Ch.22

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I couldn't believe Kaiser still tease me! He is so evil! Now that we both walking around the capital. He told me we will meet up at this small cafe by noon, we both looked and asked about my mother's burial.

It felt so weird, but at the same time, I am glad to be back in my home county. It feels nice~ I walk around seeing so many shops.

I asked many eldest about this since they know my mother but don't know who I am since no one what I look since I never went out as a kid. Always studying and sewing at home. Learning to be an etiquette woman, which works!

I'm glad I know how to be etiquette when I need it! However, there was still no answer. I think the church place be the best. Since I heard my mother always visit there.

I was heading towards the church when I stop by a shop that had a very beautiful red dress! Its color reminds me of Kaiser's eyes. I went inside the shop to be greeted by a man.

"Viviana!"

I look past the man to see Lady Anastasie! She came up to me and held my hand.

"I thought you were gone forever! But it seems you are doing well!!"

"Thank you, lady Anastasie! I am doing well!"

She hugged me, It felt weird but I hugged her. She sat me down and told me everything that has happen.

"Roselind is dead!?"

"Yes! She posed by someone during the sun crown princess candidate!"

I was shocked! Roselind may be a mean person at a time but no one deserves to die like that! She was never evil or anything just means to people!

"Celina is the crown princess now! They are getting married soon, I just hate the fact she won…"

I nodded, after what she did… how could she win!? Was she the one who poison Roselind!? I can't accept this! I have an idea that will hurt her a bit…

"Anastasie, would you like to help me on getting back on Celina?"

Anastasie eyes lighten up, I guess she never got that idea! I softly smirked.

"Come closer,"

I whisper in her ears about a plan.

"On her wedding day as she walks down...."

I pulled away and Anastasie smiled.

"That's a great idea! However… she could wear layer on her wedding gown…"

I crossed my arms.

"No worry, this is why we have you, you will converse her to wear that wedding lingerie,"

Anastasie nodded and agree to this. This time I am ready to get Celina next, I already got Calista done. Next on the list is Celina. I stood up and handed Anastasie some coins, she didn't expect me to do this.

"Please do me a favor and buy some flowers for Roselind's family under my name…"

"Wait! Wouldn't it be better if you do it yourself?"

I softly smiled and shook my head.

"I would love to but I don't have much time left, When we do meet again… Let's have a drink at a cafe~"

I wave her goodbye and left the shop. I check the time, the pocket watch Kaiser got back, he give it back to me. Telling me to not lose it.

"It's time for me to meet up with Kaiser again!"

I went to the cafe, and there he was waiting. He smiled when he saw me, He had his arms out, waiting for me to link my arms with him.

"My lady~"

He teased me. How funny! I couldn't help but smile back at him and teased him as well.

"Yes my strange lord,"

I link my arms with him and we both head to the cafe. We order some things and we both sat, waiting for our order of some simple desserts. He orders some cookies and milk, and I order some simple pancakes with strawberries.

"Today is your birthday right?"

Oh! He remembers! I thought he wouldn't remember at all!

"Yes, today is my birthday,"

It looks like he was thinking about something.

"I wonder… how was your childhood… Tell me more about,"

I was taken aback by what he said. During the time we spent together, we got to know each other better of course! We just never ask more personal questions.

"Only if you're alright with that,"

He quickly said, I shook my head and smiled.

"No, it's alright! We did talk about our life a little bit but not much!"

I wasn't sure where to start to be honest.

"My childhood was also so cold for me… I had strict people around me, wanting me to be the perfect daughter, Kalina didn't like the idea of me being a noblewoman, she try her best to cancel all noble activities, but it seem my father didn't agree. I later find out, my father wanted me to be the perfect noble woman, to just married me off…"

"So then, is this when you stop trying to be a noblewoman?"

He question me as our food came. He thanked the waiters and turn his attention back to me.

"No, I wanted to get out as soon as I can… I thought marriage was the only way to leave this hell house… I study and follow those noble woman skills, on how to talk, walk, sing, sew, and how dance. Even learning a few piano lessons… I thought maybe by then, I'll get married faster and here I am… a slave to the Moon empire… How quick my life became,"

I fake a smile, trying to hide my sad smile. Kaiser didn't say anything but his eyes say it all… It feels like he understands how I felt.

"Does your father still want you to get married?"

Kaiser started to eat his cookie.

"No, it's not like he even cares! Besides, no one wants to marry a woman like me who got kicked out of her own family home,"

I grab the knife and fork and started to cut the pancake.

"Then… Why don't you marry me?"

I drop my fork onto the floor as my heart started to beat fast. My eyes widened and my cheek was little pink. How could he say it with such ease!? Does he say it to every other woman?! I bet he does…

"Stop joking, I know you say it to every other woman,"

I try to calmly grab the fork, however, Kaiser grabs the fork first. He was staring me right into my eyes.

"No, you're the first woman I said to, "

"T-then why did you say it!? It's not like you like me or anything!"

He pause for a bit, I guess I was right! It's not like he like me… he just like teasing me…

"I am not sure why I said it, it just felt like the right thing. Oh well! When I find the answer to why I said it, I'll tell you…"

He went back to eating his cookie and milk as if nothing happen! He is such a heartbreaker… Does he not know he is slowly breaking my heart? I wish he knew I love him…

"Here,"

He handed me a new fork that came out of his pocket.

"By the way Kaiser, I always wonder what meant when my wrist got hurt…"

He stop eating and look outside as the sky became gloomy.

"My father wasn't a very nice man…"

He went back to eating and soon drink the glass of milk. I shouldn't be noisy but I wonder who was he. How was his family? Maybe I should stop… I just look down at my almost finish pancake when I soon heard a soft chuckle. I look up kaiser.

"I know you are wondering…"

"You don't need to tell m-"

"No, it's alright… I trust you~"

Does he trusts me?? I couldn't help but softly smile at him. I am glad he can trust me.

"I only tell a few people about my past and you're one of them…"

He crossed his arms and I place my fork down. Waiting to hear what he got to say. I want to know more about his past history.

"That day you got hurt on your wrist, reminding me how my father did the same to my mother… My father was a horrible person, who enjoy hurting my mother… My mother is the second wife… He raped her and then blame her for seducing him… He hated her gem eyes and black curly hair, He sometime would hit her and grab her wrist so tightly it left a mark…"

I was shocked, I just end up coving my mouth and I could feel tears building up.

"My father also hated me… it mostly took it out on my mother because he believe I brought bad luck or something like that… I did my best to protect my mother… my stepmother who was the first wife… care about me and told me I should go live freely and she will protect my mother… Knowing my mother could never leave this marriage… I hate people who hurt weaker people just because they can! I promise you one thing… I wouldn't let anyone hurt you…"

He looks dead in my eyes and my eyes just widen. I am moved by what he said.

"Then Kaiser… I promise to also protect you… I may not be strong like everyone but my heart is strong enough to protect you… So whenever you need a shoulder to cry on… I'll be here for you,"

Without even knowing my tears just came and he wipe them away.

"Let's go… I believe the church is the next place,"

He held his hand out and I held his hand. We both head to the church and then it started to rain. Heading inside the church quickly and some of the church followers greeted us.

"My lord and my lady, what brings you to this church?"

"Greeting, we are here to meet Father Oaly on an old passing of Nimue Nyx Chela…"

I politely asked. They all nodded.

"I am sorry but who are you?"

One of the church followers asked.

"I am Vi-"

I stopped when I heard a laugh in the distance. Coming out of the shadow was a very handsome man! Red wavy hair and teal eye color. He wore glasses and he was very tall!

He was wearing a cross necklace and cross earrings! He is so handsome! I feel like my jaw could drop! Like Kaiser and this man are like top most handsome men I have ever seen!!! Eck!

"Viviana Oleander Chela~ I was hoping to see you on your wedding day but so soon! Getting married to this lovely monster~?"

He pointed at Kaiser and Kaiser smirked.

"I am honored to be called a monster~ May I ask who you are?"

"Oh! I apologize~ I am the new priest~ Priest Helios~ Priest Oaly passed away last month,"

"New priest!?"

Both I and Kaiser said out loud. Priest Helios softly laughed. There is no way he is a priest! Way too handsome and way too young!

"I know I am way too handsome Viviana~ That's why all the ladies come here to beg for forgiven~"

"I-I mean you are very handsome!"

I felt flustered by what he said, I could understand why they come here! Who wouldn't? I look over at Kaiser who seems pissed?? No way is he jealous?!

"Alright, Priest Helios enough of this flirting with my woman!"

He grabbed me and pull me closer to him. My woman?! Priest Helios softly laughed once again.

"My child~ Why would I ever steal the woman you going to marry ~?"

Married!? What's even going on!? Why is Kaiser even saying my woman when I bet he doesn't even like me?

"Priest Helios! I am here to find my mother's burial… to say my last goodbye,"

"I knew the time would come… my follower will show you it… your father did his best to hide it but I would never allow it… Now let's get you going…"

Some of the followers lead me to the back door of the church and Kaiser was about to follow me when Priest Helios stopped him.

"I would like to speak to you child…"

I heard Kaiser stays inside the church as they showed me my mother's burial. It was far from everyone else and cover with red roses. It didn't help that it was raining hard. The follower left me alone and I couldn't believe this! Is this really my mother's burial!?

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Priest Helios and Kaiser were now alone.

"Your highness…"

Priest Helios bowed and Kaiser was shocked. How did this Priest know he was a royal person?!

"You may be wondering how I know Prince Elatha…"

Priest Helious got up and softly smiled at Elatha.

"How do you know I am really prince Elatha?"

Priest Helious laughed.

"Ruby eyes and snowy white hair~ You are the sign of the next emperor of the Moon empire~"

"Answer me how do you know I am Prince Elatha!?"

Kaiser shouted and Priest Helious shook his finger.

"My child… You are a fool to think I don't know anything~ God blessed me with the power to know the truth and see the future… I knew one day you will come~ I Can see the fire in your eyes~ You'll be a great emperor… but people will think you're ruthless… how sad~"

"You're wrong! I will never become the next emperor! I never wanted that bloody curse throne my father sat on!"

Priest Helious shook his head with a smile.

"By the time you realize it… it is too late~ Beside… you will soon know the answer to your cursed heart~ The answer from which you believe Viviana heart can save you~ When you do realize it… it is too late~ The lovely moment you had with her be gone~ Unless you become the next emperor~"

"Tch… I told you already… I am not going to become the next emperor! My older brother will and I will work by his side… And also about Viviana… I know I'll protect her… she is just a good friend…"

"Hahaha! Good friend? My child… it's more then just friends~ Since it's to late… I must leave you to solve this… only by being emperor can you save not only her but everyone who looks up to you~"

Priest Helious smoke appeared and he soon disappeared. Kaiser was confused a bit about what the Priest said, what does he mean too late?! More than just friends?? Kaiser shook those thought and went to find Viviana in this cold rain.

Viviana was sitting on the cold ground and hugging the thorn rose that wrapped around the tombstone. Crying her eyes out in silence… As the rain just keeps pouring down…

"Viviana! You're bleeding!"

He grabbed her wrist and gently tuck her towards him.

"No! I can't! My mother.! It took so long to find he-"

He pulled her up on her feet and cupped her cheeks. Seeing her tears brushing again some cuts because of the rose thorn. Looking into her eyes. He slowly realizes something… From all those time he spends time with her… All those sweet moments and sad times they went through…

He now knew the answer to why he cared so much about her and why he says all those things… He was a dumb fool who was in love with her without even realizing it. He may have hurt her by making it seem like he never liked her…

He hugged her tightly. Realizing… the key to healing him wasn't her heart… It was her love~

"Cry all you want… I am here for you… I understand it's a lot to take in… just let it all out,"

Viviana cries out loud into his shoulder. He slowly pulled away and healed her cuts and wipe her tears away. In his head, all he could say is… 'I love you and I'm sorry…'

"Let me help you clear the rose thorn…"

He used his magic to make it disappear. Viviana once again fell onto her knees and hugged the tome stone…

"I am a sorry mother for being late… I am sorry for not finding you sooner… I am sorry for being so weak… Mother, I am now a grown woman today… You'll be so proud to see me today all grown and beautiful~"

Viviana touches the tome stone that has the curving of her mother's name written.

"I love you, mom… I wish you could be here with me and see all the amazing things that happen in my life… and see an amazing person…"

Viviana softly smiled and Kaiser softly smiled as well.

"Mom… I promise to live a good life and… I'll promise to come back to visit you…"

Viviana slowly stood up with her dress being covered in mud. Viviana slowly turn around to face Kaiser who was staring at her the whole time.

"Thank you, Kaiser… I owe you so many things… I'll one day pay you ba-"

He kissed her lips softly. Wrapping his arms around her waist. Viviana was taken back with her eyes widening as Kaiser pulled away.

"Viviana… I find the answer…"

"...What… is it then…?"

Kaiser cupped her cheeks,

"I'm in love with you…"

He brush her wet hair out of her face and kissed her again, this time deeper and much sweeter.