How To Tame An Empress (BOOK I)

Chapter 15 - Scheming Minds

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I believe that everyone and everything in this world belong in a certain place from which they must never stray, and I was no different, quickly learning that my place was on this throne within these palace walls. And beside me, belonged Ria, my darling wife.

But she could not see that. Not yet, at least.

I was raised within these walls; I knew, better than anyone else, that this palace had a rhythm, a flow. Quiet in the morning, bustling by midday, and calm again after dusk. I knew its every beat, its every breath. And I noticed now, that something was off.

The flickering of candlelight jumping off the walls. Footsteps that did not align with the day's schedule. Whispering voices that went silent too quickly.

It did not take long for me to catch on that it was all due to my wife's mischievously scheming mind, and I could not find myself being upset, if anything, I felt quite proud to know that her spirit was still as strong as her voice.

We have been married long enough for me to have memorised her personality, and I knew that she was not one to forgive so quickly, especially when the subject was her freedom. She had given into my apology too easily that I could only find myself being suspicious rather than relieved. And it seems that my suspicions were proven correct.

Since she gave me her forgiveness at breakfast yesterday, she has been quieter than usual, her laughs more restrained, her smile trembling, and her eyes scheming. It was no surprise that I had caught on.

But I did not act immediately. Instead, I waited, and I watched. And when I saw her servant slipping out of the chambers with something tucked beneath her cloak, I simply tilted my head. By the time that servant reached the servants wing, I had two guards already waiting for her.

And now, as I sat on the couch in a private chamber, a piece of parchment and pencil in hand as I drew sketches of my wife, that said servant was brought by her arms to kneel before me, trembling, not from the cold, but from fear.

I did not shout; I did not need to. Silence was more effective.

"Tell me." I began, eyes focused on the parchment in hand as my pencil glided smoothly over it, drawing the shape of Ria's eyes, sharp yet soft, filled with a warmth which could never be replicated. "Why is my wife's servant sneaking around my palace corridors with a pack slung under her cloak?" The pack containing a few coins, and plain clothing. It gave me my answer, but still, I needed to confirm it.

Her lips were pressed tightly, unwilling to speak. I smiled, just slightly, not surprised.

"I do not need lies, only the truth. So, I hope you will give me that the first time." Still, she said nothing, and I leaned back against the couch. Picking my eyes up from the parchment, I scanned over the room, the dry smile remaining on my lips before I turned to finally look at the servant.

"Do you see the beauty which occupies this room?" She did not answer, her head only fell to look at the ground before her, and I felt the smile waning on my lips. "No? Then you must be like the others. The ones who believe that my love for her is chilling."

It was a simple chamber which we were currently situated in, one which Ria was not aware existed. Plain walls were held up by pillars, but a glass ceiling stood at the centre, moonlight casting in to highlight all the art which sat in the room. It was my own personal little treasure trove, filled with Ria. From paintings and statues, some which were done by me, and others which I had commissioned to be done.

But, of course, some people believed that it was too much. Only because they knew that no one would ever love them in the way that I love my Ria.

"How can you see all this and still believe that I would ever want to hurt her? I only wish to keep her protected." I explained, sighing as I ran a hand through my hair.