Enochs eyes narrowed, Aran unaware. The foolish empress still believes that Clared Changeback was a friend, but that shallow friendship had long gone sour.
Clared Changeback, remembered by Enoch, was an absent-minded man who always looked at Arans neck and ankle with passionate perverted eyes.
When Enoch was still Arans servant, it was hard to count the many times Clared bullied him.
The passing time would not have waned that perverted mans shady desire. The thought of Aran, who had no sense of humor, sitting in front of him and talking of the perverted man made him upset.
Why? He didnt know why he simply didnt like the idea of her seeing him.
If you want to change the mind of Clared Changeback, it would be faster for you to ask me than to meet him in person and convince him.
Enoch, hiding his innermost thoughts, raised Arans helpless hand and kissed it.
I dont care how you treat me in front of others. If you act cute and pretty like this on the bed, Im always willing to play as the empress voice. Isnt that easy?
Arans face trembled with contempt. As she blinked slowly, tears flowed down silently. Somehow, the look on her face made Enochs heart bleed.
Why was she crying?
Enoch drew her in his embrace without hesitation. The weak woman clung to his arms without resistance.
She was calm even when he was touching her pillowy mounds and groping her wet crevice. She wasnt sure if it was his condescending words or that she didnt have the strength to resist, but it didnt matter.
She allowed her to vent his pent-up desire inside her.
* * *
Aran sat still with a stiff face, lowering her gaze. Sometimes, she was required to attend a banquet because she was empress.
She sighed a small sigh that no one could hear.
Todays banquets was to mark the first anniversary of her succession as empress. The banquet was smaller than all previous banquets.
Aran had a difficult time leaving the banquet in the middle for she was the main character of the show.
Though it wasnt so large, there were a few aristocrats attending. They made false congratulatory remarks to the empress while their eyes searched for the presence of the Grand Duke who they were sure was hiding somewhere in the banquet hall.
Aran moistened her lips with wine in celebration. She couldnt drink well, but she thought shed be able to endure this time, but eventually, her head became dizzy. She put down the glass of wine that was not even half empty.
When she was young and immature, she yearned to attend a banquet several times, now she despised it and loathed the backbreaking work. Back then, when she had no worries in the world, shed excitedly change into many dresses throughout the banquet and danced joyfully. It felt like a dream.
What she was wearing now was a worn-out dress with a dull green color and high collar covering her neck. Her hands were covered with gloves.
The weather now was in late spring, and it felt a little too hot to wear such clothes, but she had no choice. Enoch left marks all over her body.
Aran pulled the black mesh gloves up to cover her slightly exposed wrist.
Your Majesty.
Aran raised her head to the voice of a poet. Only then did she realize that the eyes of the aristocrats watched her keenly.
The first dance should be performed by Her Majesty, someone shouted.
I dont mind. They can dance without me.
But only after Her Majesty dances can the others dance.
Ah
Aran looked at the aristocrats with a flushed face. She had no choice but to dance with one of them because there was no Enoch around. And besides, she didnt know who to dance with.
The young noblemen were aware of these and looked at each other.
The empress current position was ambiguous. Her popularity among the aristocrats due to the tax audit was at rock bottom. However, there were many people who greedily sought after her as the position of emperor was vacant.
Would you dance with me, if you dont mind, Your Majesty?
Yes? Aran asked with a perplexed face.
Its a joke, the poet said. Dont mind it.
Aran breathed deeply. No matter who became her partner, it would be uncomfortable. She intended to grab the person closest to her and quickly dance to put an end to this embarrassing situation.
And just in time, she saw Duke Silas not far away.
In conclusion, she wouldve ended up dancing with Enoch, the Grand Duke who handled those who opposed her, but Duke Silas, he was simply trying to help her out of goodwill. It wouldnt be bad to thank him on this occasion.
As soon as Aran took a step forward, someone grabbed her hand.
Where are you going, Your Majesty? Enoch looked at her with a curious face. If you havent decided on a partner, why dont you dance with me?
Enoch knelt, kissing her hand. His hot lips touched the back of her hand, his fingers brushing the inside of her wrist.
Aran bent her fingers unknowingly. Those red eyes she was unable to read stared at her.
The young noblemen after the unmarried empress lost their motivation as soon as the Grand Duke appeared. No one would be willing to dance with her now that Enoch stepped out.
Aran, who knew him, nodded reluctantly.
It wasnt a seemingly strange combination.
Aran was the empress of the empire and Enoch was the noblest man in the empire. Besides, he was always at the empress side.