CHAPTER 9

Nicholas saw the closed door and sighed. He could discern that Rosalba met Peter that day. He was ambushed on that road, so he was focused on fighting with the assassins. However, he felt the smell of Rosalba and even without her costume. Normally the smell of Rosalba was weak because of the magic she used in herself but Nicholas could feel her smell completely. Nicholas knew that Rosalba didn't change her appearance if it weren't necessary. So he ran to her position. He didn't see her but he knew that she was near.

He called her today because he wanted to see her but he wanted to confirm his supposition too. Nicholas was planning to make a slow reconciliation between them. But now, he can't. Nicholas had been chasing Peter for many years. He knew about his cruel and lunatic personality. The werewolves didn't expel the old royal family. If they wanted, they could continue living as a royal member. But of course, not everyone took this in a good way. Peter and his mom were one of those. They left for the Concubine Margaret country and Peter tried to use his more protruding siblings. Peter used them to fight with him. Nicholas understood his personality. Peter wouldn't leave a person like Rosalba alone. Nicholas felt his body tense when he thought about that. So with a sigh, he rang the bell and called the butler.

***

Rosalba was thinking about when she could check those documents. She decided that when the lord left the Mansion, she would sneak into the study. She had more chances because the lord called her every day to take the tea. After a week, Nicholas left the Mansion and Rosalba acted that night. She entered silently into the study, she didn't feel magic tools. She moved toward the table and opened the first folder. There were economic reports, foodstuffs, clothes, etc. Nothing useful, thought Rosalba while she checked the second folder. There wasn't anything important in it. Rosalba checked at least five different folders but nothing had information about her brother or the old royal family. Rosalba wasn't discouraged but she couldn't avoid thinking "The Lord didn't take these documents, didn't he?" Rosalba opened the drawers and in the second found a thickness folder. She opened it and saw the document she saw that day. She felt excited. But when she was to turn the page. The lights of the room suddenly turned on. Rosalba was frozen while she heard.

—What are you doing here? —Nicholas was in front of her.

Rosalba had her mind blank. She thought of using magic but it could be worse since she didn't even feel when he came here. So she forgot that idea.

—I...I'm searching for something...—In fact, she told him the truth. Rosalba wanted to roll her eyes.

Nicholas made a strange face but he didn't answer —I'm searching for information about a member of the old royal family —Rosalba decided to perform the role of a person that hates Concubine Margaret and his son. She was sure that the lord and his brother had some conflicts, so maybe the lord could forgive her if he could use her.

—Who?

—Concubine Margaret and his son.

—Why?

—Because I have a debt to settle with them —Nicholas stared at her without saying anything and Rosalba felt more and more anxiety.

—Okay —Nicholas said suddenly. He moved towards her and Rosalba stepped back.

—I wanted to make a deal. Are you interested? —Nicholas reached out his hand and Rosalba looked with suspicion. She didn't believe that it was so easy. But she didn't have many options. She shook his hand. At that, she felt something strange in her body. She moved away from Nicholas and asked in anger.

—What do you do to me?! —Nicholas shrugged and said.

—Your story is strange, I need to confirm that you aren't a spy. So I put you a mark to know where you will be —Rosalba felt rage but she knew that she seemed suspicious.

—Don't worry if you really wanted to fight with Concubine Margaret and her son. I will be your best ally —Rosalba laughed and said sarcastically.

—Oh and what is the reason for that? —Nicholas made a little smile and said.

—Because I'm the emperor and the leader of this country —Rosalba opened her eyes with surprise when Nicholas showed her real appearance.

A dark blue hair that shines and features more beautiful and matures. She was mesmerized for a moment. She even blushed because of his diabolical smile.

—A-Are you kidding me? —Rosalba made as she could to calm the beatings in her heart.

—No, In fact, I was on my way to the palace, so come with me —Rosalba couldn't say anything before she was thrown by her wrist from Nicholas.

—Wait….! —Obviously Rosalba was ignored.

She maintained a bad face until they arrived at the palace. The carriage entered through a side door of the palace. Nicholas went out of the carriage and said.

—Come —Rosalba sighed and went out. She unconsciously took a look at the palace where she once lived and she was stunned for a moment. The structure of the palace was the same but its look was totally different. The old palace looked extravagant and luxurious. It represented the liking of her father. But now this place looked calm but elegant and impressive.

—Do you like it? —Nicholas asked.

She took a look and said with sincerity —Mmm, I like it, it is beautiful —Nicholas smiled and continued walking. Rosalba didn't realize that they had stopped and that Nicholas didn't say anything to hurry her.

Rosalba observed the inside of the palace and noticed that it had changed too. Even if she lived here, she didn't recognize much of this place. Nicholas walked to the emperor's room. There were two guards at the door that greeted him.

—Your majesty —Nicholas nodded and went into the room. Rosalba followed him hesitantly, meanwhile the guards treated her as air.

Nicholas removed his coat and said —Now, Do you believe me? —Rosalba rolled her eyes in secret while she thought "Only now, he asked that"

—Yes, your majesty, I beg for mercy —Rosalba tried to kneel but Nicholas was faster and said.

—It doesn't matter. Take a seat we need to talk —Rosalba looked at the sofa and then the serious face of Nicholas and took a seat in silence.

—I'm not going to ask about your resentment with Concubine Margaret and her son. But I wanted to know, What do you can for me? —Rosalba looked at him and told the middle of the truth.

—I'm a magician —Rosalba made simple magic of air in her hand.

Nicholas looked at her magic for a second and continued asking —So, Do you know how to fight? —Rosalba shrugged and said.

—so-so, I can save my life —But about other people she wasn't sure, Nicholas finished her words in his mind.

—Well, We know each other now, so I need something. Since now, you will be my personal maid —Rosalba was a little confused about that order.

—Why?

—We needed to stay near each other and more since we can't talk about this in front of many people —Rosalba felt that he had reason and accepted.

Nicholas walked to a desk and took some documents.

—This is the information that we have about Concubine Margaret and her son —Rosalba opened the folder and saw the pictures of them and the register of their movements.

—Read it, I need you to get used to that information —Rosalba nodded —There is a room where you could rest and read the documents —Nicholas pointed at the door inside this room.

Rosalba said goodbye and walked to the door. But before she opened it she heard the voice of Nicholas asking —What is your name? —Rosalba didn't answer for a while and then she turned and said.

—Rosalba.

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NOTE: Hello, I know that in the country of some of you it is already Christmas. However, in my country, it's not Christmas yet. So I wanted to wish you guys Merry Christmas :)