The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

2: The Poison That Killed the Love

Through the years Emperor Darya has led the whole Empire, it was peaceful and full of great changes. Farmers were given fair revenue and the market price lowered down. She also demolished some of the systems of crimes. She has also built schools for the commoners and has given them a chance to acquire a higher position. These achievements, thus far, the only reason why the anti-imperial faction loathed Emperor Darya. She is becoming more and more powerful as years pass. They thought that they were a second step ahead after making the son of Duke Garrett marry the Emperor. Although the Emperor married their trump card, they are still not able to grasp their main goal.

"Your majesty," Duke Esteban put down the cup of tea he just sipped from. He then looked at his wife's beautiful face.

"Is there something that is making you uncomfortable?" She smiled.

"I will never be uncomfortable around you, your majesty," he smiled back. "I would like to inform you again about my coming expedition this year again."

Upon hearing that, she nodded as she already knew what was in it. "Oh, so you will be gone for a month again?"

"It is sad to say that I will have to leave your side for a while, your majesty."

"I have no problem with it. I am also sorry that I could not spend more time with you."

They talked even more about the expedition and while Emperor Darya was listening, she would just react and compliment him with his achievements as both the Duke and her male consort.

"When you come back home, I will tell you something." She announced as she waved her hand while she watched her husband walk away.

"I am looking forward to it," Duke Esteban smiled and lowered his head before finally leaving. When he was gone, the smile on Emperor Darya's lips faded.

Every year, her husband would go on an 'expedition' in a month. She did not suspect his actions as she trusts him and that she knows that he is different from his father, the former Duke Garrett. However, just recently, she could feel something changing in her husband's actions. Which is why she investigated this 'expedition' and what she found out is that the report her husband tells her is different from it. An expedition does not necessarily have to be in one place but she found out that his husband would go to the same place where he goes on expedition during all these years, even before they got married. It was even reported that he is meeting a woman there.

"Should I tell him about you?" She caressed her abdomen while looking at the direction where her husband went. She cupped her baby bump while thinking if she will investigate more about this 'expedition'.

"Your majesty, it is time for your appointment to the doctor." Her personal aid came to her and told her about her schedule.

She nodded and stood up. She was then accompanied with her personal aid to be checked by the doctor. Luckily, everything was alright and she was told to not be stressed out because she is in the stage where miscarriage is in the highest possibility.

At night, she would hug her husband's pillow because she misses him so bad. It only passed a few hours and she wanted to ask for him. In a month, she patiently waited for him while urging herself to understand what might be the real reason behind his expedition. While being pressed by some nobles, she did not budge and protected her body at all cost to protect the child in her womb. Every morning, she had morning sickness that she wanted to get rid of but it was no use. It is hard. It is hard to protect a child within her.

After a month, she cheerfully approached her husband who came from the expedition. She attended him and served him well so he could relax after his long trip. Maybe because of it, he even fell asleep right after bath.