Aran begrudgingly listened to Enochs command. If she refuses to eat, she and the maid would meet trouble. This was certain.
Outwardly, the Grand Duke was a calm and cool-headed man, but the truth of the matter was that Aran saw him as a volatile and crazy man. She never knew what to expect from him.
Like yesterday nights deed
Aran forced herself up and roughly pushed the soul into her mouth.
Who cleaned the documents? Aran asked.
The Grand Duke took it with him, the maid said.
That was fortunate. If confirmed by Enoch, the trade case could be approved in time. After all, they did not need to ask Aran of her opinion or consent. It was Enoch, not her, who dictated the matters of the kingdom.
Though strangely enough, she had no anger at her loss of power. Aran knew best that she was no emperor material long before the rebellion. Nevertheless, she would cling to political and state affairs until she could no longer do so. It helped her to forget her situation when she drowned herself at work.
After a spoon or two, Aran finished and the maid removed the dish away from her. It was time to take her medicine.
After swallowing the bitter medicine, her tongue was numb, but at least she had the slight energy to stand up.
The maid changed her clothes. She had wanted to wash up because she sticky and full cold sweat, but she could not. She was wrought with fever.
Aran sat in a chair and opened a book. Since her schedule was messed up, it was best that she study. She knew next to nothing about being an emperor due to her reluctance and disinterest in politics at a young age.
Sitting on the chair, pain ran through her n*ther regions. She turned the page over, concealing her discomfort.
The maid wrapped a thick blanket over her shoulder upon noticing her body tremble and said, Just relax today, Your Majesty.
Aran nodded but stubbornly refused to take her eyes off the book. Its alright. You should go take a rest.
How can I rest at ease knowing Her Majesty is ill? the maid said awkwardly.,
Aran was grateful for her kindness but slightly agitated. She could not switch to a comfortable position in the maids presence. Whats more, the maids words reminded her of what Enoch said yesterday, causing Aran to feel frustrated.
In the end, Aran was forced to evict the maid out.
Soon as she went out, Aran sat on the chair with her feet up and knees bent. She sighed comfortably. The pain had gone away. Then she leaned over and looked at the book.
What a helpless emperor
There had never been an emperor more pathetic than her a helpless emperor who knows nothing and could do nothing. Sometimes she thought it better to fall in the abyss that is death.
Aran looked at the book blankly and sighed. She could not give up easily. Her reason for living was not a matter of pride or face but something that aside, while she sits on the throne, she hoped to do good to the people and the common folks.
Aran picked up the book again and forced herself to read but with the pain tingling from her lower region, it became a difficult feat.
You havent done anything all day, so why are you having trouble reading? Aran rubbed her temples. I cant spend the rest of my life like this in vain.
Meanwhile, footsteps from afar could be heard.
The heavy, wide-footed echoing sound was not that of a womans step. There was only one man whod come to the emperors bedroom at this time of the hour.
Aran was frigid.
Its me. May I come in? a low, resonant voice said, betraying Arans hopes.
Aran looked around, as if looking for a place to hide. She hurriedly closed her book and laid back down on the bed. She thought it better if she pretended to sleep.
Your Majesty, Enoch called Arans name again, this time more rushed.
Aran closed her eyes tightly and pulled the blanket over her head. She did not expect to see him again, not today, not when she was in no condition to plunge herself in pleasure. It was obvious that his lower weapon would only cause her pain.
Aran bit her lips. What if he grows angry? The thought scared her. Enoch had never threatened to beat her or throw her away, but shes not sure it will remain the same in the future. He could kill her, take the throne if he so wished. Aran could never forget her brothers blood scattered on the floor.
Enoch lost his patience. He opened the door and approached the bed where Aran laid with a steady gait.