The Empress's Revenge

Chapter 9

"What?!"

Everyone stared at Tasheyo as he roared in outrage.

Periclene pouted beside him, looking uneasy.

The High Priest sighed and cast a glance at me.

"She has the right, Lord Hesoli."

Tasheyo's eyes widened at the mention of his name.

"I'm the emperor! How dare you address me as a lowly Lord!"

I stepped forward and smiled at Tasheyo.

"Since you divorced me, you were demoted. Therefore, your new title."

My former husband was outraged.

"B-but surely you've been demoted as well!"

I shook my head.

"I was the one born into the royal family, and therefore I will be the one to stay." I replied calmly.

Periclene tugged on Tasheyo's arm.

"This wasn't part of the plan." She muttered.

I turned to look down at her.

"No?" I asked. "Then what was the plan, Periclene?"

She blushed and hid behind Tasheyo.

The former emperor said nothing, but continued to glare at me until I resumed my discussion with the High Priest.

"I wish to remarry Harlow Octavius."

The crowd gasped, but the priest merely nodded.

Just then the doors to the hall opened and my heart fluttered as Harlow strode in, a large grin on his face.

Everyone watched in a daze as he climbed the stairs to the platform and took my hand to kiss it.

"Hello, my queen." He whispered.

The priest raised his hand and gave us our vows. We repeated them and listened to silence as I kissed Harlow.

He pulled away and chuckled leading me to the throne.

I sat in mine, and watched as Harlow put a hand on Tasheyo's shoulder to push him away. He stumbled a little, but said nothing as Harlow took his seat in the emperor's throne.

We watched together as everyone left. I promised to invite the priest to our actual wedding, but he refused. 

"This is all I can take, your majesties." He muttered as he descended the platform.

After the foyer was emptied, I let out all my air and collapsed into my throne.

He's gone.

I don't have to worry.

And now I have Harlow.I hired the royal tutor for Harlow to learn how to act as an emperor, and he was doing amazing.

He gave orders without batting an eye, had beautiful manners and was as polite as ever. He respected everyone in the castle, including the servants and cleaners. His duties were always done properly without fail and documents handed in on time.

I had to carry more work while I waited for Harlow to settle in, but I didn't mind. I knew I had made the right choice.

One day, a knock came on my office door.

"Come in." I called.

A short woman with grey hair pushed the door open, followed by servants hauling a rack of silks and cloths.

"Good evening, your majesty." She purred. "My name is Janda Le Silvanda, and I am the royal dressmaker."

I nodded. I knew that someone had made all my beautiful dresses, but I never knew who.