Emhyr Var Emreis x Reader

Forty-One

The wind of the northern kingdoms seemed to be far colder than the ones that chased across the lands of the empire.

Maybe it was just your imagination, but as the black figure of the emperor appeared between the trees and snow, the temperature seemed to drop further.

Your breath rose in white clouds from your lips as you let out a shivering sigh.

Unconsciously, your grip tightened on the shoulder of Vernon. Even though he was nothing but a pawn on your check board, you felt oddly relieved to have him with you.

At least you wouldn't die lonely.

Or like a coward.

Hard, deep brown eyes met yours as the emperor stopped a few steps away.

His hands reached behind his back to rest.

Not a single word left his mouth. All he did was stare at you with expectations shimmering in his eyes.

Silent questions were asked. He demanded answers.

You took the liberty to enjoy the silence for a moment.

It was cold. Just as cold as a winter day was supposed to be.

The frosty air stroked your cheeks and made them glow with heat while every breath left your lips in a thick white cloud.

Every breath you took tasted clean, more crisp than the one before.

Only the scratching of smoke and ashes pulled you back to reality.

You stood on a battlefield.

This was the moment that would count for the rest of your days.

Either you'd die that day, on this very hill, or you'd walk away as the one and only person who had made the emperor back down on his decision.

"Emhyr.", your voice was almost soft as you spoke his name out loud.

At the sound of it, he faltered.

Why did he seem so surprised?

Why was he seemingly soft all of a sudden?

"(Y/N).", the smoothness mixed with the rough, almost husky undertone of his voice send shivers down your spine. "I see, you did a job well. A bit too well."

You couldn't believe that he made you a compliment in that moment. It made you chuckle gently.

Still a smile on your lips, you lowered your gaze to get rid of the feelings that grew inside your chest that the sight of his stern face caused in you.

"You're a smart man, Emhyr.", you raised your chin to meet him with a strong expression. "I don't need to tell you that this man is my insurance."

"I'm offering all of your titles and land back.", he said, also not willing to waste any minutes of both of your times. "You'll receive everything back, including a promotion of your title. The only thing I'll keep is the private library of your father."

Your eyes flinched.

This was an offer too good and too easy given away by him.

The emperor was a man who would even try to bargain with a devil. He didn't hand out things without negotiating.

Money was one thing.

But a promotion of a noble title and all your land in one go seemed generous. Too generous.

Besides, he promised nothing but ephemeral things. Nothing he wanted to give you guaranteed safety for your life. If his mood changed and he felt less generous he would be able to stab you in the back.

And he would also have the man who gave him trouble throughout all of the war in his hand. He'd probably have him executed before deciding about your fate.

No, Vernon Roche was the only way to get you out of this mess alive.

But no noble would have been able to be safe around the emperor. Nobody except someone who was his equal.

An idea chased through your mind.

It was so ridiculous, you had to chuckle.

Confused, he tilted his head.

"Why are you mocking me?", he asked.

You were quick to shake your head.

"I'm not laughing at you.", you said.

"About who then?"

"Myself."

One of his eyebrows rose and a hint of amusement seemed to soften his usually hard exterior.

"Did you finally come to the realisation that you are more of a fool then a match for me?", he took a step closer.

As the snow crunched below his boots, Vernon Roche's eyes shot up.

This was the first time in a while he showed a sign of life. After realising that there was no escape for him no more, he had fallen into a state of silence that made you fear he started to plan something.

With a tighter grip on his shoulders you reminded him who he had to submit to.

One wrong move and it would be your hand that send him to the king he was still so loyal towards.

It was an open secret why the people of the former realm Temeria despised the people from the empire so much. Nilfgaard had send an assassin, a Witcher, a few years before to weaken the kingdoms defence. He had returned with Voltest's head.

Vernon Roche had once been a loyal servant to the king.

You couldn't blame him for his resentment.

But as someone who wanted to survive you wouldn't have pity for him either.

In the end he was in this situation due to all the decisions he had made before.

"I would have never dreamed of facing the emperor myself one day.", Vernon said, his voice almost as hateful as the shimmer in his eyes.

Unimpressed, the emperor eyed him for a moment.

"You look like a beaten man, Vernon Roche.", he said and you believed to hear a glimpse of satisfaction in his voice. "Too long did you cost me the win in this war."

The man tensed under your touch.

You could tell that he was about to jump up to slice someone's throat. No matter if it would be yours or the emperors.

"Emhyr.", you drew his attention back to you. "We both know that I'm a danger to you. Especially now that I've proven it by achieving what you failed at, so many times."

Thick, black eyebrows drew together. Wrinkles appeared on his forehead.

"I'll have you killed if you talk to me like this once more.", he said.

A smile appeared on your face.

The beating of your heart was up in your throat.

"But why kill someone who could turn out to be your perfect match?", you asked.