The New Empress: The Emperor's Change of Heart

[The Emperor’s View]

Yukina looked weak and frail. She’s standing in the middle of the courtyard, blood dripping from her mouth and hand. I would kill them all if I could. 

“Your majesty…” Yukina’s maid trailed behind me. Suddenly she fainted. I rushed to catch her. 

“Aino, get the palace doctor quickly.” I carried her to her room. The doctors arrived and treated her wounds. After they treated her, one of the doctors came to me.

“Your majesty, I advise you to keep Yukina away from any more injuries. Her body is frail and her wounds do not heal very quickly. If she gets into another accident, I’m afraid she will not make it.” The doctors left and Aino and I were left inside the room.

“Aino, get Yukina her tea. The same one she asked for yesterday.” Aino nodded and left.

I held her hand. Her face was beaten. Her lips were swollen, her arms covered in bruises. They will pay for this. 

I stood up and called for one of my guards.

“Find General Taketoshi and torture him. But don’t kill him. Just do everything to him what he did to Yukina.” The guard bowed his head and left. 

Don’t worry Yukina. I will avenge you.

I called for Akiko, one of my servants. 

“Any updates on Yukina’s accident?” 

“Yes your majesty, it seemed that you were right. It was not an accident. Someone saw Yukina being pushed but the witness said the perpetrator was wearing a cloak.” Hmmm I knew it. 

“Very well, continue your investigation.” He bowed and left. 

I’ll find out who tried to kill you. 

[The Empress’ View]

I opened my eyes. I must’ve fainted after the commotion. I sat up but Aino stopped me.

“Yukina, please stay down. You’re not well yet. The doctor said---.” I stopped her.

“I’m fine Aino. Can I have some tea? Is that goldenrod?” She nodded and handed me 

“By the way Yukina, I heard something from the other servants. Someone did see you being pushed into the lake that afternoon.” I knew it.

“Who saw me? And what did they see?” I placed the cup back on the table.

“It was Lady Tori’s servant. She said that the one who pushed you was wearing a cloak and she couldn’t see her face. After you fell in, she immediately ran back to get some help. She didn’t see where the person with the cloak went.” Lady Tori’s servant? Maybe Tori was there that day. 

“Thank you for that Aino. At least now we have a lead.” But what do I do now? Maybe I should go talk to Tori. She might know something.

“Yukina, are you sure you’re okay? I heard what the doctors said. Your body is frail. If you get another injury, you might not make it.” I shook my head. The original Yukina must’ve been hiding her true capabilities all these years. Her body is not as feeble as they may believe. 

“I told you I am fine. This is nothing. I’m fully aware of what my body can take.” I tried to stand up to show her that I was fine. 

“Now get my robe, I need to visit Lady Tori.” 

I arrived outside of Tori’s room. I was about to knock when I heard whispering inside. I decided to eavesdrop.

“Did the Emperor like my gift?” It’s Tori’s voice. She must be talking to her maid. 

“Your grace, the Emperor did not give an answer to your gift.” 

“Damn it!” She shouted. This girl isn’t as innocent as people believed. 

“I will have to dispose… even if I have to… myself.” Her voice suddenly got quiet and I couldn’t hear what she said clearly. 

“Did you spread… about what happened… They must never…. It was me….” She must be going farther from the door. I can barely hear her. 

“Let’s go, we have something we need to do.” She exclaimed. I immediately stepped back down the steps and pretended that I had just arrived. She swung open the door and was shocked to see me. What are you hiding? 

“Y-yukina nee-chan? D-did you just arrive?” I stepped closer and closer until we were face to face. 

“Yes my dear. Why are you so pale? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I held her cheek but she immediately shook her head.

“No, I was just surprised. I didn’t expect you to visit me.” I smiled at her to show that I mean no harm.

“I wanted to talk to you about something. May I come in?” She nodded and took me by the arm and led me inside. We sat by the table and she ordered her maid to get some tea.

“Tori-chan, I’ve heard from the other servants that your maid was there the afternoon I was pushed. May I ask if you were also there that day?” She averted her gaze. 

“Y-yes, I was there but I was by the bridge when the accident happened. Temari, my maid rushed over to me to tell me what she saw.” 

“Did you see anyone acting suspicious that day?” She stayed silent.

“I did see Lady Aiyo acting weird that day. I don’t know if she had something to do with your accident but she seemed suspicious.” 

“Thank you Tori-chan, I appreciate your help.” She smiled and gave me a hug.

“It’s a pleasure nee-chan. Let me know if I can help you.” I gave her a hug and I went back to my room. Something seems off with Tori.

When I arrived back at my room, Aino was waiting for me. 

“Yukina, the Emperor requests your presence in his study.” I nodded and she led me to the Emperor’s study.

I knocked first and waited for a reply.

“Come in.” I opened the door and walked up to Sora. He was sitting at his desk looking very serious. Why does he look so handsome? Snap out of it! You have no time for budding romance, even if he is your husband. 

“You called for me?” He looked up from his work and smiled at me. Whoa, this is the first time I’ve seen him smile. Is he okay?

“I see that you are recovering. You’re able to walk around the Palace.” I smiled.

“I couldn’t sit still even if I wanted to. I wanted to stretch my legs. I’ve been in bed so many times this week I feel like my legs wouldn’t be able to keep me up.” I giggled. It’s true though, it’s so tiring to stay in bed for so long. 

“I see. Well then, will you keep me company?” I feel blood rushing to my face.

“Uh sure.” I sat down on one of the chairs in the room and he continued with his work. 

Suddenly the door flew open and Yukio strolled in.

“Mama! Papa!” He greeted us. I kissed his forehead and let him sit on my lap.

“What are you doing here sweet pea?” He smiled at me.

“Aino told me you’d be here. I want to spend time with you.” 

“Is that so? We can spend some time but we have to stay here.” He looked at me and then at Sora.

“Papa needs to see me here so he can work. He can’t work without seeing my beautiful face.” I joked. Yukio laughed.

“Does Papa love Mama so much that he needs to see her face while working?” He laughed. I looked at Sora and he was smiling.

“Uh why don’t we paint? Do you know how to paint?” 

“I know a little.” He looked down, embarrassed. Sora stood up and went to his shelf. He gathered pieces of papers and some paint brushes. He handed them to Yukio and we sat down on the floor. 

“What are you going to paint Mama?” 

“I’m painting something that makes me happy. What about you?” 

“I’m going to paint you and papa. Because you two make me happy.” This kid makes me really happy. Good thing I had a knack for painting. I took my time painting my masterpiece. The room was quiet. The three of us all were very serious in our work. After a few minutes, Yukio raised his painting.

“I’m done. Look! It’s you, me and papa.” His painting was stick figures that resembled the three of us. 

“Wow! That’s amazing. I love it.” I kissed his forehead. He stood up and went to Sora. Sora seemed pleased.

“Can I keep it?” Sora asked. Yukio nodded and he handed the painting to him. He took a wood frame from his shelf and placed the drawing inside. He stood up and hung it by the wall near the window. 

“What about you, Mama? Can we see your painting?” He eagerly waited for me to finish my painting. 

“Here it is.” I gave him the paper. His eyes widened.

“This is beautiful.” He ran to his father and gave him the paper. I painted Yukio and Sora standing next to each other. I would’ve just painted Yukio but it seemed like an insult if I didn’t include Sora. 

Sora looked at me. Both of them were silent.

“What? Is it bad?” I asked. Sora shook his head. He took another frame and placed my painting inside. He hung it next to Yukio’s painting.

“Next week, I’ll be going to the Capital. I want you to come with me.” He turned to me. Yukio pulled my sleeve.

“Can I come too?” I looked at Sora but he shook his head.

“When you grow up, you’ll be able to come with us.” Sora patted Yukio’s head. He slowly nodded and went back to painting. I moved closer to Sora.

“What’s happening in the Capital? And why do you need me to come with you?” He didn’t look up from his work. No answer. I shrugged and went back to see what Yukio was drawing. I peered over his shoulder. He was drawing a figure of some sort. Suddenly, a flash of memories flooded through. 

Pieces of Yukina’s memories. A hooded figure grabbing my arm and dragging me to the edge. The feeling of being shoved and losing all control. 

I began to feel a sharp pain in my head making me dizzy. I winced from the pain, unconsciously rubbing my temples to alleviate the pain. I suddenly felt Sora’s arms behind me, helping me up.

“Are you okay?” The pain disappeared. I held onto him and nodded.

“Yes, I’m fine. My head started to hurt all of a sudden but it’s gone now.” I looked up at him and his face showed clear signs of concern. I let go of him and took a step back.

“Do you need me to call the doctor?” I shook my head. 

“There’s no need for that. I’m fine now.” Yukio pulled my sleeve and I looked down at him.

“Mama, are you going to be alright?” I carried him and cradled him in my arms.

“Of course. Mama has the best medicine right here.” I kissed his cheeks and he giggled. I put him down and he continued with his drawing. I turned to Sora but he was still standing, looking at me.

“Your majesty, I’m fine. You should continue with your work. Would you like me to bring you some tea?” He looked at me and nodded then he went back to his desk. 

“I’ll be right back Yukio. Stay here. I’ll bring you some snacks too.” He nodded and I went to the kitchen. 

From the time I spent here, I noticed that they don’t put any sweetener in their tea. Maybe I should make Sora some honey lemon tea. 

I grabbed some lemons and a jar of honey. I made sure to make the tea sweet and refreshing. I also grabbed a few fruits and cut them into animal shapes for Yukio. I went back to the study. When I opened the door, they both looked at me.

“Here you go my sweet pea.” I set down the bowl next to him on the floor and I kissed his forehead. I went over to Sora and placed the tea on his desk. Without looking at it, he took a sip and was surprised.

“This tea… It’s delicious.” He looked up at me and I smiled.

“Do you like it? I put honey in it to make it sweeter. It’s lemon tea. It’s good for you.” I flashed a smile at him and he… blushed? Did I see that right? 

“Thank you.” He replied. I nodded and took a seat. 

“Wow! This apple looks like a bunny.” He showed the little apple slices to his father and Sora smiled at him. He ate his snacks while he was painting. After he finished, he went to me and sat on my lap. 

“Mama, can you sing me that song again?” I looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

“What song?” 

“The one you sang to me the other night.” Oh, that song. 

“Okay I’ll sing it to you later when you go to bed.” He shook his head.

“No, I want to hear it now.” 

“Eh? But your father is working and I don’t want to disturb him.” I looked over at Sora but he was still busy with his work. Yukio pouted. No, not the puppy dog eyes. I can’t say no to that face. 

“Okay, but I have to keep my voice down.” His face lit up and he clapped his hands. I put my index finger over my mouth and shushed him. He smiled and waited for me to start singing. I started to sing in a hushed voice.

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray.” Yukio looked at me and suddenly I felt like all of my troubles were gone. He cupped my face while I was singing.

“You’ll never know dear, how much I love you.” My eyes darted to Sora and he was looking at me. I felt a rush when our eyes met. I quickly averted my gaze and looked back at Yukio.

“Please don’t take my sunshine away.” I ended the song and Yukio hugged me. Please don’t take him away from me.