When the Crown Falls

Chapter 22 - Mice

SUJIN SEIMU

The cells of the dungeon lived up to its reputation of being cold and damp, its stone walls exuded a chill that seeped into one's bones. Palace servants were not even allowed to take the path that led to it, fearing the guards might mistake them for escaping prisoners and kill them on the spot.

Since I victored the war, I have been avoiding to visit this place, even if I frequented it before. I was afraid the smell of rotting flesh would cling unto my clothes and Emi would notice. She'd seen me in my bloody armor before and I still remember how her eyes shook in fear.

A single torch flickered in one corner of the cell, casting its eerie light at the girl's face messed with the mixture of salty tears, saliva, and cold blood. Her clothes, which were once clean and crisp were now a crumpled mess, blood, dirt, and burnt traces marred the fabric. We had chained her to a chair and hours had passed since her screams started filling the entire dungeon. Ten of her fingers were displayed, yet only three remained.
She was beyond recognition, yet not one question was answered.

Silence returned after she had passed and it was immediately interrupted by heavy footsteps approaching and a guard rushing in. "My lord, the emperor is here."

Tenji strutted into the room and I could feel him glaring at my back in disgust. "Speak." he demanded.

I leaned against the chair I've been on for hours and let out a deep sigh. "Which of us are you referring to, Your Majesty?"

He grimaced, looking at the girl seated across me. "A corpse cannot speak."

Silence once again engulfed the walls. I was tired, so tired and the only thing I only wanted to do was to return by Emi's side.

My legs uncrossed and I let out a grave exhale, tasting the copper lingering in the air before speaking, "Have you seen Emi?"

At that moment, I knew that my casual use of her name didn't go unnoticed. That it had grated on his nerves because his voice dipped into a venomous tone as he threatened me. "You're crossing the line."

I let the threat hang in the air as I stood up and sauntered to the girl. "Am I? She's your wife on paper, but we both know where her heart lies."

"Watch your mouth." he huffed. "Your honor won't protect you forever, Sujin."

I couln't help but let out an amused snort. "Neither will your crown."

The five guards he brought with him visibly tensed, their hands on the pommel of their swords as my men were also one command away from drawing theirs.

I laughed, one I hadn't heard since I left the blood soaked sands of the war. "Is that why you only stepped your foot inside here when the servant is already dead?"

He flinched, wariness all over his face.

I stepped closer, taunting him as he itched to run away. "Your Majesty... I could hear you hiding behind the dungeon doors like a trembling mice."

Tenji nearly fell back but unfortunately, he didn't.

I stepped back and gave him a pointed look, making sure to take in the seething emotion whirling in his eyes before I let out a smug grin.

"She'll realize one day that you're not who she needs and she'll come to me on her own. I won't have to take her from you."