CHAPTER 17 "Imperial Tragedy"

Preparations for the imperial birthday are about to begin. Everyone did it very carefully, because Cecilia refused to sing at the banquet. Cecilia will be dancing with Heolstor for the opening banquet.

Several days after a very long preparation. Finally the imperial birthday starts today. In the morning, Heolstor and Cecilia would greet the people and then deliver a speech. Daylight is a festival to remember the birthday of the empire and which everyone has been waiting for the most. A large banquet that was only celebrated once a year.

Early in the morning Cecilia was getting ready for her morning speech to the people. Cecilia wore the crown empress for the first time after last wearing it at the coronation. As Cecilia walked towards Heolstor. The servants and guards continued to stare at Cecilia. Unmatched beauty, makes everyone stunned when they see it.

"As always, you are very beautiful."

Heolstor stretched out his hand and led Cecilia out. When they came out, the people cheered them on. Heolstor raised his hand to command them to be quiet and he began his speech.

"The birth of the Gausberto empire we will never forget from memory. Our empire continues to improve because of all of you. The empress Cecilia, who has come to our Empire, has made this year very precious to us. Let's pray, that the Gausberto empire will continue to grow and be a great kingdom in the future. "

Everyone saluted and then cheered on Heolstor and Cecilia. Cecilia waved her hand until she felt like someone was watching her. She looked down to make sure and take a deep breath.

It's weird, I feel something strange. As if someone was watching me from a distance. Calm down Cecilia, don't think anything nonsense.

"What's wrong?"

"It's okay."

......

"Emperor Heolstor Erebus Gausberto, Empress Cecilia Erebus Gausberto."

We entered the room and everyone saluted us. When Heolstor who was guiding my hand. He keeps looking at me with his smile. As a result, I didn't dare to look at him and kept looking forward.

When we were about to start the dance, a servant opened our robes. Me and Heolstor headed to the center of the dance hall to start the dance. The music started and we danced together. Everyone watched us who were dancing very gracefully.

"Cecilia, about that time. Are you still thinking about it?. If so, I'll say it one more time."

"What do you mean?"

Our dance time is almost over. Heolstor said things that surprised me. Even though I've heard everything. But still, this doubt lingers in my heart.

"I like you, Cecilia Erebus Gausberto."

Their dance ends and salutes each other. Heolstor took Cecilia's hand and kissed Cecilia's lips in front of the noble. Everyone clap seeing them.

After they returned to the seats that had been provided. Cecilia was running from Heolstor to somewhere. Heolstor could only silent and wanted to chase her, but there was someone who called him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"You? .... Ardolph?"

.......

After escaping from Heolstor. Cecilia was on a balcony and watched the fireworks. She kept thinking about what Heolstor had said.

Even though I have heard from him. But why is this time so different from before. Why am I like this?. You should be proud of Cecilia, an emperor likes you sincerely.

Cecilia sighed and wanted to return to the banquet not to worry him. Just as Cecilia was about to turn around, someone pushed her and knocked her off the balcony.

What?, Who? Someone pushed me. He smiled at me and left the balcony. I immediately covered my face. Luckily because of a large tree, my wound wasn't bad enough.

Cecilia tried to get up and walk, she staggered until an arrow wanted to hit her. Cecilia avoided it and only scratched her face. The three people wearing black robes were chasing after Cecilia with their swords. Cecilia ran away, until she finally fell.

They are at the entrance to the palace. I was forced to run to the park to distract them. why are they chasing me?. are they going to kill me?. The wound from falling earlier made me unable to run. I fell and someone started drawing their sword.

I avoided by rolling over to one side and starting to get back up. My clothes got very dirty from the dirt . I ran away again towards the entrance to the palace, as I exited the garden. One of them pulled my hair and I fell. They started stabbing my stomach.

Cecilia tried to rebel and finally managed to stop them. Cecilia let go of the sword that was stuck in her stomach slowly. When Cecilia was helpless, they seemed to make a gesture and leave her alone.

What?, They already left?. Thank goodness, I won't die. I have to go back.

Cecilia walked over, clutching her bleeding stomach. She walked into the palace without thinking. She couldn't think straight and started to lose consciousness. When she wanted to enter the room, a noble lady screamed at her.

"What is this?! Empress Cecilia?!"

They saw Cecilia and didn't dare to come near. Cecilia walked towards Heolstor and called out his name.

"Cecilia?, What's wrong with you?"

"There is... someone's after me."

Cecilia was not strong anymore, she lost consciousness and Heolstor took her away immediately ordering the servants to call the doctor. The atmosphere at the banquet became very complicated. Everyone who is at the banquet is forbidden to leave the palace until the culprit is found. An imperial birthday banquet, turned into a disaster and news was born all over the country.

"Look at today's news, an attempted assassination of the empress."

This topic made headlines, everyone was wondering and getting furious about the attempted murder. 

"Remember, don't kill her. We have to make him suffer. When he has suffered so much, we will kill her without the slightest gap."

.....

During the night Cecilia continued to be treated until the doctors and waitresses were exhausted. luckily Cecilia's wound was not too deep and Cecilia ended up lying weak on the bed. Heolstor continued to be beside her. His face felt disappointed and sad to see her.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have involved you, I'm sorry Cecilia and I like you."

End Chapter 17.