Shadow Empress (GirlxGirl) (COMPLETED)

Chapter 14 | Enough is Enough

ELPIS'S POV

We are on our way back to the capital after visiting Grace's homeland when we decided to stop by a small village that might be selling some rare medicinal herbs that France was looking for.

"How is everyone?" I asked when my imperial consort entered my carriage after she went to make sure the others are fine.

"Alright, I guess. It won't be long now. I saw sister France and Grace on their way back to the carriage together with the imperial guards holding a few boxes." Good. I just want to lay on my bed once we arrived. I haven't been able to sleep while visiting that ratchet land.

I am happy that the matter finally solved.

"I'm sorry for our delay, your majesty. I bought a few things for my adoptive daughter." Rose still scared to see me eye to eye. I can't blame her. She saw me killing those guards without any sense of remorse.

Every time I hold my sword, she would hide behind my noble consort. It's good that Grace decided to take care of her sister's child but at least teach her not to be afraid of me. I am the one providing her meals and clothes from now on. She should be showing me some respect.

What am I saying? She's just a child. But a child of a noble consort needs to learn how to bring herself in public.

"Grace, teach that daughter of yours some palace etiquette once we arrive." My noble consort nodded.

Once again, we're on the road towards the capital.

"Your majesty ... I have a feeling that we have to face a lot of backlash from our trip when we entered the court. Do you have any plan on how to retort back at those ministers who think they know what they're doing?" Virtra asked while looking at the scenery outside.

So that's what she was thinking all this time?

"Not to mention that we might even be the target of empress dowager wickedness. Your majesty, that vile woman has her share in the crystal mining business. She has a lot of reason to belittling you once we're back." Virtra is worried about me, but why should we be concerned about something so trivial?

"I have my way on how to deal with them. You don't have to worry. All you have to worry about is keeping the viscount whom we hired to take care of the mines and the town in check. If he even thinking of betraying us, kill him immediately. We don't need any betrayer working for us." Virtra chuckled. What's so funny?

Even my noble consort is smiling.

"Were you jealous because I choose him?" This wife of mine seemed to be having fun.

"No, I am not jealous. Why would you think that?" I asked.

"Because you're stabbing the carriage floor with your sword. If that's not jealousy, I don't know what is." Oh, my wife is right. I am making a hole on the floor now.

"Hmmm. I'm not jealous!" Virtra patted my thigh with a smile.

"Of course, you aren't. I know my wife doesn't get jealous that easily. Besides, the viscount and I were just old friends. He's the person whom I trust. I don't think he would betray us. He's not that stupid. We should give him some credit." Virtra is speaking highly of him.

I don't like this at all.

After what it seemed like forever, we finally arrived at the palace. I was the first to get off the carriage, but once I did, I immediately regret it. I didn't say anything until my concubines were all standing here beside me.

"Who gave out the order to destroyed my garden?" I asked my concubines. None of them answers me.

"What happened to my palace?" I asked once again. I can't fathom what is happening right now. I was just away from my palace for twelve days. Twelve days! Who was responsible for this travesty?!