The Royalty ||Park Sunghoon FF||

Chapter 4

Nari was abruptly awakened by the knocks on her chamber door. She sat up in bed and called for the person outside to enter. She immediately stood as she saw the Empress enter her room, accompanied by several ladies-in-waiting.

"Nari, I heard that you were unwell," the Empress inquired, approaching her.

"Your Highness, I am well now. It was merely a slight headache. I deeply regret not being able to visit you," Nari replied, bowing deeply multiple times in respect.

"No, it is entirely fine. Sit down, sit down. You should not be exerting yourself," the Empress said, gently guiding her back to the bed. The Empress also made herself comfortable by sitting next to her.

"Princess Nari, please have this tea. It will help you relax a bit," the Empress said, handing Nari a warm cup of tea. Nari smiled, took the tea, and sipped it. Meanwhile, the Empress ordered the ladies-in-waiting to leave the room.

"Do you know Kang Taeoh, the knight? I have noticed you both together several times," the Empress questioned. So this is what she wanted to know, Nari thought.

"Of course I do, he is my childhood friend," Nari said, smiling and taking another sip of the delicious tea.

"But how?" the Empress inquired further.

"His father worked in my family's palace before he passed away. Taeoh and I became friends while he lived nearby, during his father's employment at the castle," Nari lied. Of course, she lied because she could not reveal that they were both from the same vampire clan. She had imprinted on Taeoh, and he was a shadow of hers. Yes, they were childhood friends, but the true reason behind their friendship was different.

"Oh, I see," the Empress remarked, smiling lightly. Nari and the Empress continued their conversation for some time until the Empress was summoned by the Emperor.

"Take a rest or go spend some time with the boys. I believe they are in the garden," the Empress said and walked out of the room.

"Spend some time with them? My foot," Nari muttered angrily and got up to lock the room door.

"I should speak with Master," Nari said, lying down on her bed comfortably, ready to communicate with Lord Dracula. She brought her hands to her chest and began to recite the usual incantation to contact her master. Soon, she was successfully connected.

"Nari, how are you, my daughter?" Lord Dracula asked.

"I am doing well. The Empress was just here in my room," Nari said.

"What was she doing with you? Be cautious of her," he warned.

"I will. We were merely conversing. She asked if I knew Taeoh," Nari said, giggling.

"Oh, and what did you tell her?"

"I lied, of course. I couldn't tell her that he is my shadow."

"Inform Taeoh that I will contact him sometime."

"Okay. By the way, Master, has Nadia returned?" Nari inquired.

"Oh yes, I must tell you, Nadia was attacked by the kingdom's soldiers."

"What? How is she?" Nari asked, worried.

"She is fine, of course. You know how powerful she is. Only the soldiers were hurt, but she couldn't kill them. They might have informed someone about who attacked them."

"I believe I saw the wounded soldiers. I will kill them; they might not have revealed the attacker yet, as they were all unconscious."

"Do not get involved."