This is a piece of jewelry passed down from generation to generation in the lineage of royal women, something even I have heard many times.
"That's right. Receiving this jewelry also means being acknowledged by the Queen," Mercedes explained.
“I see…”
I will face Queen Cornelia directly. Thinking about how she ceded the Green Jade palace to me, among other things, I felt a deep, vague sense of resentment from her.
And now I have to drink tea together to receive that recognition. Is it possible? I still don't know if the tea will go into my nose or mouth.
But I have a reason to meet the Queen. If I want to escape the current situation, I must do everything possible.
“Your Majesty, before lunch you must finish your makeup…”
The maids glanced at me with a confused expression. The reason was all because of Cesar, who clung to me like a kitten clinging to its mother, refusing to let go.
Then how can I change my clothes?
“Is Cesar not coming along?”
Mercedes silently shook her head.
“Queen…”
She coughed slightly, then continued:
“You don't want to meet the eldest Prince.”
A shiver came over me. Which means I'll have to meet the Queen alone. Even though Cesar came along, I was still nervous not knowing what would happen.
Maybe this is even better. My heart felt like it was about to explode, but I tried to hide it.
“Cornelia, I don't want to.”
Cesar said something bold. Even the maids couldn't hide their surprise.
“Th- really?”
"YES."
But this meeting is inevitable. And now is the time to prepare carefully.
“Cesar.”
I called his name gently, trying to pull him out. But he leaned over and hid his head on my shoulder.
“Seriously…”
Mercedes covered her mouth and smiled happily. It's not... it's not what you're thinking.
“It's probably because there are so many people around.”
I quickly explained. Maybe Cesar is shy in front of strangers. Or maybe the effects of the blood given to him yesterday were slowly fading.
Whatever the cause, what is certain is that I need some alone time with him.
“Can we talk privately for a moment?”
I requested, and Mercedes and all the servants withdrew from the bedroom. I emphasize that no matter what happens, you are not allowed to enter. They closed the heavy wooden door. There's no time to hesitate.
“Cesar.”
I grabbed his shoulder and shook him gently, causing him to look up in surprise. A breath of menacing air passed through me, causing me to take a deep breath.
When he opened his mouth, sharp fangs emerged. Under light, it becomes clearer. Lurking among the tangled hair, razor-sharp fangs emitted cold light.
“Ah…”
His breath was hot. No wonder, because he just jumped in, putting all his weight on me.
The hairs on his body stood up, like every time before facing his wild instincts. Looking into those shining eyes, I felt like I was being crushed.
The sound of him snorting and smelling me rang out. Started at my waist, then slowly worked my way up, stopping at the nape of my neck.
“Not here!”
I'm about to meet the Queen, I can't leave any traces right here. But despite my warnings, he still slowly licked the back of my neck, rhythmically and clearly.
I had to cover my neck with my hand.
This time, his tongue touched the collarbone.
“That's not possible either.”
He seemed to understand, gradually lowering his tongue, forcing me to turn away.
When will I not have to bargain like that with you? This relationship was distorted from the beginning. I raised my hand to his lips.
The wound on his lip yesterday had not healed, the smell of blood was still strong. Sure enough, he took a deep breath.
The bite wound had not yet healed and was torn open, my waist jerked in pain.
“Ugh…”
I closed my eyes tightly, telling myself that this pain was nothing. The surrounding was quiet, I opened my eyes slightly.
He stared at me, his red eyes burning, probing every inch of my skin. My heart dropped.
Have I chosen right? Or are you doing something wrong?
Not caring anymore, he pressed his face into my hand again, leaving clear teeth marks.
Finally, I had to beg and plead:
“Let's stop now, okay?”
After much begging, he finally stopped.
Pulling the rope, the maids stepped back and entered.
Cesar was still clinging to me, but now it was time to get out. I started persuading:
"I have to change. Quick."
"YES."
He sighed and let go of my hand. A maid placed the curtain and prepared the clothes.
“Let's make it as simple as possible.”
She chose the dress with the least decoration. I want to be discreet, not stand out.
Makeup and accessories are simple. If I take too long, Cesar will look annoyed.
The remaining problem is the hand injury. Wearing a dress covers it up a bit, but the bite just now tore my hand.
This is public, but cannot be seen by others. If the Queen notices, trouble will arise.
Through the mirror, I looked at the maid, she didn't seem to notice the wound.
I glanced down at my hand, the wound was horrible. There was no longer the appearance of the hand of a royal concubine, or an ordinary woman.
“Prepare my gloves.”
“Do you need me to help you put it on?”
“No, just give me the gloves.”
I have to hide it from other people's eyes. Especially the Queen.
Short, light-colored lace gloves that cover wounds. Be careful never to remove it in public.
“Cesar, I'll just go for a moment.”
"Are not."
As expected, he clung to me.
“It can't be helped.”
"…Are not."
Could it be that there is anemia?
“You are causing difficulties for Your Majesty.”
Mercedes gently reminded him. But Cesar… oh, it's hard to understand.
“Until then I will be by your side.”
“Yeah…”
He frowned, unhappy without me by his side.
“Let's go back quickly.”
I said it over and over again, then left the Green Jade palace and headed to the Queen's palace.
The sun burns overhead. My breathing was rapid, sweat poured down like rain.
The palace is too far away, Green Jade is in the farthest corner of this large Royal Palace area.
My legs are tired and sore, I have to drag each step. The servants followed behind, no one even looking at me.
“Phew…”
Choosing a simple dress is the right decision. Spring has just begun, but the air is uncomfortably hot.
I arrived at the Queen's palace when the sun was already high.
This is where the most powerful women in the Imperial Palace can reside. Right from the gate, it is different from other palaces, luxurious and brilliant.
White and yellow stone works combined exquisitely. The crystal glass panes reflect sunlight, creating a halo of pure white light, gorgeous, almost divine.
"Your Majesty's Royal Highness has arrived."
The servant announced, and I saw Queen Cornelia reclining on her throne, looking leisurely.
Her bright red hair is tied into a bun, her bright red dress matches her hair. On his head, a crown of rubies and pearls, and a hairnet of golden strands.
The necklace bears the shape of a cross, decorated with a string of white roses, a symbol reserved only for the Queen.
I put pressure on my knees, trying to walk straight without limping. But it wasn't easy at all, soft laughter rang out among her maids.