CHAPTER 8- Someone Capable

Ripping the heart of dark night, the sun again raised spreading its light. Maybe because I was sitting inside the Imperial Palace, I was lucky enough to see the most magnificent sunrise. Something feels different about today even though my morning routine was still the same. Washing with the help of the maids who were standing in front of the door, I wore fresh clothes. Looking at myself in the mirror, it was a little hard for me to believe I am the same girl from yesterday.

Peach-colored floral worked V-necked gown with a pair of minimal heels and small pearl earrings, it was different from the usual style I wore so far. To make myself look appealing, I always wore either dark-colored gowns or pants like lady knights. Because it is impossible to have a grasp over the arrogant aristocrats who run big merchant guilds.

'' His Grace has good eyes. The dress suits you perfectly.'' One of the maids spoke while brushing my hair. I looked at her shocked, '' Grand Duke chose this for me?'' She nodded while smiling leaving me speechless. Didn't he say that we will be married for name nothing more? Wait.....

Are we supposed to act like a lovey-dovey couple in front of others? I smirked and mumbled,

'' It will be fun if it's like this.''

After finishing dressing up, I followed the maid who led me to the main dining room which is used by the Imperial Family only. The door in front of me opened and with full confidence, I walked inside.

The dining room for Imperial Family is actually something else. If luxury had a picture then it would be the picture in front of me.

The Emperor was sitting at the head seat, next to him on the left side Empress Gertrude, next to her was Euradian and beside him was sitting third Prince Henry. The most interesting part was where Ethan was sitting. He was sitting on the right side of the Emperor. Is this some kind of power distribution? Where am I going to sit? A maid showed me my seat breaking my confusion.....

My seat is next to Ethan. Walking closer I greeted the Emperor and Empress,

'' Long live the sun and moon of Elemare. May the Almighty bless you will utmost prosperity.''

Emperor smiled and told me to seat. I sat next to Ethan who had a grim expression on his face yet he looked too handsome to be true. Unlike last time, he was wearing proper clothes according to his status. But is this man actually 27? Why does he look like 18? Having good natural skin is indeed a blessing.

'' How is your body now?'' Unexpectedly Ethan spoke first though his tone was cold as ice. I replied, '' Better than before.'' '' Don't fall sick often. The North is a barren land.'' His last word made me annoyed. Can't this man say a normal thing to me without poking me? I gave him a tight smile and nodded, '' Don't worry, Your Grace. I am very much healthy to fall sick often.'' Ethan gave me a small nod and started eating.

''pss! What a jerk!'' I mumbled but he heard and also gave me a reply, '' It is a well-known fact.'' While I was busy whispering to Ethan there was someone else whose piercing gaze was making me feel uncomfortable. Whose gaze it was, none other than Euradian's. What is the problem with this guy?

'' Lady Daliah,'' Suddenly Empress started a talk with me. Empress was a person whom I desperately try to avoid but always end up getting sucked by her. Her hazel green eyes were staring at me intensely. What a pain!

'' Yes, Your Majesty, The Empress.'' Though I had no intention to sound disrespectful, I did end up sounding cold and uninterested.

'' Rumors are going around you beat up a Young Count in the Emergency Meeting?'' She asked me a question with the clear intention of insulting me. Ha as if!

'' This isn't a rumor but an extraction of a practical action,'' I replied to her insulting intention with a smile on my face. She frowned and I continued speaking, '' To be precise, I threw a silver pen's nip twice at the Young Count. One in the middle of his forehead and another on his nose for insulting The Knight Captain.''

A light chuckle left from the Emperor's mouth who didn't seem disappointed about my behavior. The corner of Euradian's lips curved a little but that disappeared in a moment.

Empress scoffed. With visible disappointment, she made her final strike in the least expected way, '' What else can be expected from the daughter of a countryside noblewoman!''

My hands started getting cold after hearing her rude and harsh comment. I clenched my fork tightly trying not to lose my mind and say something that will put me in a tight position.

'' Isn't it more interesting that the daughter of a countryside noblewoman's currently yielding more money than the daughter of an Imperialist Duke?'' Ethan suddenly spoke in a casual manner as if it was nothing making me look at him in disbelief Empress didn't speak back or even show any sign of opposition after all who will go to argue with the crazy monster of North? But his words did give me a comfort that I never felt in my entire life. Even though it wasn't much but through his comment he clearly cleared the fact that I, Daliah Vermuld hold more grasp over the money flow than the Empress herself.

The rest of the breakfast passed without much problem just Empress would keep shooting death glares in my direction from time to time. After finishing my breakfast, I followed Ethan outside. It was only us when we walked out of the room giving us some space to talk.

'' Thank you, Your Grace, both for the dress and what happened inside.'' I strike up a conversation this time. Ethan stopped walking and turned his body to face me. This is the first time we were standing face to face that also so closely. His dazzling white hair looked breathtaking due to the morning daylight, and his ruby-red eyes as always looked impassive.

'' Behave in the same bold and honest way you behaved in the meeting room if someone tries to disgrace you from now.'' His words came out as a whisper in my ears, though there wasn't any presence of emotion in his tone, it still sounded mellifluous voice.

'' If I go around acting like all high and prideful won't that harm your reputation, Your Grace?" I said in a light chuckling way. But what I heard in return made me freeze on my spot.

'' Being Prideful and High suits for someone as capable as you,'' Ethan started walking again after he said that. My stomach felt weird when I heard him calling me capable. Watching his board shoulder from behind a warm feeling spread through every part of my body.

Ironically, I am smiling like a fool due to a man who drew lines even before we formed any proper relationship.

'' YOUR GRACE! WAIT FOR ME!'' I shouted and ran after him. What can I do if it is ironic and unrealistic from the point of view of someone wise and rational if I grow to love this lifeless, cold monster of north.