Born to be Empress

Chapter 5 - A night with the Emperor

Phaedra's pov:

After the guard left, I found myself alone in a grand, luxurious room. The sheer elegance of the space made me pause. The harmony of grey and yellow tones seemed deliberate, calming yet majestic, drawing my attention to every detail.

At the center of the room stood a large bed, draped in satin golden sheets that shimmered softly in the light. Pillows of various sizes and colors, each meticulously hand-embroidered, were arranged artfully on top. Behind the bed hung a breathtaking painting—a serene landscape of a cascading waterfall feeding into a tranquil lake where swans glided gracefully. The scene felt almost alive, as if one could hear the water rushing and the soft rustle of wings.

To the right, a gray couch faced a small purple table, its vibrant hue standing out against the muted elegance of the surroundings. On the left was a desk with a modest bookcase behind it. The bookcase was packed with old books, their spines worn but inviting. The desk itself was cluttered with papers, and a small, ornate inkwell caught my eye, its intricate design hinting at its value.

I stood frozen by the door for several moments, my heart pounding in my chest. The opulence of the room was overwhelming, and a part of me feared I didn't belong here. Slowly, I began to take measured steps forward, willing myself to relax. The bed drew me first, not for its comfort but for the painting above it. I stood before it, captivated, taking in every detail of the waterfall and the swans. It felt as though the scene might spill out of the frame and into the room.

After lingering there, I turned to explore further. My fingers brushed lightly over the couch's fabric as I passed, and I paused briefly at the desk, where the chaotic spread of papers contrasted with the room's meticulous decor. Finally, my attention was drawn to the bookcase. I scanned the spines until one in particular caught my eye—a very old book, its cover cracked and faded with age.

I carefully pulled it from the shelf and read the title. A wave of gratitude washed over me for my father, who had taught me how to read, write, and count. Though our family could never afford books, he'd ensured I learned, primarily to help with reports on the goods we produced. I loved books despite their rarity in my life. Now, holding this ancient volume, I felt a familiar spark of curiosity and wonder.

The title of the book was "Aromatic Plants and Herbs."

-"Interesting," I murmured to myself, my fingers gently tracing the worn edges of the cover. With growing curiosity, I eagerly began flipping through its pages. The illustrations and descriptions fascinated me, and I couldn't help but marvel at the wealth of knowledge contained within. I'd always been captivated by healing methods, and a book like this could be invaluable in discovering treatments and remedies. For a moment, I wondered if I might dare ask the King to let me borrow it. That thought was abruptly interrupted when I felt a presence behind me.

-"Do you like books?" came a deep, commanding voice.

Startled, I jumped, clutching the book to my chest as I turned to see the Emperor standing there. His voice had cut through the silence, and the amusement in his tone was unmistakable.

-"Did I scare you?" he asked, his lips curving into a faint smile.

-"N-no, not at all," I stammered, my hand instinctively moving to my chest as if to steady my racing heart. My eyes darted downward, avoiding his piercing gaze.

He stepped closer, and before I could react, he gently tilted my chin upward with his thumb, forcing me to meet his eyes. A strange warmth spread through me at his touch, leaving me momentarily speechless.

Taking the book from my hands, he glanced at the title and then back at me. "Do you know what this book is about?"

-"Yes," I replied softly but with confidence.