Chapter 30 (2/2)

I raised my body, feeling dizzy. I took a bath with warm water, put on thick layers of clothes and stood in front of the mirror seeing my pale face, dishevelled hair, and cracked lips.

‘Can I really go see the emperor like this?’

‘Do I have to reply even now that I can’t go? What if I get blamed?’ After hesitating for a moment, I headed for the Imperial Palace, leaving Lina behind, looking at me worriedly.

“I, Aristia La Monique, am honored to see Your Majesty, the Sun of the Empire.”

“It’s been a while, Arisia. By the way, are you sick? ”

“I haven’t been feeling well. I’m sorry to let you see me like this. ”

“Oh, if I knew you were sick like this, I would have called upon you another day. I’m sorry. Let me send a royal doctor to treat you.”

“No, you don’t have to, Your Majesty. I’m fine.”

“This is my order.”

“… Thanks for your considerations, Your Majesty.”

When I answered reluctantly, the emperor nodded.

“You must feel lonely as your father is away now. How are you doing? ”

“I’m keeping well, all thanks to Your Majesty.”

“Well, I wanted to see you as I have some questions. Who is serving you as your bodyguard? Are there any knights around in your house?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

“Alas! He should have left a couple of knights to protect you. How inflexible he is! How can you keep the house without any guardians? Let me dispatch a royal knight to you as of today.”

I opened my eyes wide. ‘A royal knight?’ They exist to protect the royal family alone. The emperor’s measures were highly extraordinary. Except for legitimate royal family members, nobody can be escorted by the royal knights. Even though I am the crown prince’s fiancee, I am currently a daughter of a marquis family.

“Please withdraw your order, Your Majesty. That’s an extraordinary special treatment for me.”

“No, it’s not. You are the next empress, aren’t you? ”

“Your Majesty.”

“Let me promise you I won’t ask you for anything more because of this. How about that? Are you still going to refuse it?”

“… I’m deeply touched, Your Majesty. I’m endlessly grateful to you.”

I barely expressed my gratitude, clearing my throat politely. When I was moistening my dry lips, I heard somebody announcing that the crown prince just arrived. A boy with blue hair stepped in through the door silently.

After glancing at me quickly, he said, “Did you call me, Your Majesty?”

“Oh, yes. Come on in. I called you to have tea with you and your fiance.”

I hurriedly opened my mouth when the emperor looked at me, “I am fine. Please don’t worry.”

“No, I can’t have you join in this tea time as you feel sick. You can go back home and take a rest. Let’s do this. Hey, crown prince, why don’t you escort her back home? Let me have them prepare tea for when you come back.”

“Oh no, please. I’m fine…:”

“Okay, Your Majesty. Let me escort her then.”

Although I tried to refuse by all means, the boy cut me off with a cold voice.

I stiffened when I saw his expressionless look. I awkwardly got up as his cold blue eyes seemed to urge me to stand up. I barely showed manners to the emperor as he looked at me kindly and left the reception room quickly.