True Feelings

Later that morning, Josef went out to the garde only to find his brother doing the same thing he always does upon waking up.

‘What are you doing out of your bed, Hadrian?!’ Josef cried in surprise running to his brother.

‘I feel alright, don’t worry Josef.’ Hadrian answered, calmly smiling at his brother.

‘Still, you should be resting who knows what might happen to you?’ Hadrian sighed and stood up. ‘You don’t worry about yourself but think about us who’re worried sick about you!’

‘And that’s something I cannot disregard right?’ Hadrian answered rendering his twin brother speechless. ‘I appreciate your concerns about my well-being. But I have made my point clear once and I will state it again—I am the Emperor of Austria, and as such I cannot let the excuse of my weak body be a hindrance to do my job. I hope you understand, Josef.’

‘I don’t. I really don’t understand, Hadrian.’ Josef answered. ‘So, you’re saying that I just leave it as it is? Are you asking us to watch you tire yourself until you die? The laws you passed and the amount of care you have for your country are yours alone, even your successor cannot surpass that kind of dedication that you have. So, we need you, Hadrian. We need your guidance!’ Hadrian was speechless at first. He did not think that his brother would be this worried about him.

Josef is right.

He said it himself before, it is his job to guide the country to prosperity and peace. If he falls now, his country would plunge into chaos and the people will suffer. And knowing that a usurper is lingering in the background, Austria will, no doubt, descend into civil war if he is to die early.

‘I’m sorry, Josef. It’s just, when I do something, I want to do it to the fullest so that I can go onwards without any regret, do you understand?’ Hadrian asked not receiving a reply from the younger male. ‘I always think it should be natural for me to do this.’

‘Even still, you need to give yourself some time off.’

‘That’s not true, Josef.’ The young Emperor answered. ‘Me speaking to you at this time, taking care of this garden and having tea with you afterwards is rest enough for me.’ Josef sighed deeply and looked at his brother, shaking his head. His brother is bull-headed, that much is true. So much so like their mother.

Josef sighed.

He already vented out the steam in his head and gave his brother a piece of his mind. His brother is some work. It will take someone with much more courage to speak out and knock some sense into Hadrian. If only he could beat him into submission, but he knows being physical is not the answer to this conundrum.

‘You’re unreasonable, you know that?’ Josef answered surrendering and sighed heavily. ‘You can’t continue this, Hadrian. You must realize that you’re the emperor. And if you’re going to fall over every time, how will the state continue function?’

‘I understand,’ Hadrian answered apologetically, realizing the mistake in what he did. ‘Let us have some tea, what do you say?’

‘I can’t say no to that.’ Josef smiled and walked with his brother to the kitchen. After the brothers had their breakfast, a sudden announcement was made by Anton.

‘What’s wrong Anton?’ Hadrian asked as he is cleaning the table with Josef’s help and of the maids.

‘Her Highness.’ Anton huffed trying to catch his breath. ‘Her Highness, the Princess of Demark has arrived!’

‘Princess Catherine of Denmark?!’ Josef exclaimed with his eyes wide and his jaw literally dropping.

‘Well, we did give her and her family an invitation.’ Hadrian answered. ‘Her mother’s is mama’s good friend, right?’

‘Well, yes. I thought that her mother, Princess Isabella would attend instead.’ Josef remarked.

‘She responded in a correspondence that her mother can’t come so she came in her stead.’ Hadrian answered smiling at his little brother and butler.

‘Ah, is that so? Too bad, it’s been years since we last met Princess Isabella.’ Josef answered.

‘It has been.’ Hadrian commented but Josef fidgeted and looked at his brother.

'And a correspondence? You and Princess Catherine?’ Josef asked in a teasing tone

‘Hey, what’s wrong with us writing to each other? Of course, I’ll be writing to her, she’s my childhood friend, is she not?’

‘I see, but she is your...’

‘I remember Lady Alexia called the engagement off a few years after I was sent to Blauer Hof Palace, but I don’t think Catherine and her parents agree with it and the issue was left unsettled.’

‘So, is she’s still your fiancée?’

‘I don’t know, I’m kind of confused myself. Anyway, I have to change and greet her or else I’ll be tomorrow’s meat.’ Hadrian said and walked away after politely asking the maids to take care of the rest for him and went to his room to change his clothes in preparation to greet the princess. Just when he stepped out of his room, Marianna jump-hugged him.

‘Good morning, big brother,’ the little girl greeted with a smile.

‘Good morning, little princess.’ Hadrian greeted as Ella came from behind his sister and bowed as soon as she saw Hadrian. ‘Good morning to you, Ella.’

‘Good morning, Your Majesty,’ Ella answered.

‘We haven’t seen each other in years, and you’ve changed so much, Hadrian.’ a lady said from behind the young Emperor. Marianna’s eyes glowed and ran to hug the young lady who spoke. She is a tall lady, no taller than Hadrian, wearing a crimson red dress with black gloves. Her complexion is pinkish, her small lips are tinted light red, and her cheeks are blushed. Her golden blond hair is simply left to slung over her left shoulder and is topped with a crimson red hat that matches her dress with black feathers on it and her ash-blue eyes are partially hidden by the hat’s black lace.

‘It’s big sister Cathy!’ Marianna called hugging the older female.

‘It has been a while, Princess Catherine.’ Hadrian answered as Catherine stood up to look at Hadrian.

‘How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Cathy?’ The older princess answered. ‘It’s not like we’re not close or anything.’

‘I guess so, I’m sorry Cathy.’ Hadrian answered smiling awkwardly.

‘That’s better, now come give your fiancée a hug,’ Catherine said as Hadrian laughed but abided, nonetheless. ‘You’ve gotten thinner since we last met.’ She answered as soon as they parted.

‘A lot of things must be done.’ Hadrian answered as Catherine stared straight at his face. ‘W-what is it?’

‘Let us talk somewhere else.’ She answered and they went to the veranda at the back of the palace.

‘Is there something you want to say, Cathy?’ Hadrian asked as he is leaning on the railing of the veranda and Catherine sitting on a chair before the coffee table.

‘Since I last saw you at Blauer Hof, you seem happier.’ Catherine answered smiling at him. ‘Even though your face got paler.’

‘Is that a compliment?’ Hadrian asked chuckling. ‘Although yes I am happy here. I finally get to live with my family.’

‘Yes, that was your wish back then. But...’ she answered and embraced him gently. ‘I’m sorry for your loss, you loved your father and when you get to get out of there that happened...and we weren’t there when you needed us, I’m so sorry.’

‘It’s alright.’ He answered.

‘I’m glad to see you changed a lot.’ Catherine said and looked at him. ‘Does that include your views to that?’

‘You mean you haven’t given up yet?’

‘Me? Give up on you? I’d never.’ Catherine answered smugly. ‘And who was it that kept writing to me, I wonder?’

‘I wonder?’ he smiled, rolling his eyes away avoiding the subject.

‘My parents still expect us to marry someday, you know?’ She said. ‘Even though your aunt called the engagement off, she was not the one who made the arrangement.

‘I see.’ He chuckled.

‘But still,’ Catherine answered sadly. ‘Your priorities are on your country and you’d rather bury yourself in work.’

‘But you know Cathy, the Habsburg Clan had been a firm supporter of our engagement.’ Hadrian started earning a blush from Catherine.

‘Well, there seem to be a deal between our two families on that matter.’ She answered and did not receive a reply from the young Emperor.

‘I’m not aware of any such dealing. But I have yet to meet with King Wilhelm.’

‘The King of Prussia? How come?’ she asked.

‘I heard that he had something to tell me regarding the matter of my future marriage.’

‘Oh, is he planning to have one of his nieces marry you?’ Catherine teased.

‘Come on, that’s not even a funny joke, Cathy.’ Hadrian answered in a mock-hurt manner.

‘I’m not joking, Hadrian. This might be a matter of diplomacy between your two countries.’

‘No.’ he answered and paused. ‘As the head of the Habsburg House, I will uphold our engagement.’ Catherine smiled. She had hoped that he didn’t accept the cancellation of their engagement and future marriage to each other. It he didn’t and it’s just a matter of time now, and they will be able to get married.

‘What are you planning to do after the issue with Carinthia?’ Catherine asked, changing the subject.

‘I’ll be on the way all around Austria.’ Hadrian answered flatly. ‘I’ll be doing an inspection of the duchies, it’s more like an outing though.’

The two talked for a decent amount of time and their conversations ranged from reminiscence to embarrassing talks about their childhood. But in this moment, the young Emperor finally felt at ease with himself. This was the break he needed before facing the aristocrats of the Empire the coming night, and before letting go of someone he always thought of. The look on Hadrian’s face told Catherine that even though he is striving to be perfect, he is still human and cannot suppress his feelings in any other way.

Later that night, the invited aristocrats and nobles that have gathered in Schönbrunn Palace chattered as they waited of the arrival of the host, apparently, they have heard of the young Emperor’s attack the night earlier. Josef, who has been there the whole time, has been trying to contain his boiling blood and lunge at the people badmouthing his brother, in order to restrain himself from doing so he simply walked away.

‘Your Majesty, where are you going?’ Anton shouted making Josef look at the young Emperor’s figure walking through the hallway all dressed in his black and red military suit.

‘Didn’t I say I offered to be miss von Westenholz’ escort?’ Hadrian asked calmly. ‘As such, I should be there to pick her up.’

‘Your Majesty please listen.’ Anton sighed. ‘We know about that, but please, don’t strain yourself further.’ Hadrian stopped walking realizing that he is going too far. Josef could see his brother’s shoulders falling as if he is losing composure and is almost afraid that his older twin is going to have another attack. To his relief, Hadrian just turned and walked away without another word which is uncharacteristic of him. Not only that, but it is also not like Hadrian to get worked up after a short while of arguing.

‘Give me time, please.’ he finally said as he walked away.

‘I know it hurts you, Hadrian.’ Josef thought staring at his brother’s retreating form. ‘But please, let us play our part.’

‘Sulking isn’t like you, your Imperial Majesty.’ Catherine said standing in front of him wearing her light blue dress with her hands on her waist.

‘I know, right?’ Hadrian answered looking up at her. ‘I’m sorry if you had to see me sulking like a child.’ He said looking down again as she bent over and embraced him.

‘There, there…’ she said patting his back. ‘You have to understand what everyone around you is feeling, apparently and obviously they care about you, which is why they did what they did. As an emperor, you must be able to read what is on people’s hearts don’t you think?’

‘I guess…’ he said gently holding on to her arm. ‘I guess I’m wrong then.’

‘Took you a while to notice.’ She chuckled.

‘Thanks, Catherine.’ Hadrian answered.

‘You’re just slow, that’s all.’ Catherine answered and stepped back. Hadrian stood up with Catherine’s hand still in his.

‘I apologize then.’ Hadrian chuckled as he slowly slipped his hand off hers. ‘Well then…I guess it’s about time I meet her.’ He said and walked away as Anton informed him of Anya’s arrival.

‘Your Majesty, Miss Anya said she…’ Anton said but Hadrian waved his hand at him making him stop. He went to the entrance of the hall and waited for her where she met him with a long face. Hadrian already know that Anya wanted someone else to be her escort but he still met her.

‘Good evening, miss von Westenholz.’ Hadrian greeted and offered his hand which she reluctantly took. He looked around for someone else, but sighed when he couldn’t find it. ‘It seems like he hasn’t arrived yet.’ He whispered but she heard him clearly.

‘Your Majesty?’ Anya called but Hadrian pretended he never said anything leaving Anya wondering what he meant.

As the guests talk about and enjoy the night, Anton’s standing quietly in a corner as he saw Albert walking on the balcony, and he decided to follow him.

‘Your Highness.’ Anton called. ‘Aren’t you going to the party?’

‘It’s not my time to shine yet.’ Albert answered chuckling.

‘Has it something to do with what you and His Majesty discussed about yesterday?’ Anton asked but he never answered.

‘Say Anton, have you seen that guy before?’ the Archduke asked pointing at a black-clad man walking about the corridors beside the hall and dangerously staring at Hadrian, but as Albert was about to move the man walked away. Secretly, Hadrian’s also watching the man’s movements and was surprised when the man disappeared.

‘Anya, excuse me for a while.’ He said and without waiting for a reply, he walked out to the corridor where he last saw the man.

‘Albert, did you see where he went?’ he asked as his cousin and butler came to him, but the other man shook his head.

‘Your Majesty!’ Anton called.

‘I never thought he’d have another agenda. Anyways, have the guards search for him, Anton.’

‘Right away, Your Majesty.’ The butler answered and ran.

‘Let us go too, Albert.’ Hadrian said and the two of them ran to the garden behind the palace, while they are looking for the suspicious man, they heard a familiar scream from a familiar voice and one name yelled in his mind.

‘Marianna!’ Hadrian shouted and ran further to the back of the palace. When they arrived there, they saw a familiar face that belongs to Albert’s younger brother, Edmond.

‘Brother!’ Marianna cried, struggling to get out of Edmond’s grip.

‘Edmond!’ Albert cried pulling this sword from his sheath. ‘So, this is what you’ve been planning!’

‘I’m warning, you Edmond.’ Hadrian gritted angrily gripping his sword tightly. ‘Let my sister go.’

‘Hadrian…!’ Albert whispered but they suddenly saw a sword almost slashing through Edmond’s neck making him push Marianna away. They tilted their heads and saw Josef pointing his sword at his cousin.

‘There’s no need to stain your sword on this low life, Hadrian.’ Josef said as Marianna hid behind him.

‘Traitor…!’ Edmond said looking at Josef making Albert look at him. ‘You betrayed me, Josef!’

‘Do you think I went with you and your plans?’ Josef asked Edmond. ‘I was never on your side.’ Edmond gritted his teeth and lunged at Josef, but Hadrian pulled out his sword and parried Edmond’s.

‘You seem to be forgetting whose land you’re in, Edmond.’ Hadrian said. ‘I will never forgive those who threaten my family, keep in mind Edmond that I am no calm man when it comes to matters with my family. Any wrong move and I will kill you on the spot.’

‘Your Majesty!’ Anton shouted with guards on his tail. Hadrian closed his eyes and slid his sword in its sheath.

‘Take him away.’ Hadrian said as the guards did as he ordered. ‘Josef, are you alright?’

‘Hadrian…’ Josef muttered not looking him in the eye. He was guilty that Hadrian found out that he had been working to usurp the throne from Hadrian, but when he was influenced by Hadrian, he wanted to support his brother in ways he knows he can, even if Hadrian punishes him for his participation in Edmond’s cause.

‘What I’ve heard is enough for me.’ Hadrian answered and smiled at his brother. ‘Come, the night is about to begin.’

‘Your Majesty, everything’s prepared.’ Anton said as the other young man glanced at his cousin who in turn bowed in acknowledgement and left. Hadrian went back in the palace with Anton, Marianna and Josef.

When they went back to the palace, Hadrian saw Catherine standing by the veranda. She came to him as soon he came into view looking worried.

‘Are you alright?’ she asked. 'I heard something happened.'

'No, it's nothing.' Hadrian answered.

'I've talked to her.' She said not looking at him.

'Then I guess you already know about her.' Hadrian answered slipping his hands in his pockets.

'Yes, and now I know one of the reasons why you got Albert here.'

'Do you now?' He said snickering.

'Archduke Albert without a woman with him in a party isn't like him at all. And I can only think of one person who can do such thing.'

'I never thought you'd think the same thing as I do.'

'Want to play matchmaker?' Cathy asked smiling at Hadrian.

'I thought I already have?' The Princess smiled and leaned towards Hadrian and whispered something. Hadrian chuckled as Albert came to his side.

'You called for me?' He asked.

'It's been a long time, Albert.' Catherine said.

'Oh, pardon me. I didn't know you're there, Your Highness.' Albert answered and bowed at Catherine despite her rank being lower than his.

'It's alright. No need to be formal, it's just me.'

'Still, I have to be formal with the Princess of Denmark. Unless I'm her fiancé.' Albert grinned and glanced at Hadrian who, in turn, gave him a questioning look.

'Very well, do as you wish, Archduke.' Catherine snubbed as Albert shrugged.

'Anyway, I need to have a word with you, Albert.' Hadrian said and walked a few steps from Catherine. After a while, Albert walked into the Palace Hall and Hadrian walked back to Catherine.

'That was very bold.' Catherine said crossing her arms.

'I've been away too long; I no longer have the face to look at her.'

'That sounds like an excuse.'

'It does, but that's the only way I could think of.' He smiled as he saw Albert approached Anya and invited her to dance. 'After what I did, I don't think I can look at her the way I did.'

'Well, it's your fault you should take responsibility.'

'But how?'

'It'll just come to you.' She answered. As Hadrian looked at the people dancing, he saw Anya looking at him. He fidgeted and tried to look away when he saw her smiling at him.

'I don't think that's necessary anymore, Cathy.' He said making Catherine look at him. 'Well then...the night is young why don't you go back to the party? Your partner must be waiting for you.'

'If I have a partner waiting for me.' She answered as he looked at her with his eyes wide.

'Then, Princess Catherine Dagmar of Denmark, may I have the honor of this dance?' He said offering his right hand to her.

'I'd love to, your Imperial Majesty, Josef Hadrian of Austria.’ She answered mockingly and bowed; he took his hand as they danced to the music in the balcony.

No words were exchanged. They just stared at each other’s eyes as they danced continuing on even when the music has ended.

Suddenly, Hadrian stopped.

‘Hadrian?’ Catherine called, noting the seriousness in Hadrian’s eyes.

But he did not speak. He tenderly held her cheek and pulled her face closer to his until their lips met in a tender kiss.

Surprised, Catherine did not move as he moved back and away from her face to look at her.

‘Cathy?’ he called but she could not answer, and she felt her cheeks heat up.

Hadrian looked alarmed. His mind started racing as to why Catherine’s face would flare up like that.

‘Cathy are you alright?’ he asked but she still would not answer. ‘Answer me please.’

Catherine snapped out of her reverie and blinked looking at him but still blushing.

She inhaled and hit him in his arm.

‘How dare you,’ she said. Hadrian was already feeling guilty and was ready to apologize to her when she spoke again. ‘How dare you know what I wanted?’

Hadrian’s eyes widened. And his sunken feelings suddenly leapt for joy as she pulled him close by the collar and kissed him. He placed his hands around her waist in an embrace and kissed her back.

‘Your—!’ Anton marched in but stopped when he came into the scene, but his presence seemed to have been ignored by the two royals as they did not move. Anton smiled and just walked away.

‘I’m sure your guests are waiting.’ Catherine said, smiling.

‘I guess they are.’ Hadrian answered and moved back but held her hand. ‘Let us go?’ he asked as Catherine nodded and went with him to the party and the Herald of Arms announced their arrival.