Chapter 105 (2/2)

I couldn’t deny his logic.

With the dowager empress residing in the main castle, both of us couldn’t leave at the same time. We knew how sneaky she could be.

Someone needed to stay to spy on her. Besides, I knew I couldn’t be any help to him with military strategy. It made sense that I stayed behind.

I sighed deeply and replied, “Fine. I will protect your throne for the next three days while you are gone. To be honest, it is a huge responsibility to stand against the dowager empress… But I will do my best.”

He smiled in satisfaction. “I trust my wife.”

I grabbed his cloak and pulled him down so his face was closer to mine.

“But promise me.”

“Promise what?”

“Please make sure to come back safely in three days. Come back to me.”

He smiled smoothly and answered, “Of course, your highness.”

He hugged me and came closer to kiss me.

Just like last time, I didn’t refuse him.

***

After Lucretius left, Samantha gave me a box.

“What is this?”

Samantha bowed deeply. “His highness ordered me to give this to you after he leaves.”

“… Do you know what is in it?”

Samantha shook his head. “He ordered me not to open it.”

“Does that order… apply to me as well?”

“No, but… He asked me to make sure you open it when you are alone.”

I immediately began to worry.

After Samantha left the room, my heart began to beat crazy. Slowly, I opened the box.

The box was simply designed and inside was lined with deep purple velvet.

In the middle of it was a thick golden ring with the Cransian symbol of three eagles.

I knew very well what this was. It was the royal seal Lucretius wore since the first day he became the emperor. He had never taken it off.

Until now.

Cransia was in my hand.

The gold ring felt heavy in my hand. It was made out of pure gold.

I looked at it closely. Having this ring meant I was sitting on the throne, at least temporarily.

With this, I was the head of Cransia.

Why did Lucretius borrow this to me? I knew why he asked me to stay behind. I was his only wife working in place of an empress. I was also his accomplice and his helper.

I knew he trusted me, but… The royal seal was beyond what I expected. It was too much. It was unnecessary.

Which meant one thing.

His message was clear.

I walked slowly towards the window. It was a cloudy day,t and I couldn’t see Lucretius’s procession anymore.

I squeezed the ring tightly and prayed the next three days would pass without incident.

I prayed to the god in this world and the one from mine. I wasn’t certain of the existence of any of them, but I didn’t care.

I prayed he could return safely. I hoped he kept his promise to come back to me.

My heart ached without him near me. I realized how important he was to me. He grew on me and I didn’t even know until now. When he returned, he would hear from me. I would make him work for the ring.

I would tease him mercilessly and only give him the ring back when he begged for it.

So please…

Please…

Come back to me.