Vicious Empress (Unedited)

Chapter 11 - His Majesty's Condition

"Your Majesty" Nandini greeted as soon as she saw Manik walked in. He was wearing his casual cloth not the one which he use while attending royal court. He nodded as he stopped infront of her.

"Your Majesty, you look tired" she said again observing his facial feature.

"It's just some works of court" he replied then cleared his throat "did you have dinner?"

"Just about to. Would you like to join?" Nandini asked. Manik nodded without any hesitation.

"I would like to"

Nandini smiled and lead him inside the dining room. By that time Atropa and Ageratina already managed everything. They also plated the foods on the table. When they saw the emperor they bowed and gritted.

"Your Majesty please" Nandini gestured and they sit down. She herself poured tea for them and waved her hand and Atropa and Ageratina left bowing.

Manik took a sip and looked at the tea "this feels refreshing and relaxed. I never had such tea. It's effect  is quite fast"

"It's lavender tea. Consuming it would give calming effect on body. It helps to calm the tiredness of the body" Nandini explained.

Manik nodded "and also has fragrance"

"The lavender belongs to fragrance flowers"

Manik looked at her "I know you may find today is quite ackward. Though I am habituated having dinner alone but today I just wanted to have s company" Manik said truthfully.

Nandini smiled "you don't have to worry about me your majesty. I am also habituated eating alone. And it's quite good to have someone to talk while enjoying food. Besides your majesty can come here and join me for meal"

Manik smiled "you are thoughtful. What rumours says about you can't stand as a true judgement"

Nandini chuckled "rumours are some creative stories made by those story tellers. It's just s way for others to get entertainment and topic to discuss about. Besides if there is no rumours then how will those story tellers live?"

Manik observed her for sometimes. He too the last sip and put the cup down on table "you are right. People really do appreciate such works made up randomly"

Nandini glanced at him before lifting the teapot "your majesty would you like to have some more tea?"

Manik glanced at his cup before slightly nodding. Nandini poured another cup for him.

"The foods getting colder. I hope your majesty don't mind eating vegetables dishes tonight"

"Why are you eating veg?did not the kitchen prepared good food?"

Nandini shook her head "the kitchen are not to blamed. I like veg dishes. I am not fond of fishes or meats"

Manik grabbed his cup and frowned "why?"

Nandini looked at him. He looked quite interested in knowing about her. Suddenly she felt the moment ackward but she smiled.

"My mother died when I was young, since then my grandmother raised me. Thought father loved me so much but because of his general duty he couldn't maintain to remain longer at home. If it was fortunate then I was able to meet him once in a year. After getting older my brother's also followed his lead and left home to serve the country. Since then I am too close to my grandmother and used to spend quality of time with her" Nandini paused and picked up her cup "she lived her whole life being a vegan and living with her also made me fond of vegan culture"

Manik quietly listened everything she said. It was quite surprising to know that the only pampered daughter in general mansion lived a life of vegan.

"You don't regret it?" He asked.