I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 28
Chapter 28
It worsened every time my gait faltered. Though I limped, I straightened my back, as if oblivious to their laughter. Such mockery was familiar. Focusing on maintaining my composure, I knelt, offering a respectful curtsy.
“Glory to the Holy Cross. I greet Her Majesty, the Empress.”
Cornelia had been silently observing me. A long silence followed. My knees trembled with pain just as they began to give way. A cool glint appeared in Cornelia’s blue eyes.
“…Glory to the Holy Cross.”
Finally, she signaled for me to rise. However, remaining crouched for so long made standing difficult; I struggled for a moment.
“Tsk.”
The Empress clicked her tongue. Someone rushed forward, supporting my arm.
“Your Highness.”
I recognized her. Delphina, the girl I’d saved from false accusations this morning.
“Thank you.”
Her eyes widened at my words, and she quickly lowered her head.
“This way, Your Highness.”
Before I could respond, Countess Elvira, the Empress’s confidante, directed us. The Empress had already departed.
Refreshments were laid out in the Empress’s glass conservatory. The crystal walls, etched with intricate geometric patterns, reflected dazzling light. Unfamiliar, vibrant flowers dazzled my eyes. Squirrels, exotic birds with brilliant plumage, and small monkeys frolicked among them.
Cornelia sat at a table beside the central fountain. A parrot with magnificent plumage perched on her shoulder, preening itself. She continued feeding the parrot biscuits, stroking its feathers, seemingly indifferent to my approach. Unable to sit without her permission, I stood awkwardly, observing the conservatory.
A long silence ensued, broken by the arrival of a maid with a tea trolley.
“What are you doing? Sit.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Finally, I sat. Steaming red tea was poured into a delicate cup. The beautiful color and aroma suggested it was a premium import from the Western Continent. I simply stared at it, unable to bring myself to drink.
“So, how are you finding palace life?”
The Empress asked directly, her gaze still fixed on the parrot’s feathers. I swallowed, my palms sweating with nervousness. I clenched and unclenched my fists.
Cornelia’s gaze finally met mine. Her beautiful eyes were unnerving. I remembered why I had come, steeling my resolve.
“Your Majesty, there’s something I must tell you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about His Highness, the Prince.”
“Go on.”
Cornelia’s voice was unexpectedly cheerful, easing my tension slightly. I recounted what I had witnessed.
“A knight… or perhaps a servant… is harming Prince Cesar.”
“Harming?”
“Yes, he was covered in wounds. They even used chains and a muzzle to restrain him.”
I detailed the shocking scene. Cornelia paused her stroking of the parrot and gestured with her hand. A maid brought a silver tray with a cigarette. The maid lit it, and Cornelia inhaled deeply, exhaling languidly. The pungent smoke stung my nose, and I coughed.
“And?”
Cornelia, watching my coughing fit with disdain, smirked and placed the burning cigarette on the tray.
“And what do you expect me to do about it?”
“…Pardon?”
It wasn’t that I hadn’t heard her. The response was so unbelievable that I was at a loss for words.
