The Empress's Revenge

Chapter 5

I slammed a fist on my desk. Willcress jumped, startled by the noise.

"How dare she!" I growled. 

I was furious. The empress was probably cheating on me with that Northern scum, and all the nobles were laughing.

But they aren't laughing at the joke that hasn't been told yet.

I turned to the window and studied the grand garden that spread in front of my office window. I studied a large oak tree in the distance where I had fallen in love with someone new.

Someone better.

I whirled around and faced Willcress, my trusty friend.

"I need you to fetch...her."

My friend raised his eyebrows. 

"Sir? The empress?"

I sighed and leaned on my desk, squeezing the bridge of my nose with my fingers.

"No... nevermind."

I looked up at Willcress who had an extreme curious face on. After flashing him a smile, I shook my head.

"Forget it, my friend. I was out of my mind."

Willcress nodded uneasily, then held out some papers. I pushed them aside then strode to the door.

"I need to clear my head. I shall return in due time."

I slipped out the door, leaving the chief manager wondering if he should tell the empress of the emperor's strange behaviour.

As I strode quickly down the hall, I came to the doors leading outside. I threw them open and continued my steady pace to the large oak tree.

I stood there, catching my breath then whistled softly.

"M'lord?"

My true love came hurrying into sight then stopped suddenly with a shocked look on her face.

"Oh, goodness! What did that witch do to you?" She caressed my face and I leaned into her soft palm.

I sighed. "I tangoed with fire, and I got burnt."

My mistress gave a sigh then sat down pulling me with her. I glanced around before dissolving into her, letting ourselves become one.

She pulled away, her brown hair tickling my face.

"You need to stop her, my love."

I nodded and kissed her neck. Her ears. Her cheeks.

She returned my behaviour by running her hands up my back, sending shivers up my spine. I stopped on her lips and pulled her closer. She gave a shiver and kissed me in return.

With Renata, I had never experienced love this passionate. She was always busy, even when we were newlyweds. I hated how she pushed me away. But when she collapsed with me so close the other day, I had felt something burning deep in me...

I paused and my mistress sensed my hesitation.

"We can stop if you'd like." She purred.

I rested my hands on her waist and pulled her closer.

"No." I muttered, remembering Renata's cold glares I was often given nowadays, as we tumbled into the grass, bringing ourselves together.

I would bring her downfall.

And Periclene Meriloes would be the new empress of the Eastern Empire.