The Emperor Neptune
The Struggle for Love IX

Violet had arrived before the door of the bookstorehouse which had recently become the place where the Emperor had spent his time.

"I'll surprise the Emperor."

Violet explained her goal to the guards.

"But the servant's daughter must still report to the noble first."

"Sstt... Not necessary. I'm going in." said Violet, straight into the barn.

"Ka-" The choked Violet was no longer able to continue her words.

What was in front of her eyes was painful.

Violet looked with her own eyes The seated Emperor hugged Princess Xie and they looked at each other in love.

The Emperor and Princess Xie who were aware of Violet's presence instantly let go of their embrace. The Emperor was nervous with Violet's sudden presence.

As hard as Violet tried to hold back her tears still escaped and flowed. His instincts as a woman would never accept if that was the man he had along with other women.

"Princess Violet-" Princess Xie did not continue her remark as she had just mentioned Violet's name instantly met a gaze filled with pent-up hatred and anger.

"Princess Xie go back to your room!" the Emperor's orders prevented the possibility that Princess Xie would quarrel with Violet.

Princess Xie bowed her body and hesitantly stepped out of the place.

"Princess Xie, you don't have to leave here. I'm the one who should have left." quiet Violet's words stopped Princess Xie's footsteps.

Violet then sat down by folding her legs back while putting the food box in front of her.

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry for my unwillingness to ask permission first to meet you. I was with the chef and waiter cooking this meal. I think the Emperor would taste my cooking." Violet continued her words, holding back all the broken feelings in her heart to make it look like she was fine. Though disappointment was evident from his face.

Violet then stood up again,

"I'll excuse you." Violet bowed her body saluting the Emperor. Things he's never done on this planet.

The emperor could no longer say anything.

So did the old eunuch standing next to him.

Violet stepped away, momentarily stopping to line Princess Xie's fingers before then continuing her steps.

Violet ran into her room with tears in her eyes.

He no longer cared how many eyes he saw like that.

_***_

Braakk...

Violet broke down the door of her room. Making Ling prepare drinks and fruit for him surprised.

Ling frantically looked at Violet's face that was already messed up by tears, with a sigh of hesitation.

"Miss, what's going on?" Ling frantically ran over to Violet who was still standing still. Then Ling swept him up on the bed.

"Miss what happened. Why is this." the unanswered question was repeated by Ling. In haste Ling took the drinking water for Violet who was still speechless, only her tears signaled how she felt at the moment.

_ * * * _

Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, the Emperor was still silent.

His mind churned between keeping his honor and glory as Emperor to hold fast to the promise he had made to elder Xierus or he had to run fast and meet Violet, hugged her tightly and wiped away her tears that she believed were currently breaking up.

"Your Majesty, you need rest first. Since yesterday you have not rested at all. I'm worried about your health." The eunuch tried to divert the Emperor's mind from the problems he was facing.

"Let me alone. Leave me."

"But your honor, your health is very important."

"I have to choose, right? I am not afraid to lose my throne. But I fear the fate and well-being of my people. And I also want to have life as I want." said the weak Emperor. Only in front of Kasim could he tell this weakness. Because since childhood Kasim was also the one who guarded, taught and always accompanied him lead the planet Neptune.

"Your highness. You are on this throne with great responsibility for the fate of the people and the planet. When you first accept it, you are ready for all the risks."

"I'm sorry for my immature attitude."

"Not what is noble, I can already understand your position. This old eunuch has seen many things in the palace and the planet."

"thank you. It's not wrong my grandfather asked you to stay by my side."

"Your Majesty, if you want to plant flowers, take the roots to plant them. If only the flower stems were picked then the flower would not last long to live."