NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: many weaknesses
Luciana searched her mind to find a suitable excuse for the emperor. In her previous life, the emperor, together with Prince Nicholas and Prince David, walked in the moment she was disrespectfully yapping away at the Empress Dowager, causing the emperor to be angry.
She didn't know a twist like this would happen today after she had successfully received the empress Dowager's praise. However, Prince Nicholas, who saw she was caught off guard and knew she was no princess of Florendel, answered the questions on her behalf.
"Women's looks evolve with age; most of my sisters have no resemblance to you, Father Emperor."
The Emperor's scrutinizing gaze fell on his eldest son; could it be that yesterday's incident was indeed caused by unpreventable circumstances? He had never seen his aloof and nonchalant son willingly help someone out before.
He couldn't help but wonder if it was a ploy to confuse him or if he was genuinely concerned about the princess. Could he be smitten by her beauty? He must admit she was a sight to behold even when she didn't have a single accessory in her hair and on her, like how everyone had dolled up today, causing the place to become so shiny he was nearly blinded by all the sparkle and shine.
The alliance between Gloryland and Florendel was a very important and profitable one, and he hoped his son's actions wouldn't jeopardize it. He could only imagine how the king of Florendel would feel if his messengers told him his beloved daughter was stood up by the groom at her wedding. But since Nicholas seemed to be making amends, he could only keep quiet and watch.
"Yes, that's true," Emperor Ethan said, his tone showing no hints of anger, even though if there were any other person who had spoken to the emperor in such a tone, his head would be rolling on the floor at that moment.
"Seeing my usually cold son speak up for you like this, I'm beginning to believe his words of remorse for not attending the wedding ceremony yesterday. Don't hold it against him," he said to Luciana and turned to the women on the lower floor, who included his concubines of the lower rank, his daughters, and the concubines of his sons. His sharp gaze scanned the crowd and added,
"Anyone who is caught spreading such rumors would be sent to the punishment bureau to be taught a lesson," the emperor had just finished speaking when Lady Evelyn's pleading voice was heard. Everyone turned and saw the frail-looking woman on her knees.
"Your Majesty, please forgive Prince Nicholas for not attending the wedding; it was because I fainted all of a sudden that the prince brought a physician to attend to me and found out I was carrying a royal seed. That's why..." She left her words hanging.
Evelyn had lied because she knew the prince wouldn't even bother to correct her; the man was as indifferent as the word itself. When she fainted yesterday, Prince Nicholas never came even though she requested his presence several times. The man only came around briefly to see her this dawn with blood on his hand and hunting outfit and had brought a bloody deer along. The poor animal looked as if its blood had been drained.
"Do you like deer meat? Tell the kitchen to prepare it for you, or you could let them discard the carcass," he had said and turned to leave. He didn't even ask how she was faring.
"You are carrying the prince's seed already?" The emperor asked, his tone filled with astonishment.
Luciana, who stood at the side, rolled her eyes, looking at the attention seeker; who was she putting on such a pitiful show for?
Unknown to Luciana, Prince Nicholas' gaze was also fixed on her, watching to see any form of jealousy, but he only saw indifference on her face. He couldn't help but want to know what went on in that head of hers.
He had grown up in the palace and knew just how much the concubines in his father's harem didn't genuinely feel happy for each other if they found out a fellow concubine was carrying a royal seed. Some of them even went to the extent of causing the other woman to miscarry.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I only found out yesterday," Lady Evelyn said.
"Rise, Lady Evelyn," the emperor stated, and Evelyn stood up with wobbly legs. She enjoyed how everyone stared at her. She could feel the envious gazes of everyone present, and she smiled inwardly. But outwardly, she maintained a respectful demeanor with a gentle disposition.
"You should take care of yourself more since you are with child, and you should pay attention to your meals," the emperor added. He turned towards Luciana, and a grin formed on his face.
"Oh my, I have not forgotten about you, little princess. I heard what you said earlier to the Empress Dowager; I look forward to seeing what you would offer this empire besides bearing heirs for the prince," the emperor said.
Luciana bowed to the emperor, knowing today's greeting had come to an end. After a brief exchange of words between the emperor and the empress dowager and an affectionate exchange between the emperor and noble consort Margaret, the emperor left the welcoming room. His eunuch, a long trail of maids and guards, followed behind him everywhere he went.
Luciana and Prince Nicholas walked along the winding paths intending to return to their carriage when Second Prince David came to stand in front of them,
"This is interesting; I'm seeing a different side to my brother today. I didn't get the chance to meet my sister-in-law earlier; I'm Prince David, the second prince," he said, only for Prince Nicholas to come and stand between him and Luciana, blocking his view of her.
"You don't need to act so protective of her; I came in peace," he said.
"We would prefer not to have any peaceful encounters with you. Besides, she is my wife; it's only right for me to protect her from some people," Prince Nicholas said.
"Good, it seems you finally have someone you wish to protect apart from your mother. It's not good to have so many weaknesses, you know."