Chapter 13
13. The Last Day of the Trip
It was the fourth day since we arrived at the villa. After breakfast, His Majesty Alexandelli and I went out to the lake.
Today, we would ride a boat.
It was my first time in a rowboat, but since His Majesty Alexandelli was with me, and the other guards were in different boats nearby, I felt at ease.
We boarded the boat from the dock, and as he offered me his hand, His Majesty asked:
“Lacey, can you swim?”
“No, I’ve never swum before.”
“I learned to swim for my own safety. If anything happens, I will save you, Lacey.”
Reassured by his confident words, I sat on the swaying boat. His Majesty Alexandelli held the oars and began to row awkwardly. At first, we didn’t move much, but as he got used to it, he maneuvered the boat with ease.
As we floated along, a swan approached. I had no food to offer, but watching it swim was delightful.
The scenery from the boat was beautiful, and the water was so clear I felt I could see all the way to the bottom.
“Your Majesty, there are fish swimming.”
“Could these be the fish we had for dinner yesterday?”
“Perhaps.”
The fish we had caught together yesterday had been served at dinner. The fillets, fried, were delicious and mild in flavor. Watching the fish swim, His Majesty stopped the boat.
The boat swayed gently as it remained still on the lake.
“Are you cold, Lacey?”
“No, I’m not cold.”
“Shall we rest here a bit?”
Around the lake were woods, and in the distance, mountains could be seen. Spending time in the middle of a lake surrounded by nature wasn’t unpleasant. The sunlight today wasn’t too harsh either.
“Your Majesty, the swan is swimming toward us.”
“It’s pure white and beautiful.”
“Someone must be feeding it. It seems quite accustomed to humans.”
The swan approaching the boat didn’t fear us at all. When I reached out my hand, it stared intently. Once it realized I had no food, it drifted away.
“That swan has chicks on its back.”
“Really? Swans raise their young on their backs?”
I called out when I saw three chicks resting under the swan’s feathers. His Majesty Alexandelli watched with curiosity as well.
Eventually, the boat returned safely to the dock, and His Majesty and I stepped onto land. I still felt a bit unsteady from the motion of the boat, and he offered his elbow for support. I placed my hand on it, and he escorted me.
His Majesty’s height and build gave a sense of perfect stability.
“You said you can swim, Your Majesty, but where did you practice?”
“At the palace pond. You never know what might happen, so I was trained in swimming and swordsmanship.”
“Could you swim by the age of six?”
“No, swimming practice hadn’t started yet. After the coup, I was rescued, and then I learned both swimming and swordsmanship.”
I hesitated, then asked:
“May I also practice swimming?”
As I would become empress, it might be useful to know how to swim. There might be situations where I could fall into water.
His Majesty made a serious face as he considered it.
“Seeing Lacey in a swimsuit… hmm, I think it would be safest if only female guards were present.”
“Is it wrong for others to see me in a swimsuit?”
“Swimsuits get wet and reveal the body’s shape. I worry about other men seeing that.”
I had never worn a swimsuit before, so I didn’t really know what it was like. Presumably, it would allow ease of movement in water and be made of non-transparent fabric.
“As you think best, Your Majesty.”
“If you swim, it will have to be in summer. Next summer, then.”
“Yes, please.”
His Majesty promised that preparations would be made, and I thanked him.
In the afternoon, we spent a relaxing time at the villa. While I did embroidery in the living room, His Majesty reviewed documents. Even though it was supposed to be a holiday, work relentlessly arrived—perhaps not ideal.
Though he had begun delegating tasks to his aides and other officials, it was still just the beginning. Once responsibilities were more evenly distributed, perhaps His Majesty could rest more comfortably.
Until tea time, I embroidered my wedding gloves, then put away my set and moved to the tea room. His Majesty had apparently finished his paperwork as well.
Tea time with His Majesty Alexandelli was leisurely. Sweet treats made from sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkin were likely prepared to suit my taste. I loved autumn sweets made from these ingredients.
While I took some quiche and pumpkin tart, His Majesty enjoyed a pear mousse. He seemed to prefer fruit-based treats.
“Lacey, it looks delicious when you eat it. I think I’ll have some too.”
“It’s very tasty.”
I smiled at him as he served himself some pumpkin tart.
“Before you came, eating was just a necessity. It was only for nourishment. But eating with you makes it truly enjoyable.”
“Your Majesty…”
Having lost Cecil, he had been unable to cry or express emotions, and even meals brought him no pleasure. I couldn’t help but hope that he would enjoy plenty of delicious food to make up for lost time.
Before the trip, four nights and five days had seemed long, but once it started, it passed quickly. We had tea on a hill overlooking the lake, spent time with my parents and Sophia, went fishing, and rode the boat. The fun-filled trip was now nearing its end.
After dinner, I invited His Majesty:
“Shall we spend time together on the balcony?”
“It’s clear tonight, and I hear the stars are beautiful. Let’s watch them together.”
He accepted my invitation, and once he escorted me to my room, I tidied my hair and clothes in the mirror, put on a cardigan, and went out onto the balcony. Our rooms were connected, so I could see him step out as well.
We sat in the chairs on the balcony. His Majesty called a maid to prepare drinks. While he had alcohol, I had fruit water.
He poured wine into his glass, and I sipped my fruit water. I also nibbled on the cheese, nuts, and dried fruit served as snacks.
“Lacey, the stars are beautiful.”
Looking up, the sky was filled with countless stars. The moon floated brightly above, and its reflection shimmered on the lake.
“This trip has been wonderful. Your Majesty, I’m happy to have come with you.”
“Let’s come again, Lacey.”
“Yes, let’s.”
As we spoke, His Majesty’s hand touched my cheek. When I closed my eyes, he pressed a brief kiss to my lips.
Though I was not a child, my heart raced, and my face heated. I should have been able to go further if he wished, but I became overwhelmed with the sensation of being touched and hesitated.
Noticing my slight tremble, His Majesty withdrew his hand.
“Lacey, until we are married, I intend for you to remain pure.”
“If that is your wish, Your Majesty…”
“You don’t have to say that. I will wait until you are ready.”
When the day of marriage comes…
I felt His Majesty’s garnet eyes glint in the darkness.
I felt a complex mix of anticipation and fear, unsure how to feel about that day.
