Just like that, your visit went from always, to sometimes, to often, into few, into twice then once a month. Not like Claude notice though, head over heels for his lover. The palace becomes a lively place, it was bright and lovely compared to his first few years as the emperor. Days had gone by just like that, whenever you went for a meeting or visit in the palace, Diana would always invite you for a tea.
Turns out that little kind and lovely lover of his was a fan of yours, not totally a fan but she did look up to you. Having heard of your miracles way back in her hometown, she always longed to meet you. It was an odd bittersweet feeling. You can see why when such cold person like Claude falls for her. It was good overall, as a person who always stayed by his side through thick and thin, you're grateful he finally has someone whom he loves and loved him back. It makes you wonder what more could you do in his life, you who was always by his side but had done nothing.
Today was one of those days where you paid a visit to the imperial palace, having do have something to discuss with the Emperor, something important.
But first of all just like always, the garden comes first. It was one thing in the palace that manage to comfort you and had such a peaceful atmosphere.
"Lady Diana! Please don't run, you might fall!"
See? The palace is getting livelier than ever.
Just by that thought, a small smile made it's way on your lips, though if someone was to see your (eye color) iris they wouldn't be able to say the same, so it was a good thing that ever since the first meeting, never once have you taken your blindfold off.
"Saintess-nim!"
It was her
Just like that you turn around, her usual same pure and pink aura was enough to make you recognize her, there there was something different than the last time you say her. Suddenly the feeling of bittersweet once again made you feel like it was the right decision you're making. At the same time, it was something you wish you never saw, just how would it hurt if you really saw that behind you're blindfold? Nevertheless, you are thankful you're wearing one, making the people around you unable to see the feeling of bittersweet and envy swirling around those (eye color) iris.
And in the middle of her coming towards you, probably welcoming you as ever, she ends up tripping.
"Be careful!"
You frown as you manage to catch her before she falls
The sound of footsteps right behind her coming in hurry.
"Lady Diana!"
"Thank heavens I manage to catch you before you fall, why are you running for Lady?!"
You ask in a scolding tone
"Well I was overjoyed by the fact that you're coming once again and came to see you right awa--"
"Still! You should be careful! Especially when you're pregnant! Don't go running not knowing when you might trip Lady!"
You scold in disapproval
Unknown to you who thought her pregnancy was already known, that was a piece of new news that causes Felix who just manages to catch up with the unofficial consort of the Emperor and the Lady Diana herself to shut up.
"Why are you silent? Finally reflecting on your misdoings?"
You added
And then,
"I'm pregnant?"
"My Lady Diana is pregnant?"
Diana and Felix look at you with wide eyes
"Heavens.. Yes... Wait... Don't tell me, you didn't know?"
You answered back
There was a moment of silence before a soft smile appeared on her lips, same goes for Felix and you too couldn't help but to smile despite the feeling swirling on your chest.
"Congratulations Lady Diana"
You said, clasping your hands together before
May God protect this unborn child that is yet to come in this world and her mother
"Though I'm afraid I'm in a hurry today and have something to dismiss with your lover, Your highness."
Before the two could reply, you bow at them
"Until we meet again, Felix, My Lady"
You smile at them
You had so many thoughts going on inside your head as you went towards the waiting room as you request for the Emperor a meeting. Having to wait for a couple of minutes, your childhood friend, your teenage crush, and finally, your first one-sided love emerges into the room.
"Greets to the sun of the Empire, Your Highness"
"You came unnoticed today"
He replied as he sat on the opposite chair from you, as he does you took that as a clue to sit down too
"I apologize for that Your Highness, I know you've been busy but this is an urgent matter I need to discuss with you"
"I see"
He stated, he wonder what you're gonna say to him
Never once did he saw you look so serious even though it's been years since he last saw those bright (eye color) iris of yours that is now remained unseen as you never removed those white cloth around your eyes.
"Well what is it?"
He started leaning on his seat, hands resting on the armchair
"I will be resting your highness"
You started with a very calm voice
Claude didn't really get it at first
"I will rest starting tomorrow Your Highness"
You repeat
"What do you mean (First name)?"
It's been a while since he called you that, making you smile, at the same time that smile sends a shiver down his spine as you said your next words.
"I shall be put into eternal sleep starting tomorrow your highness"
Eternal sleep was something that you had it coming from the very beginning of your existence. It was the end of your oracle that only the elders of the church and the royal family knows, this is the reason why you make sure Theodore didn't come with you today. In order to avoid the tragedy that might fall upon you at your 29th birthday which would be the day after tomorrow.
Tomorrow shall be your last day, having to put you to sleep and kept you away from others. For you are the first, and perhaps the last Saintess of the temple. They need to make sure you're safe until you are to be awoken, or if you're to wake up in the first place.
Unable to see his horrified expression, all you could think of is how he would be joyful at the fact that his lover is pregnant. And that from now on, without you by his side, Diana would always be the one starting from now, or starting a few years ago would be the one to stay by his side.
As the person who always, or once always stood and watch by his side. You know he'll be fine even without as long as Diana was always by his side.
Unknown to you, you failed to see the mark of death on Diana which was hidden away by her aura.