When the Crown Falls

Chapter 23 - By your side

KYONE

"Emi, say hello.” I stood along my mother and the other servants as the girl in front of us hid shyly behind the duke. She seemed to be my age, dark hair and big brown eyes, peeking at us from time to time as she considered a greeting before immediately hiding herself behind her laughing father. “I apologize, she’s usually not this shy.” Lord Ainu gently caressed his daughter’s head and turned to us.

“Hello there, My lady.” my mother cooed at her.
I squinted my eyes as she subtly nodded and hid again when our gazes met.

“Kyone, greet the young lady.” I looked at my mother smiling down at me. Seeing Lady Emi expectantly peeking from the duke’s garment, I bowed my head and as clumsy as it was, I managed. “My name is Kyone,”

Lord Ainu laughed. “Hello, Kyone. Can I ask you a favor?”

“Y-yes, my lord!”

He bent down and whispered. “Can you finish the rest of these cookies? I think Emi’s been trying to give these to you but she’s too shy.”

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air as the pouch dangled from the duke’s hand. “Kyone…” the duke called softly. “…Please take care of my Emi.”

“…yone! Lady Kyone!” I snapped my head up as I was pulled from the short trance by the lady-in-waiting carrying a basin of warm water. “Did you not hear me? I said it’s time for her majesty’s bath.”

“Oh,” my gaze landed on the beads of sweat gliding down my lady’s temple. She’d been in this state since I came back a few days ago. Thankfully, the servants have been doing everything to look over her and Commander Sujin have been visiting at least thrice a day, everyday.
I have not left her side, out of fear that she may awake with nobody beside her.

“Hand me the towel, I will do it myself.” the cloth soaked as it sank down to the bottom of the water, letting out just enough water as I twisted it with my hands. It dampened Lady Emi’s burning skin, cooling it even just a bit. Her once rosy lips grew pale, quivering with whatever unbearable pain was troubling her as she was forced to lay there—immobilized and powerless.

Not once has the Emperor even seek any news about her. Not once have we seen any sort of  attempt of concern. Even the royal physician was averted of his duty once because Lady Yua apparently felt contractions. Thus, commander Sujin sent for his personal physician instead. Since then, we haven’t seen the said royal physician anywhere near my lady. Though, we’ve heard screams of pleads, begging to be let in and assess her majesty, but the guards commander Sujin posted outside must have immediately sent them away.

“My lady…I beg you, wake up. The duke needs you. I need you.”