ALVIA'S POV
"But your highness, if we really want to see Gralia prosperous as one of the leading empires in the world, we should consider building our very own weapon factory. We have the best minds for this but we never thought of exploiting the things we have. In my opinion, we're actually sitting on a gold mine here," how ... is it possible that this man even manages to get to my father's good side and promoted him to be a minister?!
I look up to him as he presenting his report on how to raise Gralia economic's standing in the eyes of the world.
"Sir Nicholas, have you made thorough research? If you do, you wouldn't even present it in front of the emperor. The cost, the safety and the location for this project are what you should be concerning. Gralia has a vast field in its vicinity but needs to keep in mind that the danger that may come with this idea of yours," Frederick replied Sir Nicholas.
I place a finger on my chin as I think of a way to see this through.
"I am aware, Sir Frederick. But you can't look away from the profit if we go through with it. Just imagine it as being the main benefactor for Gralia's economy," Frederick sigh.
"But we can't just look at it that way. How would we retort back if the Resistance manages to get into the factory and took over? That would be a huge war and Gralia would be in grave danger," sir Nicholas suddenly walks towards sir Frederick and forcefully pushed him down onto his seat.
"Shut up or I'll shut it for you," I noticed Frederick was about to return back the gesture but Annabelle clears her throat.
"Sir Nicholas! Sir Frederick! Behave yourself in front of the emperor," Annabelle looks up from reading the report.
"From what I've read, we really can't proceed with this. There is no way we could jeopardise everyone's safety for mere profit. Yes, it's a fact that we have the best mind when it comes to researching our empire's weaponry but that doesn't mean we could make it as our main benefactor. We have such beautiful scenery. Why not we focus on preserving our empire's historical site?" Annabelle dangling the papers in front of us.
"It's in your report sir Nicholas. Why are you insisting on building the weapon factory than the other ideas you have?" Annabelle has a point. When Annabelle pointed that out, I noticed Sir Nicholas clicking her tongue in annoyance.
"Of course ... Grand duchess Annabelle. That is my other idea. Of course," he's being a little out of character.
Sir Nicholas continued his presentation not as excited as he is with the weapon's factory. When it all came to an end, I decided to stay in the meeting room with Annabelle while the others excused themselves.
"I don't like him. But we can't do anything since he's the best economist we have," I pinched the bridge of my nose when Annabelle said that. I hate to admit but she is right. Even though he half-heartedly present the other ideas he has, it's filled with important points.
"Sir Nicholas is really suspicious," was all I said before Annabelle slammed her hands on the table making me startled.
"What is wrong with you?" I asked when she's grinning at me.
"Aren't you nervous for your first date with Kathryn tonight?" To be honest, I actually forgotten how nervous I am when sir Nicholas request to see me. It's true when they say that when you indulge yourself with work, you will forget the things that worries you the most.
"Thank you for reminding me that I have a date with Kathryn," I said sarcastically. I was fine before she has to mention it.
"Your welcome," she patted my shoulder.
"You should be grateful that I found the person your heart wants this year. Why don't you just skip the whole ordeal and marry her instead?" Did she really think it's that simple?
"Because it wouldn't be fair for the others. When the time comes, I'll choose them according to how it'll benefit the empire." Annabelle sigh when she heard my reason.
"You do know that you're going to live your whole life with her, right? I know you have responsibility but you need to think about yourself as well. Do you think you'll be happy with the person your heart disapprove? If you love Kathryn, just choose her. It's not a crime to be selfish for once in a while," Annabelle has a point but I don't have that privilege.
"I ... don't want to disappoint her when it times for me to tell them I'm not capable of giving them the full experience of being married to one another," Annabelle was taken aback by my reason.
"I don't want something that happened between me and Tatiana to happen yet again." I took a sip of the tea that was prepared for us and face my cousin.
"What if she has a boyfriend back home? What if what we're doing right now is not something that she wants?" That got her thinking.
"I'm pretty sure she doesn't have a boyfriend. But I guess you're right. I did kind of force her to agree to this. But I can't help it. I saw the opportunity and I just react naturally," opportunity? I waited for her to explain it to me but she never did.
"Well, what opportunity?" I asked finally.
"She was attacked at her home because her father was desperate financially. So he decided to borrow from a loan shark. He didn't have the money to pay them back so they decided to take her instead," my eyes widen.
"Why am I not informed about this?" Annabelle shrugged her shoulder.
"I just don't see the reason why I should tell you that. You aren't acquainted with her. Right?" I ... almost blew my own secret.
"Right. Yes," I took another sip of my tea and just leaned back to my seat.
***
"How do I look?" I asked Fred. He was as surprised as I am because I never ask if I look okay or not when trying on some clothes before.
"You look fine. I never saw that suit though. Is it new?" He asked while looking at the mirror.
"After you're done with it I want to borrow it for my own date," I raised an eyebrow.
"A date? You? With who?" Fred gave me a small smile.
"I can't say much but through you, we met each other. We didn't expect that it comes to the point that we can't live without each other now." I was shocked. Did they meet through me? Who? I'm totally curious but before I could ask, even more, the maids informed me that Kathryn has been waiting for me.
"She didn't take that long to prepare huh?" I was really hoping she might at least give me an hour or two so I could work out my nerves.
"She's not your typical girly girl like the rest. I mean, she even sits like a guy when no ones there. Annabelle was struggling to teach her to sit properly," I chuckled when Fred just had to mention that.
It was sad yet funny at the same time when we accidentally walk across the room they were in, Annabelle was teaching her to be more ladylike. I didn't say it out loud but her tomboyish side is what interest me.
She could be as girly as she can be and as rough as a guy too. But the funniest part would be when my dogs decided to get friendly with her. I never saw someone ran as fast as she can.
After one last look at what I'm wearing, I decided to just go with the flow. I gave Fred that look when he's lounging on my bed as if it's his. He finally understood my point and followed suit as we leave the room.
"After tonight, do we have to continue with the last event or would you just announced your choice? I'm just that curious," Fred asked as we walk towards the stairs.
To be honest, I'm still curious about it myself. After having some time alone with the others, I just couldn't make a decision yet. I know deep down I want to live my life with Kathryn, but she wasn't nurtured to lead an empire like the rest.
I keep asking myself if that's going to be a problem for my empire if I really decided to follow my heart. It's so frustrating that I almost quit even.
"Yes. I'm going to live with her for the rest of my life. Of course, I'm going to pick the best bride." before I even get myself down the stairs, I was simply mesmerised by a beauty. I literally have to recollect myself just to gather my courage to greet Kathryn like always.
When she saw me walking down the stair, she gave me a small smile before bowing her head.
"Even I was a bit speechless there. She cleans up good!" Fred whispered as we walk. I hushed him and return the gestures like a gentleman.
"You look amazing," I just can't control myself from complimenting her.
"Thank you. I like your suit. The question, do you even own something casual? Do you go to bed using these suits as well? I never saw you wearing anything but suits," Annabelle clear her throat when she beginning to act unladylike.
"A lady doesn't question the emperor's sense of fashion," Annabelle said while Kathryn just smiling at me. She's probably tired of hearing my cousin nag at her all the time.
"I don't go to bed wearing a suit." I offered my arm for her to take.
"Shall we? We don't want to be late for the first day of premier," Kathryn was hesitant but she built up the courage to take my arm before we walk towards the limousine.
"How many hours did Annabelle took to make your hair like that?" I was just that curious when we're inside the car.
"Four solid hours. She didn't even let me use the bathroom. I have to hold it in while she's working on my hair." I wanted to laugh but it seems a bit rude to laugh at her misery.
"It's beautiful. She may look like ... well, you know. I don't have to say it loud out. But when it comes to fashion, there is no denying that she's one of the best advisors. One of her hobbies is designing clothes after all," Kathryn seems surprised by that revelation.
"Really? Just a hobby? I thought she was just playing around because this dress is one hell of a creation." Oh! So Annabelle designed the dress too? Where did she find the time to do so?
"Do you think this is too much? I feel so pointlessly sexy for this event. What if there are children present? I don't want to be seen as a slut," I finally let out a small laugh. To my surprise, Kathryn decided to hit my shoulder lightly when she heard me laughed.
"Don't laugh! This isn't the time to laugh at me! Come on. Be honest, is this too much?" I shake my head no.
"You look amazing. It's just if you acted the way we first met while wearing this dress, it just gets funnier," I laugh out loud. Kathryn has enough and just leaned back to her seat while crossing her arms across her chest. I can't help but laugh even louder when she pouts that lips of hers.
"Very funny, your highness. Very funny," I wiped the tears from my cheek and apologised for laughing at her.
"Don't pout like that or you'll ruin your make up. And no, it's not too much. You're beautiful. I'll be proud to have you in my arms in public," now she's all red. I'm not sure if it's the makeup or did I just made her as red as an octopus.
"Are you okay?" I asked. She decided to ignore me and just looks outside the window. I smile a little. It'll be an honour to have her as my date tonight.