The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

55 : Hate and Vain

The Emperor is as busy as usual with the national estate. She would always lone herself in her office and would go out when it was time for a meal. And just as everyone got used to, whenever the General is at the Imperial Palace, she would always not forget to have a meal with him. Because of this repetitive manner within three consecutive years, all palace workers regarded General Theobarlt as “The Emperor’s Favourite Concubine”. 

General Theobarlt is the most popular among all of Emperor Darya’s consorts. He was ignored because of his style before but when he trimmed his hair and changed his hairstyle, no woman would resist to not turn their eyes to him as he looked specifically manly and attractive. He had a good body build and he is tall. It is not just his face that is striking and mouth-watering but also his personality. Among all of the Emperor’s consorts, he is the kindest of them all.  

Although General Theobarlt is undoubtedly loyal to the Emperor, many women still had tried to make a move on him to the point of joining the knighthood just so they could have a glimpse of him when it was time for evaluation. Many women had tried to get close to him but because of his protective subordinates, they could not just throw themselves at him. They have never even touched him. 

This is also why there are many noble women who are extremely jealous of the Emperor. They have tried speaking nonsense and spreading gossip about the Emperor just so her reputation could be tampered but they have never succeeded as almost all of the people have too much respect for her that they do not tolerate such gossip that they have not heard directly from the Imperial Palace. The Emperor might have had a bad image among noble women but all commoners were on her side, never doubting her.

The reason why the commoners do not easily believe gossip is the fact that almost all of the men in the Empire have been trained as knights. They have witnessed the Emperor’s brilliance and elegance during specific days. Those knights have also met and saw General Theobarlt in person to which they truthfully respect as well.

There is also called ‘An Emperor’s Journal’ that is freely given and accessible by the people. The journal contains her daily life as an Emperor and all of her achievements thus far. The journal also includes her consorts and her relationship with them. People are naturally driven by her life and are willing to support her.

However, not all of the noble women envied the Emperor. There are also some that firmly admire her, like Lady Amara Sebastian. She had a smile on her face when she would read the journal. Everytime her father comes back from the Imperial Palace, she would excitedly approach him to look for another update of the Journal. She had grown up admiring the Emperor because her father would tell her stories about her and how impressive the Emperor was. She had been looking forward to going to the Imperial Palace and meeting her. 

His father had also mentioned that the Emperor would ask about her, making her flushed and thankful that although she had never met the Emperor, it feels like the Emperor cares for her.

Meanwhile, Captain Marshall had finally cooled down since he had a talk with Dame Silla. Anxious that his plan might get into light, he had done his best to be patient with anyone just so Dame Silla would not keep an eye on him anymore. He is so devastated because of this. He does not like to be watched. He does not like things that he could not control. 

One more thing that is making him infuriated is the fact that although he is the Emperor’s consort, he could not get close to her because he is not even allowed to sleep in her chambers. He could only meet her during the day he reports to her. And whenever he insists on meeting her, he could not find her at the Imperial Palace. He wants to have an alone time with her so bad but he never got a chance. 

To add, he could not just go to the Imperial Palace as he wished because Dame Silla is the Captain of the Gates. She would know whenever he comes and whenever he leaves. His actions are extremely limited although he had become the Emperor’s consort.

He blames Dame Silla about this. If he could have controlled her beforehand, he could come to the Imperial Palace whenever he likes. He could also acquire more information through her but all his efforts to convince her to his side were all in vain! Why didn’t he approach her earlier?!

With this extreme irritation, his firm fist landed on a stem of a tree. Because of his agitation, he had not felt the pain at first but just as his hand started dropping blood, he had finally come to senses as he held his right hand, silently moaning in pain. And just as he wanted to cry so bad, the Vice Captain comes to him.

“I have received a message from the Imperial Palace, Captain.”

He clicked his tongue and squeezed his aching hand, breathing hard to calm down because of the pain. He stood up and showed an irritated look to his Vice Captain.

“What is it?”

“It is said that the Emperor has called for your presence in the Imperial Palace.”

Upon hearing this, his eyes widened in surprise, forgetting the pain in his right hand. He immediately runs to get a horse and makes his way to the Imperial Palace without hearing the rest of the Vice-Captain’s report. He left without a word.

An hour later, the gate was opened for him and he got in smoothly. Confused about it, when he took off the horse to the nearby stable to the main gate, he had a frown on his forehead while he looked up to Dame Silla’s office on top of the main gate. He saw her standing behind her open window, watching him.

However, he had no time to waste, so he immediately made his way to the Emperor’s office. And just as he came inside, he greeted the Emperor before coming close to her table.

Darya immediately noticed the bruise in his hand. It was so red and the blood stain was still there. She got confused.

“Have you injured yourself during training?”

Lorenzo suddenly felt embarrassed to have forgotten his injury in his right hand. Now that he remembers it, it stings so bad. He put it behind him to hide the despicable look of his injured hand.

“Yes. There was a small accident.”

“Does it not hurt? Are you alright?”

Lorenzo flinched. It was a novel phrase to him. No one has ever asked him about his well-being that sounds as concerned as the Emperor. As for Darya, she just inadvertently asked about it since it looked painful. And Lorenzo is still young. She might have a past with him but not at this age. He is still growing as for now.

Seeing his speechlessness, Darya stood up and commanded Lavenorth to get a first aid kit. She then walked towards him. 

“I am alright, Your Majesty. You do have no need to worry about it—” he was cut with a moan because Darya took his injured hand. It was painful when she touched it. He did not even think that just by moving it, it would hurt that much as to make him displeasure.

“This is a bad injury, Captain Marshall.” Darya checks on his hand. It seemed to have a concussion. It seemed that he had punched a hard object the time before the news about her summon came to him. He might have hurriedly come without treating his injury first.

“This will probably last long if not treated right away.”

So Darya guided him to the couch and insisted on applying first aid to Lorenzo’s hand, not knowing that he felt puzzled by this unfamiliar feeling in his heart.

***
END OF CHAPTER 55
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