The Empress Is Searching

First time

Ever since that day experience Kleila became a name no one remembered.

The main reason for this is because you hardly see Kleila out of her room and this stayed this way even the day the princess went on her first war of becoming the Empress of Hanbon

No one else knows this until the day it happened, but Kleila knows ..how couldn't she when she even fasted for her success which indeed she succeeded and the day before that joyful day, Princess Ji-Hyun became the Empress of Hanbon.

It was a joyful day for all, a day which caused days of endless celebration. Kleila wasn't among any of it but she saw, she saw it all.

Things stayed as they were even as she turned Sixteen. No one wished her happy birthday, but how could they? ever since she's been staying in the palace, she hid herself away from the people.

She did tried making contact with the Empress but it seems like she doesn't even realize her existence and knowing she looked different, having half-africa and half-Asian blood, she blame this on that, she thought she was plain, not beautiful enough to gain the princess gaze and therefore she was constantly hiding.

Even though Kleila believed this, she still wished to be close to the Empress and just like any other days since she turned sixteen, she got up from her room, her scarf covering her hair, she set off to the battle arena training centre.

When she got there, she stood near the side entrance and began to watch the Empress as always, defeating her opponent.

After the Empress was done, she took a towel and wiped the sweat on her face and neck before placing the towel on her shoulder and began to walk out. When she got to the entrance, Kleila greeted her and to her surprise the Empress answered her while smiling.

This hasn't happened ever so Kleila is quite surprised by it. Normally the Empress always ignores her whenever she greets her and this made her think that she hated her, although it didn't stop her, neither did the fact that the Empress has a man.

"Although mother told me your name, I can't quite remember, will you help me with that?" The Empress asked.

Kleila blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed at finally having her attention. She could feel herself shaking from nervousness and took a few steps back to get some space while tugging down her hair cover in a good position.

"Stop covering your hair, has anyone told you that you're beautiful?" The Empress asked, then moved a little closer to her and whispered. "You are beautiful." Her hand reached out and stroked Kleila's hair. "Really black hair and really lovely skin."

Kleila gasped at the intimate contact and turned to look at the Empress, her eyes shining. No one had ever stroked her hair before and for the Empress herself to do so caused her heart to flutter with joy.

The Empress looked at her and smiled, she smiled because this is the first time she has seen Kleila not in one corner hiding and she's smiling and she's the reason why. Still smiling ..she moved her hand to caress Kleila's face making the young girl's heart melt beyond redemption.

Kleila shyly returned the Empress smile, liking her warmth and her gentle, feathery torches. Her innocent heart glowed, and she felt warm all over.