When the Crown Falls

Chapter 12 - A Man's Ignorance

SUJIN SEIMU

The whole room immediately fell into screams of horror when the empress suddenly lost her balance and fell.

My body reacted before my mind could as I came rushing just as she was about to hit the ground and lost consciousness.

“Someone fetch the physician!” my throat burned from how loud I unconsciously screamed.

Everyone seemed to be holding their breath as we watched the palace physician and his attendants dart in and out of the infirmary.

She laid there silently until the air smelled of various salves and medical herbs. Every heave of her chest tugged at me even though it was finally slow and steady. I could not help but pray for her to take a breath, one after the other. She was pale and her eyes were closed, all I wanted at that moment was to see her smile once more.

“The empress is fine, she merely fainted from a high fever and…the sudden stress got the best of her.” The doctor’s explanation seemed to ease the atmosphere but no ounce of my concern was lifted.

“She just needs some rest to regain her strength, and I will administer  few herbs to bring down the fever.” the doctor continued. “However,” he paused. “She must avoid any further stress and excitement for the time being. The best course of action is to let her rest and keep her in a calm, quiet environment.”

I nodded. “I understand. I will make sure that she is not disturbed in any way. Is there anything else I should be aware of?”

The doctor halted and I looked at him, it was obvious he was reluctant to tell me something. He considered for a moment before replying, “Just keep her comfortable and be watchful for any changes in her condition. Make sure she drinks plenty of water and eats soft food when she wakes up. Other than that, there is nothing much we can do but wait.”

The doctor left after managing to force everyone out.

I moved closer to the bed and sat quietly by her side. I cannot comprehend how long I’ve been staring at her. I can’t complain because my eyes can’t seem to stray away from her.

I could not help but reach out and brush a stray strand of her hair away from her face, I let my touch linger for a moment, admittedly longer that necessary, but I was only checking her temperature.

“You need to take better care of yourself, my lady…” I murmured.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps in the corridor came close and eventually the door opened. So, he still decided to show up.

I stood up and saw an irritated Tenji. Maybe the only relief for that day was when Tenji had a spark of conscience and did not take his concubine to visit his wife. But a part of me had hoped that he would have brought the morsel so I could have an excuse to shout at him.

“Your Majesty,” I approached. “A word with you in private.” I immediately walked outside.

“Very well.” he answered as if I was waiting for one.

He followed me into a nearby garden, I made sure I was in moderate distance from the infirmary. In no possibility was I going to risk the empress hearing the things I was about to say.

“Your Majesty,” I began the moment we were far from the earshot of others. “I need to ask you something.”

Tenji  still had that sour expression on his face. “What is it?” he replied, aloof. “You asked for this privacy, so make it quick.” This bastard.

“I am concerned for the empress’ health, Your Majesty.”

his brows furrowed.

“She fainted due to her high fever. The doctor says she needs rest and proper care in order to recover.”

He responded dryly. Not a hint of worry or remorse.
“I am aware of her condition. The doctor has assured me that she will recover soon with adequate rest.”

I frowned at his dismissive answer. “Is that all you have to say, Your Majesty?’ I gritted. “What about the fact that her condition worsened due to-”

I still tried to control myself, no matter how tempting it was to drag him across the palace floors, Tenji was still the emperor. “…current palace events.”

“Are you insinuating that her condition was my fault?” he crossed. “I assure that her fainting was a mere coincidence.”

“Coincidence?!” my patience was starting to fray. This bastard had the nerve to utter meaningless words. Everyone knew, he knew that without her, the empire would have long crumbled to dust and he can't even spare one ounce of sympathy.

“You think it’s a coincidence that her fainting came right after the announcement of your new concubine?”

His eyes narrowed subtly. Tenji was a stubborn man. Him being the only heir was merely the reason how he came to hold Aurelia. “I fail to see how those two incidents are connected. The empress’ fainting was purely due to her fever. Her emotional state has nothing to do with it.”

“Are you blind or just dense, Tenji Youzei!” I fisted his garment.

“The whole palace knows she has been under extreme stress over your decision. Her fainting was far from a coincidence; it’s a blatant symptom of her body succumbing to stress and pressure!” Anger finally consumed me.

Every time I looked at him all I could see was her pale  face, suffering and nearly lifeless.

“Not to mention, I’ve seen multiple marks on her body. They were not wounds; they looked like marks from a tight grip. The kind one gets from being grabbed forcefully.”

He tried to push me off him.

“Is that a coincidence too? Just what the hell have you done to her?!”  I released him, pushing him back in the process. The sight of him stumbling back was righteous.

His eyes darkened as he rashly tried to fix his clothes. “And how did you come to notice these marks on her body?” he spoke harshly.

I settled with a smirk. “I warned you. I told you that she’s a desirable prize.”

I brushed past him with deliberate intent, bumping my shoulder into his. Without further word, I rushed back to the infirmary with heavy steps and thoughts tumultuous.