What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 107

Ysaris sat upright, gazing absently at the mirror on her vanity. While her silver hair, barely brushing past her collarbones, was expertly braided by a maid, Kazhan’s final words echoed in her mind.
<Before I come to take you, I’ve cleaned up as much of the filth as I could. Things should stay quiet for a while. But if anything happens, let me know. There’s no need to worry.>
“…Has there been a bloodbath in Uzephia recently?”
Though it sounded like she was talking to herself, her question was clearly directed at the maid, who responded stiffly.
“Apologies, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“How much can you tell me?”
“Apologies, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“You must be capable of saying more than just apologies.”
“Apologies, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“…”
Ysaris silently observed the maid, whose complexion had grown paler by the moment. She didn’t need to confirm it in the mirror to notice the woman’s trembling hands, the quivering transferring through her hair.
“It’s not because you’re afraid of me, is it?”
“Apologies, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
“So, my husband must have threatened you with something.”
“A-apologies…”
“Enough. Just finish my hair.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Ysaris swallowed the sigh that instinctively rose in her throat. The responses she received whenever she spoke to this maid, who had dutifully come to serve her, were always the same:
Apologies, Your Majesty, the Empress.
Yes, Your Majesty, the Empress.
Every question was met with an apology, and every order was executed with precision. Ysaris couldn’t fathom why. Maid training in Uzephia wasn’t this rigid, so the reason eluded her.
‘No, the cause was obvious. It was because of Kazhan.’
‘But why?’
“This is frustrating…”
Ysaris paid no mind to the maid flinching at her muttered complaint. Kazhan’s words seemed to indicate a desire to protect her, yet his overreach was suffocating, like having her eyes covered and her hands tied.
‘I’ll have to bring it up during our next meal together. I can’t breathe like this.’
Instead of storming over to confront Kazhan, who was likely busy, Ysaris decided to wait. After all, they’d be meeting every other day without fail, so there was no rush.
For now, there was something far more important waiting for her.
“All done. Shall I place the accessories for you?”
“No, instead, please escort me to the Imperial Crown Prince’s quarters.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
A faint smile graced Ysaris’ lips as she elegantly left her chambers. It was time to see her beloved son.

* * *

“Momma!”
“My Mikael, were you brave while I was away?”
“Mm-mm, no.”
“No? You prefer being with Momma?”
“Yeees.”
“Momma feels the same. Should we sleep together tonight?”
“Yaaay!”
Ysaris beamed and nuzzled her cheek against her little boy’s. The warmth and softness of his touch spread through her heart.
“Then it’s settled. Let’s sleep together tonight and tomorrow night as well.”
“Okay!”
“Your room is nice, Mikael, but Momma’s ceiling is very pretty. I think you’ll like lying down and looking at it.”
“Pretty?”
“Yes, it’s like a night sky…”
Though only a few hours had passed since she’d last seen him, Ysaris’ words poured out endlessly. It seemed she missed him more than he missed her. She clutched his tiny hand and didn’t let go for even a moment.
“Are you hungry, darling? What should we have for dinner?”
“Sweeet!”
“Sweets can be a snack after dinner. How about potato and meat stew, your favorite?”
Ysaris said it offhandedly, intending to cook it herself, but the maid nearby quietly reminded her of her slip.
“Apologies, Your Majesty, the Empress. Dinner is already prepared. However, if you wish, we can add the requested menu…”
“No, it’s fine. There’s no need to rearrange everything. The prepared meal is likely much grander.”
Ysaris responded calmly, though she burned with embarrassment inside. Despite having lived far longer as a princess than as a commoner, the habits from her time in the cottage resurfaced whenever she was with Mikael.
It couldn’t be helped, no matter how unfair it felt. Her world revolved around Mikael.
Gently caressing his round cheek as he gazed up at her with bright, curious eyes, Ysaris spoke softly.
“Mikael, dinner is ready. Shall we go eat?”
“Mm-hmm!”
That evening, Ysaris had to mentally revise most of Mikael’s favorite dishes. No matter how much her cooking skills had improved, she couldn’t compete with the palace chefs.

* * *

Life in the Imperial Palace was far more peaceful and quiet than Ysaris had anticipated. Though only two days had passed, her days consisted entirely of eating, sleeping, and playing with Mikael.
No one came to visit her, and there was no one to converse with. Mikael, who had practically moved into the Empress’ quarters, was her entire world.