𝐂𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄 ＃ YOUR THRONE. [✓]

CHAPTER 10: FEELINGS

I WALKED DOWN THE CORRIDOR, planning to meet the empress. 'I should drop by Octavius' room later, he did say he'll let me a borrow a book of his.' I thought inwardly, entering the main palace.

Lavish and exquisite decorums were presented, since this was where the Empress and Emperor resided it'd naturally be fancy. I took a swivel to turn to mother's office, where I figured where she'd be.

The words Mother had spoke to me still didn't leave my mind, what should I pick? The happiness of others, or mine? I knew myself far longer than Rocielle, but I'd deem myself selfish if I did pick myself.

'But isn't it alright to be selfish sometimes?' A bittersweet smile stretched upon my features, as my eyebrows furrowed a bit. A languid sigh left my lips in mild-frustration, I ran my hand through my navy-blue locks.

I lifted my head, staring right into purple-orbs. His eyes widened, and so did mine. I recognized him instantly as his lips mouthed my name. "Asteria.."

"Dekis, Greetings." I quipped, with a acknowledging nod. He lowered his gaze upon realization, Dekis hesitantly smiled. "Are you going to meet Her Majesty?"

I inquired quietly, feeling the tension surrounding us. I avoided him for quite awhile, just because of my hesitation. Whatever decision I make, I wish it wouldn't hurt them.

"I am." Dekis responded, turning his head away. I nodded, walking in-front of him. "I'm meeting Her Majesty as well, I'd be quick so you can talk to her."

His gaze lingered for a moment, before he hummed. Dekis noticed me halting in my steps, turning to face him. "Hey, you perhaps didn't come here wounded right?"

Dekis was stunned after hearing the words leaving my mouth, he was swift to deny. "I thought I rid of the smell already," He referred to the scent of blood.

"By basking your self in perfume, yes you did. But I noticed it, since you were acting quite weird and the scent of blood was still lingering." I explained in a solemn voice, my gaze flickering towards him. "If you meet the Empress like that, she'd notice it too."

Dekis shook his head, pursing his lips. I gazed at him, reaching for his arm. "Let me help, atleast one last time." I showed him a small smile, as he finally gave in.

We were both in my bedchambers, a awkward silence enveloping us. The room was oddly silent, no one dared to speak a word. I cleaned his wounds that reopened on his back, as he was quite relaxed.

Dekis knew that I had a exceptional sense of smell and hearing, and knowledgeable about medicine. Whenever I notice wounds on him that was from his father or accidents, I always helped clean it if it wasn't yet.

"Did something happen again..?" I inquired in a mellow tone, hesitating to ask. I placed the bandage on him softly, finishing. "Oh, nothing really happened.."

I arched a brow at him, closing my eyes as he wore his upper attire again. "I doubt that, but if you don't want to tell me then alright." Dekis took a brief glimpse at me, pressing his lips together in a thin line.

"Let's go, Mother is likely to be waiting for us." I stood up, as he nodded. He seemed like he wanted to ask me something but hesitated, it aroused curiosity inside of me before paying no mind to it. "Asteria, Cielle suggested we all go out on a beach outing."

I diverted my gaze, pondering in thought whether I should go or not. I gave him a brief nod, nearing mother's office. "I'll try to see if I have time. I'm getting more busy these past few weeks,"

It was a lie that I was getting more busy, although there was a hint of hesitation apparent within my voice. Dekis nodded, as I went inside Mother's office first before him.