Chapter 6: I Stole Yeoju's First Love
The entire ride to the palace in the carriage felt like sitting on a bed of thorns. When the carriage stopped and I confirmed our destination, I couldn't help but be taken aback. I had expected to be called to the main audience hall, but it turned out to be the Emperor's personal winter palace. I asked the head attendant who had come to greet me in advance, "Is this the Emperor's personal palace?"
"The Emperor said he wanted to meet in a meaningful place since it's a private meeting."
There was no need to attach so much significance to it. It felt like I had entered the tiger's den while trying to catch a fox. The winter palace was where Aster had stayed since he was the crown prince. It was truly a private domain, and no woman had entered it except for the Empress.
'Do I have to confess that I made a mistake while drunk in such a setting?'
Cold sweat trickled down my back. I was worried that a single wrong word might cost me my head, especially since the Emperor in the original story was known to be even more ruthless.
The place I arrived at, following the head attendant, was a beautiful greenhouse. It was filled with flowers that bloom in winter, fitting its name as the winter palace. In front of it stood Aster, dressed elegantly.
"It's an honor to see you, Your Majesty."
I was momentarily lost in admiration of his appearance. Aster was dressed in casual attire, which gave him a slightly relaxed and different feel compared to when he wore his formal uniform.
"From here, I'll guide you. Come this way, Karin."
I stuttered, surprised by his sudden use of my nickname. His voice was so elegant that it was hard to believe it could sound like my name.
The place he led me to was a small pavilion filled with camellias. On a white marble table, there were cute desserts and tea.
"It's my first date, so I tried to choose something you might like..."
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I'm looking forward to the taste."
"You can call me by my name when we're alone."
"You can call me if you feel like it. Sit down first; the tea will get cold."
He pulled out a chair for me, and I finally sat down, moved by his gentle gesture. He warmed the teacup and poured the tea, the sound of the water falling gracefully and his neat appearance fitting together surprisingly well. It was hard to imagine the cruel and power-hungry Emperor described in the original story.
His skillful handling of the tea felt strangely unfamiliar. Thinking about it, I had many fiancés before, but this was the first time someone had personally served me tea.
He smiled at me and placed the teacup in front of me.
"It's a tea I like, but I'm not sure if it will suit your taste."
"Ah, I can drink anything, so it's fine."
"Maybe you should exclude alcohol from that 'anything.'"
His tone, strangely petulant, made my face heat up. Reflecting on that day, I realized I had gone too far. I bowed my head and mumbled, "P-Please forget about that day."
"It was a joke. You don't have to be so embarrassed."
He patted my hand, and when I looked up, I met his playful eyes.
"But, what can I do to make it up to you? I don't regret what happened that day."
His soft, low voice made even the simplest words feel dangerous. I couldn't look away from his eyes, which were fixed on me.
Aster laughed loudly at my flustered face.
"I know why you came, Princess. You probably thought about your family's position after sobering up the next day."
He spoke as if he understood my situation, but there was something indescribable in his gaze.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
"There's no need to be. It's just a relationship, after all."
"If you prefer, we can stay as lovers without getting engaged. I prefer marriage, but it's up to you."
His straightforward answer left me speechless for a moment. Aster was the Emperor of the Empire.
To oppose the noble faction centered around the Duke of Gloucester, a strong ally was needed. The easiest way to gain such an ally was through marriage. The House of Pioneira, known for its long history as a founding family, was especially suitable. Moreover, my father was known for his integrity and was popular among the citizens, making him ideal for the Emperor to renew his image.
But to let this opportunity slip away...
Is there something wrong with Aster's mind?
"You think I'm crazy, Princess."
"No... Your Majesty, how could I think such a presumptuous thing?"
"You seemed bold and presumptuous that day."
I had no response to his words. I had been drinking and was so angry that I couldn't see clearly.
"You don't have to think so complicatedly. You can make the Duchess of Gloucester eat dirt, and I can have the House of Pioneira as a half-ally."
"So, you knew about my bad relationship with the Duchess."
"Of course. It's quite famous. I thought you were a pushover, always losing your lovers to the Duchess but still being friends with her."
"That's a misunderstanding."
Except for the Duke of Gloucester, I had never been truly sincere with anyone. But after losing him, it was truly difficult. At that time, I was almost out of my mind. I had cherished my love for the Duke of Gloucester more than anything else in my life. Losing that experience left deep scars on my body and soul. I no longer trusted others, suspected their intentions, and couldn't open my heart deeply.
'Thanks to that, I didn't get too hurt when Wilhelm betrayed me.'
I thought of Tatiana, who stood affectionately beside the Duke of Gloucester, and the ex-lovers who had ignored me after leaving me for her. Honestly, saying I didn't want revenge would be a lie. I wanted to make Tatiana suffer as much as I did.
"I don't want to cause trouble for Your Majesty. This is a personal matter between me and the Duchess."
"So, you can use me for this."
His calm attitude, as if he didn't care about my ulterior motives, was surprising. But on the other hand, his confidence was appealing.
Maybe this time, it could be different. Aster smiled as if he noticed my wavering heart.
"So, what's your answer?"
He repeated my own words, making my heart race. Everything became clear, and the past few days of hesitation seemed silly.
After taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eye and said, "Okay. I'll do it, this relationship."
Aster's eyes softened at my answer. The clear summer sunlight made his golden hair shine brilliantly. Maybe it was because I was sober, but I understood why Tatiana had fallen in love with him at first sight.
"Please take care of me, Aster."
For now, I decided to get on the same boat as him.
The tea time with Aster was quite enjoyable. We had many things in common, such as not liking sweets and feeling tired in crowded places. Even my simple jokes made him laugh beautifully, which was perfect.
"I think we can be good partners."
Aster didn't let go of my hand easily, as if he was reluctant to see me go.
"I hope you can be my partner at the Founding Festival."
"I haven't finished things with Sir Wilhelm yet."
There was only about two weeks until the Founding Festival. Although Wilhelm had shamelessly declared he would continue his affair, I didn't want to fall to the same level as him. Therefore, entering the festival as his partner was still too burdensome.
"I don't want to put you in a difficult position. Still, as your lover, I'd like to be your first dance partner."
I was grateful for his consideration. Was Aster always this gentle?
His light smile suited his cool appearance, making my tongue run away. I almost agreed to do everything he wanted without thinking.
"Sorry, but my first dance partner will be my father. But I'll definitely give you the second dance."
Aster's eyes widened at my answer, and he nodded with a smile.
By the time I returned to the mansion, it was already late evening. Lily, who was sorting the gifts from the Emperor, chattered nonstop.
"I really like the Emperor. He seems to be the most handsome man you've ever met."
"Lily, you say that every time I change boyfriends."
Unfortunately, Lily's accuracy was surprisingly low. I laughed, teasing her as she diligently sorted the jewels. Her blushing face was unexpectedly cute.
"Ah, Miss! Should I just throw this away?"
Lily held out a crude-looking glass bracelet. The bracelet, made of colorful glass beads strung on a thread, was spotlessly clean.
"What are you keeping this for? This is something you bought when you were around 10, right?"
"Well, it's more like a gift I received."
I took the bracelet from Lily. It was a childish glass bead bracelet sold on the street. The reason I kept it so precious was simple: it was a gift from Daniel.