The Confrontation
The day dawned crisp and clear.
In the early morning, the blue sky was like a sapphire that had just been laved with water.
Violet had just finished her breakfast when there was a knock on her door.
"His Majesty , The Emperor , Sun of the Empire is here "
'What is he doing here so early in the morning?'
The lovely weather suddenly felt not so alluring as earlier.
"Let him in ."
"Greetings , Your Majesty."
The Emperor stormed in with Robert and Marco following closely behind.
They seemed flustered and reluctant to be there.
They bowed to the Empress and stood silently behind the Emperor.
"Whatever .
Explain yourself , Empress."
"I don't understand , Your Majesty.
I don't believe I've committed any act that warrants an explanation from the Emperor himself."
"You disrespected my woman."
Violet felt extremely aggrieved at the accusation.
Robert and Marco seemed uncomfortable at the Emperor's words as well.
'What wrong had she done to deserve this accusation?'
Violet took a deep breath to calm down.
' Damn that woman! I should have expected this.
I was too naive to think that she would lie low for a while.'
"And what did Lady Olivia say that I have done to disrespect her?"
"Her birth. Her etiquette. "
" Your Majesty , I will tell you once again.
I do not judge people based on their blood or their birth.
When I look at a person , I see a person .
The stories in their eyes.
Not their class. Nor their title.
I am not such a shallow person to conclude another person's character based on such inconsequential reasons."
"Your Majesty shouldn't pass random judgements on someone you barely know.
Your Majesty has promised that you would be impartial if such unpleasant experiences occur between Lady Olivia and I.
It seems that Your Majesty is not a man of his word.
You chose to form opinions based on Lady Olivia's words alone.
I am disappointed in Your Majesty's discernment."
"Empress."
"Let me finish speaking , Your Majesty .
At least allow me that privilege."
" It was Lady Olivia who was disrespectful. Though I am sure she has twisted all
the facts to work in her favour and
cried a river of tears to earn your sympathy ,
it doesn't change the truth .
She ridiculed me .
The Empress! The Moon of the Empire of Iretonia. She should consider herself lucky that she was allowed to leave unpunished.
For Your Majesty's sake , I tried to be patient and overlook her impudence .
But even then , there are lines that one must not cross.
I merely pointed that out."
"And if you truly care to know ,
it was Lady Olivia herself who implied that she was frowned upon because of her status when I had done no such thing.
And since she seemed to be lacking in proper manners ,
I simply told her that I could appoint a teacher for her if she wishes so. "
" I will not apologise for I don't recognise any fault I've committed.
Your Majesty should leave and comfort your 'gentle' and 'innocent' woman who so desperately needs your validation. "
The Emperor was so angry at the words of the Empress that he couldn't utter a word.
He hurriedly left the room .
Marco and Robert looked sympathetically at the young Empress.
They wished to comfort her but they couldn't do so as they had to run after the Emperor who was fuming.
They bowed and left the Empress's room.
Violet felt her legs lose strength as she crumpled on the ground.
She felt extremely terrible because of the incident that just transpired.
Even if she did not desire the Emperor's love , to be insulted like that hurt her heart.
Violet grew up in a loving family where everyone adored her.
She was her family's lovely princess.
Even though she had seen terrible things while following her father around the empire as a child , she had never suffered such injustice first-hand.
To be treated in such a way was too much for Violet.
'Is it so wrong to desire to be treated right?'
She sat with her head on her knees and began to weep softly.