Born to be Empress

Chapter 8 - Change of course

Phaedra's pov:

The Emperor remained in the doorway, staring at us with clear displeasure. I couldn't fathom why he seemed so irritated—perhaps he didn't want to see me here. I knew this was no place for a concubine, but my worry for Marcus had clouded all judgment.

After a tense silence, the Emperor turned to the healer and demanded sternly, "What is she doing here?"

-"My Lord, this woman discovered the cause and cure for the issue," the healer replied enthusiastically. "It wasn't an epidemic but food poisoning."

-"What did you say?" the Emperor asked, his eyes widening in surprise. He then turned to me, his piercing gaze sharp enough to make me tremble. "How did you know?" His tone carried both curiosity and suspicion, unsettling me further.

Swallowing hard, I explained, "I was attending to a slave girl when she whispered to me that there was poison in the apple juice. I smelled it and realized it matched the scent of a herbal poison we used in my village. I knew thyme tea could counteract it, so I made her vomit and gave her the tea. Then I instructed the other slaves to do the same and came here to tell the healers."

The Emperor's gaze darkened. "What was the slave's name?"

-"I... I... don't know," I stammered timidly, avoiding his eyes. My heart pounded in fear. I couldn't betray Malissa. If I revealed her identity, she'd be accused of everything and surely face death. The thought of carrying that guilt for the rest of my life was unbearable.

The Emperor studied me intently, his penetrating gaze searching for any hint of deceit. His scrutiny was so intense that I felt exposed, as though he could see through me if I met his eyes for too long.

It was the first time the Emperor had treated me with such severity. His cold suspicion made me feel awkward and deeply uncomfortable. This wasn't the same man I once spent nights with. The warmth, the charm—they were gone. In his place was someone distant, cold, and unyielding. The realization saddened me more than I cared to admit.

-"Did she tell you who put it there?" he asked, his tone sharp and demanding.

-"No, my Lord," I replied softly.

-"Okay. You can return to your room, Phaedra," he said in an imposing tone.

Hearing him call my name made my heart leap with unexpected joy. I hadn't even thought he would remember my name!

-"Actually, I have a suggestion to make, Your Majesty," the healer interjected suddenly, drawing both the Emperor's and my attention.

-"Yes?" the Emperor replied, his tone commanding.

-"If I may, my Lord," the healer began carefully, "I would like to have Phaedra as my assistant."

-"What?" the Emperor asked, his voice filled with incredulity.

-"Her knowledge is adequate, and she is very talented," the healer explained confidently. "If she stays with me and practices, she could become a great healer."

-"Oh," the Emperor said thoughtfully. Then, turning to me, he asked, "Do you want to learn the art of healing?"

My heart pounded wildly in my chest. The prospect of learning such a skill thrilled me beyond measure, but fear of displeasing the Emperor held me back. What if my answer angered him?

-"I would love that," I said sincerely, trying hard to mask my excitement. I added quickly, "Of course, only if you allow it, your Majesty."

-"As long as you keep it a secret for now and do not neglect your other responsibilities," he replied, his gaze piercing.