Image attached of Jennie.



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❦☾𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗.4. 𝕿𝖊𝖆 𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊☽❦

♕♔

Ophelia's POV

It's been two whole days since my audience with the Emperor.

Not only, had the Crown Prince not visited me ( which doesn't bother me), but I think that I have been forgotten, already!?

My wedding is due in a year, ugh and by the looks of it I'll be dying my same death if I don't do something about it! I...need to get closer to Leon. 

So I at least have some hope in changing all our fates.

But as I was sipping my tea and watching the picturesque view of the garden, I was greeted by a messenger.

" Your Highness, this is a letter from the Duke of Crawford. Please give me your response," the servant huffed.

' Leon?! Why would he contact me?' Thanking the servant I took the letter and read it.

'To her Highness,

I would like to discuss some matters with you, and as a member of the Duchy, I feel it is my duty to get to know the future Moon of the Empire. So due to my free schedule this afternoon I was wondering if you'd like to have some tea with me at 4 pm.

Yours Sincerely, 

Duke of Crawford'

"Discuss some matters! Does he mean..." I covered my mouth in fear. 'What should I do?' I thought ' If I reject him, knowing what he's like he'll definitely do something irrational! But what if he wants to do something irrational already?' I stressed.

'No, wait... I should be happy right? Leon wants to meet me and my goal is to get closer to him, it's a win-win situation. I'll just have to play my cards correctly!' I began to fill with relief.

With a composed expression I returned the letter and informed the messenger that I'll meet him in the Eclipse Garden at 4 p.m.

He seemed to look more relaxed after I'd told him that. " Yes, your Majesty!" Just like that, he ran off.

I quickly sped back to my room as I realised I was about to have tea with Leon Crawford! The old me could never imagine.

'He was always my favourite character, even if he's slightly insane. He's good at heart I believe, he just needs someone to show him life can be good as well as bad!' I reassured myself on my way to my chamber.

" Jennie! What would you wear for having tea with an acquaintance?" I bellowed as I walked into my room.

She randomly appeared at my call and said, "You're having tea miss? With whom?"

My eyes lit up and my cheeks slightly glowed " The Duke of Crawford!"

At his mention she seemed to be petrified, her hands began to tremble " The. Devilish. Duke...."

Ah yes! The servants also know about him...and gossip a lot too. 

I gave her a nod with a smile and asked " So help me pick out a beautiful gown that highlights my charms but not too charming,"

With that, she commenced in dressing me up, a large pastel yellowy-orange gown, with silver embroidered patterns that shimmer in the light.

As Jennie was brushing my hair she asked " Princess, may I ask?"

I nodded in reply.

" Do you like the Duke, because he is more handsome than Prince Casper," 

" Pardon? What makes you believe I like the Duke at all?!" 

She then gave a slightly worried chuckle and said " Because, m'lady. The way your eyes illuminated at his mention, I find it ever so slightly concerning..." she then placed the brush on the dressing table and looked at me through the mirror.

" You need not worry Jennie. I only wish to befriend him, I am just grateful that's all. He saved me and now he wants my assistants," Jennie's face seemed to fill more with fear, but she kept silent.

To be frank, I know with how the Duke is currently like that becoming close to him is impossible. But thanks to Rosetta he'll slightly change...plus I'll help them get closer to each other. 

Furthermore, I do like the Duke, but not romantically. My attachment to him grew from pity and reading his struggle all his life. I admire through all his hardships he tried to change just so he could experience the warmth of happiness with others but it depresses me how he never received it at all.

That's why my only wish is to save you, Leon Crawford. 

4:30 pm at the Eclipse Garden

Ophelia had already been seated at the designated area under the gazebo structure, her tea was already prepared. 

She had a lonely look on her face as she sat and daydreamed about her current issues. Her blonde hair was styled to her right and her makeup was scarce. 

From where she'd sat the wind blew from a flattering direction and her gown only complimented the scenery reflecting the pastel pink-orange sky

The Duke who was running late was taken back by the image of her elegance from afar, it seemed even he who wasn't swayed off appearances felt a slight hiccup of attraction towards Ophelia.

' She seems to be upset at my tardiness, I should play it off as the extremely apologetic type, Princesses like her are usually spoilt, annoying and whiny. It looks as if she is about to cry...'

As he took his last few steps towards the gazebo, he cleared his throat and just as he was about to announce himself Ophelia had turned her head in excitement and said " Duke!? You're finally here!" her sad and lonely face had completely transformed into a large smile. 

Her lonely aurora had turned into a warm and welcoming one. 

Leon was stunned by her sudden change in manner, ' Is she like this because I appeared, ' a very foreign feeling overwhelmed him at that moment but he quickly shut it down ' It seems this Lady is in desperate need of something from me, her appearance is something I should be wary of she might be trying to seduce me...' 

He then took a bow and told her" I apologize your highness for my tardiness-"

" Oh no! You don't need to explain yourself I understand the duties of a Duke," she reasoned and with a slight giggle she continued " I was just worried that you wouldn't be able to make it, but you have and I am glad,"

Leon became confused at her unnecessary behaviour, but gave a small smirk he told himself 'She seems to be a pushover. No one of such status would wait for someone 30 minutes after an agreed meeting, I wonder what she is plotting.'

Taking his seat opposite her the servants hurriedly brewed his tea.

' I just need to get her to like me more than her fiance. If I could somehow get her support I could use her Kingdom's army to get rid of the Emperor's reign, and it seems she hasn't heard about me yet...'

Ophelia then asked, " So what made you call upon me?"

Leon gave a slight chuckle and stated " As mentioned in my letter it is my duty to have a kinship with the future Empress," 

Ophelia understood at that moment he was lying and putting on an act to please her. ' Lies...you have never wanted to befriend anyone unless they had something you needed'

She then replied "Just you reaching out to me is enough for me to befriend you, your grace, I am truly grateful for what you did for me on the day of my arrival,"

" Ah yes... anyway would you mind me asking, What is your relationship with your father like?" he hurried to the point ignoring what she had said, one thing the Duke had hated was small talk and he wasn't the patient type either.

' My father...he wants to know where I stand with him? Is what he wants our soldiers?' she assumed and the doubt began to show on her face. Upon noticing it the Duke gave her a warm smile and hoped she didn't catch on.

'Fake...what a fake expression' she thought. 

" My relationship with my father... is good to him I am a prized possession, he loves me very much," Ophelia smiled as she took a sip of her tea.

" I see, then Princess tell me. I couldn't stop wondering about the first time you came to me saying there was something important that you needed to inform me," he continued on with his façade. 'I shouldn't bring up the fact that she mentioned my name just yet, it seems as though she is purposely trying to avoid using it.' 

She instantly chocked on her beverage and began to cough "Oh... did I-" 'What should I say? I can't trust Leon enough right now to believe me or that he wouldn't betray me either! Think Seoul, think!'

" Your Highness!" Jennie sprinted to Ophelia, " I'm sorry to disturb your meeting!" 

Both of them turned their heads to Jennie's intrusion. Her eyes were overwhelmed with tears and it was clear she was in extreme distress.



A/N:

I'll edit mistakes later! Thanks to those who are commenting and voting I really appreciate it!!