92 Your Servant Awaits (1/2)

As she articulated her spell, a small smile crept up to her face. From the moment Hongyue started telling the story to the Empress, she was commencing her first move—casting an enchantment over the aide behind her. Within the story, Hongyue made sure to mention several single word enchantments that would seem to be simple but served a different purpose. Using the influence within the power of words, Hongyue used the reflection of the spoon to bewitch the aide behind her while she narrated her story.

Oath.

Authority.

New.

Although the words were simple, under the power of her influence over them, Hongyue was able to use them to enforce a binding contract onto the aide similar to the one she forced on ChunHua. It was just that she never got the chance to give an order. Now it was the perfect move. If there were unseen dangers in the territory of others, she'll just take sections of the territory for herself and hide her men within.

The aide slowly staggered to his knees. He opened his eyes, which showed a dull reflection. He placed his hand over the right of his chest and stiffly bowed toward the eldest miss. His voice came out monotony and numb, but for that reason, it was pleasing to hear.

”Your servant awaits.”

*****

In a golden chamber room, the emperor could be seen with his back to the door. His hands were idly resting against his lower back, and his eyes were admiring the wall before him with a focused stare. As if he was captivated by the scene, he gently put out his arm to give the wall a light touch. On the wall, a dragon could be seen before him. The body was carved out of stone, and it was fierce yet slim as it crawled its way to the heavens. However, there were holes where the eyes should have been. Nevertheless, the emperor seemed to hold exceptional affection for it. He rubbed the hollowed eye holes and smiled.

It was a tranquil scene.

However, the quietness of the room was suddenly shattered into pieces as a loud shout came soaring in from outside the room, ”Why would my husband not want to see me?! Go report back to him the Empress herself is here.”

Outside the room, the Empress could be seen held back by two guards. She tried to push past the men only to be held back even more. Although angered, she could only give them a harsh glare as she dared not cause a more significant scene lest she looked petty.

The emperor looked up, his fingers froze in place, and his smile turned into a deep frown. The happy glance vanished within his eyes. The peaceful air was no longer present, and he seemed to hold a hint of irritation in his heart. Waving his hand, he beckoned at another servant without looking at the door.

”Let her in.”

With his established order, the guards released her and stepped back into their places. With her head held high, the Empress advanced into the room. Her eyes were narrowed as she took another step closer to the man before her. Her hand slightly shook, but she didn't allow her anxiety to show on her face. Why was he so hard to truly grasp?

That morning, her entire courtyard was suddenly surrounded by guards along with a decree saying that she wasn't to take a step past the door. With an unsettled heart, she could only stay within the courtyard. However, feeling unsure and unwilling, she charged her way into the palace. Wanting a clear answer from his mouth, she took this risk.