Chapter 87 - Cured

" You hurt me more than what I deserve because I loved you more than what you deserve" -Anon

The whole room went silent, everyone is afraid to move, it's as if their breathing can even cause a disturbance to the scene that is unfolding. Even the guards seem relentless at that moment, torn between protecting the empress and following the emperor's command. But of course, the latter has been chosen.

'Now, this is what I call a drama' a famous director present in the event thought as his eyes watch carefully, this might become a blockbuster if it will become a movie.

Astrid's face tilted sidewards due to the impact, from how fragile Celestia looks, she really can hit someone hard enough.

But does Celestia even think that what she's doing will change the harsh reality? If anything, it made her look more miserable.

'Miserable...it matches the mistress well' she thought.

"W-why?" Astrid's voice shakes, hinting the people that their beloved empress has been physically hurt by a stranger, a rumored mistress nonetheless.

Her blue eyes started to resemble an ocean glittering under the sun, the tears started forming.

" Why?! You know what you did, he's not like this! How can you do this?!" her unsteady voice forced each word to come out. Celestia did not care anymore if she looks a pathetic mistress in front of many people. She badly needs Logan to return to his old self. 

'Dear, come back to me...come back to us okay' was what she wanted to say in front of the mighty emperor yet fear started to consume her. 

What if he really changed because of this cure?

The thought itself kills her. Celestia knew the Logan before, he's hard-hearted, ruthless and domineering yet at the same time, sinfully handsome and intoxicating. 

Logan is the emperor that would send anyone shivers by just a mere sight, anyone but Celestia. 

"You don't have any evidence, for a commoner, you really think highly of yourself" Astrid replied in her usual tender voice, covering the viciousness it implies, she is now more composed.

"I-I--" Celestia stuttered, it is true, she doesn't have any evidence. What was she thinking? Going up here with nothing. At least she gets to slap this woman. 

She looks at the man she's been taking the fall for. 

" L - Logan " she whispered as a tear escaped her exhausted emerald eyes.

Astrid smiles slightly, Logan will not tolerate this woman anymore, calling the emperor by his name? Even she, the empress has been forbidden by His Majesty to call him by his name. 

"Obnoxious lynx"  his voice low yet hinting danger. 

"Drag this impudent woman out" 

Logan grew bored with this drama, he needed to attend much more important meetings and check if everything is ready for the launching of cure. He has no time for this, for her. 

A pair of arms snaked around his. It was Astrid's. 

"Your Majesty, we still need this woman to fulfill our plan" she whispered while looking at the mess Celestia is. 

Indeed, they needed to destroy her to complete everything, by then the puzzle will be finished. He gave Astrid a small nod, a sign that she may do what she pleases. It caused the blue-eyed woman to smile wildly, being slapped by Celestia is worth it after all.

Sooner, Celestia Wresea will taste the greatest pain brought by this love she believes. 

Love is the one to build Celestia and Logan's relationship, it will also be the one to destroy it.  

"Guards, get that woman and follow us, we still have to talk, privately " Astrid commanded and the guards who were frozen before started doing their task. 

Celestia struggled slightly but she knows, deep down, they really needed to talk, it is better than being dragged outside with no clue on what's happening, on what happened.

She smiled bitterly as she recalls how Logan responded to her. 

So this is the end huh?

"Everyone. I apologized for the commotion earlier, you may continue with the event" Astrid announced with a practiced smile plastered on her face. 

Meanwhile ...

" Interesting turn of events, what can you say Hannibal?" Dominick Feng's chinky eyes focused on what's happening at the other side of their seats.

The other emperors are also located at the upper portion of the Zoticus which are meant for royals, only that they are seats are placed at the right side of the Theavarian's emperor. Logan's seat is a one-step higher than the three of them. He is, after all, the supreme ruler.

Hannibal scoffed lightly, his usual uncaring face shows dissatisfaction.

Has Logan lost his mind?

That woman was the woman he's willing to give everything up, even the cure, Logan was willing to shove years of hard work for that lady but how come he changed so easily? 

"Damn" Hannibal cursed, loud enough for Dominick and Grayson to hear. 

"Logan would never do that to Celestia, unless..."

"What?" the clueless emperor of the Giredel empire, Dominick Feng inquired. This emperor is really oblivious to facts.

"He got cured" Grayson finished. His eyes bore to the empress of Theavarian, Astrid. 

Hannibal sighed, he never thought that the cure would be out so recklessly and hastily. Although it has been in Logan's plan long before, he believed that Celestia whipped him really hard.

How come it all goes down to this?