Dreamstress

CHAPTER 14: $ØLD

"Contine" Ash's calm voice interrupted Dameon the Oracle.

After watching the Emperor calmly for a while she faced the crowd," all hail Regaleon Ash the first, Emperor of the Blue Moon City, all hail Emperor Ash, all hail the Emperor " the Oracle chanted three times and every one bowed as the trumpets are blown. I bowed as well.

When the trumpets ceased, the former Emperor walked straight up to Ash.

"Glad you could make it " Emperor Ash said.

"How can I not come and see the great person who renamed the empire and becomes the first Emperor of his renamed Empire?, it is an honour to be your grandfather, Emperor Regaleon Ash." the old Emperor bowed slightly.

'Grand father?' I was once again shocked and then again the Emperor was still young but his father was considerably old.

" Father do not bother yourself with these formalities, everyone rise" Emperor Ash ordered and everyone obeyed.

" crowned Emperor and received the former Emperor's blessings, aged twenty five," the Scroll Bearer gave a closing act" let me be the second to formally greet you" he bowed to the ground.

" Greetings Emperor Regaleon Ash of the Blue Moon City"

"Rise" Ash ordered and the Scroll Bearer obeyed.

" I'll take my leave now your eminence " the Scroll Bearer left.

The imperial strategist and plan dictator entered and my heart slipped a beat. this would be the moment that decides if I get to stay or go even if I trusted Emperor Ash i still felt incredibly anxious.

The old Emperor sat on the throne at the left of the Emperor's throne prepared for him.

" The plans for Blue Moon City to be heard are as follows" the imperial Strategist continued "the erection of more stable cottages or storey buildings and destruction of the worn out ones thereby procuring new ones for the people whom will have their houses destroyed in the process, taxes are reduced by fifty percent but are increased by eighty percent at the last month of each year, royal Prince Caim Monolith and royal princess mist Calvin have sold their handmaids to distant kingdoms in exchange for gold, spices, perfumes and wood respectively"the plan strategist paused and I breathed a sigh of relief.

' I'll be staying after all' intense happiness flooded my veins.

" The Emperor's current personal maid has been sold off to another distant kingdom in exchange for, gold and allies, the rest is confidential, Happy coronation to his imperial highness, Emperor Regaleon Ash " the imperial Strategist bowed and left after turning my hope to dust the blow must have struck hard because I felt ringing in my ears.

I recalled what the Emperor had said early and my nerves were calmed a bit but I felt like I had been taken to some abyss and left there all of my own will.

'Focus Julianna, good thoughts ' I calmed myself quietly my gaze landing on Gay who was watching me quietly a chill ran up my spine as I felt that maybe it wasn't a bad thing after all.

I tagged behind the Emperor at night after the ceremony. He had personally wanted to send me off. I was really sad now, why would he give me up like this after taking care of me?, I felt like the entire world was ending.

" We're here" the Emperor's left hand guard announced he was the only one he had carried along.

I looked up at the Emperor and then the black carriage which would convey me to the confines of my new owner.

" Cheer up," the Emperor's voice jolted me out of my reverie and the tears fell. " You're in good hands " His hands went to my cheeks wiping away the tears while I gazed upon him wishing to tell him that I didn't want to go.

"You," My voice broke as I felt emotions so intense sweeping through my very being " You're the second person to treat me so welldespite knowing my past, I really don't want to go but I don't think I have a choice, I'll honour your memories forever, Emperor Regaleon Ash " I promised with a sob.

" once you return we'll talk about your adventures, but you must promise me to work smarter, I look forward to seeing you earlier than I plan" he smiled gently.

" Be a good girl and be safe, I hope you don't catch a fever again" the Emperor said gently

"I promise to make a stand and be worthy of staying by your side" I vowed and he laughed briefly.

" Good, now go " the Emperor said, I bowed and left...

IN SILVER LINING

AUTHOR'S PØV

Julianna stepped out of the carriage and gazed at the sight around her it was very peaceful and the surrounding was filled with various hedges and rose bushes, in the middle of the place was a water fountain showing a trophy cup spilling water from the top . Maids and guards were still patrolling around the area.

A guard walked up to her," Are you Julianna?" he asked

" Yes " Julianna responded.

"Come with me" the guard ordered and walked away. Julianna followed behind him taking view of the surrounding.

After a few twists and turns, they stopped at a door," Go in" the guard ordered and Julianna obeyed.

She entered into the room which was a meeting room.

Chairs surrounded a long table and at the other end of the table was the king who had his feet on the table.

" And who do we have here?" the King asked

" Greetings, Sire," Julianna slightly bowed and rose " I am Julianna "

" Ash was right about you not having a last name, you could take mine if you want only it comes at a price" The king gave a smile " I am king Hespian Jules" he introduced.

His black hair looked like it was ruffled along with his green eyes he could make any girl's heart flutter.

He ran a hand through his hair, took his feet off the table and rose from his seat. " Take off the mask" the King ordered and Julianna obeyed.

the moles that she had crafted came into view and the king frowned and walked closer suddenly he smiled " What happened to your face?" the king asked Julianna.

" Nothing" she replied he placed his right hand on Julianna's face and although she was startled she didn't show. He used his thumb and swiped it over a mole amwhich quickly faded.

" Nice cover but it doesn't really do it's job of concealing your face, well aside from making me think you had a skin outbreak" the king chuckled as he stepped away.

"You may go, a maid is waiting for you right outside this door to lead you to your quarter, I hope you like it here because it'll be your new home." the king said.

" thank you, Sire" Julianna slightly bowed, wore her mask and left the room.

* A WEEK LATER*

Julianna had formulated an escape plan, in a span of a week she had learnt of the kingdom's routes and how kings travel to faraway places without their carriages.she bought a plane ticket the day before and carried a slightly big purse filled with only some money and a newspaper containing information of a place to stay in the place she had bought a ticket for.

After successfully escaping gate assessment she took a carriage to the airport and boarded a plane to Korea.