21 More than Image

CLIO

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein"

Clio rolled her eyes as she closed the book she was reading. "Even their genius knew what they were really like."

To her surprise, the two human females came into the library where she was.

She immediately went back to her book, hoping that they didn't see her.

'What are they even doing here?' she thought as she pretended to reread the book that she was studying.

Not wanting to be irritated, she continued to scan the book entitled The Laws of Human Nature.

She has always been interested in humans since they are the only beings that the Emperor doesn't meddle with. She was wondering if they are so brilliant that they can be left on their own.

Or they were too stupid to even be concerned about.

Now that she has finally met one face-to-face, or two, she thought it was the latter.

As she was back to being engrossed in her study, an unanticipated event happened to her.

The Emperor gave a letter of command to her.

"Ready the humans for the upcoming ball."

Her muscles went rigid, making it difficult for her to put the letter back in its envelope.

Balls are where the nobles of Edinians are gathered to socialize with one another. And it will be held in a few days.

'But I thought they were already leaving?' her eyes darted to the eastern window of the library.

She saw them leave with the King, Sefro, and Echid to Valethea.

'Did they fail? Why would the Emperor want them to join the ball?' she gritted her teeth. "Could he perhaps believe she is Hyouka? That is absurd. She is just a human."

But since it was an order from the Emperor and she wanted to make a good impression on him, she immediately went to where they were.

She was walking along the hallways to where they were when she met one of the dukes in Edin, making her immediately bow down and greet him. Though her toes crinkled inside her shoes.

"What a pleasant surprise. I didn't know you would be here, your grace. You're looking lovelier than ever," his eyes glinted with a distinct glow.

Clio's lips flattened as she tried to control her breath.

He was one of these old lords who blatantly expressed his desire for her even though he already has a wife.

His eyebrows shot up as he waited for Clio to extend her hand as customary for women so the men could kiss her hand.

Clio's hands gathered at the seams of her gown, crumpling it unconsciously, as she wanted to refuse the greeting.

But she has never failed the laws of Edin, particularly etiquette, no matter where she is, in case someone saw her and accused her of being unladylike.

Her nose wrinkled as she lifted her hand slowly, making the duke smirk while closing his eyes, ready to taste the skin of a young woman with his aged lips.

She bit her lips, willing to endure the disgusting act. But to her astonishment, King Adamos appeared out of nowhere and cleared his throat.

"I believe you are needed in the Chancery right now, Pantero. What are you doing in this part of the Palace?" his eyes squinted at him.

The Duke immediately stepped back. His trembling hand quickly shoved itself behind his back as he replied in a quivering voice, "I apologize, your Majesty. I just so happened to see the Duchess of Miteia on my way there."

Clio tilted her head downward and glanced sideways. She wanted to leave right then and there. But since it is not proper to do that, especially in the presence of His Majesty, she kept her feet planted on the ground.

"Then what are you waiting for? Leave," one of King Adamos' eyebrows lifted as he ordered in a low and threatening voice.

"A-Affirmative, your Majesty, your grace," his feet quickly scuffled away.

Seeing that he had left earlier than expected, Clio heaved out a sigh of relief.

As she was now breathing properly, King Adamos spoke up, "You are more than your image, Clio. I know about Pantero's intentions. Stay away from him."

Clio's heart seemed to stop at that moment. Slowly, she glanced up at the King who was also gazing at her intently.

His emerald green eyes were a mixture of worry and concern, making Clio's heart start beating again. This time, at a faster rate.

No one has said that to her before.

She has always noticed the King's magnetic charms. But this time, it seemed like it was more captivating, making him appear more godly than he already was.

As she didn't know how to react, she quickly bowed her head and asked for permission to leave, which the King didn't hesitate to give to her.

She continued to walk towards the humans' Chamber. As she did so, she couldn't help but recall how she tried to get the King's attention before but failed.

'Should I try it again, now?' she thought as she turned left to where the Chamber was.

Seeing that she was already nearing the Chamber, she gathered in a deep breath and made her entrance.

"Oh, I would love to attend a ball!" Lady Joyce's hands flew in front of her chest, her eyes twinkling as she darted her attention to Lady Evie.

It seemed like Lady Evie had a different view, as color seemed to drain from her face.

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Don't lose yourself trying to be everything for everyone.