As the carriage rattled down the cobblestone streets, Athanasia let out a deep sigh. "I don't know, Martha, why His Majesty has called for me now," she said, her voice laced with concern.
Martha, her loyal maid, offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Your Highness, everything will be alright." Athanasia's gaze drifted out the window, where a little girl was laughing and playing with her parents. The joyful scene was a stark contrast to Athanasia's own turmoil.
As the carriage approached the palace, Athanasia's anxiety grew. The clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoed through the air, and the carriage creaked to a stop. The coachman announced, "Your Highness, the Palace is here."
A knight opened the carriage door and escorted Athanasia to the Emperor. As they entered the grand audience room, a man announced, "Duchess Athanasia is here."
Athanasia curtsied low, her silk gown rustling softly. "May the gods always shine their light upon you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady.
The Emperor's warm smile put her at ease. "You may raise your head, Athanasia, my dear. How have you been?" Athanasia's eyes met the Emperor's, and she replied, "I'm fine, Your Majesty."
The Emperor's gaze turned thoughtful. "Athanasia, my dear, I heard that Grand Duke Kyle and his sons were in Eckart a few days ago. Was there any particular reason for their visit?" Athanasia's voice was calm as she replied, "No, Your Majesty, he just came to see me. Young Grand Duke Arion had returned from the academy after his graduation, so he came to our mansion."
The Emperor nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I see. So they came to celebrate, then?" Athanasia confirmed, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor's expression turned serious, his voice taking on a formal tone. "Athanasia, my dear, what do you think about Rohan?" Athanasia's heart skipped a beat as she replied, "I beg your pardon, Your Majesty."
The Emperor's eyes sparkled with amusement. "What I meant to say is, Athanasia, you are about to step into high society in a few years, and you will need someone's support. I was thinking of you as Rohan, the Crown Prince's, fiancée. I want you as my daughter-in-law."
The room fell silent, the only sound the soft rustling of the Emperor's robes as he leaned forward, his eyes fixed intently on Athanasia.
"Your Majesty, I...I can't say anything because this decision is way too big for me," I stammered.
But before I could continue, he interrupted me and said, "Athanasia, you know Leon always worried about you. Whenever he came to me, he would say, 'When my daughter grows up, I want her to have a good man to marry.'"
I hesitated, shocked and saddened by his words. "My dad said that?"
He nodded. "Yes, my dear. So, I'm only worried about you. After all, I only want what's best for you, right? So, you'll become my daughter-in-law."
I tried to protest, "But, Your Majesty—"
However, he interrupted me again and said, "Athanasia, my dear, are you trying to reject me and say that you don't like the Crown Prince?"
I shook my head hastily. "No, no, Your Majesty! I'll follow whatever you say."
He smiled, seemingly pleased with my response. "Yes, I knew Athanasia wouldn't disappoint me."
I forced a smile, but inside, I felt trapped and helpless, unable to do anything but follow his orders, alright then all the further discussioni will discuss with kyle ok my dear .
As I stood before the Emperor, a loud, booming voice echoed through the hall. "His Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived!"
The doors swung open, and Rohan, the Crown Prince, strode in, his confident stride commanding attention. He bowed low to his father, the Emperor. "Father, why did you call for me?"
The Emperor's warm smile greeted his son. "Ah, Rohan, my dear, I'm glad you're here. Lady Athanasia, it's so nice to see you again."
I curtsied low, my silk gown rustling softly. "Yes, Your Highness, it's my pleasure to meet you again." I stood up straight, trying to maintain my composure.
The Emperor's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Rohan, my dear, there's something I want to tell you. I'm planning to engage you to Athanasia. What do you think about that?"
Rohan's expression turned skeptical, and he glanced at me with a smirk. "Father, I have no objections," he said, his voice firm but respectful.
The Emperor's laughter boomed through the hall, echoing off the stone walls. "Hahahaha! I see, so you're also captivated by Athanasia's beauty, right?" He chuckled, clearly amused by his son's reaction.
Rohan's smirk deepened, but he said nothing. The Emperor continued, "In one month, on your 19th birthday, I'll make the official announcement of your engagement to Athanasia. Alright, Your Majesty?"
We both bowed low to the Emperor, our movements synchronized. As we rose, the Emperor nodded. "Rohan, take Athanasia to the garden. I'm sure you two have a lot to discuss."
Rohan offered his arm to Athanasia, his smirk still plastered on his face. "Shall we, my lady?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Athanasia hesitated for a moment before placing her hand on his arm. They walked together in silence, the only sound being the soft rustling of their clothes.
As they entered the imperial garden, Athanasia couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The garden was beautiful, with vibrant flowers and tranquil fountains, but the tension between her and Rohan was palpable.
They sat down at a delicate tea table, and Rohan poured her a cup of steaming hot tea. "So, my fiancee," he said, his voice laced with amusement, "tell me, what do you think about our engagement?"
Athanasia took a sip of her tea, trying to buy some time. "I...I don't know what to say, Your Highness," she stammered.
Rohan chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Come now, Athanasia. You must have some thoughts on the matter. After all, we are going to be married to each other" He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "I must say, I'm quite looking forward to it."
Athanasia felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She didn't know how to respond to Rohan's teasing.
The rest of the tea time was awkward, with Rohan making small talk and Athanasia responding with monosyllabic answers. After a little while Athanasia say Rohan i may take my leave now , alright Athanasia my dear fiancee but first you should at least finish your tea .
As they finished their tea, Rohan stood up and offered Athanasia his arm again. Feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was eager to escape the awkwardness of their tea time and return to the safety of her home.