CHAPTER XVII

"Oww!" Celestine exclaimed, rubbing her butt that was now numb due to the sudden impact of it to the ground.

She looked at Meira, her brows meeting as she frowned heavily. She stood up and placed both of her hands against her hips, doing her best to try and exclude an intimidating aura that was obviously failing due to the small smile loosening at the corner of her lips.

"Why did you do that?" She asked after clearing her throat, raising a brow.

"Why shouldn't I?" Meira retorted, imitating Celestine's pose.

Celestine's mouth formed into an O-shape, shocked. She squinted, both of them fighting in a silent battle which ended up with them laughing their hearts out.

"You guys sure are happy."

Both of them turned to the sound of the voice, it was Nesryn.

The grin on their faces slowly disappeared. Celestine looked at her sister with a brow raised, while Meira returned to her meek demeanor— she was still not used to Nesryn's behavior which was 'quite nasty'.

Meira immediately pursed her lips, making a low choking sound as she held back her laughter, however, Celestine noticed it, resulting in the smirk that was now formed on her lips.

"Why? Is it a sin now to be happy?" Celestine asked Nesryn, who rolled her eyes in return.

"Obviously, not. I never said that." Nesryn answered, "Such idiocy." She added, shaking her head.

"Then why did you make such type of remark?" Celestine hissed, pissed off.

"Well, my little sister," Nesryn began, stating her position, "I just want to inform you that while both of you are having your small chitchats here, the whole family is busy, preparing the stall." She added, "Why not try to help instead of acting like princesses?" She asked her before looking at Meira, "And you, aren't you ashamed? You're Celestine's maid, right? Try to act like one. Don't be as dimwitted as your master." She said harshly, looking at her from head to toe before turning her head, attempting to leave.

Celestine could almost feel the vein on her forehead pop out due to the extreme irritation that she was feeling from her sister's attitude. Heck, she was insulting Meira! As she was about to talk back, she was stopped by Meira who held her instantly on her wrist. Turning her head, she could see her mouthing 'no' while shaking her head.

She sighed and nodded her head in return, "All right."

Both of them looked at the fading figure of Nesryn and when she was finally out of sight, they both released a relieved sigh.

"Honestly, if she wasn't my older sister, I would have punched her in the face." Celestine muttered, voicing out her real thoughts. She then turned her head towards Meira, "Don't mind what she said. She's bitchy, that was how she is on a normal, day to day basis." She continued, "She's just so annoying though."

Meira chuckled and nodded her head understandably, "Don't worry, Celestine. I'm fine. I've encountered so much more than harsh words from my time as a maidservant." She said smiling, "And I do understand that it is already in her nature." She added.

"I honestly don't even know what happened to her. She was so caring and endearing when we were still children but suddenly, she started acting like that." Celestine said with a small smile, hinted with sadness from reminiscing her memories with her sister. "We're the ones that were close in age, that's why we were close... before, that is."

Meira looked at her friend and rubbed her back, "Like you have said, just don't mind her. I'm sure that somewhere, she's still the same girl that you have always been with. After all, despite her appearance, she was actually one who has expressed extreme worry when you were gone." She said, smiling encouragingly.

"Matilda told me the same thing." Celestine replied, smiling. "Anyway, we should just follow Nesryn's demand, you know, or else..." She trailed off, before both of them bursting into laughter once again.

After calming down, they went in the same direction as Nesryn, meeting their sisters who were busy separating and folding various types of fabrics.

"I'm so sleepy." Lira said, yawning as she folds a fabric.

"Well, it's not just you." Delancey answered, rolling her eyes, and with that, the daily bickering of the twins have finally started.

However, Delancey was indeed right. The past day has been tiring, and not just physically but also emotionally.

"If the goods are ready, let's head out." Odette announced, which all of them agreed on.

They walked through the quiet streets of Maylea into the market. It was nearing daybreak, thus the reason for the unnaturally quiet atmosphere of the city.

They honestly never imagined that they will be working at the opposite time as they did before. When they were still working as courtesans, it was normal for them to work at night and sleep during the day. Yet now, it seemed like their worlds have made a complete revolution.

As they finished setting up their stall, finally, the sun has risen.

"At last! I'm freezing here!" Annalise screamed, rubbing her palms together.

Of course, it was only a given. Winter has now officially started. It has been a day since the first snowflake has fallen and now, the streets are starting to be covered by a slowly thickening layer of white snow.

Celestine couldn't help but grin as she looked at the white ground.

"There you are again." Meira noted, "You've been grinning since yesterday." She said with a noticeably loud voice.

"Meira!" Celestine hissed, but she was too late.

"That's right! I've also noticed her behavior!" Lirah shouted excitedly.

"Hmm... She's finally starting to be childish, I too can see that." Delancey noted, agreeing with her sister.

Celestine blushed, hearing the remarks of her sisters has made her realize, indeed, she was being quite childish, and it was obvious. But of course, even though they were sisters, she had no right to announce that the cause of her sudden strike in happiness is actually the Emperor.

She frantically looked around, thinking of another excuse.

"Uhm..." She began, gaining the attention of her sisters. "Of course, I'm happy. I mean, we're finally all together!" She said, chuckling nervously.

Her sisters gave each other a meaningful glance. "Hmm... Alright then." They agreed, nodding their head with a smirk on their lips.

After that, they proceeded to tend towards their business. The day almost passed by like a blur. After what seemed like an endless day, it has finally come to an end.

"Seems like today is still like yesterday." Odette said, smiling sadly.

"Just why the hell aren't these people buying?!" Sandra exclaimed, clearly frustrated as she looked at the neighboring stalls that were filled with customers. "We're selling, what, like almost the same thing and people are buying to them, yet, here we are, having second to none?! What's wrong with these people?!"

The sisters sighed heavily. What's happening to them was indeed like a missing piece in a puzzle.

"Maybe we just haven't garnered enough trust?" Matilda said in a low voice.

"Trust?! What's up with that?! Heck, when we were courtesans, men almost always flock to us but what about now? If not for the cold weather, it's flies that would have been flocking towards us. Hell, flocking is even an understatement. We'll be swarmed with flies if it isn't winter!" Sandra growled, hissing in anger.

All of them sat quietly and watched with envy at the other stalls. What were they doing wrong?

"But then again, it's women whose our target customers from now, and not men." Odette said, which was also a fact.

"There's no use in reminiscing old memories, you know." Delancey commented in a neutral tone.

"Don't fight." Odette said, looking at her two sisters who looked like they were about to rumble, emphasizing her words.

Sandra growled hissing as she sat down. "Now what?" She asked, rolling her eyes.

"For now, we'll go back home. It's quite obvious that we won't be receiving any customers for today. Let's just rest." Odette decided.

Celestine looked at the dejected faces of her sisters. Indeed, they were facing such a big problem, yet, somehow, she cannot help but feel happy. They were already going home, meaning, she now has a lot more time to prepare.

Biting her lip, she helped clean up their stall. After folding all of their merchandise, they all walked the path to their home together. With dinner already served when they arrived, it only took Celestine a little time to finally be able to return to her room.

After taking a warm bath, Celestine immediately went to her closet and chose her most favorite red-colored robe. She did not bother to decorate her hair anymore, for it was still wet and she was running out of time—at least that was how she felt.

Thadump! Thadump! Thadump!

Her heart was beating so loudly as she could feel her blood rush through her veins due to excitement. Hurriedly, she turned towards her bed, blushing as she saw the white cloak draped over the duvet.

She swallowed and gathered up all of her courage to pick up the fabric. She then walked and stood in front of her mirror. Heaving a deep breath, she wore the cloak on her shoulders, letting out a wide smile as she repeatedly turned around, examining her own figure.

'What am I even doing?!' Celestine thought to herself, placing her palms on her heated cheeks. Still, she couldn't help but smile.

She turned around and walked to the door, laying her ears on the wood to hear from the outside. She could still hear faint voices and staggering on the floor. She won't be able to leave through the front door.

Pacing through her room, her face lit up as she looked at her window, her only choice as of now.

She looked down, it wasn't too high. Though she was not that skilled in terms of climbing and the like, this one was not hard.

She swiftly jumped down from her window and into the tree nearby before lightly stepping into the ground.

Celestine did not look back and kept her face forward. She ran, meeting the cold gust of the air. Because of the movement, her body started to heat up, causing her to sweat lightly, but that did not make her stop, instead, for her, she seemed like she was floating.

Thinking that she was about to see the Emperor—Desidevious soon, her heart was giving out a childlike excitement all at once, hammering hard against her chest. Though she was sure that she will turn shy when she has finally come face to face with that man, still, her heart yearned for him; looking forward to their meeting, like a magnet that was strongly attached to him.

After passing through what seemed like a thousand people, the entrance of the forest finally came to her sight. She stopped in her tracks and took a moment to breathe before finally entering the fated place.

The forest was cold and tranquil—silent.

Celestine breathed heavily and looked up to the big round moon in the sky. For now, she was still alone which was a given. She did run like a horse just to arrive here earlier.

She walked further into the forest. Without her realizing, she stood near the waters of the East Lake, with droplets of snow falling into it. Together with the moon that was illuminating the light turbulence of the surface, the lake appeared to have a continuous mystical mirror, which was emitting a hard to describe—enchanting feeling.

Feeling the chilly air through her body, she unconsciously tightened her grip on the front ribbon of her cloak. Despite the cold, she handed out one of her hands, watching in amusement as the flakes fell into her palm.

"The first snow is like the first love."

She instantaneously turned around. The pleasant voice which resounded in her ears like a wonderful melody belongs to none other than the man that she has been waiting for.

"Desidevious..." She trailed off upon looking at the majestic figure of the man in front of her.

Both of them smiled upon seeing each other's faces.

Desidevious closed the gap between him and Celestine, leisurely situating beside her as he laid the lantern that he was carrying down into the ground. They looked at the lake that was sure to turn into ice for the next few days.

"It seems like I'm late." He began, mimicking Celestine's earlier action, handing out his hand.

"No! I mean, no..." Celestine bit her lip. "I'm just early, that's all." She said, looking down, feeling herself heat up due to embarrassment. Her eyes sat upon the lantern on the ground, thus, she hunched over, "Let's sit down over there." She muttered, picking up the lantern.

However, just before she could finally grab hold of the handle, her hand touched with his, making her flinch and step back because of the sudden contact.

"I'll take it." He said, smiling.

Celestine, however, noticed her own odd behavior, shaking her head. "No, I'll take it." She insisted, clearing her throat. "Despite my frail-looking appearance, I could still take hold of most things you know, most especially a lantern." She said, before immediately realizing the tone of her voice.

She cringed and looked over Desidevious who was smiling. He handed over the lamp to her, "Thank you." She said, smiling meekly.

With her leading, they walked towards the nearest tree.

Celestine hissed, looking at the snow-covered ground. "I did not bring a mat." She said with a low voice, wanting to slap herself.

'This is what you get from being overly excited.' She thought.

"Don't worry." Desidevious said, earning her attention. With a smile, he pulled out a neatly folded cloak from his robe before setting it down to the ground. "There you go." He said, holding his hand out to her.

Sheepishly, she took it and let him help her get situated at the ground with him following her afterward.

"Uhm... Your Majesty—Desidevious, may I ask about your business in the city of Maylea?" Celestine asked curiously, correcting herself in the process. She looked at him with her big bright eyes that were shining joyfully.

"Quite honestly, I just decided to take a break from my duties." He answered, smiling at her whose face soon turned into one that is surprised?

"Is that even possible?" She asked herself, but once again failing to notice that she has actually voiced it out.

"Yes. It is possible." He answered, chuckling. "I am the Emperor, after all." He continued with a boasting smirk on his face, making Celestine roll her eyes.

"Alright, Your Majesty. As you say so." She said, sarcastically, resulting in both of them laughing at their antics.

Silence once again enveloped the two of them. It was peaceful, yet, Celestine did not want to waste her chance, thus, she immediately tried her best to think of a new topic.

"Does Jean, the Governor—your brother... know that you are here?" She asked, not knowing what to call her friend. Embarrassed, she let out a small laugh.

"Nope. No, he doesn't." He answered quite playfully.

Celestine made a face full of disbelief, "Is that even possible?" She asked again, this time, with the full intention of saying it to him.

"Yes, it's possible." He answered, smirking.

Celestine shook her, "It seems like even the mighty Emperor still acts like a child." She said, the corner of her lips slowly turning into a smile.

"But then, where are you living? If Jean doesn't know... then... where?" She asked, concerned.

Desidevious stopped and looked around before setting his sight on her, with a troubled face, he answered, "I live by the house that your family has lived in prior to the incident... between you and Ronald." He said.

Celestine nodded her head repeatedly, unaffected by his last statement. Desidevious sighed in relief. "Do you, perhaps, want to go over?" He asked hesitantly.

Celestine made a big smile, nodding, "If it's alright, then why not?" She said, agreeing, "I'll go there to play." She continued, smiling wickedly.

"Alright then." Desidevious said, not minding the least, answering indifferently.

Celestine stood up, her mood becoming excited at once. "I'll go." She announced again, looking down at him.

Seeing his loop-sided smile, she turned around, embarrassed, pretending to do something with the lantern—but as a matter of fact, she was also secretly smiling.

"So, tomorrow, we'll meet again. I will take you to my house." Desidevious said, pretending that he did not see Celestine's amusing expression, still talking in his casual manner.

Celestine nodded, collecting herself before finally turning around, "You're such a nice person." She said sincerely, debunking in her mind all of the nasty rumors about the Emperor.

He did not talk and only looked back at her. He would not agree nor deny her statement. After all, it was her who chose to believe it, not him.

Even though he was obviously showing the favorable version of himself to gain her attention, it did make him want to more or less laugh—he was conflicted. Though he had a clear view of his intentions, somehow, somewhere in his heart, there has been some kind of strange, intimate feeling aside from the only one that he should be feeling, anger.

He had constantly suffered either the dreadful or detested looks of the people around him, not that he cared, however, there has never been one that approached him in the same manner as Celestine. But then again, why?

'Why are they so alike yet, so different?'

He closed his eyes and rested his back at the trunk of the tree. Even he was confused. Everything was just tiring... so tiring...

Celestine could only watch silently in awe as she dumbfoundedly stared at the Emperor. The said person had his eyes shut in what seems to be an extremely comfortable manner, however, the little knot on his forehead did not escape her keen eyes.

She shook her head and tried her best to resist the urge to just massage the said knot straight. Despite the slight disturbance in his facial features, the fact that each and every outline of his perfect face was visible did not change.

Desidevious possessed a rare type of face; it could either be manly or feminine depending on his get-up. His eyes, when opened are sharp, yet when closed, one could truly see the beauty of his thick lashes that seemed like the wings of a butterfly, forming a shadow on his translucent skin. He had a pointed nose, and exquisitely red lips but the most evident of all his features was his jaw that seemed to be as sharp as a knife.

Celestine shifted uncomfortably, her sight going down on his neck. She unconsciously swallowed, seeing his manly throat made her heat up. She has seen so many fine and handsome men before but never did she feel the same way as she is feeling right now.

She shook her head, and looked up to the sky, desperately trying to steady the beating rhythm of her frenzied heart.