Chapter 7- I Want to be Your Concubine

"Empress" I heard the Duke Lucas called. Just like the other day, he called me in the same manner as I was on my way to the central office.

"Duke Lucas." I looked back and replied. He bowed his head and walked a little closer. He put a decent gap between us.

"I heard you were ill yesterday. I was worried. I hope you also take care of yourself, My Majesty." there was a glimpse of worry on his handsome face. He always acted like that every time I get hurt or sick though it seldom happens because I don't have a weak constitution since I was a kid.

"Thank you for your concern, but I am fine now," I said. I actually want to go already due to the pending works I haven't done yesterday, so I want him to dismiss as early as possible. "Do you still have anything to say?"

"No. I'm sorry for taking out of your time My Majesty." he bowed again respectively, and I continue walking my way to the central office.

A pile of paper works awaited on my table. I tried not to sigh seeing the mountain of papers that needs my attention. I immediately go to work and bury myself in it.

As I lose myself in the mountain of works, I did not notice that someone entered the office with a tray of tea in hands.

"Empress," it said.

I was startled by the sudden call. Usually, my ladies-in-waiting would just serve the tea silently beside her. Absent-mindedly I took it and drink without taking a break. It's only during lunchtime I took a break. The closest lady-in-waiting, Sarah, was the one to remind me if I over work beyond schedule.

"Duke Lucas, what brings you here?" instead of my usual ladies-in-waiting, it was the face of the most sought out man of the empire is in front of me.

"My Majesty, Empress, you should take time off. You were ill yesterday. I came here to make sure you have time for yourself at least." his baritone voice sounds softer than he used to utter. "Please join me to drink this tea I brewed personally."

I hesitated. Weighting the time to spend my time between drinking tea and work.

Sensing my reluctance, he got up and walked beside the table. He took out the paper in my hands, place it back on the table, took my hand silently commanding me to follow him.

We went to the receiving area. It was located in another room, but just an extension of my office. He guided me to sit on the chair he pulled for me to sit on. He served me the tea he brewed before he seated himself opposite to me.

"Aren't you a bit cheeky, Duke?" I asked as I sipped the tea he served.

He smiled bashfully showing his perfect white teeth. He looked shining.

"I just want to take care of you Yuna. Does it burden you?"

"No. I'm glad you came. I have something to discuss with you. You saved me from wasting paper and ink and another letter to write on." I said half-seriously, half-jokingly. He straightened his straight back if it is more possible.

"What is it about?" he looked at me anxiously. I looked at him as I put the cup on the table.

"It is about the demand of the nobles on your marriage partner. When are you going to look for your Duchess, Duke?"

"..."

"Or do you want me to choose for you?" I suggested. He wears a serious face as he looked at me intently. He stands up slowly and went to kneel on one of his knees beside me which startled me with his sudden action. Lucas took my hand and pulled it on his lips. My heart trembled with the sensation as his soft lips touched the back of my hand.

"Can't it be just you Yuna? I am willing to be your concubine just to be with you," he asked me pitifully. What happened to this dashing man kneeling pitifully to me? The sight squeezed my heart. Though it was not unusual to take a concubine for both of the emperor and empress of the empire to secure the successor, deep in my heart, I don't want to have that kind of relationship with Lucas! I must be crazy if I did!

I shake my head, unbelieving. Our law also states that I cannot get a concubine as long as it was not yet sure that the Emperor is not compatible with me to give birth to the successor. Since we have not yet consummated our marriage, it is not possible.

"I am not sure why you are saying this to me, but please wake up to your senses. You are the only Duke of this kingdom. What you want is not even possible and you know the reason." I said decisively. I cannot weaken myself with resolve based on emotion, but on rationality.

"But I am willing to wait. I am willing to wait just to be with you." he pleaded. I feel conflicted once again as I saw a tear roll down his eyes. It was my first time seeing him like this. He seemed to throw his dignity with his confession. My chest tightened and stands up abruptly. I cannot take this anymore, so I left him without a word.