Chapter 169 - Short stories 7.1: Snare and bait> (2/2)

He thought the empress would feel hurt from the emperor’s misunderstanding, but nothing more. From what Roberto saw, he expected Empress Sa Bina to be the type of woman who became angry and tried to fight for her innocence rather than become upset and run away.

He guessed that it didn’t really matter. Perhaps he misjudged her. It was actually better that she felt hurt. It would benefit him with his plan.

He poured himself a glass of wine to celebrate. The white wine smelled sweet.

“Hmm. Not bad.”

Roberto loved women who had emotional scars. Those women in pain were desperate. They were like fragile flowers with the deepest fragrance. He loved the feeling of them in his hand as he crushed them slowly.

This time, he was aiming for the most precious flower in the kingdom.

He remembered Empress Sa Bina. Her rare black hair looked like a piece of the night sky. Her smart black eyes reminded him of ripe grapes. Her unique skin looked smooth and soft.

He had only seen her a few times, but he found her very interesting. He had never seen a woman who was so lively and confident. He felt attracted to her.

Most women he met were obedient and dutiful. They grew up to be a good daughter, a submissive wife, and a selfless mother. Their lives were centered around their fathers, husbands, then their children. When these figures were taken away from them, they felt deep sadness and looked for another person they could depend on.

Roberto was curious because Empress Sa Bina seemed different. Even if she lost her husband and her child, she seemed like she would survive the loss and continue to live her own life.

He had never met such an independent woman, and he wondered how she would react when she lost her loved ones.

Soon, he would find out.

After Emperor Lucretius dances the first dance with Yulia and take her as his wife, it would be too late for the empress to do anything. How would she react when she finds out another woman took her husband in her absence? How would she feel?

He felt so curious that he wanted to run to Maram and ask her. When she returned to the castle, he would do whatever it took to meet her in person.

He knew what he would do. He had successfully seduced many women who were in emotional distress. When he failed to seduce them, he managed to take them by force. The noble ladies couldn’t afford to be tainted by scandals, so they always didn’t do anything about it no matter what he did to them.

Only those women who didn’t have anything to lose made a big deal. Whenever he seduced low-born women, they would become angry the next day at his casual attitude. Thankfully, his mother took care of them. He was the son of Duke Lonensia after all.

“I wonder what kind of face her highness has when she is in bed.”

He smirked and emptied his glass. He imagined she would look lovely with her long black hair spread on the bed.

***

The castle was filled with uncomfortable tension.

The empress who suddenly left and the emperor who didn’t follow after her.

The celebration continued according to plan, but everyone could feel the emperor’s anger. They stayed low to avoid his wrath.

People realized what kind of influence the empress had been having on the emperor and the castle. Those who have known Lucretius since he was young knew how cruel and cold he could be.

After Bina became his wife, Lucretius, the ice cold emperor, started to melt. By the time the princess was born, the emperor was still cold but with a very warm side to him.

Now, with the empress gone, the winter was back.

Finally, today was the last day of the celebration.

Many things would be decided tonight.