CHAPTER 7

"Lady Luna looks so happy to watch her butler." Luna's smile fades as the princess sat besides her.

3 days have passed since the letter arrived at the manor. Even though Luna knows how this'll be a pain for Eve, she can't help, but to look forward to this day.

"Greetings Princess Lilliana." Luna greeted the princess with grace. While the princess opens her fan as a form of mockery. "What makes Lady Luna so happy? It's just a training between knights."

'This brat.' Luna said in her mind. Of course she's happy to see it. It's not like she has the chance to watch it on the modern world. Not only she disrespects her, but also asked her stupid questions.

No wonder, Luna's true owner hates her.

"Maybe the princess is always at her garden that's why." Lilliana chuckles as she looks at the knights. "Eve is a treasure of Svena's family isn't she?"

"Even though Lady Eve deserves more, she chooses to stay at your manor. Your family must be everything to her." Luna clenched her fist as she stays on silent.

She can't fight back on that. After all, Eve became a puppet of Svena's family. The Empire knows it well. It's because of Eve that keeps them in great position until now. And if they lose a person like her, the Empire will fell into chaos.

"I thank the princess for worrying about my butler, but Miss Eve is completely fine on our care." Lilliana, on the other hand looks at Luna's eyes that's telling her 'It's none of your business.'

'When did she have the guts to be this confident?' Lilliana asked as she holds her fan.

"Then I'm glad to hear that. I hope you'll take care of Miss Eve. After all, She's also a part of the Empire's jewel." Luna sighs as soon as the princess stops talking.

"Greetings to Princess Lilliana." Luna can see how much Lilliana adores her butler. Just like in the book, the person who cares about Eve is none other than, the princess of this Empire.

"I just wanted to see the improvements." Luna looks to the other side as she saw how the princess mood turns bright as soon as Eve greeted her.

"Did I make you wait for too long?" Eve gets Luna's hands as she massages it carefully. "You seem to be enjoying the training. I didn't know that you'll also notice me." Eve sighs as she points out the knights.

"How can I not notice if they keep spouting about the Lady and The Princess's presence." Luna chuckles as soon as she saw some knights bowing and smiling.

"Are you on a break?" Luna asked as she ignores Lilliana's stare. "It's almost lunch. The Emperor also include us to join in the table."

"That's why I'm also waiting." Lilliana smiles as she holds Eve's hands. "But if you don't want to, why not join my table instead? You and Lady Luna. I would love to talk with the both of you." Of course, Luna is not dumb to not notice that the Princess wanted to open a topic that only she and Eve knows.

"I'm sure it's fine with the Lady, right?" Although the smile can deceive many people, Luna is not ONE OF THEM.

"But I also wanted to meet the Emperor. In fact, the Emperor is Your Highness's father. Don't you love too when we talk together?" Their eyes fight as they both smile.

"Of course, if the Lady insists." The Princess stands up as they all walk in the hallway. Although Luna can't read what's on the Princess's mind, she needs to prove her existence in front of the Royal Family.

"Greetings father, mother." Luna can't help, but to feel like 'VOMITING'

'How can she lie about those smiles?' She said in her mind as she stares quietly. "I see, you're all here. Why not take a seat?" The Empress commanded as she points the seats with grace.

As they sat peacefully, the Emperor starts to speak. "I would like to thank Lady Luna for giving us such information. Your life might be in danger, but you chose to tell us about the matter."

"As I thought, you'll be one of the Empire's smart Maiden! As a gift of appreciation, what would you like in exchange?"

Luna actually didn't have anything in mind. After all, she just wanted to help the Empire. But it is also a great opportunity to request something coming from the Emperor.

"I appreciate His Majesty's kindness. However, I don't have anything in my mind right now. Can I request it later on?" The Emperor chuckles as Lilliana stays in her seat, drinking.

"Of course! My palace is open for the both of you. Please eat." Even though they're not starting yet, Lilliana stands up as she bows.

"I'm not feeling well, Can I excuse myself?" The Empress sighs as she looks at her daughter. "Do you need the Royal Doctor to see you?"

"Thank you mother, but I think I just need to rest." Luna can feel, that the Princess is not that close to the Emperor.

"Eve, can I request? Could you escort my daughter in her room?" The Empress eyes looks more worried than the Emperor.

"It'll be a bother for Eve, mother. I have my maids."

"It's not a bother. Please let me escort you." Luna, who stays in silence, is just observing of what's happening in her surroundings.

Eve holds Lilliana's hands as they left. While the Emperor sighs as they continue to eat. "It might not be a coincidence. But don't you think she's making excuses lately?" The Emperor knows how much they're far from each other.

Because he, himself, don't know how to suppress his love towards his daughter. "You should at least talk to her." The Empress sighs as she looks at Luna.

"I'm sorry for this experience, Lady Luna." The Empress said as she looks sad.

"Please don't mind it, Your Majesty." After all, Luna knows the princess's attitude.

"I hope you get along well with the Princess despite of her attitude. I also know that Eve is closer to her that's why, please take care of my daughter in the future." How can she say no to the pitiful Empress? It's not like she can turn down a 'BEGGING VOICE'

"Don't worry about it, Your Majesty. Please, let's continue to eat." The Emperor smiles as he looks at the Lady.

"You'll be a great Empress someday." And with those words, Luna knows what the Emperor is thinking.

On the other hand, Lilliana sighs as they reach her room. "I'm sorry for causing trouble." Eve can feel the sincerity between these words. After all, she knows that the Emperor and the Princess has a far relationship to each other.

"You didn't cause trouble for me, Your Highness. The fact that you're not eating can cause a real sickness." Lilliana bit her lower lip as she smiles slightly.

"You know about my feelings aren't you?" Eve sighs as she fixes her hair. "Your Majesty, Are you jealous because the Emperor complimented the Lady?"

"It's embarrassing, isn't it? I just wanted for father to see me. But he sees too many for me to get noticed. Do I need to style more just for father to appreciate me? Why is it like this?" Eve pats Lilliana's head as she speaks.

"You're beautiful, Your Majesty. You're the Empire's face of Hope. Please don't be sorry for yourself." How can Lilliana even face Eve after hearing these words?

Lilliana's heart felt like crushing that she can't help, but to hug the woman in front of her, sobbing.

"I'll lend myself until you're done, Your Majesty. Please don't rush. It takes time to heal." Believe it or not, the princess also needs attention from her parents.

Although she was known as an independent lady, she wanted to be recognized by the Emperor also. "Thank you," Lilliana said as she shows her weakness.

Lilliana, in this stage, can't deny. That a princess like her is slowly falling for the woman who's always by her side.