.·。.·゜·༺♥༻ ·゜·。.

"My fellow Angeltonians, Prajans and honoured guests, good evening," Gigi began, eyeing the audience. During her practice, it was noted that she should look at everyone in the hall equally throughout her speech, making sure that she didn't miss any, but seeing those gazes fixated at her only made her feel uneasy. Did they think she was doing good? Did they think she was ridiculous? Their faces were unreadable. Tightening her hold on the podium, she glanced down at her notes.

"It is a privilege to be able to share this joyous moment with you. First, I would like to thank my husband, the Emperor of Angletonia for hosting this event; and who, along with the Prince, have given me the warmest welcome as a part of this country and the imperial family." She spared Cal a glance—she tried to not let him break her focus—and smiled at Junior, the easiest part. "I would also like to thank my parents, the King and Queen of Prajanagara, for allowing me the opportunity to represent the union of our beloved countries. Without them, I would not be standing here right now," she breathed out.

"The friendship between Prajanagara and Angletonia has developed over the centuries, largely due to the work of our forefathers. I'm sure it would please them to know that our countries have finally come to support one another today. As a Prajan, I am proud to say that we have always held Angletonia in the highest regard, thus coming here has made me understand. Angletonia is such a huge realm, made of the most diverse individuals whose unique minds shape the nation's very heart; in the form of science, wisdom, philosophy, and rich history. The very values that Praja upholds herself." Gigi gave a small, triumphant smile, pleased that the weeks spent in the library had indeed proven fruitful.

"Being a part of the establishment of two grand realms has given me both blessing and responsibility. I cannot be any more grateful, knowing that the Emperor and my honoured personnel will gladly lend their hands to guide me, so that I will be able to fairly aid both countries."

"But of course, these warm feelings of friendship that we have may not last without your help, our noblest friends. We must be united not only through politics, military or business but also our hearts, taking the dreams of our founders and people into our interests and action. We should be looking forward to building our future together."

Gigi released a long breathy sigh as she concluded her speech, quickly folding the paper back in her hands. Everyone in the hall applauded her—starting with Cal—but she hurriedly returned to her seat, congratulating herself for safely finishing her very first speech. Finally, it was over now.

The whole hall was given champagne, aside from Junior who received orange juice as a substitute. His father had mentioned how he would throw a tantrum if not allowed to toast with them. It had already happened once.

"For Angletonia and Praja!" Cal proclaimed with a raise of his glass, and the entire hall repeated after him.

Junior was to be escorted to bed after dinner and made his displeasure clear. "Ohh, but I want to see them dance!"

"I-I'm afraid we can't, Your Highness," coaxed the maid. "It's almost nine already, way past your usual bedtime."

"But..." Pursing his lips, he looked over to his father. "Father, can I stay for the dance, pretty please?" His dark eyes appeared rounder as he looked up to them, batting his long lashes. "I will still wake up on time in the morning. I promise."

Cal Senior didn't answer right away, glancing over at Gigi who smiled in support of Junior. Why not indulge his son this once, as if they hadn't already? "Alright, but it's just for tonight. You can stay to see the first dance and then straight to bed, you understand?"

Junior squealed, doing a little dance on his chair and making some of the guests fawn over his cuteness. The Prince may try to act like an adult sometimes but he was still, in all regards, a child.

The Emperor led Gigi to the middle of the dance floor. This time, Gigi knew precisely what to do, letting her husband take her hand and placed her arm above his.

"What if I fall?" she teased in whispers.

"I will catch you," he assured.

The music began, and Gigi tried to recall each step that had been rehearsed. Again, it was so much easier to dance in an empty hall, without eyes prying at every turn. But the Emperor's previous words rang in her mind; 'You need only look at me'. So she did, losing herself inside the depth of his bronze eyes. Memorizing every single speck, the darker outer lining of his irises framed by dark lashes. It was proving to be quite a distraction, enabling her to forget the audience and relax in his arms.

To her surprise, she was glad to have worn heels. It felt good to not have him towering over her all the time. She bit back a smile at the thought, and he arched his brow in curiosity.

Over her husband's shoulder, she spotted Junior staring at them with big, rounded dreamy eyes.

Their first dance ended too quickly for her liking and soon other couples began to flood the dance floor. They were tempted to keep going, but they knew they had to remind Junior of his bedtime.

"Come on, Junior. Time for bed," Cal Senior reminded, summoning his maids over.

"But I want to dance with Gigi!" he begged.

"Junior," he warned. "A promise is a promise."

"We can dance some other time, okay?" Gigi cupped his pink cheeks. "When he is not here to spoil our fun," she smirked as her husband rolled his eyes.

"Promise?" Junior yawned.

"Pinky promise." She held out her pinky finger to be entwined with Junior's. "Now have plenty of good night's rest! Sweet dreams." She kissed him on top of his head.

Junior bid both of them good night before being led away by the maids.

Before they could begin another dance, Cal was dragged into a conversation with some government officials. Gigi decided to use the moment to excuse herself for some fresh air, her husband only let her go after she promised to allow him one more dance afterwards.

Like father, like son.

Amidst the starry skies, Gigi stood on the balcony, staring into the lush gardens of the palace. Her energy slowly replenished as she took in a breath of fresh air. There were lots of stars in the sky tonight. She was counting the constellations when suddenly, she heard voices from underneath her.

"Can't you see that this is too much? You are asking for too much!" argued a female voice. "...Is this an order?"

"It wasn't meant as an order," replied a familiar male voice. "It was an amicable request of a friend."

"You asked me something, Cal, a long time ago— and I've always regretted not refusing you."

The man's voice was one she would recognize anywhere, the voice of her own husband. The Emperor and... whom—?

"Olivia," Cal said.

It was her! Her platinum blonde hair shimmered under the moonlight as she rushed out of the garden. Gigi ducked her head, hidden by the railings, peering in silence as her husband followed after Olivia Gold.

"We are not friends!" she fumed. "We never were.

At her words, Cal was glued to his spot as Olivia disappeared behind the bushes.

Gigi dashed back into the hall before risking herself being seen. Who was this woman that dared to call the Emperor by his name? Their hasty argument left her with no clue, but it was clear that they knew each other personally. Did it have something to do with Olivia's reaction to her necklace?

Befuddled, she fetched herself some refreshments, trying to organize her thoughts. To her surprise, her husband showed up at her side, making her heart jump. Had he caught sight of her?

"Sire..." she clutched at her chest.

"Gi," he called out in a broken whisper, sounding like he was in pain.

Cal looked nothing like anything she'd ever seen before. Although his attire was in perfect shape, he looked completely disoriented, as if he'd shatter if she blew on him. Only as she instinctively reached for him, she could feel that he was shaking. His heartbeat was thumping rapidly, barely keeping himself altogether from collapsing in her arms at any moment.

"Are you alright?" Her hands rose to his face, and his eyes fluttered closed in appreciation.

"I— I am fine," He shook his head, attempting to dismiss his troubles away. "Some diplomats are giving me a hard time. I'll be fine."

A diplomat? You mean the blonde one?

"Shall we retreat? All of the propriety has been said and done, so..."

"No. You still owe me a dance, now don't try to get out of it." He smiled weakly.

Her gaze softened. "If we dance, would that make you feel better?"

"Definitely." A little surge of happiness crept back into his face as the corners of his lips curled into a smile, holding his hand out. Gigi gladly took it, following him back to the dance floor. The music shifted to a slower tempo as the night progressed.

As their bodies began to sway, Cal embraced her tightly. He was still leading the steps, but it felt as if he was leaning on her for support. Gigi placed her palm on his back, pressing their bodies closer together. Pressing her lips onto his shoulder, she closed her eyes as the scent of his cologne filled her nostrils.

His entire being was inviting her in, but there was still an invisible wall between them, a huge wall made of all the things that he never told her. How was his life before they got married? How did he end up with Junior? Who was Olivia?

Will they ever truly be able to hold each other's hands if he's still hiding things from her?

.·。.·゜·༺♥༻ ·゜·。.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y

Gianita Isvana Radini was born to Nataraja IX of Prajanagara and his Queen Avantie. At the age of 19, she married the fourth Emperor of Angletonia, Cal Raedan Leroy.

(This is the edit I made specifically for Gigi's Birthday. Did on photoshop, using digital manipulation and a special painting effect.)