9 Comfort

His words were so shocking that I couldn't even speak after hearing them. "Isn't that right, Your Majesty?" He said and smiled sweetly. I could only stare at him, flabbergasted, because he could still remain composed in this situation. "Ah... yes," I said as I smiled, trying to hide the awkwardness I'm feeling right now.

We soon left the throne room to eat lunch together. Before I went to the dining hall, I walked to my room and closed the door immediately. I stood behind the door, eyes widened and my mouth gaped open due to shock.

What was he talking about? My Father never said anything about that. But... my Father also did not say anything when he said those words. Am I supposed to be wedded to that man?

Well... something like this isn't uncommon to us, but to be wedded to the emperor of the neighboring kingdom is something... I did not expect at all. I actually thought that I was supposed to get married to the son of Duke Castiello, Adonis Castiello, but I suppose that's not the case.

"Krishiella... you have to calm down. Take deep breaths and---" I was shocked when the door suddenly opened. I slumped on the floor as the door hit my back.

"Oh my..." I said as I tried to sit up straight. I looked up, and my forehead creased when I saw the person standing before me. "Excuse me, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Oh... I thought you were taking so long, so I offered to come to get you since I'm your fiancé," he said as he scratched his head. "Still! To barge into a lady's room—" I was cut off when he offered his hand. "Allow me to help you, my lady," he said and smiled sheepishly. I sighed as I took his hand.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" He asked as he scanned my body. "No, I'm not. Let's head to the dining hall for now," I said and went out. He followed me out, and we walked to the dining hall silently.

This man is kind of getting on my nerves, but I have to put up with it since he's still an emperor. I don't want to be with him, let alone be wedded to him.

He broke the awkward silence when he spoke, "Um... Please be honest with me. Was I intruding earlier?" Without second thoughts, I immediately said, "Yes."

"Oh..." He stopped walking and his shoulders drooped when he heard my reply. "I'm sorry. I kept knocking earlier, but I suppose you did not hear it. Still, what I did was still inexcusable. I was in the wrong. Please forgive me, my lady," he said.

I stopped walking and turned to face him. "It's alright, Your Imperial Majesty. The way I talked to you was rude, and it was also inexcusable. Please forgive my behavior," I said and lowered my head a bit.

I could hear his footsteps as he walked closer. He stopped walking when he was already a few centimeters away from me. I couldn't see his face from here, so I had no choice but to look up to him.

"I actually wanted to make a good impression, but I guess I failed," he said and smiled as he avoided my gaze. His ears turned red, and I couldn't help but think that he looks adorable.

"No, not at all," I whispered to myself. "Pardon?" He said as he looked at me in confusion. "Nothing. I said, let's continue walking," I said and smiled. "Oh, alright," he replied.

We continued walking to the dining hall, and when we arrived, we started eating.

After we ate, my Father told me to spend some time with the Emperor. "Father, would you please explain what is going on? I haven't heard anything about being his fiancé. Why didn't you inform me before meeting him?" I asked, staring directly into his eyes. "I'm sorry, my dear Krishiella. I didn't know how to explain it to you," he said as he looked down, clearly guilty because he knows he was in the wrong.

"I would have understood you if you told me. Something this important shouldn't be kept hidden from me especially since I am directly involved in this. I was even the last person to be informed about this. It was hard trying to remain composed and acting as if I knew about this, when in fact, I knew nothing at all," I said, nearly on the verge of crying.

My chest feels so heavy. I've never felt this offended before. Do they think that I'm a pushover? Do they think that it's fine even if they won't tell me, since our wedding would still take place no matter what?

"Krishiella, your Father thought it would be the best option for you..." My Mother said as she held my hand tightly. I pulled my hand from her grip and said, "No, it wasn't the best. I am your daughter before I'm the princess. Shouldn't you consider what I feel, too?" I said before walking out of the room.

I could sense that my tears would start falling once I completely let my guard down.

As I was running in the halls, someone suddenly grabbed my arm. "Why are you crying?" He asked. I immediately wiped my tears and said, "It's something you shouldn't be concerned about."

I continued walking and found myself standing in the garden in the west wing of the palace where my brother frequently goes. I sat under a tree, looked down, and freely let my tears roll down my cheeks.

I think I'm overreacting. This might be because of my pent-up feelings, but I guess this is as far as I can take.

As I've said earlier, I rarely get sad. Or more like... I don't know if I'm sad or if I just feel empty.

I looked up when I saw a pair of feet standing in front of me. "Why are you here? I thought I already told you that it's something you shouldn't be concerned about," I said as I glared daggers at him.

He sat in front of me and said, "I know that I'm not exactly someone you can vent to since we just met today, but at least let me provide you some comfort." He moved to sit next to me and continued talking, "You could use warm hugs right?"

I could only stare at him in awe. How can someone be like this? This isn't exactly what I'm looking for right now... but I guess I could use a few hugs.

I nodded as a response. He wrapped his arms around me tightly. "It's okay. Everything will be alright soon. You'll feel better soon, so let it all out. I'll be your crying shoulder for now," he whispered.

My chest tightened and I found myself bawling my eyes out under his comfort. His hug felt so affectionate, gentle, and warm. He didn't ask me what made me cry. He didn't say anything unnecessary. He kept quiet as I wept.

I guess this is what I needed the most. Someone I could run to, someone I could find comfort...

Someone whose arms feel like home...

Someone like Vaughn...