Lady Athena simply chuckled at the question of the prince. Letting out a sigh, she said, “I no longer have any chance to become the empress. Perhaps, I do not fit in such a position so I will not force myself into something I am not chosen for.” Prince Cornelius may not be fully convinced with the words of the young lady, but he just nodded his head. He did not want to further press her or else, it would make her raise her guard and once that happens, it would be hard to monitor her in the future. After a while, Emery came out fully clad in a silver-colored armor with intricate etchings and designs that gave it a sense of elegance and beauty. The breastplate was a perfect fit on her chest, with ridges and curves that follow the contours of her body. Anyone who wo

That question was more than familiar to Emery as she was reminded of the time that King Lawson accused her of poisoning his former concubine, Lady Hazel. However, this time was different because she was indeed the culprit but until proven guilty, she will remain innocent.“What are you talking about?” she asked, acting like she was confused. Emperor Claus closed the distance between them and tightly held her shoulders as his eyes filled with flames of anger looked at her.“Did you poison Lady Serena?!” “N-No.”He was not satisfied and convinced with her answer, hence, out of anger, he pushed her against the wall with a rather loud thud. Even though she winced in pain, the emperor did not faze.“If you won’t tell me the truth, then I will have that maidservant of yours tortured to confess in your stead.”This time, Emery looked at him with a steady gaze. She made sure that she did not waver and that her voice would not shake.“I am already telling the truth, Your Imperial Highness.”

Early in the morning, the emperor woke up and found Emery just getting out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe. “Should I help you wash your hair?” she suddenly offered, making him wary of her. He knew too well that Emery was not the type of person who was very open to showing affection so her action seemed like a trap. Either way, he did not hesitate to accept since this could be the only time she would ask him that. Hence, several minutes later, he was lying on the huge tub with Emery right next to him pouring some water on his head. He stared at her. “Did something good happen while I was asleep?” he asked. “I thought about the things you told me yesterday.” She smiled. “S

“That’s enough, Your Royal Highness,” Emperor Claus intervened as it was unbearable for him to see Emery being bullied.  Without saying anything else, he tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her away. However, even before they could leave, Lady Cressida still spoke. “If you do not banish her from the palace, then I will make the necessary arrangements to have her executed. You know me, Your Imperial Highness. I do not act on things that I am not sure of so decide before the wedding.”When the two of them entered the emperor’s room, he immediately apologized for the accusation that his grandmother threw at her. Seeing how quiet she was, Emperor Claus thought that it was probably out of shock so he held both of her shou

Emery woke up rather late the next morning. It was not like she was thrilled to face whatever play that Lady Cressida and Lady Serena prepared for her. As the sun continued to shine in its peak as if it was also celebrating the union of the emperor with the daughter of the duke, Emery sat across the large mirror, staring back at herself as she wore the black dress.  Disappointment was clearly plastered on her face since she had been expecting to at least be visited by Emperor Claus. However, she was not able to see him or even his shadow.  “You were just a replacement,” she told herself. “His feelings were never genuine. In the end, you are the one who was fooled… Such a pathetic woman you are.” When she was all done fixing herself, s