Born to be Empress

Chapter 4 - Preparation Day

Phaedra's pov:

I looked down and saw the bare legs of a man, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Heat rose to my cheeks as I quickly averted my gaze upward, only to freeze in horror. The chest I had just collided with belonged to none other than the Emperor himself!

He stood before me, exuding an aura of calm authority that belied the raw strength of his presence. His loose hair fell past his shoulders, framing his piercing grey eyes that seemed to see straight through me. His godlike physique—muscular and chiseled, with every detail accentuated by the soft glow of the hammam—made my heart race.

I was utterly paralyzed. Cold sweat trickled down my forehead, and my legs trembled as shame and fear gripped me. I felt impossibly small under his commanding gaze.

-"Oh! The little deer," he remarked, a playful edge in his voice. His tone carried amusement rather than anger, yet it did little to ease my nerves. "What brings you here?"

-"I... I..." I stammered, my mind grasping desperately for words that wouldn't come.

-"Did you perhaps come to keep me company in the hammam?" he asked, his voice laced with incredulity and a touch of mischief. The suggestion made my face flush scarlet, and I instinctively avoided his eyes, the very thought mortifying me.

-"I... I... got lost," I blurted out, grasping at the first excuse I could think of.

The Emperor's lips curved into a smug smile. "Well, what a pleasant mess," he mused, his tone light but teasing. He leaned in, stroking my cheek gently with his hand. My breath caught in my throat, and I barely managed to stay upright, on the brink of fainting from sheer embarrassment.

Then, with a subtle yet deliberate motion, he exhaled deeply and withdrew his hand. From the corner of my eye, I saw him gesture, silently dismissing me. Relief washed over me, and without a second thought, I stumbled out of the hammam as quickly as my trembling legs could carry me.

-"With... your permission," I said softly, bowing to him before hurrying out of the room. Relief and happiness swirled within me as I closed the door behind me.

I inhaled deeply, thanking the Gods that no punishment had befallen me. My heart was still racing, but a wave of calm began to settle over me. I headed toward my room, feeling a mix of relief and disbelief at what had just transpired.

Entering the room as quietly as possible, I tried to avoid catching Elektra's attention. I slipped onto my bed, hoping to relax and let the tension drain away. But just as I began to exhale, a hand clamped down on my right arm, making me jump.

-"Where were you?" Alina's voice demanded, sharp with suspicion.

-"I... got lost," I stammered, carefully avoiding the details of my encounter with the Emperor. What could I possibly tell her? That I had accidentally fallen into the King's chest? That his overwhelming presence had nearly made me faint?

Alina's expression was stern. "Next time, be more careful. If anyone suspects you of having an affair with one of the guards, you'll be beheaded!"

-"What?" I protested angrily, my voice rising. "I didn't do such a thing!"

Alina sighed, her expression softening as though she were speaking to a child who didn't yet understand the world. "I mean that appearances matter here, Phaedra. Every action, every word, even every glance can be misinterpreted. You may know you're innocent, but rumors have a way of spreading, and in this place, suspicion is enough to ruin you."

I frowned, my mind racing to process her warning. "But I haven't done anything wrong. Why would anyone think that?"

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Because people are watching. Always. And if they think you've caught someone's eye—be it a guard's, a general's, or even the Emperor's—they'll talk. Jealousy, ambition, malice—it all festers here. You must be careful."