Empress of Another World

Thirty

After a night of partying, the coronation ceremony started the next morning as the sun rose.

Underneath the intense sun, I stood and watched the ceremony beside the emperor.

I was holding the empress’s royal crown in my hand. It was heavy and it felt like a pair of handcuffs weighing me down.

I knew that I still had a small chance though. I wasn’t actually wearing the crown yet. I was almost sure I would never have to wear it myself.

I pitied the woman, whoever it was going to be, who will end up wearing it. She would become a hostage to this kingdom.

As I kneeled in front of Lucretius, I looked up at him defiantly.

‘I will not be used by you.’

***

The lavish celebration lasted eight days and nights. The end of the coronation relieved me. Nothing extreme or bad happened to me and I was thankful for it.

During those days, I was coached by Samantha on who everyone was, including those from foreign lands. I played the gracious hostess, and it took everything I had to accomplish this.

When it was all over, I asked the emperor for a vacation.

“A vacation?”

He asked me with distrust.

I answered him nonchalantly, “I have never had a day off since I arrived at this castle. I need to rest.”

The emperor stared at me as if he could see right through me. He seemed like he wanted to figure out my ulterior motive. I didn’t care. I just needed a break.

For the past 13 months in this new world, I had never been able to completely relax. Even though I had my own room, which was fabulous, the fact that I shared this castle with the emperor and the dowager empress was enough to keep me on my toes.

After a few seconds of thinking, the emperor surprised me by nodding.

“Well, I guess it has been hectic here. Would a day be enough? How about tomorrow? You can stay in your room and cancel anything scheduled for tomorrow…”

I put down the fork hard on the plate which made a sharp sound.

I glared at him. I raised my voice. “This is a legitimate and fair request.”

“… what?”

He seemed surprised at my serious attitude.

I looked into his eyes and asked again, “I am letting you use me as you see fit, right? So I would like you to do me a favor in return.” I was desperate.

“I have already been compensating you enough…”

“Stop joking around,” I interrupted him decisively. “You have never given me what I wanted. In fact, you are not even interested in what I want. You never listen to me, but this is your chance. I am telling you what I want. I am asking you as your accomplice. As your wife.”

The uncomfortable silence filled the room. It was awkward, but I felt better. I pushed the empty plate away and picked up the wine glass.

Finally! I felt pleased because I was able to express how I really felt all this time. I didn’t care anymore! I was becoming so tired of everything.

His attitude towards me bothered me. He would call me his accomplice, partner, and wife, and give me shiny things, but in truth, he had never given me what I wanted!

I knew he was in control. I had to follow whatever decision he made. This meant I had to somehow make him want the same things as I do.

Unfortunately, things weren’t going well for me so far.