The Emperor's Unfavored Empress

Chapter 12 Cassiopeia: Death of the Emperor

Chapter 12

It was getting dark when we took the wide road to the grand palace, where the dinner was to be held. We met Natalia's group, who were also entering the castle. I chose to ignore them, but no matter what I did, she kept looking for ways to annoy me.

"Look, here you are too, Princess Cassiopeia," Natalia remarked with a hint of surprise as she gazed in wonder at the sight of me.

"This dinner was for--" I immediately stopped Lin, who was about to answer for me.

"I had almost forgotten you are the wife of the fourth prince, so it is only natural that you would be invited," Natalia said meaningfully with a nod. I saw the mocking smile of her cohorts. "By the way, why did Prince Magnus outcast you? You just got married, but he doesn't seem to want to–” I cut her off.

“Yes, Natalia, we don't get along. Do you have a problem? Why does it seem you are more affected than my husband and I?" I raised one of my eyebrows. Smiles immediately disappeared from Natalia's lips. "If there's nothing else you need to say, please excuse me. I don't want to be late to my own party." I faked a smile and then passed them. "It would be best to keep your thoughts to yourself."

When we entered, Cameron showed me to my seat near the Emperor, where Magnus had been seated. I was surprised to see Natalia pass by me and quickly take a seat right next to the Emperor's side with Magnus in front of her.

"My sincerest apologies, Your Highness," Cameron stammered in a fearful voice. "I will inform Her Highness that the seat has been reserved for you." His words were met with icy glares and critical stares from the other occupants of the table.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I am most grateful for this dinner, as I have just returned." Natalia assumed the dinner was in her honor, as she had just arrived in the kingdom. I noticed the secret smiles exchanged between the Duke and Lysander.

“It's okay, Cameron. I can sit here," I said, pointing to the seat in front of the Duke.

"Natalia," Lysander suddenly said softly and gently, "come, please sit next to me." Natalia looked at him hesitantly, but when she still didn't move, Lysander stood up from his chair, turned around to face her and pulled her by the hand to his side. He smiled reassuringly at her with an encouraging nod.

"Where did you learn medicine, Princess Cassiopeia?" the Empress asked.

"Reading books, Your Imperial Majesty," I said respectfully, adding, "sometimes I watch our physician when he has patients." Worried they may have raised another question, I quickly changed the topic.

"How is your wound, Your Imperial Highness?" I asked the crown prince.

“It is alright, Cassiopeia. Thank you very much for your great and quick help. The chief physician said I could die if I lost a lot of blood, so I am truly grateful to you.”

"It’s nothing, Your Imperial Highness."

After dinner, some performers arrived and played music while the others danced.

I saw Lin and Hera happily eating desserts at the other table while some of the people there were already dancing. I was surprised when Magnus suddenly pulled me into a corner and stared right into my eyes.

"Why did you interfere?" he whispered. I frowned in confusion. "Why did you treat the crown prince?" My eyes widened upon hearing it.

"What do you want? Do you want me to just watch your brother die?!" I exclaimed, holding his hand.

"Stop acting like you're a hero, Cassiopeia. I know what your real plans are." He’s back with his accusations again.

"I don't know much about you, Magnus. I don't understand how your mind runs, but I hope you can clarify things to me," I said in a low tone, "Okay, explain why I shouldn't have saved the crown prince?" I'm defiant. Before he could even answer my question, all the lights suddenly went out and darkness enveloped the entire hall.

A blood-curdling scream from a distance was followed by another scream. He looked around, trying to figure out what happened, but the light never came back on."Damn! Somebody light the torches!" he screamed, banging his fist on the wall. I let out a scream and started to panic, bumping into anything that got in my way. I wanted to get out of there so badly. He grabbed me from behind and held me firmly against him, trying to keep me from running away too much."Calm down," he said softly into my ear, sending shivers up and down my spine as I tried not to panic more than I already was.

His voice sent me waves of comfort, making it harder to resist. I felt his breath on my neck as he held me tighter, and I closed my eyes with a sigh while my hands started to tremble. “Leave the hall this instant. Turn to your right and follow the red carpet out. Run as fast as you can," he said quietly. Fear started to run through my entire system. As I was about to head out, I saw a man draw his sword and kill one of the guards.

“Magus!” I screamed in fear.

A few minutes later, the light came back, but Magnus was no longer by my side. We all turned around when someone suddenly screamed. Natalia fell to the floor while looking at the Emperor lying lifeless, bathed in his own blood.

“What happened?” I asked. Natalia didn't answer but pointed with her hand at the floor. There was a pool of blood next to the throne, and in it lay an unknown object. Everyone went over to get a closer look; that's when we all realized what it was – an imperial dagger, which had been hidden in the folds of the Emperor's robes!

“Your Majesty!” The horrid cry of the Empress and her wailing echoed throughout the room. "Catch the murderer!" the Empress screamed, then hurriedly grabbed the lifeless Emperor. I was frozen in place, my brain still processing what I saw. The Emperor was killed in the presence of all of us.