Chapter 30

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.

The cold green eyes smiled at me strangely. He always smiled like that when I did something unexpected. His smile didn't mean he was upset or angry at me. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it when I challenged him as if he was playing a game.

After a long silence, he gave me his permission with a mysterious smile.

"Fine. Go for it. There is a wing called Lonez connected to the castle but still quite separate and isolated. I will let you use it. How about… a week? That's the best I can do."

"I'll take it." I sighed in relief.

***

Lonez was one of the many small remote wings in Rombrook connected to the castle. This place was particularly special because other than the door that connected to the castle, Lonez had no other entrances.

It was often used for ill members of the royal family for special cares and rest. To the public, it was announced that my health had deteriorated, and that was why I was visiting this wing.

When I first entered the place, I became speechless.

What a view!

Samantha smiled when she saw my reaction.

She asked me, "Do you like the garden?"

"Oh, oh… Yes."

I stared at the pretty wildflowers that filled the entire garden.

In the castle were only the fanciest flowers such as roses. Everything in the castle was lavish and extravagant.

It had been a long time since I had been in a comfortable cozy space. I felt at peace. I couldn't stop staring at the garden.

Samantha offered, "How about you have your meal here?"

"Can I really do that?"

"If your highness wants it, I will order it."

I asked carefully. I loved the idea, but I was worried.

"Wouldn't that be against the castle rule?"

"His Highness has ordered me to let you do anything you would like."

I nodded.

I felt relieved and bitter at the same time.

I always knew Samantha was on the emperor's side. No matter how kind she was to me, I could never compare to the emperor.

There was nothing I could do about it. I decided to enjoy this time off.

The next morning, I woke up on my own before the sunrise. I realized how my body had gotten used to the life here. Ever since I arrived in this world, I was always awakened early in the morning.

I didn't leave the bed or call for the maids. I just stayed in bed and enjoyed being lazy. I slept so well last night, especially because the emperor wasn't in the bed with me for once.

I dozed off and woke up again around lunchtime. Samantha brought my breakfast to bed. It was a light meal consisting of an egg, milk, and some toasts.

I got dressed casually and visited the garden.

I took a walk with Samantha and two maids. When I got hungry, we sat down underneath a large tree and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

On my second day, I had tea time in the garden. It was so peaceful it felt surreal.

On the fourth day, Samantha left to meet with the man in charge of this place. I took two maids to take a walk in the garden again.

Security was never an issue. When I was moving to this wing, I already saw that there were more than enough guards around for my safety. It was a short distance from the castle, yet so many royal guards followed me here.

According to Samantha, one of the five royal units was guarding this wing. No one could enter this place without going through the horde of guards.

Even now, five guards were nearby watching us like hawks.

I was used to being surrounded by people and being watched at all times. It didn't bother me anymore. I barely noticed it now.

I continued to enjoy the lovely garden. It was so quiet and peaceful.

I said quietly, "It feels like the time has stopped in this place."

"I never knew Lonez looked like this."

Luis, one of the maids I brought to Lonez, smiled and said to me. She was recommended my Samantha. Luis was the oldest of the two daughters of Count Loventis.

"Me neither. I heard horrible rumors of this place, so this is quite unexpected."

Her younger sister Elza added loudly. She was already on her third sandwich.

I was about to pick up my second sandwich when I looked up and asked, "Rumors?"