I wanted to get the fuck out from here. I couldn't believe Evi convinced me to attend the meeting. An important meeting with the council. I could feel eyes on me. No, glares on me occasionally by them. Well, I knew most of them didn't like me and they were being too obvious about it. This was super uncomfortable.
The council had 12 members. They were the highest in position in their own department. A seat in the council meant they had the right to voice their opinion to the ruler and be heard. They were Evi's helpers to govern the country. These 12 members each handle the 12 core departments. Namely, justice, agriculture, economy, magic, education, marine, culture and arts, humanity and beings, military, and all the shits that I couldn't afford to remember. Of course there were a bunch of other departments but these 12 core departments were established when Atheen was first founded. Basically, council members were only second to Evi in terms of power and influence in the hierarchy. That is why every individual must show respect and obedience toward them. And the reason why Evi didn't want me to talk bad about them openly. However, for me they were just a bunch of snotty old men.
Everyone in the meeting hall was tense. They sat at the long rectangular table and Evi sat at the head. I was sitting down at the right side, next to the only woman member of the council. She was the head of culture and arts. She was fine, I guessed. She defended me back then. She almost reminded me of my own grandmother. Ugh, that made me miss her at times like this.
The double doors at the end of the hall suddenly opened, revealing Princess Ana and Sir Carman. So, they would be joining the meeting too. My heart was beating so fast. My hands were sweating. I had no idea what Evi had decided. She didn't tell me anything and not even a hint. Still, I promised her that I will support whatever she decides. I hoped I was ready to brace whatever it was.
"Everyone is here, let's begin the meeting, shall we. Your highness, please." Someone announced and invited Evi to start. Evi looked serious and honestly, she looked so cool. I got to see how she was as the true ruler of Atheen.
"Let's just get to the point. It's about my answer for the marriage proposal from Princess Ana." She started. I kept myself busy. I gawked at my journal, finding something to occupy me desperately. I was nervous and scared. "I have decided to decline it."
There were uproars around the table. I was stunned. I looked up and met Evi's eyes. Her gaze softened when our eyes met. My heart was going wild. She.. She chose me. I felt an absurd amount of happiness burst inside of me. I could cry here and there but I held myself together. Reminding myself that she wasn't choosing me. She chose the Resse of this world. I hurt myself in the process. Damn it, reality was hard to swallow.
"Your highness, please think it through again." The bald old man protested.
"Your highness, let's postpone this meeting and we have to discuss this more." Another old man chimed in.
"Yes, your highness. This matter needs to be contemplated more before making the final decision." Another one said.
"Honestly, your highness had 2 weeks before she made her decision. That wasn't enough time for you?" The white hair old man said in annoyance. "Her highness made a decision with ample time to think it through."
"We as a council should support her highness' decision and not try to go against her." The old woman said in a firm tone. Her sharp gaze could even cut the paper if she wanted to.
"Really now, if you want the marriage to happen so badly, why don't one of you marry the princess of Franciff yourself." That was a bold sarcastic remark from the youngest looking member of the council. Most of the council glared at him for that. Evi was seen struggling to keep her composure. It was obvious she was holding back her laugh.
They argued among themselves. From what I could see it was 6 against 6. One side agreed with Evi and the other disagreed. How would they solve this then? Princess Ana despite not saying anything, her presence couldn't be ignored. Especially when she continuously gave me a death glare across the room like I had murder her entire family. Please let me get the fuck out of here. Oh gosh.
"Silence!" Evi snapped. Only with that one word, the hall fell silent in an instant. She definitely held the highest authority in the hall. She stood up and somehow that made us feel smaller compared to her. Her aura was no joke.
"Given how the council is divided evenly. I have the right to invoke the Tyrant Law." She declared. I didn't understand what she meant by that but I could feel the gravity of that statement. The air became cold in the hall. The kind of chill that exists when someone with the highest authority is present.
"Understood, your highness." The council members replied simultaneously. All of them looked so obedient all of a sudden.
"My decision remains unchanged. I declined the marriage proposal from the first princess of Franciff. The consequences of that decision shall be dealt with together." Evi said. The council members nodded at the same time. No one seemed to oppose Evi's words anymore. I guessed, I could understand the gist of that Tyrant Law.
"Excuse me for interrupting, Evi." Princess Ana interjected. What a brave soul. Evi looked at her coldly. The first princess of Franciff was visibly shaken. She must've noticed how daunting Evi was at the moment. "Y-your highness, I think I have the right to know the reason for your refusal to my proposal."
"Yes, of course." Evi nodded. "Although I understand the underlying meaning when the marriage proposal was made, I still can't accept it."
"Is it because of her?" Princess Ana glared at my way.
"She's a part of the reason." Evi clarified, giving me a brief look before focusing back on the princess. "As for the other reason, that'll bring us to the next agenda of this meeting."
"Royal Sorcerer of Atheen, if you please." Evi addressed me. My eyes widened. Oh gosh, she was serious. She nodded at me and then sat back down. All eyes were on me.
"Err, yes." I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and stood up. "There's a suspected act of treason behind the scene."
The moment I said it, Princess Ana went pale. Her eyes widened in fear. She was no longer sending me her infamous death glare. She knew she was done for. The members of the council each frowned. This was making me more nervous. This was definitely the last time I was going to be in this kind of stressful situation.
"From my conversation with Princess Ana the other day, she hinted that there's an inside informant that provided her with secret affairs that happened in our country. The incident in which I fainted in the temple was strictly kept as a secret by Princess Evi. Only selected individuals should know about it. However, despite that, Princess Ana is well informed about it."
It was just like Princess Ana said, that incident could be a bad omen. It would cause a lot of controversies if it was widespread. That was why Evi wanted to keep it a secret. It could be a national disaster. Hence, it was a state's secret. So, if it was leaked to a foreigner, it was definitely because an insider leaked it. No one else. It wasn't just a small matter.
"It can be concluded that there's something more to this marriage proposal. The timing was oddly impeccable. It's as if they knew there's an issue with Princess Evi's relationship with her fiancée. Hence, they can boldly send out a marriage proposal." I continued. I managed to not stumble with my words. Some of the council was about to refute me. So, I quickly added. "Of course, this is not a baseless claim. I know this is a heavy claim. I can present evidence."
"Hang on, it's all a misunderstanding!" Princess Ana said in a panic. She was definitely trying to salvage whatever the hell she could at this time. "The reason why I knew about it was because I just heard rumours. I accidentally heard it from the servants talking about it!"
"If it's true as what you claimed, Princess Ana, that you overheard servants talking about it. Then, can you explain how the Crystal Ball has no record of such incidents?" I countered. I produced a small crystal ball. It wasn't the official Crystal Ball but the records of a specific person, which was Princess Ana taken from it. "This is the memory records of you, Princess Ana. From the moment you step out of your carriage until the moment you have your breakfast this morning. I've checked everything, alongside Princess Evi. Three times to be exact. We saw nothing of the sort you claimed happened."
"That.. That.. There must be a mistake." She whimpered, trembling. Sir Carman was keeping his head down the whole time. He couldn't do anything to defend her.
"Princess Ana is withholding the truth and I have evidence of her lying. This is all I can report." I concluded my speech. Then, I sat down, letting out a relief sigh quietly. I thought that I couldn't speak but I think I nailed it.
"As you can see, Princess Ana. This is the other reason why I can't accept the proposal. I can't look away when there's a breach of the Peace Treaty between our country. Moreover, someone here committed the act of treason." Evi's tone was icy cold. She was so scary when she wanted to. Was it because the Tyrant Law was still in effect?
"That betrayer. Come forth right now." She commanded.
"It.. It's me, your highness." The bald old man spoke up, terrified. Well, who would've thought that it was him. I was being sarcastic. He was the one that obviously hated me the most. I guessed I knew the reason now.
Evi ordered him to tell her everything. He kneeled on the floor and started spilling the beans. It was a plot between him and the king of Franciff. He was approached by the king first and soon, he was convinced that the marriage between Princess Ana and Evi would be the best thing. Well, the original Resse wasn't really the best partner for Evi for various obvious reasons, he thought that Evi could've married someone better. When I fainted in the temple and the marriage was postponed, it was his chance to launch the plan. He spilled the secret to king of Franciff and the two agreed that it was time to send out the marriage proposal. Should the marriage went through, the bald old man thought that everyone would gain something from it. Atheen will thrive in a new glory because of the union between Evi and Princess Ana.
"How dare you decide Atheen's future without consulting with me first?" Evi queried harshly. "Am I not your ruler?"
"Forgive me, your highness. I'm in the wrong!" He whimpered. To be honest, that was the first time I saw a grown man cry. He looked so pathetic.
"Get this man out of here and put him in the prison. I shall decide his punishment later." Evi finalised. Guards piled in and dragged the weeping man out of there. She regarded the rest of the people inside the hall. No one dared to look at her in the eyes.
"A thorough investigation need to be carried out for this incident. Also, I will formally send a letter to King Charles alongside with my representative to sort out the matter regarding the breach of the Peace Treaty." She added. There were murmurs of agreement. No one dared to defy her. She was emitting a lot pressure and I had the urge to obey her every commands whether I wanted to or not. "Please escort our guests to their chamber. They will be sent back to Franciff the day after tomorrow."
"Everyone is dismissed. This meeting will continue at a later date." Evi concluded. The pressure was gone and everyone started to move. As Evi ordered, the knights escorted the guests out and the council members silently left the hall.
Evi sat down on her chair, she looked weary. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. Then, it was just us left in the hall. Evi had requested for me to stay behind once the meeting was over. I carefully stood up and walked over toward her.
"I'm sorry I put you through this." She told me and looked up to see me. Her face softened immediately. This was the usual gentle affectionate Evi she always shown me. A total contrast of her serious stoic side.
"No, it's fine." I smiled. I put a hand on her cheek and she leaned in to my touch, closing her eyes. She looked so cute and soft. "You look so cool just now."
"I didn't scare you?"
"No. You were so amazing." I caressed her cheek slowly. That touch made her relaxed even more. "Erm, just remind me not to make you angry ever again."
Evi chuckled. She was in a better mood. She pulled me and wrapped her arms around my hip. She sighed into my body, releasing all of her stress. I held her securely and stroke her head slowly. She melted more into me. It couldn't stop grinning. She was being clingy and cute. While just a moment ago she was the scariest person in Atheen.
"Evi.." I called but hesitated to say more. I didn't know how to say it.
"Hm?" She lifted her head and looked up to me. I looked into her eyes and I swore I almost lost myself in a trance again. She had this weird effect on me lately.
"No.. I.. It's.. Well, thank you." I stammered, struggling to speak properly. She grinned widely.
"You'd know I will always choose you." She said without hesitation. My heart was about to explode. The way she looked at me and said that, it was as if she was directing them to me. Not the other Resse. It must be my wishful thinking. I was just a replacement. "What's wrong?"
"No, nothing.. I.. I don't want to cry right now." She must've noticed a change of expression on my face. I didn't know what kind of face I was making.
"Oh, Resse.." Evi stood up from the chair. Cupping my face in her hands, looking at me on the same eye level. "You're the one that give me strength. You encourage me when I feel like I want to give up. You bring out the best of me. You're the one I love the most in this world. Nothing or no one can stop me from choosing you over anything else. If I was given another choice, I will still choose you a million times over."
I just nodded. I didn't trust my voice. I rested my forehead on her shoulder, holding her close. I couldn't imagine the pain I've had to endure if she ever leaves. She will hate me once she knows the truth. I wasn't the Resse she loved. I was already this attached to her and I could never tell her truth anymore. I would have to endure this pain and guilt forever just so that she didn't come to hate me. I was a terrible person.
"Thank you.." I whispered. I wanted to express more than that but I couldn't do it. I couldn't say it.
*
I was working in the magic lab, trying to find a solution for a sleeping curse when Evi walked in. I looked up from the piles of paper and notes, utterly bewildered. She usually tells me if she was visiting. This was really unexpected.
"Hey, am I late for lunch again?" I asked and looked at the time. There was still an hour before lunch.
"No. Not this time. I have to tell you something." She replied. That sounded serious. I put down the quill and put all of my focus on her. She was smiling but it was not even sincere.
"So, I just had a meeting with the council and.. We've already decided on who's going to be my representative to go to Franciff." She pulled a chair and sat down next to me.
"Alright…"
"The council, well, all of them agreed that you should be my representative."
"What?!" I stood up, eyes widening. "Why?"
"See here, the council really did bring up very nice arguments about that." She grabbed my hand and pulled me down so that I could sit down again. She didn't let go of my hands and brushed her thumbs in a circular motion on them. That calmed me down. "You're my soon to be wife."
"What? That's it?" I was baffled. She grinned.
"Isn't that something, Resse? All of the council now approved of you being my fiancée. You've been proving yourself again and again, how amazing you are. No one has complains about our relationship now." She was proud and happy. Those sly old men, they must've praising me too much so that Evi agreed to all this shit. They knew how hopeless Evi when it was about me. "As a Royal Sorcerer and as my fiancée and soon to be wife. I think it's time for you to learn the ropes in politics. You will be involved a lot in it once we get married. And, don't you think this is a great start for you?"
"Evi, is this really a wise decision? Becoming your representative for the issue with Franciff is really big. I'm sure someone else is more suitable for this."
"Well, I trust you'll do well."
"I don't trust myself." I frowned. Evi smiled kindly, she cupped my cheek, looking straight into my eyes. My breath hitched.
"You just have to be you, Resse."
"Isn't that a little irresponsible thing to say?"
"Really? I'm just saying the truth though." She laughed. Then she gave me a serious look. "You've been officially appointed. Are you defying your Princess?"
"No, your highness. I will do my best as your representative." I gave in listlessly.
"You'll do great, Resse." She smiled and pecked my lips. "I love you."
"Yeah.." I subtly looked away with red face. I was still a blushing mess whenever she kissed me.
"I haven't been hearing you saying 'I love you' to me lately." She frowned. "You haven't been kissing me at all too."
"Well.. That.." I stammered. I didn't know how to answer that. What kind of excuse I should give her?!
"Resse?" She called. I looked at her and I hated that look she gave me. She looked hurt. "Do you.. Do you love me less now?"
"Evi that's not it. It's just.. I was just.. Well, that.." I was stumbling over my words. My brain was working overtime. She looked like she wanted to cry. Oh god, I was hurting her. I grabbed her shoulders, trying to talk to her seriously.
"Look, I just thought that.. My 'I love yous' and kisses might overwhelm you. If I give them too often, you'll get bored of them. So, I want to limit them. To keep things fresh, you know?" I wondered if that made any sense. Evi looked at me incredulously. Yeah, I wasn't making any sense.
"What makes you think that?" She asked helplessly. She kissed the back of my hand, continued to maintain eye contact with me. That intensity in her eyes was doing something in me. "Your loves, kisses and touches are my precious treasure. I will never get sick of them."
"I.. Well.." My words failed me again. How I was supposed to be sane when she did that?!
"Give me a kiss?" She requested gently.
"Eh?" I was stunned. This was too much. I wasn't ready.
"Come on.." She pleaded, pouting her mouth. She looked so cute that it was unfair for me.
"C.. Close your eyes." I told her. She grinned and complied. She closed her eyes in excitement. I was already sweating nervously. "Is this really the time for this?"
"Just give me a kiss woman!" She joked.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I leaned in toward her. My heart was racing wildly. I never thought that initiating a kiss could be this nerve wrecking. I eyed her pink lips. They looked so soft and irresistible. Oh gosh, my heart couldn't handle this. Cowardly, I kissed her cheek instead. Evi opened her eyes, surprised. She knew that was coming, why she was so surprised?
"You.. Did you put a spell on me?" She asked dumbly. I looked at her weirdly.
"Erm, no?"
"Maybe you're right. It keeps things fresh. It feels like the first time you kiss me." She touched the spot where I kissed her. Her face was red. She had this happy grin etched on her lips. It was endearing to look at.
"Maybe it's the first time." I remarked with a smile. She thought that I was joking but I meant that. She giggled adorably.
"Now, give me a proper kiss." She demanded, getting greedy. Oh no, I was still recovering. Her face moved closer toward me.
"Evi, don't you.. Erm, have work to do now?" I didn't think I could handle this. This was too much. I was already getting dizzy. I might pass out.
"Nope, I take an early break." She chirped cheerfully.
"Ms Resse!" Theo burst into the lab, interrupting whatever we had going on. He froze when he saw Evi was there too. He bowed at her. "Oh, my apologies, your highness. Greetings, Princess Evi. Forgive my rudeness, your highness."
"Greetings to you too. It's fine." Evi was clearly scowling but forced a smile. She leaned away from me. I felt bad for her. If only I was more confident. Well, Theo saved me.
"What's the matter, Theo?" I asked.
"Ms Ho is here to see you." He informed me. I couldn't help but frown. That woman left a bad taste in my mouth.
"She's here too yesterday. What does she want?" I left my desk and walked over to the shelf.
"Well, she wants to know the progress with the ring." Theo was a little scared. He knew that a mention of that damn ring would put me in a very bad mood.
"That damn ring can go to hell. Just like how she can just go to hell with it!" I snapped.
"Resse." Evi called. Although her tone was calm, I knew she was scolding me. I looked at her sheepishly.
"Evi, I know I should be professional because this is basically my duty but.. That woman and her damn ring literally.." I complained like a damn child because I was just so tired dealing with Ms Ho. Evi smiled in amusement. "Her ring can turn into a Freaking monster and almost burn down my lab! Can you believe it and she's asking for the impossible, like giving me only 3 days to cure her damn curse ring!"
"Erm, Ms.. She's coming!" Theo warned. I groaned loudly.
"I have to go and deal with her, Evi. I'll join you for lunch later." I gave her an apologetic look. Evi just nodded in understanding.
"Don't kill her." She added playfully. I made a face at her which made her laugh. It soothed my soul to hear her laughter.
I exited the lab with Theo. Well, he bowed to Evi first before running after me. True to his words, that annoying woman was already making her way toward my lab. Ugh, I really didn't want to see her. I was sure all the magic items she sent to me were meant to make me suffer.
"Ms Resse, there you are. How is my ring?" She asked innocently. I swore I spotted malice in her gaze.
"It's still being a fucking ass, Ms Ho." I smiled tightly.
"Excuse me?" She was surprised at how vulgar my choice of words were. I didn't care. I was annoyed.
Theo was being my savior again and quickly diffused the tension. He explained everything to Ms Ho calmly. Then after another long explanation because she zoned out the first time Theo explained to her, we finally parted away from her. She became more understanding and gave me more time to figure out her cursed ring. Where the hell did she find that ring? I should've asked her later. Well, I hoped I didn't have to meet her ever again.
The lunch with Evi put me in a good mood. I was getting more comfortable with her. Jokes and small banters were getting more common between us. Evi was relaxing more with me and I liked that. She used to be cautious around me and always needed to watch her actions so that it didn't upset me. Well, the Resse in this world put her on the edge the whole time. I was glad when she finally loosened up. The same goes for me. Skinship wasn't going to put me in a fluttering mess anymore. Well, I was still trying to get better at receiving her kisses. Anyway, overall, we were getting comfortable and closer to one another.