look forward to what your surprise is!"
I then felt him let go of my chin quickly.
Slightly, I pecked him on the cheek with a kiss. It made something in my stomach churn, a bad thought maybe? I didn't trust this man, not after how I know the extent of his ruthlessness
"I'll deliver something to your quarters"
"After all I'd only want the best for my dear Crown Princess, My amazing and beautiful wife"
"you really don't have to Leo –"
He slightly leaned closer to my ear as I heard him whisper with an underlying tone for cruelty in his voice.
"Elisabeth valois?"
"Don't mistake my kindness"
"Just play your part as my dutiful wife and i'll let you live in peace"
I felt the callus hand that has been worthy of being in many wars and commended for the victories for the empire. He then slightly brushed a strand of hair away from my face
"Thank you, for your kindness Leo"
I said calmly as I looked at him.
As quick as I found him, he quickly disappeared away From the gardens. Most likely going to see his mistress, The concubine… the same person he was trying to equal myself In status with.
It's not that I disliked the Concubine? It's that I couldn't forgive her for how she plotted against me in my last couple lives., my second? Where she Helped poison the cup of tea I had.
This Life? I felt it would be different, something in my gut told me… i mean? It did Have a different Vibe and aura to it than Anything I'd experienced before.
"..."
"So she would always be the Number one girl in his eyes?"
"Lady Toussaint"
I muttered under my breath as I made my way back to my chambers, quietly. The silent vow between myself and the Crown prince, that I wouldn't get involved in anything that was above my capabilities…. that was at least made clear when we first met, the carriage ride here.