I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Mercedes, once a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, was the widow of a high-ranking Isabria official.
After losing her husband in the war, she’d followed the Empress to the Empire and become Cesar’s nanny.
Her position implied she was from a prominent family. To think of the hardships she must have endured to have hands like that… Mercedes wept openly. “I apologize. I simply cannot…forgive Empress Cornelia…”
I hesitated, unsure how to comfort her. Then, she grasped my hand.
“Your Highness, this is a miracle.”
“What?” What was so miraculous? Mercedes’ hazel eyes shone intensely. “His Highness has never responded to anyone like this!”
Cesar’s condition had deteriorated drastically. He’d even begun rejecting Mercedes’ care. He would thrash and rage, losing all reason, like a wild animal, unable to be still or calm. “Well, that’s…”
I couldn’t tell her I’d calmed him with my blood. I hid the wound on my hand behind my skirt and pressed my lips together. This had to remain a secret.
If anyone discovered I was feeding Cesar my blood, taming him with it, there was no telling what would happen. I could be accused of witchcraft.
Witchcraft… I’d seen a witch trial once, back when I lived on the streets. It was barely a trial at all. The fate of the accused was horrific, regardless of their social standing.
They were dragged through the streets tied to a donkey, pelted with rocks by an angry mob, spat upon and cursed. After being paraded through the town, they were taken to the square, where a pyre awaited beneath a towering cross. There was no mercy for a witch.
Their only atonement was a long and agonizing death. The witch’s screams, the roar of the crowd, the acrid smoke…
“…Your Highness?” Mercedes’ voice broke through my reverie. She searched my face with concern.
“Oh, no. It’s nothing.” I shuddered. I had to keep my voice steady. This secret absolutely could not be revealed. The consequences would be irreversible.
Blood…who would believe that blood could calm a person? They’d say I was using dark magic, controlling him. And Cesar was royalty. I’d be accused of insulting the royal family, too. I could only imagine the horrific outcome. I had to protect this secret. I made a silent vow.
“Ren.” Cesar tugged on my sleeve. I forced a smile, hoping he hadn’t sensed my fear.
“It’s time for bed, Your Highness. You have much to do tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
Countess Elvira had mentioned I would soon be attending a tea party with Empress Cornelia, a formal introduction to the elder members of the royal family now that I was one of them. After such a “warm” welcome, I could only dread what awaited me.
Mercedes led me to my bedroom. At least this room, unlike the rest of the palace, had been tidied up for my arrival. It was relatively clean.
“Haaah.” I yawned unashamedly. The past two days had been a relentless ordeal. I was utterly exhausted. Now that my stomach was full, I felt even more drowsy.
A maid helped me change into a nightgown, and I practically collapsed onto the bed. Cesar’s room was across the hall. We had technically consummated our marriage last night, so there was no need to share a room tonight.
Finally, a peaceful night… I drifted towards sleep. Or tried to. A tugging sensation on my toes prevented me from fully succumbing.
