The Emperor's Rose

Chapter 46//On the Floor

Aiko's blushed. Something was brushing against her hips and holding her in place: the Emperor's strong arms. She was about to forget the world and melt into the kiss. Her arms snaked around his neck. He pulled her closer.  

A burst of flame ignited her cheek, dusting them with a red blush. Just as the color started to seep away, Aiko's stomach plummeted, realizing what she was doing. Even though his lips were intoxicating, she weakly pushed him away, immediately regretting it. The Emperor stumbled back. His eyes were a swirl of shock and anger. Aiko exhaled, wiping her mouth with her hand. She picked her kimono skirts, reviling too much skin, but she didn't notice in the chaos of the moment.   "I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty..." she whispered in shock as she stumbled towards the door. The protocol-allowed name slipped out of her lips. Her uncoherent brain tripping over itself and addressing the Emperor with names she would normally avoid.

The Emperor was just as shocked and didn't try and stop her. But as soon as his muddled brain managed to understand what happened he stood up.  

The guards outside were talking about how the weather was finally getting warmer, when the two doors were thrown open, almost squishing them.  

Aiko ran past them, stumbling over her skirts. Her sleeves flying. The guards looked at each other in confusion, yelping when the Emperor started running after Aiko. After the couple had run down a corner, the guard on the right sighed, "How many times does this have to happen?"  

Aiko was trying to run back to her room. Her mind wandering in the deep forest of recent memories. Her hair swished as her eyes scanned every corner, trying to find her room. Her long silk skirts irritated her. They were obstructing her. She huffed, yanking them up. As she ran, her eyes wandered backwards. 

She heard the Emperor coming behind her. His long strides were catching up with her even if Aiko ran quickly. Aiko's terrorized eyes stayed glued to the Emperor running behind her. She didn't want to face the consequences of their kiss. She didn't want to admit that she wanted to go back and kiss him again. While she looked at her future husband, Aiko tripped against Fumi. Both women tumbled down to the floor.  

The two ladies were sprawled on the floor. Kimono sleeves tangled. The Emperor caught up to them. "Aiko!" He whispered. He snaked his arms underneath her shoulders and pulled her up. He adjusted her kimono and brushed some hair away from her face. The Emperor's eyes then fell on his sister. He stayed still, not lending her his hand to stand up. He still wanted to confront Aiko about their kiss, but he wouldn't do it in front of his sister. Fumi almost hissed as she straightened her hair, untangling an earring from her hairstyle. 

"I did go to the astrologer today, and he did predict that I would find what I desired most. But I didn't think the desired person would crash into me." Aiko's heart thumped faster. Blood rushed in her ears. Her palms became sweaty. Her hands clasped the Emperor's.

Anger sparked in the Emperor's chest. She had insulted him and wiped her lips after he had kissed her. The humiliation flickered strongly in his heart. He tugged his hand away from hers. Aiko's heart cracked. He had never refused to act lovingly in public, even more so in front of Fumi.

Aiko felt lost without the Emperor holding her hand. She shakily tucked her hand in her sleeve. "You... desired to speak with me? Is there a problem?"

Fumi giggled. "Yes. You." She exclaimed happily.