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The Unofficial Empress - Chapter 9
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Alexandra followed Marga thinking she was leading her to the garden. When she realized they were heading somewhere, she stopped and asked. “Your highness, I think we’re heading the wrong place…”
“Oh! No, no, we’re going to the garden after a brief makeover,” Marga said and they continued walking. If she was not mistaken, they are headed to the eastern palace where the crown prince’s chambers are located. Alexandra was greeted with respect by the maidservants in the crown princess’ changing room. “We’re having tea party so I want to dress you up. Is that alright?”
She nodded helplessly at that question and the crown princess grinned from ear to ear. “Quick, dress her up!” Marga clapped so the maidservants were vigilant as they moved quickly and swiftly.
“May we?” the girls asked her, one with a set of dresses and the other with a box of hairdressing set in hand.
“Oh, yes please,” she replied as the crown princess sat gallantly on the couch. The girl with the dresses helped her choose a dress in front of the mirror. “Can I wear something simple?” she asked although she liked the color of the dress in front. It’s a white dress, the skirt printed with matte burgundy roses. The bell sleeves would make her look a little mature and overdressed. The girl smiled curtly.
“I can modify this if you wait for a moment,” she said and left her alone looking into the mirror. “I guess we should match it with something like ruby,” the other girl spoke beside her and opened the box. She took out a smaller box and offered it to Alexandra to choose from a variety of ruby colored hair ornaments in it.
The two maids talked from the corner where the other is altering the dress. The hairdresser came and braided her hair affixing the butterfly hairpin she chose. A few moments later, the dressmaker came and showed her the modified dress which made her gaze in awe. “It’s beautiful,” she spoke and the crown princess stood up gently pushing her behind the screen to dress up.
Everyone helped her slip into the dress without ruining her hairstyle. When she was done, Marga took out a pair of white shoes painted with red coils. Alexandra gaped. “Your highness,” she was about to reject it but Marga nodded at the girls so they pulled her back to the chair and helped her change her shoes.
She remembered when she was young. It was about the time she was being treated the same. Whatever she asked, she was given or it was done for her. She was dressed up everyday and would play anywhere she wanted to play except for a hidden and mysterious room. The walls are made up of brass and concrete according to experts who surveyed it. No key has ever opened it and it could not be easily opened by force. They could not find any hidden switch to the complicated mechanism.
“What are you thinking?” Marga’s voice resounded so she was awoken to reality.
“Never mind, your highness,” she replied and she didn’t realize that a tiny red butterfly pendant is already dangling around her neck.
“Let’s go. Cielo and Marco might be finished talking about their business,” Marga said so they left the chambers and headed towards the garden. From a distance, they could see the crown prince playing with the little princess. They look so carefree. Alexandra could see the joy in Marga’s face as they both watched the father-and-daughter relationship. Marga smiled and went to greet her husband and their daughter.
“I don’t think I fit in,” she said and took a step back but a strong hand gripped her waist. She sucked her breath to feel that familiar hand on her body. She immediately brushed Marco’s hand away and turned to face him.
“Sooner or later, we will have a family of our own as well,” Marco spoke as he watched the three merrily laughing together. Alexandra held her still flat belly and pouted her lips.
“I don’t even know if this child could have a carefree life. Once the people knew my origins, would they accept this child or would they condemn him?”
“Condemn him of what? Being an Angenas or being a Hong?” he asked mockingly. “People easily judge by what they see without understanding what lies behind,” he continued as he walked past her. Alexandra thought this man would be insensitive to his surroundings. But hearing him voice out what she was thinking made her realize that this man is not as indifferent as he was portrayed. He turned around and offered a hand which she curtly held and they walked together.
They joined the tea party and she was welcomed warmly by the three people who were oblivious about her background. Sania, the little princess complimented her honestly and she even wanted to have the same outfit and hairstyle as her. “Mom, can I change into something like hers?” Sania asked.
“You can try to copy someone but you can’t change the fact that you can’t be like them,” Marco said nonchalantly as he sipped from his cup. Alexandra cast a glance on him but he didn’t mind even if the girl felt hurt from his harsh words.
“Can’t you just say that she does not need to try hard to be someone else?” she asked.
“I did,” Marco replied and faced her. “Aren’t you?” he asked as if there is a meaning behind those words. Was he referring about my surname?
“I don’t need you telling me that several times, uncle,” Sania spoke sadly.
“Well, your uncle is right,” Cielo sighed. His smile is a bit warmer than what she saw before. “Anyway, you’ll have a cousin sooner. I bet you’ll want to cherish him once he was born.”
“A cousin?” Sania’s face lit up upon hearing her father’s words. “Is it really a boy? Then you’ll have an heir?”
What kind of conversation is this? Aren’t they supposed to maintain their position? Are they just letting someone else’s child be crowned as the next king? Alexandra asked herself while trying to comprehend the complicated political issue regarding heirs.
The Angenas established the empire and proclaimed the new law that every man including the emperor can only marry one woman to love and respect. And every women including the empress should cherish their husbands. If anyone is found guilty of abusing from both parties, any royal family member has the right to bestow a divorce agreement.
But before the Angenas, the previous kings had several wives, having children from each woman. The fight to the throne is a little bloody and underhanded. Some women were willing to deceive the king and conceive a child of another man. Some women were also able to hide their infertility letting another woman lay with the king to conceive for them. Others were also willing to sacrifice babies who are yet to be born.
Very few would form a pact and factions to help one another. Even until now, Alexandra could see it from the Hongs. She could see how they are willing to sacrifice something to gain what they need.
This family, the Angenas, whom many have hated for half a century is so gracious to let other family members inherit the throne. Or was it that simple?
Marco cleared his throat and stood up. “We have taken much of your time. Alexandra and I should get going but thank you for inviting us to a tea party,” he spoke and smiled curtly at her while offering a hand. Obviously, he is feigning sweetness with her but they fell for it.
“Oh! You may go. I’m sorry to take much of your time as well,” Marga spoke.
“Oh no! It was my pleasure. I had a great time with you, your highnesses,” Alexandra said honestly. How can she not enjoy sitting with them when they were adorable? It was Sania who made it more lively. Thanks to her, she didn’t feel awkward.
“Uncle, I won’t ask permission to visit my aunt and my cousin,” Sania told Marco. Of all people she saw talking with the third prince, aside from the other royal family members, Sania was the only one who can speak up to Marco without trembling.
“Do as you wish,” Marco said and ushered her away from the garden.
“What a brave girl,” she mumbled.
“What?” Marco clarified, then after a few seconds, they heard Sania crying loudly. They can hear Cielo and Marga trying to pacify her. Alexandra was puzzled as to why but immediately realized the reason behind upon the girl’s crying upon seeing the smug smile plastered on Marco’s face.