Chapter 29
“Your Majesty’s rut is approaching.” Zerga addressed Edin, who was engrossed in his paperwork.
Edin’s pen faltered. ‘The dreaded rut cycle returns so swiftly.’ The beastly mating frenzy, a period where he relinquished his humanity. As a highly dominant alpha, his rut was far longer and more intense than that of ordinary alphas.
“I’ll have Boute prepare the suppressant…”
“Absolutely not, Your Majesty.” Zerga’s voice was firm, cutting Edin off. “Physician Boute has declared it too dangerous. You promised last time would be the last.”
“….”
“He warned that taking it again would jeopardize your health. Even if you were willing to risk it, there’s no guarantee it would be effective.”
Edin set down his pen and ran both hands over his face.
“You must endure the rut this time, Your Majesty.”
“…D*mn it.”
‘Of all times.’ He had finally discovered the meaning of love, finally held the woman he desired. Yet, this accursed rut compelled him to give himself to the Empress, a woman he didn’t want. The thought was intensely unpleasant, infuriating.
“Are there no other options?”
Two years had passed since he’d first used the suppressant, a desperate measure to avoid the late Empress’s decree. He knew he could postpone it no longer, knew he must ultimately lie with the Empress. But he couldn’t bear the thought of that wretched family securing their lineage at his expense. And now, there was Lysei, the woman he adored.
‘If only I could knot her outside of the rut.’
He would gladly impregnate Lysei, but conception was impossible outside the rut period. He had no desire to touch another woman while he had her, and he wasn’t sure he could make her understand the circumstances.
“When?”
“I haven’t received a precise date, but given Physician Boute’s request for an audience, it must be soon.”
“Clear my schedule. I’ll see Boute first.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
* * *
Confined to her rooms, Lysei felt suffocated. She had persuaded Edin to grant her access to the Emperor’s private garden. It seemed safe enough, as no one but the Emperor and those he permitted could enter.
Edin kept her secluded for various reasons, partly to protect her from the Empress’s loyalists, who might see her as a threat. She knew the Empress had been responsible for the deaths or exiles of previous Nyxnas. Lysei hadn’t reacted, simply because none of those NYxnas had been precious enough to risk antagonizing the Empress and her faction.
Unaware of this, Lysei hoped that if Edin allowed her into the garden, he might eventually permit her to explore other parts of the palace.
The Emperor’s private garden was far larger and more magnificent than she’d imagined. The vast central pond was so grand, she couldn’t tell if it was natural or man-made.
Accustomed to an active lifestyle in her previous life, Lysei felt the urge to move. She asked her attendant if she could find some trousers.
“Trousers… my lady?”
“Yes, something comfortable for moving around… Oh, like the close-fitting ones the guards wear.”
The attendant blinked at Lysei’s unusual request. Lysei gave her a pleading look.
“Could you please find some? I really need them.”
“…Where would I…?”
“What is this about?”
Both Lysei and the attendant startled at the voice directly behind them. The heavy, rich scent of pheromones told Lysei it was Trey.
“Sir Trey.” She turned after addressing him, and Trey looked surprised she’d recognized him.
Seeing the sweat on his face, Lysei realized why his pheromones were so strong.
‘He’s been exercising.’
He certainly didn’t look like he’d been exercising. His hands were covered in dirt, and his shoes were a mess. Still, asking directly what he’d been doing might make him defensive, so she chose a more indirect approach.
“Have you been exercising?”
“I had some… business to attend to. And you, Nyxna…?”
“His Majesty has granted me permission to visit the garden.”
“Is that so?” Trey wiped his nose with the back of his hand. ‘He orders me to inspect the secret passage to the detached palace and then allows the Nyxna access to the garden? What is the Emperor thinking?’
“So, what was it you needed? I overheard. If there’s something you require, you should speak to the Head Servant, not your attendant.”
“Oh, trousers… Ah! Sir Trey!” Lysei’s eyes lit up, and Trey flinched almost imperceptibly at her expression.
“Could I have a pair of your trousers?”
“…Trousers… you say?”
“Yes, trousers like yours.”
Taken aback by Lysei’s unexpected request, Trey looked bewildered, glancing between her and the attendant.
“May I ask what you intend to use them for?”
Lysei smiled brightly. “I want to run.”
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