The Crazy Tyrant Wants To Kill Me(EDITING)

3- Locked Up

In a heartbeat, the carriage pulled up to the opulent palace, its golden-framed windows shimmering under the sun's gaze. Several scenarios flashed in my mind. How would I be killed? The swift of the emperor's sharp, unhesitant blade, or engulfed in flames? 

With trepidation, I trailed behind the emperor, my neck throbbing with the wound. The colossal building loomed before me, its white brick facade radiating grandeur and opulence. 

The beauty is undeniable, yet I have no time to admire the palace as two stone-faced guards seized me by the shoulders, ensuring I was close behind the emperor. My heart pounded in my chest, beads of sweat trickling down my forehead as my eyes bored into the back of the emperor, who continued forward.

If only he didn't possess such an unapproachable, formidable aura, he would be quite attractive.

"Hurry up," one of the guards who held my arm grunted. "Walk faster."

Where were they taking me? To a guillotine? Was I going to be hung or boiled?

The hairs on my neck stood up as I felt eyes staring at me from behind and I flicked a glimpse behind me. No one.

"Don't try to run," growled one of the guards growled, his eyes darkening as he warned me. I gulped, my hands trembling. My saliva felt thick and sticky in my mouth.

A man with his forehead beaded with sweat, suddenly burst into the hall, his voice carrying an urgent message. "Your Majesty! Our enemy, Doom Empire, is preparing a massive attack, intent on starting a war!"

A flicker of rage and frustration danced across the emperor's expressionless, cold face and he paused. We were standing in silence for a good moment, my arms reddening from the guard's nails digging into my flesh, before the emperor finally spoke up, "Harry, escort Julia to her chamber.. Don't even allow one step out of the palace." 

"Julia?" The man, who appeared to be Harry, glanced over at me. "...! Julia? Your Majesty, you found Her Highness?"

With a clatter, a set of keys were thrown into Harry's hands, and the emperor vanished, down the hall, his footsteps echoing through the vast hall. 

The two guards released me and I was left alone with Harry.

My mind races with confusion. I had expected the emperor to seize this opportunity to kill me immediately, yet he abruptly left upon learning about Doom Empire's attack. I should use this as an advantage. 

"Your Highness! I thought you had died! Oh I'm just so glad-" Harry reached for me, but I distanced myself from him slightly.

"This is all a silly misunderstanding, I'm no Julia, my name is Amanda."

"There is no need to put on an act in front of me, Your Highness," Harry sighed. "Please allow me to escort you to your quarters."

"Do not call me "Your Highness, and I demand to be released immediately!"

Harry just shook his head, sighing. "Your Highness, I suggest that you accept the truth. The emperor has found you and continuing to act won't give you an advantage. You'll just anger the Emperor more."

"No, no! I swear with my life that-"

"I've worked for the emperor for twenty years. I was there when you married the emperor, and I know that you are Julia."

I gaped at him.

"Please, now, Your Highness, come with me."

***

The room was a testament to opulence and luxury, but it held no comfort for me. It was adorned with a grand canopy bed, a sparkling chandelier, and a walk-in closet, but I imagined Julia's spirit lingering within these walls, her presence casting an eerie shadow over everything. As Harry bowed and retreated, locking the door behind him, a wave of despair washed over me. I was trapped.

I thought of Julia, the wanted woman. What would she do if she was in this life-threatening situation? Well, the only idea would be to escape.

I balled my sweaty palms into fists. That's what I'm going to do.