CHAPTER 065
The secluded residence of Princess Lilibet.
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
The Empress Dowager's eyes flashed fiercely at her niece, who stood with clenched fists.
“I’m giving up. I’m voluntarily withdrawing from the Empress candidacy.”
Princess Lilibet’s beautiful face twisted in an ugly expression as she shook her head and shouted.
As soon as the Emperor took Arabelle on a boat trip, two of the six candidates voluntarily withdrew. Now, with only two rounds left in the Empress selection contest, only four candidates remained.
If Arabelle won even one more round, she would emerge victorious overall, having already won three of the five competitions.
Even if different candidates won the remaining two competitions, Arabelle, who had won twice so far, would still become Empress. However, if one candidate won both of the remaining contests, they would tie with Arabelle, leading to a final showdown between the two.
But the contest itself was becoming meaningless.
The Emperor’s blatant favoritism toward Arabelle was impossible to ignore. While previous Emperors had shown favoritism to certain Empress candidates, none had ever displayed their preference as openly as this.
The Emperor’s actions seemed to warn the candidates, “Let’s see if you stick around till the end despite this.” This left the candidates’ families uneasy.
The purpose of participating in the contest was, of course, to secure the position of Empress for their family. Even if they failed to become Empress, it was still a valuable opportunity to become a close confidante of the future Empress.
Additionally, the ten women who reached the final contest were awarded substantial consolation prizes, honors, and titles, which significantly improved their marriage prospects.
However, the situation was now different.
Remaining as a candidate without taking the hint risked earning the Emperor's displeasure, which could jeopardize the entire family. The candidates, who had always received the best treatment and attention, found this reality hard to accept.
If Arabelle had been an incompetent candidate, the other candidates might have persevered despite the Emperor's affection for her, but she had won two out of three competitions.
The proud candidates couldn’t bear the thought of standing as mere extras next to the leading figure who had both the highest chance of winning and the Emperor’s favor.
Encouraged by their parents, who were concerned for the well-being of their families, the four remaining candidates withdrew one by one, unable to endure the humiliation.
It was widely rumored that the princess from Chatelle would officially announce her withdrawal tomorrow. If that happened, there would only be three candidates left.
Lilibet’s tone, usually deferential to the Empress Dowager, now matched her true personality, rough and unrestrained.
As she felt she was receiving such treatment because of the Empress Dowager, her anger flared up. She had conveniently forgotten that she had schemed to replace her older sister, who was originally the candidate representing the kingdom of Sevilz, to come to the Helterde Empire.
“I don’t want to become Empress if it means enduring this humiliation. Even before the contest is over, the Emperor has taken Arabelle on two overnight trips. Even if I become Empress, the Emperor will keep that woman by his side, and I’ll be nothing but an empty shell!”
The Empress Dowager stepped closer to Lilibet, her eyes flashing as she grabbed her niece’s trembling chin firmly.
“You foolish girl.”
The Empress Dowager clicked her tongue, her voice chilling.
“Whether the Emperor has one mistress or a hundred, you must become the Empress. It’s the only way for Sevilz to survive.”
“I’m receiving marriage proposals from the kings and crown princes of powerful kingdoms, even if they’re not as powerful as the Helterde Empire. I’d rather choose one of them!”
Lilibet, fully aware of her beauty and the many suitors she attracted, spoke defiantly, despite her current predicament.
The Empress Dowager’s gaze turned cold, her lips curling into a mocking smile.
“My dear, pretty niece, you’re gravely mistaken. If you don’t become the Empress of Helterde... you’ll have to become the queen of the barbarian kingdom of Ikctnu in the southern continent.”
Lilibet’s blue pupils dilated with fear.
The kingdom of Ikctnu, which was emerging as a new power in the southern continent and threatening Sevilz, was known as the most brutal and primitive race, rumored to eat the flesh of their enemies.
“Do you know why the barbarians, who invaded up to our borders in the last war, spared Sevilz? It was because your father, the king, promised you as the queen. When you were chosen as a candidate for the Empress of Helterde, the king of Ikctnu couldn’t oppose it due to fear of Maxwell. If you don’t become the Empress and return to Sevilz, you’ll be sent to Ikctnu the next day. Didn’t your father tell you that?”
Lilibet’s lips turned pale and trembled. If she didn’t become the Empress of Helterde, she would become the third queen of the king of Ikctnu. The previous two queens had been killed by the king for not bearing a prince.
“As you know, women can’t inherit the throne in Sevilz. That’s why your father, who wasn’t the legitimate heir, ascended the throne instead of me. Even if you return to Sevilz, you’ll become nothing more than the wife of a barbarian king, and you’ll never know when you might die.”
The Empress Dowager spoke quietly to Lilibet, who blinked rapidly, trying to keep her tears at bay.
“So you must become the Empress of Helterde, no matter the cost.”
For the sake of Sevilz, for her own life, and for...
The Empress Dowager thought, looking at Lilibet biting her lower lip.
The king of Sevilz, who had no sons, had promised to make Erik his successor if Lilibet became the Empress. It was a far better bargain than ending up under Maxwell’s control.
The Empress Dowager whispered secretively into Lilibet’s ear, tears threatening to fall.
“Do you know why cherry wood isn’t used for construction? It’s because it burns too easily.”
***
Inis Lake.
“Did you forget my promise to teach you to swim when we returned to the palace?”
Emperor Maxwell, standing on the boat, spread his arms wide, smiling at Arabelle, who was shaking her head.
Moments earlier, after a heated conversation that had left him burning with desire, the Emperor had impulsively jumped into the lake without even properly removing his clothes.
He had been on the verge of losing control, driven wild by the intoxicating breaths and soft moans coming from the woman in his arms, her body softening against him.
When Arabelle, who had always shyly received his kisses, returned them this time, threading her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck, the Emperor quickly pulled away and dived into the lake, staying submerged for a long time.
The warm spring water was soothing, even in the chilly late autumn weather, helping to cool his heated body.
As Arabelle watched, her round eyes reflected the image of the Emperor, who smiled at her as he slowly undressed in the water. He looked like a beautiful merman from mythology, who captivated and enchanted those who beheld him.
The Emperor swam effortlessly through the water, diving, and resurfacing, his body bathed in the white moonlight, creating a dreamlike scene.
As he emerged, pushing the wet hair from his forehead, water droplets cascaded down his smooth jawline and neck muscles.
The red marks she had left on his neck and chest, which he had complained about last time, gleamed under the moonlight, causing Arabelle’s cheeks to blush.
Arabelle gripped the railing, shaking her head again at the Emperor, who stood with open arms. Suddenly, large hands reached out, grabbed her waist, and gently pulled her into the water.
Her eyes widened in shock, and she clung desperately to the Emperor’s neck, her slender arms wrapped tightly around him. The Emperor chuckled softly, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion.
“Do you trust me?”
The Emperor’s thumb gently caressed her closed eyelids, his deep voice resonating in her ear.
Arabelle slowly opened her eyes, meeting the Emperor’s gaze, and nodded.
The Emperor playfully lifted the corners of his mouth and gently untangled her arms from around his neck. Although he still held her waist with one arm, Arabelle's eyes filled with uncertainty as she nervously looked around. The lake beneath her feet seemed infinitely deep, its true depth unfathomable. The Emperor's lips tenderly kissed her flushed cheeks, easing her fears.
Just like a woman enchanted by a merman, Arabelle couldn't take her eyes off the ruby-like, glittering red eyes under the moonlight. Slowly, the arm supporting her waist was released. Surprised, Arabelle flailed her arms and legs, but soon she noticed something was odd and stopped moving. Her body, which should have sunk into the water, remained afloat without any effort. Her wide eyes looked at the Emperor in astonishment.
The Emperor's eyes curved in a smile. “Lake Innis naturally keeps the body afloat, even if you don't know how to swim. Now, try coming closer, just as if you were walking.”
He gestured for Arabelle to come closer. Though hesitant at first, she tentatively moved her legs as if walking, effortlessly gliding towards the Emperor. He looked at her with pride, as if she had accomplished something remarkable. Her skin, reflecting the moonlight, was so clear and radiant that it rekindled the heat within the Emperor, which he had barely cooled down earlier.
“It seems your dress might get in the way if you're going to learn to swim,” he murmured, almost to himself, as he whispered softly into her ear.
With deft fingers, he untied the velvet ribbon under her chest and slowly slid the sleeves down her shoulders. The sensation of his touch in the water was another kind of stimulation. Every time his wet hands met her wet skin, a mix of heat and cold spread through her body. As his large hands traced her slender frame, her breath quickened, mingling with his as he kissed her.
One by one, her dress, stays, and petticoat were removed by the Emperor's hands, floating on the water like large petals. Only in her white chemise slip, Arabelle curled up, embarrassed, into the water. The Emperor, who was behind her undoing her stays, embraced her in a back hug, planting kisses on her delicate neck. His hands, which had been resting on her shoulders and back, slowly moved downward into the water... Arabelle shuddered like a caught white carp, her body trembling violently.
Once again, the moist sounds of the two lovers mingled with the steam, spread into the air.
***
“Arabelle...”
A soft voice woke her from her slumber, as a large hand gently cradled her face. She had fallen asleep in the Emperor's arms after playing in the water with him until late. But now, his face, usually full of healthy color, was pale as a sheet, beads of cold sweat covering it. The vibrant red eyes that had shone like jewels were now dull and unsteady.
His neck and arms were taut, veins bulging visibly, and his jaw clenched so tightly that it looked painful. The Emperor spoke with difficulty through his dried, pale lips.
“You must listen to me carefully. As soon as you leave this tent, ride the black horse and follow the coniferous forest path. The black horse knows the land route to the palace.”
“Your Majesty, what's wrong? You seem very ill...,” Arabelle said, placing her hand over his. Even without asking, she knew instinctively that something was wrong. She had heard that the curse would begin on the night the white moon was eclipsed by the black moon, but there were still three days left until the full moon disappeared.
Steeling her voice, she said, “I will stay. I will stay with Your Majesty.”
The Emperor shook his head and roughly grabbed her wrist. The sudden pain made Arabelle flinch, but he seemed unaware as he furrowed his brows, dragging her out of the tent.
“Please, let me stay with you. Please, allow me to stay by your side,” Arabelle pleaded, trying to hold back tears as she clung to the Emperor's wrist. He led her to the black horse, waiting outside, and lifted her onto the saddle in one swift motion. With a cold, cracked voice, he spoke, barely able to get the words out.
“Promise me you won't look back.”
“Your Majesty...”
“Promise me!”
The Emperor's near-scream echoed around the lake. Then, his voice softened, almost inaudible, as he pleaded, “It's not an order... it's a request...”
Arabelle bowed her head. “I promise...”
“Then I'll see you at the palace in two days,” the Emperor said, barely managing to finish his farewell before slapping the horse's flank. The horse immediately galloped off, not looking back. The Emperor hurried back to the tent but soon collapsed in agony, his body wracked with spasms.
“Ugh...”
He buried his head in his folded arms, emitting groans of pain between his teeth. He must have bitten his inner cheek as he tasted the metallic tang of blood. The curse had started earlier than expected, and the Emperor's body, under the moonless night sky, broke out in dark red blisters that burst and reformed repeatedly.
His body twisted in unbearable pain, and he unconsciously banged his head against the ground. The sharp rocks cutting into his scalp couldn't compete with the agony splitting his mind and the ringing in his ears.
Thud, thud, thud.
He couldn't stop, even as he felt the sticky liquid running down his forehead.
Thud, thud, thud.
...clop...
Thud, thud, thud.
Clop, clop.
The sound of disappearing hoofbeats gradually returned, growing louder. The Emperor's head, which had been hitting the ground, was gently cradled in small hands. A small body, trembling with fear, embraced his shivering form.
“I'm sorry for breaking my promise.”
Despite the deafening ringing in his ears, Arabelle's voice, the one he loved, came through clearly.
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