⇣ 𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙼𝙰𝙳𝙴 𝙼𝙴 𝙰 𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴𝚂𝚂？⇡
Claude had never once wished. Or so he believes. Or so everyone in this empire believes. And if everyone else believes it, he should too.
He had everything while others had nothing. The looks, the clothing, the gold and more gold that decorated the castle walls so elegantly. His eyes were like crystals. That's what everyone says. That's what everyone gossips about.
Confined inside of his castle walls, a wish was the least of his worries. That is, if the topic ever came up.
But that dance with you. The gift you gave to him. At first, the compass was nothing but a mere gift that a concubine, had given to her lord. The Emperor. Claude.
Maybe now he would have a wish. And somehow, no matter how cliche it may sound, it involves little old you.
The brightest star? Mono. He looks up at the dawning sky. Though, soon to be engulfed in a light blue, stars were still present, just barely. Claude opens the compass and the ruby arrow is triggered almost instantly to the direction of a star.
It's bright, and alone in the sky. The remaining stars were cluttered together besides this one. It was odd enough to glow. But, it would be time for it to deteriorate once morning comes. The sun will shine brightly. Brighter than 'Mono.' All he has to do is wait for night to stare at the star again.
Claude had never once thought that in this life, as the Emperor, would be one filled with such affection coming from someone who was previously obsessed with him to the brim. It seems now that the tables had turned.
You are the one who is hesitant at the slightest touch. While he is all in for it, even if its just a little touch. Then a hand. Then an arm and a leg. The entirety of you.
He had never ached for such a long time. Ever since he's murdered the being that took his happiness long ago, you were a sense of relaxation. Maybe even more? Yes. Claude now knows what he wishes for. It is to be with you. He'll let his guard down for a moment. A second. He's not too completely sure that he will make any advances towards you. Should he wait? But he can't. Though he has too. If he wants something, a person in this scenario, he needs to wait. Just for you to come to him.
"Mono is such a predictable name... What should I change it to?" he asks himself, tapping away at the brim couch he is sitting on.
Claude will wait for you. His love will wait. Hopefully. And once you embrace him, would you have thoughts of letting him go? Hopefully not, no, he believes you won't. He'll even pray that you don't.
˚☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩
By what you, no, anyone can possibly guess, rumors had spread around fast. Invites to parties were sent to you. The pile might as well outmatch Mount Everest. And just like Mount Everest, it's a place that very rarely, anyone may survive in. Death is guaranteed. Just as well as proper gear. You shivered at just the thought.
You lie on your bed as the envelopes are scattered across your room.
'Damn it all...' you think to yourself. For the past days, you weren't able to sleep a wink at all. All this anxiety was killing you. Can you even close your eyes? You try to.
Nope. Not at all.
You raise your hands to the 'sky' of your room, while you stare at the ceiling.
'I wonder... how Claude's doing?" you think to yourself. You can only imagine the way your hands held each other during the night. Or morning? You can't remember. You can't tell how your body is feeling. How many beats your heart is making per second. But you will always, remember that dance. You also wonder if he planned it. He told you to dress comfortably. In an outfit that you will be able to move in. But nice enough for you to look in. Did you look like Cinderella? If the shoe fits that is!
"I felt like a princess..." you whispered. "A real one." You start to shift, and just as you were about to close your eyes, a loud knock emits from your door. 'Ignore it,' fatigue said. 'Answer!' fatigue said! What even is fatigue anymore???
KNOCK, KNOCK!
Fatigue won. You sit up and walk groggily to the door. Wait. What if it's him? You tap your foot. What if he is here? Right here and now? Shouldn't you look appropriate?
You look at the mirror and see how messy your hair is. Bags are under your eyes, and you can practically see your cheekbones! Ah! You look terrible. Wait. Isn't that a good thing? Should that even be considered a good thing at all? You ponder, but the knocking continues.
Having to make up your mind, you choose the option to look as terrible as you are. Whether it is Claude or not, 'Maybe they'll leave if I do?' you think.
Turning the doorknob, the clicks and ticks that can be heard, as you open the door, your worry and self confidence(?) are gone. Now a look of surprise is on your face.
Cordelia stands at your door. Her face is just the same as when you met her. She looks stern. For some reason, even though she made the advance to kill you, fear has yet to catch up. Or should you say logic? Or are you just lying to make this more suspenseful than it already is? Arrogance gets you nowhere. So why do you even try too?
The two of you had taken place in a familiar resting area. One that no one pays attention to. One where no one, hopefully, will be able to eavesdrop on your conversation.
You sit on one couch as Cordelia sits on the other. She wears a red dress meant for travel, and a cloche looking hat. Her hair is braided down her back. She wears dark boots that go up to her ankles and that's really just about it.
"I'm leaving, [ Name ]. I am going to live my life in a small suite-like cottage. Grow my own garden. And enjoy my life as a Cordelia. Not just some concubine."
You don't know what to say. And here you thought (forgotten) that you'd get to play the hero in this story. Were you ever hero material at all?
"I want to fall in love [ Name ]." She looks at you, calmly, but with more emotion than before. "I'm sorry that I tried to hurt you. I'm sorry that I didn't treat you well, and tried to kill you. I'll try my hardest just so I can lessen this guilt I have made."
"Cordelia..." you can hardly even say anything. Can she really just go and leave?
"What about the Emperor? Did he approve of this?" you question. Cordelia nods. "I wouldn't go against the order of the Emperor. That is something I'm not capable of doing."
'But attempted murder is? I'm sure he wouldn't even bat an eye to it though. Considering we had yet to meet one another.'
"It seems that you are his favorite. I heard he doesn't even relieve himself anymore with the women. That is fine. I wanted to stop anyway. All of me should go to someone who would love me to the end of this world."
"A man with black hair, asked me to give you this letter. It's from your family, [ Name ]." And as you take the white letter, stamped but slightly creased. From: The Leocadia Residence. You look up back at Masie. She smiles at you.
"You don't have to play hero, [ Name ], I'm my own person who needs to do self-saving. Goodbye. I too, hope you escape this place. Just don't fall in love with Claude. You'll only die if you do. That is what the man said. That is what I believe. That is what's best for you. The women and men, everyone in this kingdom will want a thorn in their side dead. That is a normal reaction, considering how the Emperor left right when you did during the incident of his birthday. As well as the numerous visits he makes to you."
Cordelia leaves, with you holding the envelope and looking at the door then closing. "Don't die [ Name ]. Leave. Don't wait for him."
Cordelia is gone. Will you fall after? Should you... do what she had told you to do? You don't know. Nor, will you ever be able to understand. Why are you still here? How come Cordelia was able to leave so quickly? What even is your goal? Can you even call it one? Death is a word concepting a fear everyone is born with right at birth.
This life was never pure. Then again. Is there such a life where nothing impure wants to kill them? Loathe them? You don't know. You can only wish, upon a shooting star, that it'd come true.
Who is that man? And why would he say such a thing?
Sorry if there's any errors. I was all over the place. This chapter was kinda mid towards the end. The beginning was everything. Bye Cordelia!
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