The Crazy Tyrant Wants To Kill Me(EDITING)

2- Abducted

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth, a mix of shock and disbelief etched across my face. "My appearance is similar to Julia?!" 

Every fiber of my being trembled with the weight of this revelation. Was it mere coincidence or a twist of fate that had led me to this moment? 

Jessica leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper. Her eyes darted around, ensuring our conversation remained concealed from prying ears. "You look exactly like her," she uttered, her lips pursed in concern. "I'm concerned that the emperor might mistake you for Julia and give you the death punishment." 

The gravity of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks, the abruptness of it all leaving me reeling. "Seriously? I just woke up from a coma, clueless and having lots to catch up on, but suddenly, out of the blue, there's a risk that I might be murdered by the emperor!" 

"It's not the end of the world," she reassured, though her own confidence seemed shaky. "You could dye your hair?"

Did I truly have a choice in this matter? With gratitude and a hint of melancholy, I clasped both of Jessica's hands. 

"Thanks for everything, Jessica," I said. 

Moments later, Jessica slipped a hand away and reached into her purse, producing a small brown bag filled with coins. She extended it to me, emphasizing the importance of my survival. "You should be able to buy a week's worth of food with these," she said earnestly. 

"Thank you!"

***

As I arrived at the hair salon in a matter of minutes, I was immediately greeted by a delightful scent of flowers that filled the air. The soft melody of a song played gently in the background, creating a soothing atmosphere. Stepping inside, I was captivated by the creamy white walls adorned with tastefully arranged pictures. Excitement coursed through my veins as I scanned the room, taking in the warm smiles of the staff. I picked up a few magazines, each showcasing stunning hairstyles with flowing, silky locks in various shades of silver, white, black, and even pink. 

Suddenly, my attention was diverted by a man in a white uniform emerging from behind a door, ready to offer his assistance.  "Greetings, miss. How may I help you? We have hair service, nail ser-" However, his demeanor swiftly changed as his gaze shifted behind me, causing an eerie shift in the room's atmosphere. His warm smile fell.

A few children screamed, their mothers clasping their hands over their mouths, staring at whatever was behind me. 

"Excuse me?" I asked, stepping forwards. I furrowed my eyebrows. "I'd like to get my hair dyed blac-" Before I could finish my sentence, the man pushed the emergency exit open and everyone else fled with him without hesitation.

"...?" 

I turned around, only to find myself face-to-face with the infamous and dangerous emperor. Why was he here?! Dread washed over me, realizing the gravity of the situation. Panic gripped my heart as I questioned if there was any chance for escape. 

As I carefully glanced down, my eyes paused on the glinting sword he held in his hand. 

What was the emperor doing here? 

Suddenly, he drew his sword, pointing it directly to my vulnerable neck. 

"..!"

The emperor's face remained impassive, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. 

He pressed the tip of his sword into my neck. My life hung by a thread as blood trickled from the cut, my body trembling yet I didn't dare move. 

What, why?! Was the emperor so insane he killed anyone who didn't run away from him? What an amazing emperor! Why doesn't everyone move out of this empire?

However, the emperor abruptly withdrew his sword. Before I could react, his hand grabbed my waist and pulled me into his grasp.

"...?!"

"Julia, I remembered you were smarter than this. Out of all those people, I expected you to run first upon seeing me." His grip tightened on my waist. My gaze was fixed on his sword, my breath caught in my throat.

What was he talking about? Did he think I was Julia?

The emperor dragged me into his carriage.

"N-no, this is all a misunderstanding! I'm not Julia-"

I was shoved onto the seat inside the carriage, my words cut off as the emperor loomed over me.

 "Repeat that." A dangerous glint flickered in the emperor's eye, and I saw his knuckles whiten as he drew his sword closer. 

"I'm..." I swallowed.

 I couldn't feel my legs, I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, blood rushing, my hands going cold... My vision was blurring-

The emperor grabbed my neck. "Don't fucking pass out, Julia." He heaved himself up onto the carriage and with a cold order, we began heading towards the palace.