"Are you thinking of Her Majesty again?"
'Yes- huh?' I turned to look at Javier who was standing beside me. I only cleared my throat as I picked one of the documents.
"I'm sorry," I sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration as the words on the documents blurred together. No matter how much I tried to focus, his thoughts kept drifting back to Nerina. Since realizing his feelings for her, he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything else.
"I didn't mean to pry, Your Majesty, but it's been a few days now," Javier said with a knowing smile. "You've been distracted ever since Her Majesty helped you out with the documents."
I glanced up, feeling exposed, as if Javier had been reading his mind. I cleared my throat and attempted to regain my composure. "It's just...complicated," I muttered, pushing the documents aside.
Javier raised an eyebrow. "Complicated, or you're just avoiding the situation?"
I scowled slightly. "It's not that simple. I don't know how to approach her with this. She probably doesn't feel the same way, and I—"
"You're the Emperor, yet you're acting like a nervous boy." Javier chuckled. "Maybe you should just tell her how you feel. It's not like Her Majesty is difficult to talk to."
I knew Javier was right, but the thought of confessing his feelings made him hesitate. It wasn't the power or authority that made him anxious—it was the fear of rejection, of losing the close relationship they had built.
"Maybe I'll tell her… after the party," I finally said, as if giving myself more time would make the situation easier. "For now, I have to get through this workload."
Javier smirked. "Whatever you say, Your Majesty. But don't wait too long, or someone else might beat you to it."
The day of Nerina's birthday party had finally arrived, and the palace was buzzing with excitement. I had personally overseen every detail of the event, ensuring everything was perfect for her. From the decorations to the guest list, everything was meticulously arranged to make her birthday as grand and unforgettable as possible. Yet, as the time approached for the first dance, my mind was clouded with nervous anticipation.
When the orchestra began to play, I offered Nerina my hand for the traditional first dance. My heart pounded in my chest as she smiled at me, her hand slipping into mine. We descended the stairs and moved gracefully onto the dance floor. Her dress flowed elegantly with every step, and I couldn't help but admire her beauty.
But as we danced, my mind kept returning to the feelings I had been wrestling with for weeks. She was so close, yet I felt a growing distance between us. How could I tell her? Would tonight be the right time?
When the dance ended, applause echoed through the hall. As expected, the women began to approach, each eager for a chance to dance with the Emperor. It was tradition for me to entertain the guests, yet my mind was still with Nerina. I noticed her standing alone, I'm happy yet guilty at the same time. No man would dare try to dance with the Emperor's woman.
I removed my sight with her for a moment but before I knew it, Glenn, her former lover had appeared and asked her for a dance. She accepted, her face lighting up, and they moved to the edge of the dance floor.
A knot tightened in my chest. Seeing them together, laughing and dancing, only made my frustration grow. I knew Glenn had always been close to Nerina, but tonight, it stung more than usual. Was it jealousy?
I tried to ignore it, but after their dance, when I saw him holding her as she staggered slightly from the drinks as they went outside the balcony, I couldn't control the surge of possessiveness that overwhelmed me.
I finally had enough as I coldly ignored the guests surrounding me and followed them at the balcony.
I was walking over to them, my voice colder than I intended. "Get your hands off my wife, or shall I cut it instead?"
Both of them froze, and I immediately regretted how harsh I sounded. But it was too late—my emotions had taken over.
"Your Majesty…" she said softly, but I couldn't bring myself to meet her eyes. "Glenn was just helping me out. I had a bit too much to drink, and we were only talking."
My anger doubled when I heard how normal it is for her to call that man his first name. 'How about me? Your Majesty? Hah! Does she hate to call me by my name in front of her former lover?'
Out of jealousy and frustration, I pulled Nerina away from that man, her surprised expression making my heart twist. I didn't mean to be so forceful, but the sight of them together had been too much.