The Empress's Revenge

Chapter 20

As I shut my door, I released the breath I had been holding.

What was wrong with Harlow?

That wasn't the man I knew.

"Its the power."

I turned around to see Barvoscha standing by my bed, flexing his hands and blushing hard.

"I beg your pardon?"

The Northern King cleared his throat.

"The emperor is acting this way because his power is going to his head."

Hmm.

That seemed reasonable.

I studied Barvoscha. His arms rippled with muscles and his chest was broad, much like Fedyors.

Blood sepped to my cheeks and I looked away.

"Umm, Your Majesty?"

As I turned around, I bumped into Barvoschas chest, causing my face to go bright red.

We both apologized profusely, and I strode over to my bed and collapsed in it.

"It's been a long day." I mumbled.

The bedsprings creaked as the Northern King sat beside me.

"Indeed."

I cracked my eye open and saw Barvoscha looking away, his ears red.

"Your Majesty, It isn't my intention to make you uncomfortable. You may be excused."

The king turned to me, opening and closing his mouth like a fish.

"I-" he stuttered. I raised an eyebrow and grinned.

"Is there something you'd like to say?" I asked, sitting up.

The king nodded and scratched his head quickly.

"The way you led me up here suggested... erm..."

I laughed inwardly, but I felt a light blush on my own face.

"Love?"

Barvoscha looked at me and nodded, keeping quiet.

"King Barvoscha, is that what you want?" I asked slyly, slightly amused by his reactions and questions.

The Northern King went redder, but said nothing. I leaned in slightly and smiled.

Yes, Fedyor was in my heart, but Barvoscha reminded me so much of him. It hurt.

Was this really what I wanted? The tall, broad Northern King?

He seemed fine, but I had already remarried. If I remarried again, it would tarnish my reputation.

Then again, I would be elsewhere, a new life, new opportunities.

While I was thinking, Barvoscha had gotten awfully close. I felt his nose brush mine.

"I-is this what you want?" I breathed.

He smirked.

"Seems like it."

And he kissed me.

Did I allow it? Yes.

But did I prevent it?

No.

I didn't.

Barvoscha grabbed my wrists and pushed me backwards and crouched ontop of me, still keeping contact with our lips.

It felt perfect. The way it used to feel with Tasheyo and Harlow.

I felt a ping of sadness, but I pushed it down and wrapped my freed hands around the Northern King and pulled him closer.

He hitched up my dress and ran a calloused hand up my leg as I wrapped my legs around his waist, bringing him down to my level.

Is this what I wanted?

Is this what I needed?

I rolled over ontop of Barvoscha, and pulled away.

"Are we making a mistake?" I asked, searching his face.

He was silent for a moment then pulled me close and kissed me.

"I don't see any mistakes here."

I smiled to myself as I was wrapped in his warm embrace.

It felt good to be loved.

The next day when I woke up, I sent Barvoscha back to his side of the Mansion.

"Youre ashamed of me?"

I shook my head and kissed him briefly.

"It's not that. I just dont want Harlow to overreact as he did previously."

Barvoscha seemed to accept that and left without another word.

Shortly after, my ladies-in-waiting came in to help me change into my black dress and crown- the clothes I came here with.

As I proceeded to the foyer, almost everyone was there except for half of the Northern guards. Barvoscha caught my eye and sent me a wink.

Soon, Harlow came up to me and grabbed my hand.

"My love, please be sensible with your desicion. The empire needs you... I need you."

I pulled away from him and quoted him.

"You shouldn't have to be responsible for a grown man's actions."

Harlows face fell as he stepped away to talk to Wilcress.

Soon everyone was gathered in the foyer and it was my time to speak. Barvoscha gave my hand a squeeze privately before I caught everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentleman, North Kingdom and the Eastern Empire, it has come to my attention that the Northerners would like a trade for the death of their ambassador and they want that trade to be me."

Utter silence engulfed everyone as tension built. I caught Barvoschas eye and he smiled and nodded. I took a deep breath and spread my arms.

"I will go North."

The room suddenly burst with commotion, the Eastern people protesting angrily, the Northerners grinning and nodding.

Harlow was standing still, his eyes wide in shock.

"My lady, please reconsider!" Lady Mayalen said as she hurried up to me.

I took her hand and looked deep into her eyes.

"Emperor Hesoli is the sole ruler now. Watch after him and do your best to advise him."

Tears formed in the corners of Lady Mayalens eyes, but she nodded.

Someone tapped on my shoulder and I turned to see Barvoscha. He seemed joyous.

"I will return to the East, to  gather my things and set the empire so it can depend on the sole emperor, but I will return to the border by next sunset."

Barvoscha nodded with a small smile playing on his lips.

"What?" I questioned him.

In a quick motion, Barvoscha spun mr around and brought me close to him, both arms around my waist.

"I'm just happy."

My face flushed and I cleared my throat and stepped away. As I turned my head, I glimpsed Harlow watching me before he shot out the door.

Good gracious.

What a nightmare.