CHAPTER 21

Nicholas had a debate with the nobles of the board. They opposed Nicholas's decision of going to the battle and more after he decided to let the entire palace be in charge of Rosalba and Maximiliano. However, Nicholas didn't listen to their complaint. He prepared most of the work in the palace in a few weeks.

He told Rosalba and Maximiliano the things that they had to do in his absence and gave Rosalba control of the private guards of the emperor. She was speechless.

—Are you mad? —She couldn't avoid asking.

—Why do you say that? —Nicholas pretended not to understand —It's normal that in difficult times. The person closer to the emperor had control of the guards —Rosalba really wanted to hit him.

Practically, with his actions, he was telling the whole people that she will be the empress. Where were the words? 'We can do it gradually' —When do you go? —Rosalba decided don't think more about it.

—Four days —Nicholas answered calmly.

It was soon, thought Rosalba. She wanted to say something but she didn't know what. So she stayed in silence. So she felt her heart was heavy. She knew those days would pass in the blink of an eye. And such as Rosalba feared the day of the leaving arrived quickly.

Such as that day before the hunting. Rosalba put the armor on Nicholas. Nicholas seemed to remember that moment too and said.

—You have the same face of the hunting —Rosalba made a bad face and answered.

—My face was totally different at that moment —Nicholas laughed and said.

—It doesn't matter. I knew that was you —Rosalba felt that had something more in his words and looked at him.

—What do you mean? —He smiled.

—Are you curious? —Rosalba didn't answer —Wait for my return —Rosalba rolled her eyes.

—If you want to return, you better don't do something like in the hunting because I won't be there —Rosalba tied his armor strongly and Nicholas shouted.

—Ah! Okay, I promise. I will back —He rubbed his arm while saying —You have to be safe too —Rosalba looked at his serious eyes and nodded.

—So, I'm going my way —Rosalba saw him walk to the door and clenched her fists.

Nicholas walked slowly as he would wait for something and before he grabbed the door handle, he heard the words he expected —Nicholas, wait —He smiled and turned.

Rosalba walked towards him and without warning. She pulled him to her and gave him a kiss. Nicholas was stunned for a moment before he hugged her and answered her kiss. He had never imagined that she took the initiative to kiss him so he couldn't avoid being a little rough. A little flavor of blood spread to their mouths.

He left Rosalba when he felt it —I'm sorry…—Nicholas said but he didn't look regretful.

Rosalba didn't even breathe normally. So she said after a while— Come back safe —Nicholas smiled and after a kiss on her forehead he left the room.

***

The first month Nicholas took the troops to the south and contained the Luzbel army.

The third month he went to the north when the weather was still cold.

The sixth month, the season was spring and he went to the east.

The ninth month of summer is finishing and the calm returned to the west.

After One and a half years Nicholas attacked Luzbel.

***

Rosalba on the other hand was in Nicholas's office making the paperwork. The critics against her have decreased this year. She had control of the palace and the people treated her as the next empress with respect. Rosalba didn't feel comfortable with this treatment at the beginning but with time she got used to it.

Surprisingly, Maximiliano already doesn't see her as a 'female fatal. It was a big change. Of course, they aren't best friends but they could maintain a conversation without arguing too much. Rosalba received letters from Nicholas sometimes. He couldn't send many ones after another and only talked about the beautiful landscapes and the food. He said that we should visit that place soon, etc.

So, although Rosalba had the reports of the battles. She didn't know much about the condition Nicholas. She knew that he didn't want to worry her. Even so, she was worried.

—Princess —One of Nicholas's private guards suddenly appeared in the office. He gave Rosalba a small piece of paper and disappeared.

Rosalba looked at it and after a while, she burned it. She rang the bell and called Maximiliano.

—Maximiliano, evacuate the palace and secure the walls, we will have guests soon —The eyes of Rosalba shine with a light red for a second before it disappears.

—Yes, princess —Maximiliano shivered and bowed before leaving.

Even he could feel the blood-lust of Rosalba. The palace was going to be stained with blood this time.