The Awkward Start

"So, the first impression is the last impression. Since the princes would be here anytime, we should welcome them with a bright face and their favorite snacks since they already had dinner with his majesty.

I have asked the staff to make a lot of macrons as snacks with warm milk since these are favorites of the crown prince and warm tea for the second prince.

They would definitely praise you and feel touched, your majesty." Katherine nodded, though she did not understand how a macron or warm milk could win hearts but looking at the cheering and confident face of the girl, her heart fluttered a bit with anticipation too.

If only Luci would realize that she loved Len too, would he be able to forgive her for their last life? The thought clawed her heart. She wanted to tell that it was only for their survival but Luci never believed her.

He only thought that she was a powerful woman that could win against anyone. If only he knew, that behind this magnificent aura of a strong mage and empress, she was just an empty shell in her past life who was dependent on her husband for her every action. Who was so scared that her husband would not like her, so she continued to behave like a doormat until he crossed all the limits and the love she had for him turned into hatred and greed for power.

But it was when he had turned into a tyrant and had lost his sanity. For now, he was a wise and kind ruler, just a cold husband. But she did not want to be a wife anymore, she wanted to be the mother who was loved by their kids.

"Your majesty, his highness the crown prince and the second prince have arrived!" Katherine stood straighter at their mention. Her cold and dark eyes flickered a bit as she wiped her sweaty hands with her dress.

"Alright, ask them to come in." she fidgeted in her seat as she noticed the intense gaze of the maid on her. Just why in the world had she asked for her help.

She had not felt that nervous when she had worn the crown for the first time and faced the empire.

"My lady, you remember the words i have given to memorize you, right?" here! She asked the question that was troubling Katherine. Just remembering those words made her cringe, yet she nodded her head and the smile on the face of the maid broadened.

The sound of footsteps broke their attention as the maid ran to hold the coat of both of them.

They took off their coats and cape and walked towards Katherine whose mind was swirling with all those words yet none of it was coming out of her tongue.

"Your majesty."

"Mother!"

"I was not expecting you to be awake since it is too late. Why are you still up!" Did he need to ask that? And that also with such a straight face as if he had no idea.

Katherine felt awful. The maid had told her to start her speech when the princes would ask her if she was waiting for them. But now what she was supposed to do when he asked like that.

"Umm, maybe she was waiting for you!" Len, who saw her getting embarrassed, elbowed his brother who was looking bored and tired as if he wanted to leave for his room instantly.

Luci raised a brow and then laughed, raising his head to the ceiling as if he had heard a great joke.

"What are you saying brother? Do you think her majesty did not have any work to wait for both of us when she could meet us in the morning? You are being too thoughtful here.

I am sure she must be busy with her work. Right mother?" her hold on her dress tightened as her jaw clenched. She felt her body getting cold and what was worse! The maid was looking at her as if she was pathetic.

She felt the gaze of Len turning at her as if he wanted to know the answer from her. Or was he waiting for her to prove Luci wrong. But did he expect her to say that 'no! Son, I was really waiting for you with warm macarons so that you think that I love you!'

Ha! Why was she even expecting in the first place from the boy who only blamed her and never saw her intentions.

"Yes, you are right. I was working on a file and just got time so I thought I should welcome you before retiring for bed." she said as she stood up. She could not bear to stay in the same space with them with a straight face.

"Since you look tired, you should go and rest too." she added when Luci stood up and nodded. He stifled a yawn as he gave her a courteous nod and left the room.

He did not even hug her as the maid had said that he would! She waited for the other one to leave too. She had no words left to tell him but why did he not move?

She raised her head from the ground and saw him staring at the macrons and milk. The maids had told her that he loved macarons. Could it be that he was hungry?

Well, getting indigestion with the company of her husband was normal. But would it be alright, if she would offer him some? What if he was not able to eat comfortably in her presence too.

Then he would have to sleep with an empty stomach. She felt bad for the kid but her eyes softened at that thought too.

She forgot how cold she was just a minute ago as she smiled and tried to speak in a soft voice.

"Are you hungry, Lennox? If you want, you can have the macrons the maid has brought for me. I am not hungry anyway.. And tired! So, you can enjoy them leisurely alone."

".........."