Chapter 72: Like Father Like Daughter

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"Princess, are you hurt somewhere? Should I call for the royal doctor?" Marina questioned as she held me in her arms, rocking me back and forth.

I wiped off the tears from my face as I shook my head.

She gently placed her hand underneath my chin and looked at me with a sorrowful expression.

"Princess. I love you to the moon and back. I will not force you to tell me something you wish for me not to know. However, I want you to know that I am always here to listen and help you with any problem or obstacle you face." she smiled as she kissed the top of my forehead.

As I sniffled, I gave her a warm smile and hugged her.

"I have to write to daddy every night. In the letter, he wants me to write to him… but I don't think I can. Why should I? He left me." I said as I looked at her.

Marina looked away in thought while holding me in her arms. She then picked me up and placed me on her lap.

"Princess, I do not know what you want to hear from me. But you and your majesty are a lot alike. Whether you like it or not, you two resemble so much. Even both of your personalities are strikingly the same." She giggled.

I raised my eyebrow and expressed a disgusted face as I crossed my arms.

"See? That right there! His majesty often shows that type of facial expression! He may be known to be a ruthless emperor, but he is extremely moody!" She smiled.

I quickly looked at Marina in confusion.

"I thought daddy had no emotions? I was told by my uncle Ezra that as a young child, he refused to show emotion. All he does is break things, yells, and throws temper tantrums; oh, and though it's against his will, he tears up when his headaches come up. If those are not emotions, I do not know what is."

Marina smiled and patted my head.

"Actually, funny you mentioned that, Princess. Before I was hired, I had the pleasure of meeting a retired maid that has worked for the imperial family for fifty years. She served the previous emperor, your grandfather, and your father since his birth. Rumor has it; His Majesty had to bury his emotions at a very young age. He was forced not to express any weaknesses or emotions that could hinder his success to the throne, Princess." Marina smiled as she stroked my hair.

I looked at the floor as I continued to hear Marina.

I had no idea that he was pressured to give up his childhood and kill his feelings at such a young age. I wish I were told this before he left. Maybe I would have been more patient with him, seeing how he has difficulty expressing himself.

"When he met the former empress, your mother, he had a horrible time showing his emotions to her. But, my! The whole world knew how much he loved her. He would do anything for the former empress. However, after spending time with the former empress, he grew emotional. He began to look more 'human' and less 'robotic.' he smiled and laughed. It was astonishing how much the emperor changed. When the empress was pregnant with you, his majesty could not contain his excitement. Many royal gatherings and a baby shower occurred during her pregnancy." Marina continued.

"Daddy was happy about me? I thought he hated me from the very beginning." I questioned as I laid my head on her lap.

"Oh!, on the contrary. His majesty was thrilled. Many maids overheard him say that he wanted a big family! He wanted to have many princes and princesses! He even went as far as having two rooms fully decorated for your birth. Well, since no one knew your gender, that is." Marina smiled.

"And I just had to be born and ruin it for everybody." I replied in a low voice.

The room grew silent.

I looked up at Marina. Her eyes were watery, and her bottom lip began to quiver.

"Princess, you are the best thing that has ever happened to this empire. Do not ever say that again. It breaks my heart that you think that way. This empire would be lifeless without you." She lectured as she wiped her tears with her handkerchief.

I hugged her tightly and smiled.

"Let's change subjects then. I am sorry for saying such nonsense. I promise I will not repeat it."

"Can I ask you a serious question? May you answer it honestly?" Marina asked as she looked at me.

I sighed lightly and nodded.

"Do you love his majesty, Princess?" Marina questioned in a severe tone.

I suddenly choked on my saliva and began to cough.

"My, oh my! It seems like I may have caught you off guard! I am sorry, Princess! Should I fetch some water for you?" Marina apologized as she patted my back.

I shook my head as I caught my breath.

What kind of question is this woman talking about all of a sudden?! Do I love that… that trashman?! Pfft. Yeah right.

"I do not hate him." I replied as I took a sip of water that Marina handed me.

"I may not know his majesty that well. But what I do know is that both of you emotionally love each other. You may not say it to one another. But we all can see the unconditional love his majesty has for you by displaying the expensive daily gifts. He even got you a personal library added to the emerald palace for your fifth birthday since you love books. You also display love for his majesty by getting upset that he is gone. Someone who doesn't care or love for someone will not show any signs of sadness, Princess. Perhaps when you get older, you will understand what I am telling you." she explained as she laid me in bed.

I looked away as I took her words under consideration.

He does give me everything I want. Sure. He spends crazy amounts of money on dresses, and toys for me every other day, if not - daily. Okay, that's very kind of him. However, since when does showering someone in gifts show their love for them? That is just your typical wealthy father giving their kids whatever they wish for, simply because they can afford it. This man is made of money. I am sure this has no significance to him nor show he loves me.

What a joke.

"Rest well—May the moon guard you through the night. Have a blissful slumber, Princess. I will be in shortly to check in on you." she said as she tucked me in and patted my head.

I wonder when he will come back. Is he safe? What will happen if he gets hurt? Will it rain since he is there without me?

Morning came in a flash. I woke up with the sun shining bright on my face. I rubbed my eyes and laid on my bed.

"I guess I can attempt writing a letter since my nanny's life depends on it." I mumbled.

One of the maids came and smiled, looking my way.

"Good morning, Princess. Are you ready for your bath? Breakfast will be delivered to your room soon." the imperial maid said as she placed fresh towels on my vanity table.

"Where is Marina?" I questioned as I sat up.

She is in the kitchen, getting a few of the maids to bring your meal, Princess.' the maid explained as she walked into the bathroom.

"May I start your bath, Princess?" the maid asked again.

"Okay, that is fine." I laid back down.

After my bath and breakfast in bed, the royal doctor soon followed up on my health check-up.

"When am I able to study? I miss my professors." I questioned, looking at the old man.

He scratched his head and looked at Marina.

"Well, Princess. It is hard to determine when you can return to your normal tasks. You had quite an accident. The body needs time to heal. His majesty will be upset if he were to find out you are not being taken care of properly." the old man explained as he wiped the sweat off his bald head with a silk handkerchief.

I sighed gently and laid back down in disappointment.

After the maids and doctor left the room, I averted my eyes to Marina. I shook my head gently and closed my eyes as I knew what the following words that came out of my mouth would put me to shame.

"Can you give me a stack of paper and a calligraphy pen? I am ready to start writing to daddy." I said in a serious tone to Marina.

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