What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 92
“Are you all right?”
“Gasp!”
Ysaris sucked in a sharp breath, startled out of her memories. She nearly jumped at the sudden shift from her reverie to the present.
“Why are you so surprised?”
“Nothing… nothing at all.”
Ysaris barely managed to suppress the stutter in her voice as she cast a sidelong glance at Kazhan, who sat beside her. His raised eyebrow hinted at skepticism, but his overall demeanor bore no resemblance to Cain.
The dark color of his hair, the sharpness of his features, even his brusque mannerisms—all were far removed from Cain. Only his rare crimson eyes connected them, the sole similarity she’d noticed thus far.
It was just that today, his actions happened to mirror Cain’s.
“You seem lost in thought. I take it the pain has lessened considerably?”
“The painkiller worked.”
“Even so, the deeper layers shouldn’t be entirely numb. It seems the wound isn’t as severe as it looked.”
“How unfortunate for you, as you seem to enjoy tending to others. I’ll recover quickly.”
Ysaris deliberately snapped back, her tone icy. She hoped it would help her banish the lingering traces of Cain from her mind.
But Kazhan did not react as she expected. Ever since their reunion, he had been nothing but unpredictable.
“I enjoy caring for you, yes, but I don’t particularly enjoy seeing you in pain. The only time I find your pained expression appealing is when we’re—”
“That will be enough.”
“As you wish.”
Ysaris cut him off sharply before he could veer into inappropriate territory. If he had been trying to provoke her, she might have lashed out, but Kazhan’s tone was so matter-of-fact, as though he were merely stating a truth. Worse, he even acquiesced to her demand without resistance, leaving her with no avenue to vent her irritation.
Her growing frustration left her simmering in silence. Unable to contain it, she pressed her lips together tightly. Kazhan, however, broke the tense quiet.
“Did you fall asleep on the sofa earlier?”
“…Why do you ask?”
“It would be better to rest in bed. If you’re having trouble moving on your own, I can carry you there.”
“I’ve already said I won’t allow Your Majesty into my bedroom.”
“Still a no, then.”
Ysaris stared at him, incredulous. She felt as though she were being drawn into his pace, despite her best efforts.
This won’t do.
Steeling herself, she straightened her posture and erected an emotional wall between them.
“I have no further need for assistance. Please leave.”
“Cold as ever. I came here to care for you, after all.”
“It was Your Majesty’s decision to do so, not my request.”
Her response was clear: she had permitted him to help at his insistence, but she wanted no more than that. Though it was true she had benefited from his care, she made it clear that it ended there.
Kazhan regarded her steadily, his gaze unreadable. He remained still, not moving to leave. Just as Ysaris was about to add another sharp remark, his deep voice broke the silence.
“You’re right. Thank you for allowing me even this much. Rest well—I’ll return tomorrow.”
“…”
Ysaris did not reply. Half of her wanted to tell him not to come back, but the other half knew it would be futile. That second half also acknowledged the pressing need to recover quickly before Mikael returned.
She had promised to leave Mikaell in another’s care for only three days. If she wanted to regain her strength in that time, she couldn’t afford to refuse the assistance Kazhan offered, even if it meant swallowing her pride.
“Two days.”
At last, Ysaris settled on a compromise, her voice betraying her reluctance.
“I will allow Your Majesty to visit for only two more days. Twice a day, on the condition that you provide meals.”
The dwindling food supply in the house was a significant issue. She had been on her way back from the market when she encountered Kazhan, and the subsequent events had forced her to discard everything she’d bought.
Proper nourishment was essential for her recovery. Since she couldn’t move to shop or cook, she had no choice but to rely on him, for now.
“After that, I expect you to leave. By then, I will have recovered enough to manage without Your Majesty’s help.”
Even if she required further assistance, she was determined not to seek it from Kazhan. For her sake, and for Mikael’s.
“Do not return after that. I trust two days will be sufficient for Your Majesty to accept our parting and move on.”
It was her final concession. If he still harbored lingering feelings after their abrupt separation, this would be his chance to let them go. To forget her and return to his own life.
…What she did not realize was that this was something Kazhan could never do.
