BXBX NOVEL Chapter 84 Empress Carolina
"Uhn.. Please let me have enough time to think.." She shyly replied, feeling embarrassed by how close Leon was at the moment.
Now that she more or less had a clear mind of what had happened in the past few months, she was already so confused about how she would navigate her relationship with Leon.
Last night, while she was agonizing about the pain of labor, she realized how intimate they had been at that moment.
It's not that it was Leon's fault either.
At that moment, when she was dealing in great panic and pain, all she could do was to lean on his arms which somehow made her body relaxed and feel secure.
Earlier when he carried her to the room, her heart almost stopped due to how close their bodies were. However, she wasn't repulsive to that feeling either.
Her first impression of him was that he was a cold blooded and alluring prince. He was single minded and he wouldn't hesitate to carry out things that he knew he had to do.
That was the main reason why she was so overwhelmed to tears the first time they formally met. He was so straightforward that he proposed on the spot.
Then at the moment he insisted to court her, he sent yet again another wave of confusion to Eli's heart.
She couldn't deny that she was very comfortable relying on him in times of need, also she enjoyed conversing with him, especially when thinking about ways to solve problems.
But as to looking at Leon from a romantic perspective, Eli was still confused and hesitant. However, she knew that she had to be clear about what she feels especially now that she had to face such drastic changes in her new life as a mother.
She didn't want to also keep Leon hanging for so long. If she would be in the capital and Leon would come and pursue her openly, another set of complications will arise whatever answer she would give.
So at least before that time comes, she has to have full resolve on her decision. To take the risk of being a single mom, without asking Leon to marry her, or to take the risk to marry Leon because of love.
Choosing out of obligation is not an option. It could only be that she didn't love him at all or she loves him crazy!
That is why Eli now needs to face reality.
Sooner or later, Leon would ask for her answer. If she kept brushing Leon's advances off and not looking at him properly as her pursuer, her life would be full of regrets once she showed herself in the capital.
With this Eli came up with a decision. To start looking at Leon as her pursuer and not just a colleague she teamed up with for a task.
--
In the palace, at Empress Carolina's Palace.
Empress Carolina was gracefully sitting in an elegant sunroom, adorned with flowering vines and lavender blooms.
Her regal and cold beauty brightly lit by the morning light, made her look like a divine royalty - beautiful and powerful enough to pass a judgement.
From the outside, she looked calm and relaxed as she sipped her tea slowly with finesse. But her amethyst eyes were already filled with impatience and irritation.
'Why is there still no news from the renewal of the treaty???!'
It has already been two days since the Emperor and that woman left, but why did she not hear any news or notice about the incident she was expecting!
Moreover, the Imperial family had been in turmoil up until this morning!
The palace bells rang in a joyous sound last night! She had to stay up, mobilizing her men to investigate who among the imperial family had conceived or gave birth!
However, everyone knew that neither the first, nor the second prince announced the joyous news of pregnancy!
Also, the birth of the branch of the imperial family will not be significant enough to trigger the ringing of bells. That's why she could only think of Leon, that barbaric third prince.
However, a slight frown appeared on her face. With his barbaric and vicious reputation, no lady of the nobility would be willing to engage in an affair with the prince.
A prince that wasn't favored? A prince that was no different than a mad killer? What kind of woman would dare to close her eyes and offer her body willingly to him?
She didn't know.
But as much as she thought about this suspicion towards the prince, the possibility of choosing a commoner woman as his companion didn't cross Empress Carolina's mind.
To her, the prince would be a total fool the moment he did that. He will also totally lose the favor from the Emperor when that time comes.
"Your Majesty, Empress…" A tall middle aged man, clad in a nobleman's suit appeared and submissively bowed to Empress Carolina.
"Any news from the Emperor?" She asked while gently touching the plum blossom flower at the center of her tea table.
"This humble one reports! The Emperor had announced to his palace aides that he will be back with the Second Queen three days from now, at the latest. He will be finishing his inspection together with the Elven Officials to check the condition of the stipulated territory in the Silver Dew Forest."
"Is that it?"
Not expecting to hear such an orderly and peaceful report, she raised her brow in shock. Her delicate fingers, which had been playing around the plum blossom flowers, also froze in disbelief.
'Impossible! Is there really no commotion and discord that happened? Even a little bit? To think that they would continue their itinerary as planned?!'
Not sure of what the Empress wanted to hear, the man's heart skipped a beat. Wanting to wipe the beads of cold sweat on his forehead, he cautiously replied,
"The Emperor also knew about the ringing of the bells last night. That is why He will try his best to go back and inquire of this matter. He also said that he would coordinate with the temple about the reason for the ringing of bells."
Upon hearing the last sentence, Emperor Carolina widened her eyes in realization. With a bit of relief, she showed a great amount of enthusiasm.
"If it's the temple, then it will also be a joyous event. Keep tabs on the movement from the temple. Any piece of news from them, you are to tell me right away!"
"Understood, Your Majesty Empress!" The middle aged man gave one last bow and went on his way with haste.
Empress Carolina was left in the bright sunroom with an eerie smile on her face.
This is her perfect chance to seek collaboration with the temple! Now that the Emperor was not around, she could clearly use this time to freely do whatever it is to get a hold of the information on the temple.
After a few hours, the middle aged man came back with the news of the oracle.
After hearing the contents of the oracle, Empress Carolina couldn't hide her excitement anymore. The oracle only meant one thing!
The Creator had appointed another holy mage!
Having a holy mage as an ally is equivalent to wielding the temple's powers and influence by your side!
The holy mage could enter the temple as a priest or a knight. For whatever choice they made, every move they perform will be equivalent to an action ordained by the temple.
She only had to get the favor of that holy mage!
This will be a force to be reckoned with during Kazimir's fight for the throne soon!
So what if that barbaric prince had the Elves by his side? If Kazimir would be able to get close to that holy mage, then the temple along with the forces from the Vesala faction would surely give him victory!
Thinking about this, Empress Carolina let out a triumphant smile.
The moment Kazimir sits on the throne, will be the moment of her undeniable victory.
She couldn't wait to look down from that platform towards the disgusting olive green eyes of that peasant bard.
That bard, Tehila, ruined all the plans and dreams for herself and for Valentin. Without Tehila, they would have been a couple subject to envy by the whole empire.
But why?
Why does Valentin only have his lovely crystal blue eyes on Tehila?
Why does he always treat her with such importance, when she had given birth to a useless barbaric son?!
She, who had been born and raised with the best of the noble blood.
She, who had been educated, aiming to be her betrothed ever since she was a young lady.
She, who had bore him a son with excellent magical aptitude.
Why does he not look at her the same loving way as he looked at Tehila?
Why does he not give her affection the same way as he gave it to Tehila?
She clenched her fist in pain as she remembered all her grievances towards the cursed couple. Whenever she remembered their blissful and affectionate interaction during their travel to Silver Dew, a deep sense of anger and envy rises from the bottom of her heart.
Tehila! Tehila! Tehila!
I hate her to death!!!
The tension from her anger had caused her to be heavily breathing. Gnashing her teeth in wrath, she whispered with a low yet frightening manner,
"Valentin.. Forgive me for being vicious when that time comes."