Page 107 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“I’ll keep it in mind.” He released my chair and walked around the table to his own.
Unlike what I’d assumed, this wasn’t a great banquet table that could seat twenty, but a small round table just slightly larger than the average personal tea table. Kalon had mentioned back in Stein that His Majesty was dining with us as his father, not the Emperor, but this intimate setting really drilled that point in.
Honestly, I’d rather he was here as the Emperor.
At least then I’d know how to act.
“His Majesty, Emperor Cassius III, has arrived.”
We both got to our feet, and Kalon folded into a low bow while I held out my skirt and dropped into a deep curtsey.
“Please be seated,” His Majesty said, joining us at the table. “Kalon, Alicia, thank you for making the time to dine with me this evening. You must be tired after your journey here.”
“Not at all,” Kalon replied. “How could we possibly reject an invitation from you after you were so gracious in your approval of our engagement?”
The Emperor chuckled. “You’re very polite tonight, Kalon. What’s in the water in Stein?”
“The happiness of a man in love, Father.”
Barf.
He was really leaning into this whole love-at-first-sight thing, wasn’t he?
His Majesty eyed me with a smile. “Your fiancée doesn’t seem to agree.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” I replied softly. “I’m still getting used to Kalon’s ardent declarations of love.”
“Kalon? Ardent declarations of love? Oho, really?”
“Oh, yes.” I met Kalon’s eyes and smiled, coyly touching my fingertips to my cheek.Two could play this game.“As Your Majesty knows, our connection was almost instantaneous. Although I am quite shy in the matters of the heart and not as expressive as he is, he makes sure I know how he feels every day.”
The Emperor looked between us, his eyes sparkling excitedly. “How wonderful. I had no idea you felt the same. As you’re aware, love marriages in the Imperial Family are rare. To think I was able to grant one of my sons such happiness!”
Ah.
I understood now. When Kalon had said that the Emperor claimed he had too much romance in his body for one woman, what he was really saying was that our great ruler was in love with love.
“Milton, what wine is being served tonight?” The Emperor turned to his aide.
“Chabalot from the year three-ninety-two, Your Majesty.”
“Very well. Bring it.”
“Your Majesty, if we may,” I interjected. “Viscountess Evsea was kind enough to gift us a bottle of Evsea from the year three-seventy-six for our engagement. We brought it with us in the hopes we would be able to share it with you.”
His eyes lit up. “Really? Aren’t there only thirty bottles of that in existence? And she gave it to you? Oho, how exciting!” He turned to Milton. “Scrap the Chabalot, Milton. We shall enjoy this vintage treasure tonight!”
He was like a child excited at the prospect of an extra dessert.
Having such thoughts about the Emperor felt a little shameless, but he was almost… cute.
If I survived this life, I was so going to hell.
Chapter Twenty-Five – Kalon
A Necessary Lie
“I always wanted a daughter,” Father said, resting his chin on his hand and gazing lovingly at Alicia. “Alas, God only granted me two sons. Quite unfair, if you ask me.”
