The Emperor left the banquet early on the pretext of not feeling well after barely showing her face at the banquet hall.
Some nobles wore a bitter sardonic look. It was a shame the Emperor could not play with them.
When the Emperor returned to her quarters, she immediately changed into comfortable attire and pulled off the robes that seemed to weigh her down. She felt a little relieved. But then she remembered those red bloody eyes and it caused her to stumble, albeit slightly.
He must have been dissatisfied with the results of the Konkuk Hunting Competition, but that didnt matter much to the Emperor. Shed been worrying lately to the point of her health deteriorating.
The Emperor sighed, a little too heavily.
Your Majesty, how about dinner? Asked the maid standing beside her.
Its fine. The Emperor shook her head slowly. In her current condition, she barely had the appetite.
She sat down in a chair, holding back her dizziness. She felt light-headed. Her work was endless and she could not skip it. Her royal duties forbade her to.
There was a roar of laughter, shouting, and music in the distance. They usually had the bearing of a decent aristocrat, but today, all their masks fell off. They drank as much as they were given in excitement; even shouted and roared in merriness.
The Emperor suddenly remembered the figure of a man.
Was he playing part in the fuss? Hed probably whisk a noble lady off her feet and pull her closer for a kiss.
The Emperor bit her lip. No matter. Whatever he did was none of her business.
She focused her mind on the letters, trying to dispel her mixed feelings. Fortunately, she was able to drown herself in her work, forgetting the outside noise and the mans face.
She did not know how long time had passed. She looked up, realizing someone was knocking on the door.
Who
The door sprang open without warning.
Are you still drowning in paperwork?
A tall man set foot in the Emperors bedroom without permission. The Emperor slowly raised her head, not replying.
I thought itd be alright. You didnt answer and you looked distracted.
He clicked his tongue. The Emperor looked at the door. Before she knew it, the maids were gone.
She couldnt keep them if she wanted to. They werent her people. From the closest attendant to the escort knight and all those assisting her in the inner circle, they were not hers.
As she heard the door closing, the Emperors face turned white.
The banquet hadnt finished yet. Why not enjoy it some more? She tried to stay calm, but she could not help but let out a shaking voice.
The Emperors not feeling well. We cant enjoy the feast in peace. As your servant, it is my duty to check on your well-being.
The mans tone was full of worries, but the Emperor knew it was all a lie.
Im fine, so
She was keen on ordering the man to head back to the banquet, but before she could, the man quickly came up to her. A light flashed across his face; it was incredibly beautiful.
But to the Emperor, his eyes looked like a messenger from hell.
Matter of fact, he did take and killed countless of lives.
The man reached out and stroked her face and neck. The Emperor shook off his hand. Rather than an angry gesture of his rudeness, her actions looked more like a desperate gesture of a frightened animal.
The man grabbed the Emperors hand and kissed it lightly.
You look pale. Im worried because youre always pushing yourself too hard.
.Yes, Ill need to take a rest today. So, why dont you go back now, too.
The Emperor took a step backward and shook her head.
The man, he was the Grand Duke who had red eyes the color of blood. She was always frightened when facing him, even more so when she saw innocent blood today; she trembled remembering the face of the silver deer.
Of course, Ill go back. After making sure your jade body isnt feeling uncomfortable.
The Grand Duke smiled softly. Then he placed his hand on the Emperors back waist, who at this time, stumbled.