That night, a secret conversation between Emperor Vansing and his daughter shook him to his core.
After hearing Myria's revelations, Vansing marched directly to his mother's chambers.
Standing just outside the grand doors, he paused as faint whispers reached his ears. The language was unfamiliar, a strange cadence that made his skin crawl. He couldn't decipher the words, nor did he care to; his purpose here was far more pressing.
He took a deep breath, his heart heavy with suspicion and anger. He needed answers—truths that could ease the turmoil in his soul.
Bang!
The doors swung open violently as Vansing stord into the room, his rage barely restrained. The lavishly adorned chamber glead with jewels, treasures, and artifacts collected over centuries—a room befitting a forr Empress.
But none of it mattered to him. His focus was on the lone figure seated quietly on the plush bed: his mother, Fiona. Her aged face bore a faint, serene smile, as if she had been expecting him.
"Vansing, my son, What brings you here at this hour?" she said gently. Enjoy new stories from empire
He took a step forward, his fists clenched tightly at his back. "Mother, I have questions… and I want to know the truth."
Fiona's eyes narrowed briefly before softening into a tender expression.
"My son, what is troubling you? Speak your mind," she said gently.
Vansing's tense deanor relaxed slightly at her warm tone and kind face.
"Mother, Is it true... ah, how should I put this? Actually I didn't want to ask, but Myria told that the Heir claid you betrayed Father. That you allied with his friends and ambushed him to... to kill him." He looked at her with desperate hope, silently begging for her to deny it.
Simply In his heart, he couldn't bear to accept such an accusation.
Fiona's eyes widened, and tears instantly welled up, streaming down her face. She covered her mouth, her voice trembling.
"Sniff... What are you saying, my son? Why would I ever kill my own husband?" Her voice cracked, heavy with emotion. "We loved each other so deeply, more than words can express. Sniff... How could you even think I would do such a thing?"
Her sobs filled the room as she clutched her chest, as though the accusation itself had physically wounded her. "Do you truly think so little of , Van? Am I such a monster in your eyes?"
Vansing's heart sank, guilt and confusion washing over him. "No, Mother, I—I don't think that at all! You know Myria can see through lies. That's why belived him."
Fiona's expression softened as she wiped away her tears, her voice steady but filled with subtle conviction.
"My son, Myria is still just a young girl. Her judgnt isn't absolute. With how enigmatic and cunning the Heir is, it's clear he's already trying to sow discord among us. Surely, she must have misunderstood or been manipulated. You cannot trust him."
Vansing stamred, his face flushed with guilt as he rubbed his trimd beard nervously. "I'm so sorry, Mother. I'm such a fool. Please forgive for doubting you!"
Fiona's smile returned, warm and comforting as she reached out to caress his hair with maternal affection.
"It's okay, my dear son," she murmured soothingly. "We all make mistakes. But what matters is that we learn from them and never repeat them."
"Yes, Mother. I understand now." Vansing stood taller, regaining her fierce deanour. "I won't let him manipulate us any further. I will not show him any rcy in the Competition!"
With that he headed outside the room, leaving Fiona alone.
Instantly, Fiona's eyes sharpened with malice. The kind, maternal deanor from a mont ago twisted into sothing vile and nacing.
"That vile brat!" she hissed venomously.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
As her frustration boiled over, her youthful and elegant visage lted away, revealing an old, scarred face, grotesque and terrifying to behold. Her true, sinister appearance was finally unmasked.
Monts later, several shadowy figures erged from the corners of the room, their presence suffused with malevolence.
One of the figures stepped forward, his voice low and ominous. "Lady Morgana, it seems Emperor Dimitri had survived the attack. And the True Heir had t Dimitri sowhere unknown. This ans he has begun suspecting both you and the other lords. What are your orders?"
"Should we strike tonight?" another figure suggested, their tone dripping with eagerness for bloodshed.
Fiona—now revealed as Morgana—cald herself, a sinister smile stretching across her ugly evil features.
"No. The Protectors are with him right now. Attacking now would be suicide. Instead, wait for the perfect opportunity. Observe them closely, and when those two are alone and vulnerable—eliminate them," she said coldly.
Her eyes glead with ruthless intent as she continued, "They are becoming a far greater threat than I anticipated. We cannot afford to let him ascend the throne. At any cost."
The shadowy figures bowed their heads, disappearing as swiftly as they had arrived, leaving Morgana alone in the dimly lit room, her malicious grin lingering in the darkness.
Try all as you might, but you can't stop us..."
---
Night passed with hidden motives and sches, and dawn ushered in a new day.
Aengus opened his eyes from his ditation, having spent the night attempting to naturally comprehend his Laws. While such an endeavor without Law Stones is a grueling process for most, for Aengus, it felt as if he were in harmony with the very essence of the universe.
Though his progress was modest, with his Law comprehension increasing by 0.3% at most, it was an astonishing feat considering he had no external aids.
Beside him, Bella lay sleeping soundly, her soft breaths filling the quiet room. She had ditated alongside him until midnight but had made only negligible progress. Following that, their nightly activities had left her thoroughly exhausted, and she drifted into a deep slumber.
Aengus turned his head and spoke gently, "You're awake, Bella."
"Mmm hmm," Bella murmured sleepily, sitting up as she rubbed her eyes. The blanket slipped down, revealing her enchanting figure in full glory.
She blushed faintly, quickly adjusting the blanket, while Aengus respectfully turned his gaze away to grant her privacy.
"Go and freshen up quickly," he said curtly. "We need to step outside and et the protectors."
Bella nodded, yawning lazily as she rose from the bed, her eyes flashed in anticipation for the day ahead.
Reviews
All reviews (0)