Chapter 36
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The emperor stepped out of the room to attend to his duties. He stood in the doorway until the door was fully shut, ensuring no one could see Jia sprawled on the bed.
His two loyal dogs fell in step beside him: the brothers Cassis and Tristan Straduvan. Ethan Straduvan was not present. On the way to the office, Tristan gave a brief report.
“It seems Lady Jia is suffering from the aftereffects of that incident. She collapsed, saying she didn’t want to kill, and at times she mutters to herself that she doesn’t want to.”
“Mm.”
The emperor’s eyes glinted. At the sight, both Tristan and Cassis sucked in a sharp breath.
The ever-unchanging emperor had been different lately. To think the reason for this change was the black-haired captive left Tristan unable to hide his astonishment. It was the same for Cassis, who had served the emperor far longer than Tristan.
“As your left-hand man, I am only pleased to see Your Majesty seems to be enjoying yourself lately,” Cassis said, and Tristan murmured his agreement.
The emperor did not reply, only narrowing his eyes as he pondered something.
Tristan found himself genuinely curious as to what power the black-haired captive held to have so enthralled the emperor. From what he had seen, she was nothing more than a small, fragile woman. The way she trembled excessively and was so full of fear made it clear she was not of noble birth, which only deepened his suspicion.
Why did the emperor keep a woman of such uncertain origin by his side? Why did he not let her from his arms at night, and why did he ensure no one ever saw her naked body? And for over a month, at that?
Tristan had never seen the emperor take a woman. He had heard that he had done so centuries ago, but even then, it had never been for more than a single night.
Why?
Tristan found it difficult to judge whether the current situation would be a boon or a detriment to the emperor. If His Majesty was enjoying himself, then as a loyal subject, he should be happy…
“Up close, your eyes are like stars in the night sky.”
The problem was Saville Distevan. Tristan unconsciously gritted his teeth. Ungrateful beast.
“I will take Jia as my partner to the hunting festival.”
The situation he had feared had come to pass. The emperor had always been the star of the hunt, and he had always attended alone, without a partner.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
But Tristan and Cassis hid their concerns and answered with loyal obedience. Tristan then turned back to resume his post guarding Jia.
Upon arriving at his office, the emperor shuffled through his documents, his mind still snagged on the woman who occupied a corner of his thoughts.
“…Your Majesty said that… only when we couple… I could touch you first…”
The memory drew an involuntary smile from him. He had thought her nothing but a frightened deer, but it turned out she knew how to say things that piqued his interest.
He found himself tapping his fingers on the table, then let out a low sigh. It was a habit he hadn’t had since he was fifty or so, one that had resurfaced.
Is this also because of that captive?
He did not entirely dislike it. No, he was rather enjoying it. So much so that even his state duties, which he usually performed by rote, felt like a chore.
“Summon Jia,” the emperor commanded.
Cassis was momentarily taken aback but quickly masked his surprise. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he replied.
This was the first “amusement” he had experienced in 336 long years. He couldn’t hold it back any longer and laughed aloud.
Lying languidly in bed, Jia turned her head at the sound of a knock. This was the emperor’s bedchamber, not the Guinaicheum. Julia was not even permitted to set foot here, so it had to be Tristan. The door opened, and her guess proved correct.
“Lady Jia, His Majesty has summoned you.”
Behind him, she could see Julia, and Regina Loctana as well. It had been a while.
“I will help you prepare, Lady Jia.”
Regina approached Jia, her face flushed with excitement. Jia nodded, allowing the other woman to attend to her.
“Have you been well? I wished to continue serving you, but unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from coming. I will attend you whenever you are in the cubiculum, at least.”
“…I see.”
So, since Julia could not enter, Regina Loctana had come in her stead. Jia was curious about the circumstances Regina mentioned but did not bother to ask.
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