Rashta repeatedly squeezed the armrests of the chair.
Her eyes were on the beautiful tapestry on the opposite wall, but her mind wasn't really focused on the tapestry.
She was remembering Joanson's warning.
Rashta eventually got up from the chair. The more she thought about it, the more severe the headache became, so she was going to lie down on the bed to take a nap. What better place to forget and escape from reality than a sweet dream?
"Your Majesty. The Emperor is here."
But now it seemed that she wouldn't even be able to escape. Hearing that Sovieshu had come, Rashta muttered in fear and helplessness.
"Let him in..."
In the past, his very presence made her feel good. How did it turn into such an unpleasant relationship in less than a year?
Rashta looked sadly at the man who entered. Unlike the haggard Rashta, Sovieshu still exuded dignity and charm.
But he had a very cold expression, which made Rashta even more frightened. He had read the article!
"Is that true?"
Sovieshu got to the point. He asked immediately as soon as he closed the door. As Rashta feared, he seemed to have read the article in today's paper.
"I asked if that is true, Rashta. Is it true what is claimed in the article?"
Rashta responded weakly.
"Did you come here in search of an answer or do you already have one?"
Her wretched voice and pale expression could elicit pity, but Sovieshu's gaze remained indifferent.
'Where did the man who sang lullabies to my belly a few months ago go? The current Sovieshu took my daughter from me.'
"Will you believe Rashta's answer?"
"What if I don't believe you?"
"..."
"Be honest. You need to tell me now so I can help sort it out."
Rashta bit her lip.
Looking at the newspaper spread out on the coffee table, Sovieshu continued,
"Whether that person is your real father or not, it's not your fault that he showed up so unexpectedly. I don't intend to blame you for this. So be honest with me. Let's make this easy."
"If Rashta lies.... Will His Majesty also abandon Rashta?"
"Don't waste my time."
"What do you mean, let's make this easy?"
"Rashta."
She felt really suffocated by Sovieshu's voice.
Rashta hesitated and answered,
"He's not my real father."
Rashta lowered her eyes to avoid Sovieshu's gaze.
Seeing Rashta stay like that for a while, Sovieshu calmly said, "It's okay." Then, he turned around and walked out. He did not ask again if it was true.
Did he realize I lied? Fearing that he would return at any moment, Rashta froze in terror, swallowing hard.
However, Sovieshu did not return and she belatedly regretted it.
She didn't want to be a nuisance to Sovieshu, so she said that man was not her real father. Even if Sovieshu sorted it out, she didn't want him to think in the process, 'She's an incompetent and stressful woman.'
