CHAPTER 18 (Likes You)

~~ 15 October 1896 ~~

~~ Siagu's POV ~~

*The same time when Emperor Siagu XV and HRHC Sae have their meeting at Emperor Siagu's office*

I am currently watching the fish swimming on the pond here at the Imperial Garden, while Radhesh and a few Imperial Palace courtiers are just standing behind me, keeping me company. While staring at the pond, I suddenly yawned in boredom after a few minutes of observing the fish.

I wasn't able to get a good night's sleep last night because I almost spend the entire night contemplating and thinking the words my mom told me.

Last night, I was reprimanded by my mother and father after hearing what I did to Princess Khao. Although they told me that it wouldn't really matter if I have done that to my cousins since we already knew each other, but for me to have done that to Princess Khao is unacceptable.

My mother was pretty upset to me last night which put me into a sour mood and guilt. Even my Aunt Haimi, who heard what happened from her daughter, added salt to my wound by reminding me that she (Princess Khao) will be my wife soon, and it was not good for me to tease her like that.

Obviously, my entire family is on her side, and they even demanded that I ask for Princess Khao's forgiveness before tonight's ball. Can't blame them though for taking her side, I went a bit too far on messing with her at the pagoda. We aren't even close yet but I am already teasing her with that. Idiot me…

As I continue to gaze onto the pond, an entourage of Siamese courtiers accompanying Princess Khao are walking towards the Temple of St Felipe at the further end of the garden. Princess Khao is currently wearing her regal traditional clothing called chut thai. She is really standing out to the crowds because of her fair skin and defining features.

As I was staring at her, Radhesh suddenly started talking.

"Sir, I think it would be nice for you to accompany Princess Khao towards the Temple of St Felipe. The Princess and her entourage are not yet well-versed in the entirety of the complex, they might get lost. Besides, you can also take this opportunity to ask for her forgiveness." He said while standing behind me.

"You are right. Let us go then." I agreed instantly as we started to make our way towards Princess Khao and her entourage. What is there to not grab this chance on accompanying them towards the Temple of St Felipe? The Imperial Garden is indeed huge and people who are not well versed with the garden's structure might get lost. I for once got lost in this very garden, good thing a gardener found me.

After a second, we finally caught up to them.

"Good morning, Princess Khao." I said while smiling at her. She then faces towards me alongside her entourage who instantly curtsy and bow their heads towards me.

"Good morning, Your Imperial Highness." She replied as she curtsies to me.

"I told you already, Princess. There is no need for you to curtsy in front of me." I said trying to remind her of what I said yesterday.

"Forgive me, Sir. But you are of much higher standing than me and I am obligated to show respect unto you." She seriously said as she looked me in the eyes. Looks like she is still upset about yesterday's fiasco.

"Suit yourself then." I said nonchalantly. "Anyhow, it looks like you and your entourage are heading towards the Temple of St Felipe. If you don't mind, can I accompany you there?" I said while I walk closer to her, offering myself to accompany her towards the temple.

"It won't be necessary, Sir. My courtiers and I can handle this already." She smilingly replied while rejecting my offer. Not minding her rejection, I then clap back at her

"The Imperial Garden is quite huge, you know? You might get lost, especially since all of you are still not well-versed in navigating the entire garden. Am I correct?" I grinningly said while looking at her courtiers who are now looking down, trying to avoid my gazes.

"Looks like I am correct, Princess. Shall we?" I said while showing that I am correct and offering her once more the way for us both to start walking. Her eyebrows are now twitching in anger. Looks like she is really upset now. I am really bad at handling women.

"Huuu… Okay then. Let us go now, sir." She said after taking a deep breath and trying to calm herself.

"Great!" I smiled as we both started to walk at the pathway heading to the Temple of St Felipe while both of our entourages are walking 2 metres behind us, trying to give us some sense of privacy.

As we take our walk, towering bamboo shoots sway gently in the breeze, creating a rhythmic dance of tranquillity. The sun peeks through the foliage, casting soft rays of light that filter through the canopy and paint the surroundings with a warm glow. While small bamboo trees sway gently as the wind blows at them.

The natural sounds of nature embrace us—the melodious chirping of birds, the distant rustling of leaves, and the occasional whisper of the wind among the bamboo stalks, it almost looks like a drama rather than real life.

As we walk further inside the bamboo forest, Princess Khao decided to brush her fingers against the bamboo leaves, wanting to feel the bamboo's smooth, delicate texture. Occasionally, a breeze passes through the bamboo, causing its leaves to rustle gently, producing a soothing melody that accompanies our steps while also having some small leaves fall on her.

As the wind blows towards her, I could not help but mesmerize by her beauty. Her hair dance gently in the air as the breeze blows it accompanied by a couple of bamboo leaves. She looks like a beautiful goddess who came down to earth to experience human life.

Unbeknownst to me, I am already stopped walking and just continued to stare at her the whole time as she continues to feel the texture of the small bamboo. I only recovered as gentle tapings are being done on my face.

"Siagu? Are you alright?" She inquires worriedly while continuing to tap my face.

I gently remove her hands from my face and calmly compose myself. Not wanting to destroy this chance to ask for forgiveness.

"I am fine, Khao. Thank you for that. I was just thinking something." I said, assuring her that I am fine. I continue my walk as I invite her once more "Shall we continue?"

A nod is what I have received from her before she walks beside me. A few minutes after walking through the entire bamboo forest, we finally arrived at the Temple of St Felipe, the priest who converted the entire Rajahnate to Christianity.

A gasping sound enters my ears prompting me to look behind, only to see the courtiers of Princess Khao being mesmerised by the beauty of the temple. I mean, who wouldn't be? The temple itself is one of the pride of our family, it was well maintained and is always visited by us every time we couldn't make it to the Temple of Sooraj.

At the entrance of the temple is an arched entrance gate adorned with intricate carvings and delicate filigree. Which befits the prestige and importance this temple holds for our family. Before reaching the temple itself, a garden neatly trimmed can be seen on the temple grounds while some life-size statues of the saints are erected in the garden.

The temple's structure is characterized by elegant simplicity, with clean lines and gentle curves. Its compact size creates an intimate atmosphere, providing a sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and quiet contemplation. The building is crafted from smooth, weathered stone with a golden-painted wooden roof while a golden cross stands on top of the 3 domes.

"Woah… what a beautiful temple." Princess Khao said while slowly making her way towards the main door of the temple. An excited and amaze expression flashes to her face as she continues to look around, especially at the golden door. As she arrived at the temple door, she then started to touch it with care, as if she is feeling the texture of the door itself.

Seeing how she reacts, I suddenly blurted out a small laugh, which gained her attention and look me in the eye.

"Why are you laughing?" She seriously inquired

"It was just. I never thought that the temple's structure can make you this excited." I explained while forcing myself to stop smiling

"Can't help it though. The architectural design of this temple is just too beautiful, even this gilded golden door is immaculate to see." She said as she focussed her attention once again back on the door.

"You want to come inside?" I smile waiting for her response. Although the exterior of the temple is already immaculate, the inside is much better. The temple itself can hold up to 80-100 individuals. Designed to be the prayer room of the entire Imperial Family, this temple has served its purpose.

"Really?!" She replied excitedly as she clasps her hands together and slowly draws closer to me. I nod in response as I pushed the temple's door and invited her inside. But before I entered the temple, I first faced the entire entourage behind us, looking at all of them.

"You all must stay here outside. No one is allowed to enter except for members of the Imperial Household. Radhesh, kindly cater for these courtiers." I said seriously before following Princess Khao inside the temple.

As I enter the temple, the fragrance of freshly lit incense lingers in the air. While the entire expanse of the interior is being illuminated by the light from the sun which seeps through the windows.

The walls of the temple are plain white marble decorated with golden leaves and candle stands, while paintings of St Felipe hang on the walls of inside the temple. At the heart of the building is the small altar, adorned with ornate carvings and golden accents. The altar holds sacred objects, such as the holy bible, the cross St Felipe used to wear when he was still alive, and a golden chalice adorned with different precious stones on its body.

Seeing the entire inside of the temple, a genuine smile flashes to the Princess's face.

"Are you happy?" I asked in curiosity, she then turns her head towards me and smile much wider

"I am indeed happy, Siagu. Thank you so much!" she noddingly replied before running towards me and abruptly hugged me. Our both bodies touch each other while hugging, I was caught off guard resulting in me not being able to react much faster.

Realizing her abrupt reaction, she then separates herself from me and shyly looked on the floor not wanting me to see her face only saying "sorry."

I smiled before saying "It is okay, Khao. I get your reaction. You are welcome in showing you this place." I then touch her head and gently scratch it assuring her that what she did is understandable.

"It should be I who should ask for forgiveness from you. I… I am sorry, I am sorry for what I have done yesterday. I was just trying to be friendly with you, but I never thought that you would get upset and be mad at me. I am really sorry." I said genuinely. It took me a lot of time to look for a perfect moment to ask for her forgiveness. But it looks like I always got distracted by her beauty. Silly me.

She then lifted her head up trying to look at me while also gently removing my hand on her head.

"M-hm… I am sorry also for exploding yesterday out of a small joke. I reacted disgracefully." She said while small tears formed in her eyes, out of embarrassment maybe that small tears formed on her eyes.

Seeing that she is about to cry, I wipe the tears in her eyes with my right hand while my left-hand holds her face up. Why is she getting redder?

"Are you sick? Why are you getting redder? Are you having a fever?" I said while placing my hands on her forehead and neck wanting to check her temperature and pulse. She then removes my hands from her face before excusing herself in haste.

"I am fine, Siagu. Excuse me first and thank you once again." She rushes out of the temple in haste towards the exit of the temple garden while holding both of her cheeks with her hands. While I am being left inside the temple full of confusion.

"Fine? Then why are you covering your face then? I'm confused." I said as I tilt my head on my left trying to understand what really happed to her. After a few minutes of contemplating and not finding the reason, I finally exited the building and was instantly greeted by Radhesh and the courtiers.

"What happened with Princess Khao, Sir?" He worriedly inquired. He must have seen her run in haste towards the exit.

"I don't know what happened to her. She just suddenly started turning red after I console her, and when I asked if she is sick, she denied it and then exited the building, leaving me confused. Is that a sign of fever, Radhesh." I seriously inquired him. A mischievous smile then appeared on Radhesh's face while courtiers behind him are giggling as they whisper with each other.

"What is so funny here, Radhesh? I am asking if the Princess is sick or not but instead, all of you started to smile and giggle." I said feeling a bit frustrated about being ignorant of what is going on.

"Nothing, Sir. It's just that we are all happy for you." Radhesh said while continuing to giggle in amusement

"Happy? Happy for what?" I spoke

"She likes you, Sir." Radhesh said while grinning as he moves his eyebrows up and down.

She likes what?!