CHAPTER 9

I couldn't sleep all night. I keep thinking about Heolstor, what's wrong with me?. Just want to sleep today. May my soul and heart return to normal.

Today Cecilia is off from work. Heolstor granted Cecilia's request for a day off and today she is just in her room. All day Cecilia was only in bed wearing her nightgown. In fact she forbade the servants to wake him up.

I can finally rest today. I can escape from the pile of paper. At times like these, all I can do is sleep and relax.

Knock Knock Knock.

Eh? I just said to sleep and relax. Why is someone bothering me?. Wasn't it ordered not to disturb my time?.

Cecilia walked towards the door and saw a servant. The servant saluted.

"Didn't I tell you, not to bother me today?."

"Forgive me, Empress Cecilia. But Your Majesty asked you to be prepared."

"Get ready for what?."

"I wasn't told about that."

Her attitude has gotten really weird lately. Even though I've been allowed to rest all day. But you even called me. I want to go back to sleep.

"Tell him I can't come."

"But Empress Cecilia."

"See you later."

After saying so, Cecilia closed the door and returned to her bed. She didn't care about Heolstor, her wish now was to relax. Cool air and soft mattress. Makes Cecilia sleepy and she sleep very fast.

...

Rain fell from above the sky. The clouds were black, making the atmosphere very dark. What is this?. Why am I here?.

"Cecilia?."

"Mother?."

Cecilia looked at her mother who was covered in blood. She headed for Cecilia and touched Cecilia's face. Her mother's hands were covered in blood, streaking Cecilia's face with the bloodstain. Cecilia just looked at her mother and fell silent.

"Mother?."

Duar .....

Rain? The sound of rain. The rain is everywhere. I don't have much time. The sound of rain and thunder walked towards me. Somebody help me. I can't breathe.

"Cecilia .... Cecilia ... don't go ..... CECILIA!."

I woke up from my sleep when someone called my name. I looked to the right and left side of the bed. My body was sweating and my breath was short. While looking for a position, I fell out of bed. So tight, I can't breathe.

Cecilia ran out of the room for help. She staggered away while touching her chest. Cecilia wanted to head to Heolstor's office, but she got lost and ended up sitting in a deserted hallway.

Heolstor where are you?. I need you right now. What's wrong with me?. My tears don't stop flowing. It felt like something was missing.

"Cecilia?."

Cecilia looked at the voice calling out to her. She stood up and ran towards him.

"What's wrong, Cecilia?."

She didn't answer and hugged Heolstor very tightly. Heolstor calmed Cecilia and carried her somewhere. While on the way, Cecilia looked around and asked Heolstor.

"Where are you taking me?."

"Just wait."

He took me to a place that I had never been before. We came to a fort tower and climbed the stairs. When she reached Heolstor lowered me and said.

"We have arrived."

"Why are we here?."

"We will see."

They looked up at the sky. The night sky was filled with a lantern that had just flown.

"What is this?."

"You don't remember? The reason why I called you is this. Everyone is celebrating."

"Celebrating?."

Heolstor walked up to Cecilia and touched her face.

"Happy birthday, Empress Cecilia."

Birthday? Ah .. why can I forget it?. But why does he know about this?. I saw his handsome face and warm gaze. I couldn't stop staring at him and I blushed at his behavior, until I remembered something.

"Huh? ... I'm still wearing my nightgown!."

....

The next day.

It's a shame, why don't I remember it at all. Obviously yesterday I was still wearing my nightgown. Even though Heolstor said it was okay. Still, it's so embarrassing. Our surprise party and dinner, held while I was wearing my nightgown.

"Good morning, Briana."

"Good morning, Empress Cecilia."

I did my job as usual, being an Empress is not like picking an apple. All this is boring me. What is Heolstor doing now?. What about Aidan? I haven't heard from him for a few days.

Knock Knock Knock

"Come in."

"Heolstor?."

Heolstor enters the room and orders Briana to leave the room. Heolstor looked annoyed and glared at her. To be sure, Cecilia got up from her chair and headed over to him.

"What's the matter Heolstor?."

"What does this mean?."

He gave me a paper. Upon seeing it, this is the sentence of the letter I kept. Why is there with him?. I gave it to Aidan, but why with Heolstor?.

"From your expression, it was really you who made it. What do you mean to do this? I told you not to interfere."

"Compared to that, where is Aidan?."

"You are more concerned with Aidan, apparently. He's in the dungeon."

"Why did you do that?!."

Heolstor's face turned furious and tugged at Cecilia's hand. When exiting the door, Heolstor told Briana to be quiet and said not to see today's events. Even though Briana spoke up for Cecilia, she couldn't do anything.

"Heolstor, let me go."

He led Cecilia into her room and locked the door. Cecilia kept trying to open the door, but it was in vain.

"Heolstor, get me out of here."

"This is punishment for not taking my word. I hope you realize what have you done."

"I admit my fault, but don't treat me like this. At least don't bring Aidan into our trouble."

I kept ordering Heolstor to open the door, but it didn't seem like he was listening to me. Everything I did was in vain. What are you hiding from me?.

"Heolstor .... I'm sorry for all this. But I just want to know you and what are you really hiding from me? That's all I want."

I heard Cecilia's voice whispering behind the door. I don't wanna do this to you. But I have no choice. I just don't want to harm you.

Heolstor and Cecilia fell silent and leaned against the door. They keep thinking about what to do next. Under the snow and cold air. Cecilia and Heolstor took a deep breath, then said.

"Forgive me."

...

"How about the plan?."

"Everything is going well, Duke Ardolph."

Hugo smiled warmly and ordered the person to leave the room. After he was alone in the room. He laughed without stopping and looked very happy.

"Everything will go according to plan and they will not know it."

Heolstor, the incident at that time. I will not forget. At that time I was just a stupid prince. I don't accept all of this. I will repay you, first we start with Empress Cecilia.

Ardolph walked over and looked at the window. He kept thinking about Cecilia with his evil smile and said.

"It's show time."

End Chapter 9.