The Emperor Neptune
The Sacrifice of Love II

Getting a question that he himself did not know the answer Virgia glanced at the Emperor for a moment then approached and sat down beside Violet then rubbed her shoulder.

"Violet you better take a break. It seems you are very weak at the moment."

"My body is cold, brother."

"I know." replied Virgia helping Violet lie back down.

A guard came in, though,

"Hail your highness. I'd like to convey a message from Princess Xie that the Princess has been waiting for you."

The emperor only glanced at the guard then nodded his head.

The eyes of Virgia and Violet meet. It was obvious in Violet's eyes how she felt at the moment.

"Virgia take care of him. I will settle my affairs quickly." Without waiting for Gia's reply, the Emperor passed away

Virgia only held back the disappointment of the choice of the Emperor who preferred to meet Princess Xie rather than accompany Violet who was willing like that to save her life.

"Violet, don't worry about me being here" said Gia, clasping Violet's fingers tightly.

Only tears were Violet's answer.

"Violet I'm sorry. Everything that's happening to you right now is because of my mistake that brought you here. I'm sorry I've contributed so much to bothering you." said Gia sincerely with tears.

There was no word from Violet. Only the glare of her eyes represented all her feelings.

Right now only deep sadness felt in that big room.

_ * * * _

News of Violet's current condition spread quickly in the palace. No exception was heard clearly by Princess Xie.

Princess Xie sat on her knees before the Emperor.

"Your majesty, wouldn't it be better if this matchmaking plan was cancelled? I am willing to bear it all before the elders and the people of Xierus. Servants will say if servants have failed." said Princess Xie with a mantab.

"I am the Emperor of all the people and the planet. The promise I made will neither be taken nor changed. My words are an honor to the entire planet Neptune. If I am unable to fulfill my words to elder Xierus then I am no longer the Emperor here." replied the Emperor firmly.

"Your Majesty, what about Princess Violet? At least we can tell him the truth."

"No! He will not accept it easily. Let it stay like this until the time comes he can accept everything."

Princess Xie no longer dared to refute the Emperor's decree. Although in his heart he was sad and felt guilty to Violet but he could not do anything. All are the Emperor's decisions.

_ * * * _

Violet awoke from her sleep, as the sound of birds outside her room humbled.

"Good morning miss." greeted Ling cheerfully after being behind the door she took a deep breath and arranged her smile for not wanting Violet to see her sorrow.

Violet refused to answer the greeting.Ling, only nodding her head.

"Miss, I brought a special porridge from the palace chef. He said make this with a soaker of love and affection for you."

"I'm not hungry yet Ling. Just go ahead."

Ling's face turned back grieving to Violet's reply which was sure her mood had not improved.

"What color do you want to shower? I'll prepare it, how?"

"No Ling! My body still feels cold."

"alright. I'm gonna stay here. Whatever the lady wants tell me."

"I want to go on a walk to the outer river of the palace that we've been to Ling."

"But miss, didn't you just say your body was so cold?"

"I can wear Ling's upholstered clothes."

"But lady, what if the Emperor knows?"

"He wouldn't know Ling. She was busy with her woman." finished saying that Violet's tears were flowing.

Ling could not bear to see Violet's cries this early.

"Alright lady. Let's prepare yourselves, miss and go there." Ling said later. Ling knew the risk that later the Emperor could be angry so he would be punished with severe punishment. But Ling was willing to bear it because for him all this time there was no good he got as good as he got from Violet.

Ling helped Violet get out of bed with her body still covered in a thick blanket.

_ * * * _

Violet and Ling had reached the edge of the river.

"Ling I'd love to take a shower here. The water is very warm."

"Miss, the water of this river is warm because this water comes from the hill of light."

"If I had a longer time I'd love to see that hill of light Ling."

"Your lady can go there. You just have to tell Kasiar." Ling said it with passion making him forget to mention a name that must be currently not wanting to be heard by Violet.

"Sorry lady, my mouth is very sassy." Ling felt guilty patting her mouth.

"It's okay Ling. Sometimes a journey of life is just a story. And sometimes in a struggle we have to give up when we lose." Violets.