Chapter 2 "Blissful days p.2"

We arrived shortly at the main hall where finally I feel familiar of the place. Still there were a few changes but it was still the same structure. Two guards stand in both side of the door, recognized me and announced my arrival inside.

"Her imperial majesty, Empress Tarvyra Tarrister of House Lanyrelle has arrived" the guard cried.

It had only been two months since we've been wed yet it already feels as if we've become strangers. The imperial work isn't as easy as I've expected but . The emperor or his majesty, Alrik, has very serious features with white hair and raven black eyes. Ever since he came to our estate as crown prince, we've been friends who shared stories and feelings even until now. Though I've always thought to be one day a servant to the empire, I never did conclude that my life pointed towards becoming empress. Still, with all the responsibility that flooded with me throughout the ages, me and Alrik never lost touch and only grew closer.

My love with Alrik was a fairytale even if we never really became lovers.

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"Your majesty..." I lifted my dress and bowed with respect in front of Alrik who's the emperor now. It's still a surprise seeing him in a busy state. Alrik always was a kind of person to have all the time in the world.

"Tarvyra, I never have thought to see you! It feels as it's been decades!" Alrik said when giving a stretch. He stood up, trying to fix his mess on the desk. Has he been working for days without sleep?

"I came as soon as you called, your majesty"

He kissed my lips as he clung his hands unto my arms. I was surprised. Even if we are a married couple, it still feels new. I was stunned for a short moment and tried composing my actions. I have to keep my emotions in check. I don't want for Alrik to think I'm not ready. I need to let him know that even if I'm a new empress, I can be capable.

We stood for a moment and when a few seconds went, it felt awkward. I looked down as an etiquette to not stare at him too much. After all, it was said to be an offense as the person meant hostility or one sees you as an equal. "Maybe we can discuss some work together in my office, what do you say?" he offered. He was now the emperor but still had the tendency to be shy. I wouldn't blame him though, I never even expected to be this high of a change to our relationship.

"As his majesty commands"

"We don't have to speak so formal, you know that"

"But we too have duties"

Alrik smiled and walked his way towards me. He looked so mature and handsome. I felt flustered. Oh dear. "I've been told that you tend to slack a little and ignore smaller issues" He stopped with almost my nose touching his chest. He looked down at me with gentle eyes and held my brown locks as he started playing with it. Damn it, Alrik. We had work to do yet he wanted to play. Is this the reason he called for me?

As much as how sweet he was, I didn't want to get tempted by it. I pushed him with a single hand not too hard and exchanged his stare with a one that raised an eyebrow.

"I wanted to spend some time with you...why don't you say we finish some preparations for the annual morning star festival, hmm?"

The Annual Morningstar Festival. A celebration that lasts three whole weeks announcing it as one of the most extravagant parties to be held each year. And of course, important figures are invited to come. Not only is this week of the daughters' comets, it is also a good opportunity to create a new alliance with Arestane. That way, it can be my first responsibility as empress. Sevaen had torn a few alliances ever since the late emperor chose war for the late empress. With it, I can perhaps make new ones on trying to establish a trade. Or could I be wrong? As much as I'm confident with this plan, I'm still doubtful on whether I'm making the right decision or just causing trouble...

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After a few hours of preparing for the festival, Alrik yawned in exhaustion and stretched his arms. "My empress, you seem to take your work very seriously allow yourself a little rest"

he spoke. The festival was my first big duty in the last three months, it may have been a short time to be ready but I believe with the right mindset, I can succeed. Grandfather had thought me of that. I don't want to disappoint the empire... Speaking of which, I should express my idea to grandfather, he might be able to know what might be wrong or right with it. But Alrik was right, I should maybe calm down and think this slowly. I stopped writing and put down the pen for a little while. Alrik seemed to be busy with what he's doing.

"Your majesty, I suppose you're not tired now" I looked at him. "Perhaps you can go back working- what are you making?" I said with curiosity when he started folding the paper in little shapes.

"My empress, do you remember this little game we play when get tired?"

I paused.

"That's not a game but rather a belief from the east"

Alrik folded it until it was done. A paper in the shape of a crane. "I used to work day and night, finishing a thousand of them"

Alrik was an imaginative child back in the days. He had so many ideas on what could that be and who we would be. Especially origami. A belief were if you folded a thousand cranes, you would be granted a wish.

Ahh yes...those were the days. Before he could speak another word, a knock came at the door. "Your majesty, Count Vasilios would like an audience with you" He smiled and stood. He took my hand, kissing it. "I apologize but I have to tend this matter"

I looked.

"Your duties are more important, your majesty" I stood and bowed. He went on his way and I was left alone. I sat and sighed. we married, yet we were still awkward with each other.

It doesn't matter. Whether he married me because of love or duty, I don't want to disappoint him...I am willing to become the perfect empress for him.