Watching Her Journey 12

  “A wake up punch?”

  Lily smiled nervously, “The princess wouldn’t actually do that, right?” she muttered.

  “Well, I hope she does.” Lucas shrugs while crossing his arms. Everyone turned their heads to face the annoyed-looking-magician. Lucas raised his eyebrow at their bewildered faces.

  “What? It’s not like there’s something wrong about wanting her to punch him.” Ijekiel just shook his head and sighed.

  ‘When would I get another chance?’ Athanasia was flaring in madness, ‘the time is now.’ She then clenched her fists. ‘For what happened at the lake.’

  ‘…You gotta take one punch!!’ She raised both of her arms in the air.

  Lucas watched in amusement, “There she goes,” he said in anticipation.

  But before she could bring her fists to the Emperor, the chocolate slipped away from her grasps and bounced to Claude’s forehead. 

  Lucas grimaced in disappointment, while Ijekiel eyed him, ‘He was really looking forward for the Princess to punch his Majesty…’ he just shook his head and continued to watch.

  Athanasia let out a horrified gasp when Claude opened his eyes. His eyes lingered to the room until he caught her jeweled blue eyes.

  “Oh no…” Lily and Jeannette covered their mouths as they let out a gasp.

  Athanasia unclenched her fists carefully slowly and carefully put them down on Claude’s chest. “S… sleep tight…” She forced out a smile but her horrified look was still seen on her face. ‘What on earth am I doing…?’ She mentally cried.

  “Yeah, what are you doing?” Lucas asked. 

  “Th… the moon smiles down on you.” Athanasia sang quietly that it doesn’t even look like she’s singing.

  “This is the lullaby that I used to sing to the princess when she’s having a bad dream.” Lily smiled, “… and she’s singing it to his Majesty. She must’ve thought about making him sleep again.” 

  “Goodbye to the day.” She continued, “The baby smiles at the star too. Tomorrow will bring a brighter morrow. So dream a pretty dream and sleep tight my child…” Claude’s eyes closed a bit.

  “Wow… Ms. York, you’ve taught the princess well.” Felix smiled.

  Again, she forced out a smile on her face. ‘What did my face look like when my arms were up?’

  “You looked horrified.” Lucas said plainly.

  ‘I must have been really weird.’

  Athanasia stopped her thoughts when Claude opened his mouth, “What song was that?” He asked.

  A mixture of shock and confuse was plastered on Anastacius face, ‘I thought he would be more… something.’ he thought, questioning his brothers reaction.

  “A song to say ‘bye bye’ to bad dreams.” Athanasia responded. ‘This dude doesn’t even know a lullaby? Everyone in this empire has heard it.’

  ‘Dude? Is that a new way to call her father?’ Claude thought, a bit offended by his own daughter.

  Athanasia beamed at the Emperor in front of her. “Good morning, papa!” Her voice was full of enthusiasm.

  “It’s not morning.” The Emperor replied plainly. “Then, good evening!” Athanasia replied, her enthusiasm not faltering. 

  ‘Can you stop being such a stick in the mud?’

  Anastacius let out a chuckle.

  Claude slipped his feet off the couch and sat down, “Did Felix send you in?” He asked with a sigh and messed his hair using his left hand. His robe’s tie was almost untied causing his chest to be more seen causing Athanasia to flinch and avert her eyes at the sight.

  “Your Majesty, I don’t think wearing such a robe in front of your daughter is appropriate.” Duke Alpheus carefully said, causing the people of their room to agree.

  “I’ll make sure to remember that.” Claude said as his eyes fixed on the monitor. His response actually shocked some of them.

  “I should tell them to prepare our dinner here.” Claude stood up from the couch.

  The scene changed, a table full of foods and Athanasia and Claude sitting far away from each other. “From your expression, I can tell you’ve been well.” Claude said while resting his chin to his palm.

  ‘Oh you knew I was sick!’ 

  “Papa is prettier too!” Athanasia beamed without thinking.

 “What kind of response is that?” Lucas rolled his eyes.

  She smiled brightly, ‘Don’t forget, I’m on plan C, plan C. For the sake of plan B! No matter how petty it seems, it’s important to survive and live another day!’ Claude’s eyes rested on hers.

  “I feel bad for the princess, it looks like this dinner would be very awkward.” Jeannette watched the scene in pity, ‘the thought of the princess thinking how to survive at such a young age is sad…’ she thought to herself.

  “Let’s eat. I made them prepare things you’d like.” Claude said. 

  ‘And that would be all meat?’

  “Thank you for the food.” Athanasia said and started slicing the meat. She struggled as Claude watched her in unreadable expression.

  Suddenly, Athanasia unintentionally let go of the fork and knife. “You need to learn more etiquette. I’ll send someone to your place tomorrow.” Claude said as he watched the knife flying and dropped on the floor. 

  Athanasia clutched her chest as she stared at the knife laying on the floor. ‘That scared the life of me.’ 

  “Your daughter almost stabbed herself and all you said is she need to learn a proper etiquette.” Anastacius shook his head. Claude heard his brother but chose to ignore him anyway.

  “Those you’ve been learning from have no class, so it’s time to recieve proper lessons.” Athanasia was shocked by his comment, ‘What? ‘no class’?! did you just put down my maids? Those ladies are from noble families too!’ Athanasia rambled in her head.

  “Athy will do her best, papa!” She smiled brightly at him. Claude said nothing and continue to watch her as she eats. Athanasia sweatdropped, ‘What? What is he staring at?’ she thought as she brought the fork on her mouth.

  ‘I can’t swallow my food!’

  “Ah… your Majesty.” Felix unconscious said.

  “What?” Claude furrowed his brows, he didn’t bother to look at the red-haired-knight. 

  The scene changes to the palace the princess currently live in. “Lily, I want to hear a lullaby.” Lily glanced at the tired princess, “Then, shall I sing one for you?” Athanasia nodded while Lily patted her.

  Lily smiled at the scene.

  “When the night sneaks in, pick some flowers for my sake.” Lily looked at the princess who’s starting to fall asleep. “The pretty stars smile, saying hi.” She continued as Athanasia listened to every word she sang. 

  ‘As expected, what i sang can’t even compete.’ 

  Lily laughed at the princess’ thought. 

  “Goodbye to the day, tomorrow will bring a brighter morrow.” Lily kissed her forehead, “So dream a pretty dream, bye for now and sleep tight my child.” Athanasia finally closed her eyes and rested for the night.

  “I certainly must say, you have a very nice voice Ms. York.” Jeannette complimented the the woman infront of her. 

  “I agree, I would love to listen to you singing again.” Felix faced her. “Oh my, thank you.” Lily blushed in embarrassment.

  The screen showed the dark chamber of the Emperor. He was sitting on the couch he previously slept, he raised his hand, holding a piece of chocolate that slipped off Athanasia’s hand. 

  Suddenly, a memory of Athanasia smiling and Diana was showed. Both has a blonde hair, facial expression but has a different eye color. 

  Claude stared at the screen where his lover was showed, he could still remember every piece of her.

  “Isn’t she a bit brazen? She must get that from Diana.” Claude continued to look at the chocolate on his hand. 

  “Lady Diana was definitely the type to leave a lasting impression on anyone.” The Knight behind him– Felix responded.

  “A year longer and I would have forgotten that wench’s face.” He said, coldness filled  his voice.

  Lily flinch at his words.

  ‘So, he’s still not over her. But why does he still have Penelope’s portrait on his room?’ Anastacius thought, staring at his brother.

  Felix eyes widened at his words, but he shook his head and changed the topic. “Did you enjoy your meal with Prncess Athanasia?” He asked, “… Isn’t she truly a lovely princess?” He let out a chuckle.

  ‘Lovely Princess…’

  “Lovely.” Claude’s blue jeweled eyes shined brightly as he stared at the piece of chocolate in his hand.

  “I lost such emotions a long time ago.”

  Silence filled the room as they watched the scene awkwardly.

  Felix wide eyes averted from the Emperor infront of him to the broken portrait of Lady Penelope. Claude rose from the couch, “Leave me. I feel tired.” He laid on his couch.

  The knight obeyed, “… Blessings and glory upon the Obelian Empire.” He bowed and closed the door of the chamber. The screen showed Felix as he walked to the hallways and stopped to look at the peaceful night, and changed to Claude laying on his bed and an arm to his forehead. 

  The scene changed again back to Felix, ‘Though he may say such things, I’m certain there’s still some left.’ He averted his eyes and started to walk away.

  ‘Someday, you, too, will bathe in the bright light.’ And Athanasia was showed, her back facing the screen and the bright lights surrounding her.

   To Be Continued.

—–
I heard that there will be an upcoming WMMAP Side Stories, I hope it’s actually true though. I’ve been waiting for a year and months! Also, I need to tell you guys that I refuse to read the ending bcs I don’t want it to end but it actually ended a year ago. I’ll probably read it if they’ll post the side stories.

And actually, I really need to improve my writings, their reactions and especially their interactions! Like, I really wanted it to be long and interesting but I just don’t know how to do it! Please please please give me some tips how to keep a convo long… That’s all I need to say and also I can’t promise when’s the next one but I’d definitely update soon!

Let me know what you think of this chapter!