The Emperor's Unfavored Empress

Chapter 6 Cassiopeia: Duke Hendriks

I've been in the empire for a month now, and preparations for the wedding are in full swing. But here I am, locking myself away in my room. A knock suddenly broke the silence.

"Who was that?" I asked. I looked through the peephole and saw Lin.

"It's me, Princess," Lin said.

"Come in." I shut the door open and let her in.

"You have been holed up in this room for the last month. I am here to take you out for some air." Lin said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thank you, Lin. I would like that." I decided to go with her because this might be the last day I could walk around. Tomorrow will be my wedding day.

I walked out of my room and was surprised to see the maids cleaning up the living room and putting away my things. "What are you doing?" I asked. "The fourth prince said that we start cleaning your room because you are moving to his palace tomorrow," one of them said and then looked at me with her big brown eyes.

"Oh, okay," I said and walked out of my room. I looked around my room one last time and then went out with Lin.

"Take this," Lin said as he placed a piece of paper in my hand. I looked at the paper, which had the address of a particular store.

"What are you giving me?" I wondered out loud.

"That's where we're going," Lin replied with a smile.

We walked down the streets of the imperial capital, hand in hand, as though we were kids. "Guess what? I have found a beautiful coffee and tea shop!" Lin exclaimed as she led me to the address on the piece of paper.

"Really? Is it that good?" I excitedly said.

"They said yes!" Lin exclaimed excitedly, "so we will try it, Cassiopeia." Excitement was written all over Lin's face, and she added, "they sell the best hot chocolate in the empire."

A sweet aroma of coffee welcomed us as we entered. I suddenly felt a weight lift off me as I walked into the coffee shop. Hot chocolates were placed on the tables, and delicious scents filled my nose. I joined Lin in front of the counter, where she ordered, "two hot chocolates please," Lin said, "and a pudding too," she added.

As soon as we got our drinks, I glanced around. "This place is so nice!" I complimented.

"Of course," Lin beamed as she took a sip of her warm cup of hot chocolate. "This is my threat," she added. "I couldn't buy you expensive gifts for your wedding. I thought this would make you feel less nervous about tomorrow's wedding." I appreciated Lin's thoughtfulness. I grabbed her hand and gently pressed them.

While we were chatting, a group of cavalry soldiers stopped by and was followed by a carriage. I wonder why everyone paid so much attention. Even the owner of the shop went out to welcome the guest.

They unlocked the door wide open. A man clad in a white cavalry suit came out of the carriage. I dropped my puddings upon seeing the man. I almost choked when I heard the owner say his name. "It's been a long time, Duke Alexis Hendriks."

I suddenly felt sick, and the room began to spin. I blinked, sure that I had imagined things, but no, it was Alexis! He was standing right in front of me! And he looked so much like his younger self! "Alexis!" I didn't know what to say.

I was scared out of my wits, so I quickly moved across the table and sat next to Lin so the man who looked just like Alexis wouldn't see me.

Wait for a second, Cassie. Don't hold me back. It could be someone else, okay? I did my best to convince myself.

"Are you okay, Cassiopeia?" Lin asked. I cleared my throat and nodded. "The Duke is here," Lin whispered, "look at his face. It's to die for," Lin said while smiling. I looked around and saw the women's eyes fixated on him. It's true. Alexis has a face that will turn all heads when they see him.

"It does seem that your business is flourishing," Alexis says with a smirk as their footsteps thump against the floor. I could hear their steps, and my breathing grew heavier and heavier. Then suddenly, they were right there in front of me.

"Thanks to your greatness, your grace." The owner said. I held my breath when they stopped beside me.

"I did nothing much, sire. You deserve everything you have now." His deep voice echoed through my memory. Suddenly, tears started to build in the corner of my eyes. I am in pain, and tho he betrayed me— I still love him. It's not easy to move on, and I missed him.

"It seems you've been well. May I ask what brings you to the empire?" the owner asked.

"His majesty, the emperor, called for me. I received an invitation for tomorrow's wedding." My eyes widened upon hearing what the Duke had said. I'm sure our paths will cross again. I held onto my chest because it was hard for me to breathe. I gasped.

I gulped as I held onto Lin's arms, "you're so pale. Are you feeling okay?" Lin asked. She gently patted my back to help me feel better.

"Please take me somewhere else," I pleaded as my hands started to tremble

"Are you okay, my lady?" I heard the Duke ask. I jolted when he reached out his hand to me. I shook it off as I kept my head down. "I can't take a risk. I can't let him see my face."

"Yes, please stay away." I coldly replied, standing up and rushing outside.

"Cassiopeia!" Lin yelled as I ran away. I stopped at a nearby winery to catch my breath. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"I hate the smell in there," I lied. Lin looked at me and frowned, but before she could say anything, I grabbed her hand and dragged her into the winery. "Let's have a real drink," I said.