CHAPTER 9

Xavier instructed the maids who opened the box and out of it came one beautiful gown. She knew Xavier was talented but this was so beautiful she wanted to get out of the tub to touch it but she held herself back.

“I love it, thank you,” she said.

“I’m glad that you do. I want you to wear it to the palace,” he said and she looked at him.

“Are you sure about that?”

“I am, I want all eyes to be on you,” he said his gaze now on her and she smiled.

She loved how his gaze was on her, he wasn’t flickering, she could see everything in his eyes and it scares her a lot. She couldn’t do what he expected her to do for him. It would only hurt him and yet she could see that he was honest. She didn’t want to hurt him at all.

With this visit she will settle everything and let everything return back to its original form. It would be better that way; he would have a normal life and he would forget her one day which was good.

“I’m honored Xavier, come here,’ she said and he walked to where she was.

He stood there not knowing what to do. She smiled since most of her body was covered in rose petals and one could barely see a thing.

“Give me a massage, it’s been long since I had one from you,” she said and Xavier put his hands on her shoulders.

She felt the spark which always terrifies her. All her life she had never fell for anyone, never loved anyone or thought of settling down and has a family. Ever since she found out that she was cursed she just thought it was for the best to not even have anyone in her heart until the time she met him.

She closed her eyes and let Xavier performs his magic on her. She loosened up as he massaged her shoulders.

“Mistress, the banquet will be starting in two hours. You need to start changing,” Nora said and she opened her eyes.

“Xavier, go and change. I will meet you when I am done,” Valery said putting her hand on top of his.

“I will be waiting for you,” he said and left. She took a deep breath and sighed. Nora looked at her and smiled. She knew her very well.

Nora helped her out of the tub and the maids dried her body. She wore her undergarments before putting on the black gown that Xavier had brought for her. It was beautiful, she couldn’t help admiring it.

She loved the way the phoenix thread was used to embroider the lotus on the back of the gown. She was reminded of her mother, back then when she was alive, she would dress like the mother of the nation.

Her mother loved the phoenix so most of her clothing had its pattern. She just loved the lotus which is why her clothes were like that. She really looked beautiful in it.

Because her hair was very long, she hated styling it into a huge pile just like how those women in the royal harem do. Unlike other women her hair was a weapon and fought so many battles with her. She loved her hair loose.

The maids combed her hair and styled it in the front by plaiting two small lines of cornrow before putting her headdress on. The headdress was simple and light and matched the gown she was wearing. Xavier had gone to such great length to see her happy.

Would this really be goodbye? It wasn’t time to show any emotions, she had things to do. She wore her black shoes even when they couldn’t be seen because of the length of the gown.

When everything was finished time had already passed. She left her room and took the stairs down. They all went down on their knees and let her pass and exit the inn. The carriage was waiting for her. She wasn’t taking a lot of people to the palace but Nora, Xavier and four guards.

Xavier took her hand and helped her into the carriage before joining her. He looked more handsome and refined. One could tell he was noble and the life he was leading wasn’t his.

She was going to return him to his parents. They probably had no idea that he was alive, they will be happy to see him alive and well. He would then leave her and she will be alone and hurt but that would fade.

She was destined to live a very long life alone and being with people would only hurt her more.

“Did you design your robes too?” she asked after looking at Xavier.

“Yes, I did,” he replied and smiled.

“Anyone who will look at us will think we are a couple,” she said noticing how their outfits complimented each other.

He smiled at her and took her hand in his. It was big and warm.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he said.

“I don’t, I like it,” she replied with a smile.

She was going to make sweet memories that day and, in the future, she will look back and think about it and be happy again.

The carriage entered the Forbidden City after stopping for a few minutes. The city was like a prison for those who were inside. She wondered why women were so eager to live there.

She loved the mountain; she grew up doing anything she wanted and yet this whole city that belonged to the Emperor and his wives was something she wouldn’t want at all.

“Are you okay?” she asked Xavier noticing how quiet he was.

“I can’t believe that after a decade I’m returning to this place,” he replied.

“Wouldn’t you want to see what they look like now?”

“I’m curious but the person who wanted me dead is also in this place too. You never told me who that person is all these years. Did you bring me along because you want me to know now?” he asked her.

She didn’t want to tell him but she wanted to show him. It would be hard and antagonizing but that was how it was and nothing would change it.

“Do you trust me?” she asked.

“I do, with my life,” he replied.

“That’s good then. I will get justice for you but first we need to set a trap. I need you to play along. Can you do that?”

“Yes, I will. Whatever you want me to do, I will do it,” he said.

“Then trust me, everything will be over soon,” she said fully knowing exactly what was going to happen.

She really wished that there was another way but this was the only way. He would get what he wants and something more and she will lose him forever. She closed her eyes and calmed herself down.

Last time she got emotional she slept for a very long time. She wouldn’t want to do that now.