Chapter 3- The Yang of the Empire

I was awakened from my daydream when the maid called me to dry off. I followed silently as they clothed me and prepared for my everyday work as the Empress of the Empire.

It has been already 5 years since my coming of age and sat on the throne as rightful Empress. I was the only heiress so the person I'm going to marry will become my consort, the Emperor. At the age of 18, I got married to my consort Duke Van Christopher Limerge gaining him the title Emperor. Before our wedding night, an emergency appeared at the border of the Empire. In short, we were secretly attacked which led to war until now. The Emperor led the empire's military together with the strong force from our kingdom, but unfortunately, the war seemed not to end earlier than expected which also caused the suffering of the Empire from within. I was left with my husband's affair as well as mine. I barely managed everything from political war to state affairs. It was so exhausting but somehow it was easy to adjust as it has been my destiny to manage the Empire since my birth. Every part is also a war within the castle, and I am the commander-in-chief of this battleship.

I ate a light breakfast before heading to the office in the central palace. A short meeting will be held first to report the daily progress of the war and state affairs. The councilmen immediately stood up as I arrived. 

"Greetings to Yang of the Empire, My Majesty!" They all greeted me in unison as they all bowed their heads on my arrival.

"Settle down everyone," I said as I sat down at the high table. "Report the progress of the war."

"The Yin of the Empire, His Highness sent a report that we are in the final stage of preparation for the last quest of conquering the enemy's land. As of now, our forces reach 700, 000 compared to the report from the enemy's lair, which is only half of our force." 

After the surprise attack made by the conquering kingdom from the west, the empire suffered a great loss due to a lack of preparation. But due to the policy that I created like sending the unemployed men of the kingdom, voluntarism, and explore militant talents from the commoners and nobles, we created a strong force enough to defend the country from more attacks coming from the boarders. As the Emperor was busy defending the Empire, I, too, created another policy to reinforce the development of the Economy as a support on the war as well as to the people of the Empire. Though not much, we were able to survive from the great loss and eventually lead to normal life despite the war. 

We also came up with defense and attack strategies to stop the conquerors of our empire and be conquered instead. 

So far, the reports are all on a positive note as I dismissed the group of nobles. I left first, but I was interrupted by a sudden call of a very familiar voice.

"Empress." 

I looked at my back and saw my childhood friend Duke Lucas. As usual, his presence is a strong force that could take your breath away. This tall man with wide shoulders and manly presence with a beautiful face is my childhood friend who is two years older than me. He and my husband are cousins, both raised in the Dukedom. Duke Lucas was also a strong candidate as the Emperor, but he gave it up for his best friend at the same time cousin, Emperor Van.

"Aren't you a little pale today Empress? You should take a rest too you know." He said with a worried face. I looked at him. He is always like my caring older brother. At least, that's what I thought of. 

"I'm doing fine. Why don't you join me on tea for a while?" I invited him.

"My pleasure to join you!" He answered, smiling, looking pleased with the invitation I gave him. It was nothing unusual, though. I walked ahead of him and he followed suit. His long legs allowed him to walk beside me in just a second towards the Rose garden. 

He pulled out a chair like a gentleman and let me seat first. 

"How are you faring?" he asked as he sipped the tea prepared for him by my lady-in-waiting.

"It's the same as usual Duke."

"You answered the same Empress." he sighed. " Can I talk to you alone?" 

I was surprised by his sudden request. I looked at him before I give my order to my ladies in waiting and knights. They walked away silently. I know they won't go far as it was a protocol for them to be always at any time, I need them.

"What is it, Lucas?" I asked curiously as I immediately switched to calling him his name. He looked delighted hearing his name from my lips. I knitted my brows with his reaction. Or Am I just imagining it?

"I missed hearing my name coming from your lips Yuna." He smiled sweetly. It has been 2 years since I noticed that Lucas saw me in a different view but I disregarded it. Up until now, he was still of no fiancé and seemed no intention of marrying yet. He held my hand, brought it to his lips silently kissing it. I shuddered with the sudden sensation. Ever since I had weird dreams, I have become more aware of the body wanting to be touched like this just like how that girl held my hand. I wonder what it feels to be touched more. 

Somehow, I imagined myself being touched by her. My heart tightened remembering her mysterious beauty.

"Aria." I silently uttered as I closed my eyes remembering her.