The Greatest Villainess (Completed)

Chapter 45

I was walking along the pathway, aimlessly wandering around the palace grounds. Everything seemed so serene. Of course, how could it not be? The two concubines were gone. The events of yesterday still lingered in my mind, leaving a deep sense of satisfaction. Anastasia, for all her faults, had at least the decency to admit her wrongdoing. Who wouldn’t, especially after the Emperor returned and found out about the harm she caused to me? It was only natural for Anastasia to know that the Emperor had learned everything. But despite her confession, she wasn’t clever enough to save herself. She ended up in prison nonetheless.

I was lost in thought, my steps slowing to a stop, when suddenly, I noticed someone walking down the grand pathway. My heart quickened with worry. I gathered my skirt and quickly changed direction, heading toward the grand pathway to see who it was.

"Edward!" I called out to him, hastening my steps. As I got closer, I saw how pale his face had become, exhaustion etched in every line. His movements grew unsteady, and before I could react, he began to lose his balance. My eyes widened in alarm, and without thinking, I rushed forward to catch him in my arms. We both fell to the cold, stone pathway.

Panic surged through me as I looked at his face. His eyes were closed, and my heart raced in fear. I gulped, my hands trembling as I gently tapped his face, trying to bring him back to consciousness. "Edward," I called again, my voice shaky, hoping for a response.

"Hey, Edward!" I repeated, my nerves fraying with every second that passed. But just when fear threatened to overwhelm me, he slowly opened his eyes, though they were clouded with fatigue.

My heart skipped a beat when a faint smile appeared on his lips. "I'm glad… you're safe, Your Majesty… " he whispered, his voice hoarse and laced with exhaustion. "I was afraid… I could have killed myself if I didn’t see you safe again." His words left me stunned, my mouth slightly agape. It felt as though time had momentarily stopped. He smiled once more, his eyelids drooping shut again. "Your Majesty… tell His Majesty to prepare everything… they’re approaching," he managed to say, his voice weakening further.

My eyes widened in shock. "Edward!" I called out, my panic rising again as I frantically looked around. From a distance, I spotted several knights approaching us.

"Your Majesty, leave him to us," one of the knights said once they reached us. I nodded curtly, my hands trembling slightly. They quickly lifted Edward from my arms and carried him away. A maidservant arrived just in time to help me stand, and I gratefully accepted her assistance.

I let out a sigh, watching the knights as they carried Edward farther away. Edward was like family to me, and the thought of him drowning in his own emotions filled me with dread. I couldn't bear to see him in such a state.

I stepped away from where I was standing and encountered Sarah, who was running toward me. "Your Majesty!" she called out breathlessly. She reached my side and immediately fell in step with me. "Ayos ka lang ba, Your Majesty?" she asked with concern in her voice, her brows furrowed as she tried to assess my condition. I gave a quick nod in response.

"Kung ganoon, nakahanda na ang iyung paliguan. Maaari ka ng maligo, Your Majesty," she informed me, her tone gentle but respectful.

"Later. I need to speak with His Majesty first," I replied firmly. My voice left no room for argument as I quickened my pace, striding purposefully down the corridor toward the Emperor's office. The weight of the situation pressed on my mind.