The Crown of Wilted Gold.

30.

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Irisa held her stomach tightly, she took Nancy's hand tightly. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. The carriage ride made her nauseous, she prayed that the ride would end soon.

"Empress Irisa, you should have stayed back, your child is important, and coming here, when you are due soon, is not the best idea." Nancy admolished.

"Nancy, I have to be here, I am Kaley's ruler am I not? I shall have to pull through." Nancy shook her head unhappily.

Irisa was stressed, constantly thinking, and barely eating, she was working overtime to make everything okay. Aaron was lazy, he barely did any work and spent all day in Nyx's company. Irisa heard the rumor that Aaron had been taking advice from Nyx about making the decisions for the nation, a role only reserved for the Empress and the Minister.

In the span of a month, Nyx had taken Aaron away from Irisa, she could not believe it but it was her reality. Her child was coming soon but she was worried about childbirth. The Royal Physician told her the risk of her pregnancy and it was fast approaching.

Nyx made it a point to flaunt the jewelry and expensive wears Aaron had gifted her with.

After Nancy was punished hard in fronting the Palace, she stayed away from Nyx afterward, deciding that she was not worth it. Irisa helped her heal her back, and she was angry about what Aaron had done but she had no choice but to obey, he was still the Emperor.

"Are you going to continue to try to act tough? Irisa, I know you! You are clearly sick." Nancy took her hand.

Irisa was away from the window, and Nancy was watching her with caution. She did not know how to explain what she was truly feeling, how she was slowly dying every day, watching Aaron and Nyx fall for each other.

The carriage started slowing down, Nancy pulled the curtains up and looked at the mountain where the temple was located. Irisa rubbed her hand against her gown, as Nancy turned back to her, her eyes drew all over her, analyzing her to make sure she was okay.

"Are you ready?" Nancy quipped, accessing her.

"I am well Nancy, you do not need to worry too much." Irisa waved her off.

The carriage finally stopped, a maid opened the carriage's door, Nancy went out first and helped Irisa down the carriage. Irisa's eyes went to the carriage three times over, Aaron and purposefully requested that Nyx ride with him. Everyone in the Palace could clearly see the display of affection.

Irisa wondered what exactly she had done to warrant so much disrespect and even hate. Even though he did not remember her, how could fathom to hate her so much after hearing what they had shared?

After Nancy was caned, she finally realised that she was not loosing Aaron, she lost him since the day he met Nyx and there was nothing she could do to rectify the situation. Nyx was eating it all up. She did not fail to rub it in Irisa's face that Aaron had deep contempt for him. Irisa could hardly believe that it was the best friend she loved so much, that would betray her this badly.

Irisa looked away as Aaron started helping her up the mountain. The temple of the Gods and Ancestors was located at the top of the mountain, it was built by the former Emperor and Empress Agnes had approved it renovations. From where she stood it was magnificent.

Irisa took Nancy arm, and placed her other hand under her large round stomach. It was apparent that she was heavy with a child. She started climbing the long stairway that led to the temple at the head of the mountain.

Mount Kaley was the largest mountain on the continent and it was the main reason the capital city was built in Harriton. On top of it, one could see the entire world from it. The High Priests and the Empress Dowager were now living there, taking care of the royal Cementary, and praising the Gods (Ancestors) for the country.