What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 21
As time swiftly passed, there was a recurring event in the Empress’s palace.
“Your Majesty, the Consort has requested an audience.”
“And what is it this time?”
“She wishes to share some newly acquired sweets with you.”
“Tell her I’m busy.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ysaris listened to the sound of footsteps fading away, then wiped her eyes with her hand.
It had been a week since Runellia was appointed as Consort. The stress caused by her near-daily visits in place of the Emperor was overwhelming.
Despite her title as Consort, Ysaris had obliged Runellia’s requests during the first few days. Read together, have tea, take a walk, chat… She could tolerate Runellia coming up with all sorts of reasons to visit, but what followed those visits was the real issue.
<Yesterday, I tried something new with Kazhan, and oh… you can’t imagine how exhilarating it was. Your Majesty, which position do you prefer the most?>
<…Did you really just ask that?>
<Oh, come on, it’s just us. Or perhaps, have you not shared a bed with him recently and can’t answer?>
“Hoo…”
Ysaris tiredly massaged the muscles at the back of her neck. Normally not quick to anger, she found Runellia’s sly provocations particularly infuriating.
It was the condescending attitude that grated on her. Those smug, half-closed teal eyes, twisting in arrogance, were unbearably irritating.
Even though Kazhan’s relationship with Runellia meant little to her, she felt an irrational urge to counter her remarks.
Many times, she had suffered in the dilemma of either defending her relationship with her enemy or becoming the subject of ridicule.
She had vowed never to let Runellia into the Empress’s palace again…
“The Emperor has arrived.”
“Not helpful at all.”
“Your Majesty?”
“Never mind. Is he here now?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ysaris closed the book she had laid open. Hiding the title, “Introduction to Herbology,” she slid it back onto the shelf and called out a question towards the door.
“Did you come with the Consort?”
“Why do you ask that?”
The one who answered her was not a maid. Kazhan, without waiting for permission, flung the door open and looked her over.
“Runellia said she’s getting along well with you. Is that not the case?”
“…The standard for getting along well varies from person to person.”
Quickly managing her expression, Ysaris straightened herself and asked.
“What brings you here?”
“I heard you’ve hardly been sleeping lately.”
She paused, taken aback.
Ysaris pressed her lips together and silently stared at him. Her frustration with his increasingly invasive actions, now even encroaching on her sleeping hours, was evident.
“Did my maid say that?”
“Is that what’s important right now? The issue is that once again, you’ve disregarded imperial decree and neglected your well-being.”
Kazhan took a step closer to Ysaris. Though her fingers twitched, she stood her ground and spoke with a determinedly calm voice.
“I’m not unable to sleep, I just can’t.”
“Then you should visit the royal physician. You didn’t refuse his visit either.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my health, why should I show my body to a physician?”
“That’s a dull joke, Empress. I’m talking about your sleep cycle right now, you know.”
Kazhan tilted his head slightly, pausing for a moment.
“It’s not like I’m asking you to abandon your people.”
Once again, Ysaris bit her lip at the mention of hostages.
Just how important is her body to the emperor? What’s so wrong with not getting enough sleep? Yet he treats her so casually.
Already stressed, Ysaris wanted to confront Kazhan. If he cares so much about her body, why doesn’t he care about the person who inhabits it? She wanted to shout, Why does he treat her cherished body so carelessly?
But saying that would make it sound like she’s seeking Kazhan’s affection.
As there was nothing as horrible, she swallowed all complaints silently.
This, too, was stressful.
“I will meet him. The physician.”
In the end, Ysaris put compliance into words. There was no reason to refuse such a mere examination, even if she had to endure conversations with the Emperor.
Just a little, just a tiny bit, had bothered her throughout.
“Very well. Report back with the results.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ysaris answered with downcast eyes. She already felt drained at the thought of visiting a physician who harbored hostility towards her.
Clearly there’s something wrong with her body… but she thinks it’s fine.
Thinking too lightly of it, Ysaris realized the next day in the worst possible way.
She was far from fine.
