The Crazy Tyrant Wants To Kill Me(EDITING)

7- Dine With The Emperor

Trapped for three days, I seethed with frustration, my gaze fixed on the window as I replayed the events of the past 72 hours in my mind. The fire burning within me intensified as I thought about Logan and Joe, who had transformed from playful and affectionate companions to strict enforcers of the emperor's will. Confined to Julia's bedroom chamber, I felt like a prisoner under their watchful eyes.

Their constant surveillance was suffocating. They monitored my every move, even when I slept, dressed, or ate. The emperor's absence only added to my anger, as he chose to convey his threats through a servant rather than visiting me himself. How could I possibly execute my plan when I was being held captive?

My pent-up emotions boiled over as I punched my pillow, my lips curling downward in disgust. Three days of isolation were taking their toll on me. Joe and Logan's polite refusal to engage in conversation only fueled my frustration, leaving me without a moment's peace.

The sudden knock at the door sent my pillow flying across the room. "Leave me alone!" I shouted, my anger finally getting the better of me. Logan flinched, and Joe's awkward attempt to intervene only made things worse.

The door creaked open, and Luisa, the maid with green hair and freckles, entered with a tray of food. Her usual politeness was tinged with concern as she placed the meal before me. "Please, enjoy your lunch, Your Highness."

But I had lost my appetite, and the sight of the food only made me more irritable. Logan and Joe exchanged worried glances, and Luisa's expression turned pained. "You need to eat, Your Highness. Skipping meals is bad for your health," she said, her voice laced with concern.

Joe echoed her sentiments, but I remained resolute. That was when I spotted an opportunity. "Actually," I said, feigning thoughtfulness, "there is a way to get me to eat."

The three servants' eyes snapped to attention, and I could sense their desperation to appease me. "If you can convince the emperor to dine with me every day, I'll make sure to eat properly," I proposed, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

The servants exchanged hopeful glances, and I knew I had them right where I wanted them.

If I had lunch with the emperor everyday, I could act like I was in love with him and take advantage of the fact he had feelings for me. He wouldn't want to kill me if he realized I "liked" him and was obedient. 

Luisa, Joe, and Logan's eyes darted away, their faces a picture of surprise. "But... his Majesty is overwhelmed with pressing matters at the moment," one of them explained. "He's really busy."

"Busy with what?"

Joe exchanged a weighted glance with Logan before responding, "A neighboring empire is planning to launch a surprise attack on our territory. The emperor is busy preparing our soldiers for battle."

I shrugged, unimpressed. Why should I concern myself with the emperor's troubles? He's only interested in ending my life, after all. 

"Ok, so?" I asked, crossing my arms in defiance. I knew I was being obstinate, but I had no choice. "If he doesn't dine with me, I won't eat. I'm busy the emperor can spare a few minutes to eat, right?"

Logan scratched the back of his neck. "Please stop distressing us... there's really nothing we can do."

I felt a flicker of guilt, but I pushed it down. "Fine, I won't eat then."

Luisa and my bodyguards looked on in alarm, their faces etched with worry.

"I'll try to persuade His Highness," Joe said, his brow furrowed with concern, before exiting the room.

Luisa followed suit, curtsying before taking her leave. "I'll take my leave now, Your Highness."

I drummed my fingers impatiently on the table, waiting for Joe's return.

After an eternity, Joe reentered the room, his expression somber. Our eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, we locked gazes. Then, he looked away.

"You're back," Logan observed, as Joe nodded in response.

I asked, my tone deceptively calm, "Did the emperor agree to meet with me?"

Joe's voice was barely above a whisper. "The emperor doesn't care if you perish from starvation."

What?! Doesn't have feelings for me, or, should I say, Julia?

"However, I managed to get him to agree." Joe quickly added. "But he's going through a lot of stress with preparing for battle and everything,  so I ask you to be gentle and kind with him."

"Of course."

"The emperor will receive you in the dining hall," Joe continued. "I'll escort you to ensure you don't get lost."

I raised an eyebrow, aware that Joe's true intention was to prevent me from running away once again. With a gesture, Joe invited me to follow him.

I stepped out of the room for the first time in days. I grinned, relieved to be leaving the confines of that room.

As we turned a corner and descended a few stairs, I took the opportunity to survey my surroundings. "This is the dining hall," Joe announced, arriving in front of a massive hall. He pushed open the doors.