Episode 13

"Did you also hear the noise last night?" A woman's voice resonated from outside the bedroom.

"Yes! I heard lots of screams, on top of the noise. It was frightening." Another voice replied.

"Well, it was bound to happen, especially after her arrival and reaction. Let's play odds or evens to decide who takes on the task of removing her majesty's body and cleaning up the chaos the room must be in." The staff's conversation continued.

"Even!" One shouted.

"Odd!" Were they really playing a game to decide who would dispose of my body?

"You cheated. You're stealing." The loser accused.

"That's how the game works. Think positively, you're doing a service to the kingdom, aiding the Emperor. It's quite the honor." The friend tried to console the loser, but I doubt it would work.

"Bitch! You changed the rules to benefit yourself. Fine, whatever. It's not the first time, nor will it be the last time I clean up the blood and bodies left by the emperor's wrath. It should be easy to dispose of that tiny, skinny body." The staff member entered the room, pushing a bucket and holding a mop. "Uhn..."

"It was so hot yesterday, why is it so cold today?" I won't deny that deep down I was ignoring their conversation, trying to fall back asleep, but hearing the door open, I had to open my eyes. That was when I realized. "Wait! Why am I naked? Ahhh! Remember. Is this real?"

"Majesty, good morning, how can I..." The staff member looked at me, pale as if seeing a ghost. "I can't believe what I'm seeing! Empress, you're still alive!"

"What? You thought I was dead in the room?" Later the emperor accuses me of flirting with death, his staff had already written me off as a lost cause.

"Anyway, shouldn't you be preparing my bath and clothes? What are you doing standing there holding those things."

"Yes! Forgive me! I will prepare it at once, majesty." The staff member scurried away with the bucket and mop.

She prepared the bath rather quickly, no doubt eager to spread the news that I was alive. Reflecting upon it, last night was indeed much different than I had imagined.

"Ahhhhhhhh!" I screamed, recalling flashes from the previous night. I cannot believe it. I truly slept with the tyrant emperor.

"Majesty, are you alright? Do you need help?" The staff member called from outside.

"What? No! Not necessary! I'm fine." I shouted, my nerves rattled. I need to calm down. To enjoy my bath, but how can I when my body is marked by last night's events? Ahhh! We really did it. The night was incredible. It's the only thing on my mind. "Ahhhhhhh!"

"Majesty! You must be in pain, right? I will get some herbs for you. We have a great physician." The maid sounded genuinely concerned, but I suspect my naughtiness is incurable.

"No, don't worry. I'm not in pain. My ailment has no remedy." I shouted back, although there certainly is a remedy: my irresistibly attractive husband.

I've always enjoyed reading romance novels. I used to think that sexy, intense, caring men only existed in fantasies, but they are real. And my husband is one of them. My husband... It feels strange to think of it that way. Even though I know he's the emperor and belongs to no one, I can't help but wish he had eyes only for me. Well, my husband said I had to be wicked, right? Keeping him all to myself must be part of it.

"My husband..." Thinking of him sets me aflame.

"Hey, wife. What are you up to?" Icarus inquired, stepping into the bathing area. I was startled, standing up abruptly. I wasn't expecting him now, especially as my thoughts wandered to such matters.

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