The Empress's Revenge

Chapter 21

"He will be ruling by himself."

I stated these words as I hurried to write down official documents and signed papers before my departure. Everyone was gaping at me in utter disbelief.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" Wilcress begged me.

I smiled and looked up at him.

"My dear Wilcress, my duty is to serve the Eastern Empire. If I do not resolve this, what good would I be?"

Everyone was silent.

I had just woken up early to finish a few things before heading back to the Northern Border.

Throughout the night, Harlow had spoken little to me, and not very much at all.

So, here I was.

Leaving.

Deep down, my heart ached leaving behind my country, but I would be able to return hopefully.

I signed the parchment and rolled it up and headed for the door, passing everyone with a grim smile.

"Do not fret. You are in good hands." I declared to them as I stepped out the door.

But with every step I took, I knew that wasnt true.

Harlow had gotten us into this mess with his rash actions and he had pointed a sword against the Northerners.

There was definitely something wrong in his head.

But what?

I went outside, got into the carriage and waved goodbye to everyone as the transport pulled away from the Imperial Palace.

My last glimpse was seeing Harlow standing at the back of the group, his expression dark and unnerving.

I sighed and slumped against rhe walls of the carriage as it continued towards the border.

________

I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I remember was the carriage door opening and I saw Barvoscha standing there, smiling softly.

I was groggy still as he held his hand out to me and I accepted it.

Barvoscha helped me down from the carriage without a word, and I stumbled, bumping into his large chest.

"Careful, my love." He grumbled quietly.

It felt odd to be addressed like that from somone other than Harlow, but I shrugged it off.

We walked into the Border Mansion and there were four men waiting in there, all guards.

"Two of these men will escort you back to the North. I will be going a different way."

I looked up at him.

"Arnt you returning to the palace?"

He nodded and bent down to kiss me on my cheeks. His breath was warm and smelt of cinnamon.

"I am, but I must attend to my duties along the way."

Of course he would. He was still king. When would I learnt that the world kept on going, no matter the crisis that approached you?

I kissed his cheeks then curtsied. "Then I will see you back at the castle, Your Majesty."

Barvoscha nodded then looked to the two men who were coming for me.

"If even a scratch appears on her, I will hang you both."

I paled, but I couldn't see the reaction from the two men.