Semua Bab The Mate Lottery: I Won The Emporer : Bab 31 - Bab 40

LIORA'S POV It's been half an hours since Tedmold recovered from the knockout headbutt delivered by the Emporer. He now has an ugly swelling ruining his otherwise handsome face. I have done my best to nurse his ego after that dreadful incident but he’s too furious and ashamed to calm down. So, I settled next to him, letting him rant endlessly about all the painful ways he plans to make the Emperor pay.His furious words keep my mind busy, a welcome distraction from the chilling information the Emperor shared with me, that my stepsister has teamed up with prince Elon to try to kill me during the test. I don’t doubt it. Even now, their cruel eyes are locked onto me from across the hall.The Emperor warned me not to go anywhere alone. They might also decide to do it outside the tests, who knows. I’m grateful the Emporer promised to watch over me. “He said Heather and Elon plan to kill me during the test,” I tell Tedmold.He scoffs. “He just wants you scared, so you so can partner with

LIORA'S POVI have now passed five tests, thanks in part to my jealous stepsister. It turns out the Sincalions had been testing the virtue of selflessness. They pretended to lose control of their boat, sending it over the waterfall where toothless crocodiles awaited below. Whoever jumped in selflessly to help them passed the test. I wouldn’t have passed if Heather had not angrily pushed me into the waters. Not even my mind could have figured out it was a test and not an accident. The Emperor himself wouldn’t have passed if he hadn’t jumped in to save me. Everyone else had failed the test of selflessness, except for me and him.Now, she I am qualified to receive the goddess’s wishes, but I need to win the final test to be eligible to grant one of those wishes to Tedmold as I promised him. He has passed only two tests so far, and if he doesn't pass the last one, he will be ineligible to be granted a wish.“I would have jumped in to save you... I… I wanted to… I just… froze, and my limbs

Liora’s PovI look at the man still leaning close, completely unbothered by the sound of my mate pounding on his chamber's door. “Are you planning to show up for the last test?” I ask.Most contestants won't. There is nothing left to win. But I need the Emporer there just in case Heather or Elon shows up and tries anything. Tedmold can't keep me safe.He tilts his head and gives me a cocky smile, "I don’t see why I should bother showing up for the test,” he says. Of course, he had no reason to participate, But I have to figure out how to make him show up.“I want to make a deal,” I say, watching for his reaction, his eyebrows rise.“I heard a rumor...” I lower my voice, careful not to sound like I am mocking, “That your life force is fading.His face remains completely impassive. He gives no reaction for me to judge whether the rumour I heard from Tedmold is true or not."Who told you that?" He asks expectantly, a wry gleam in his eyes.“Is it... true?” I press.Before he can answer,

LIORA'S POV After pacing for a while, I finally realize besides Hilda, who we are not exactly on good terms, there is only one other person who would offer me help, the Emporer. His chambers are large enough, I could even sleep on the carpeted floor. Once I make up my mind, I set out towards his chambers. When I get to the door, I find it unlocked so I push it open and peep in. I see no one. I hesitate for a moment before walking in. He's not in the first room. I hadn’t noticed before, but his chambers have soft, comfy couches, perfect to sleep on, but of course I'll have to ask first. Istand silently observing a room when the soft closing of the door behind me makes me jump. The Emporer stands with a surprised look in his eyes. "I'm so sorry for intruding into your chambers... again," I stammer.He smirks, inscrutable. “Missed me already? You know it’s not safe to wander outside alone at night, especially when someone’s trying to kill you.”I nod. “Actually, I came to ask for yo

Liora's POV “We welcome you to the final test,” Lahore announces, his gaze sweeping over the three of us standing before him. “I’m glad to see more than one contestant present.”If it weren’t for the wishes I’m donating, I wouldn’t have even shown up for this test myself.Lahore then turns to me. “You, my lady, are leading in the race for the goddess’ wishes. Please, come with us.”Why? The same shock registers on both the Emperor’s and Tedmold’s faces."I wish to take the test first." The Emporer volunteers."Of course your majesty, you will be the first to take the test. " Lahore says before turning his expectant eyes back to me.“Am I not going to participate in the test?” I ask.“You are, all of you will take part,” he answers.“Is this another challenge like the self-control test where we have to be tested alone?” Tedmold asks anxiously.“I’m sorry, your highness,” Lahore replies, “but I cannot reveal the nature of the test until it is complete.”That does not sound good. It wou