Chapter 31 Grandma Chi-Chi's secrets
Amarien's POV
I knelt before the Emperor’s bedside, Malrick mounted behind me like a giant polar bear watching its prey. My eyes were fixed on the emperor intently, and his on mine.
“My little trinklet,” he murmured. “Sorry you have to see me like this, so weak.” He stirred, eyes weary.
I shook my head. “You’re precious to me, Your Majesty. It pains me not to serve you.” I bowed.
“Doctors say the red moon poison’s done too much. If I don’t rest now, I’m dead,” he chuckled, almost eager. “Hold on, Amarien. I’ll return...and touch you, just the way I want.”
I winced a bit, but I had to bring myself back to play my role. After all, I am here on a mission. I held his palm in mine. “I know you're recovering faster and stronger than ever before, your majesty.”
He smiled at me with contentment. “You're still as beautiful as the first day. You're older now, but I still desire you.”
“I'll never be too old for you, your majesty.” I forced a smile back.
“Amarien…” he ran his hands down my chin. “You have a unique scent. You're not cursed concubine,” the Emperor said as his eyes stirred to sleep.
Tears blurred my eyes. What does he mean by 'I have a unique scent'? Daevir is usually the one obsessed with scents.
No wait…I'm clearly distracted. I need to ask him what I came here for.
“Your majesty…” I shook him back to the room.
“Yes, Amarien.” His eyes widened again.
“I need a favour. My grandmother is one of the best Apothecaries in the land. She has written books and remedies on every possible illness in the world. I think I might find a quick remedy to help you get back on your feet. But I need to get to her quarters to find it. It will be my pleasure if you grant me your permission.” I lowered my head in a bow.
“Oh, Amarien…how thoughtful of you to worry about your sickly emperor.”
I smiled.
“Yes, I'll give you anything you want. Anything. Go your way, take Malrick with you if you want…”
“I won't be needing Malrick…” I interjected.
I could feel Malrick's presence looming over me.
“Fine then. Take whatever you need.” He held my palm close to his chest. “But you must never attempt to run away. Come back to me in time, Amarien.”
I wanted to snatch my hand from this chest, but I winced and endured.
“Yes, your majesty.”
“I can't believe he just let you out like that!” Corvin screeched in unbelief as I packed my bag.
Now that I'm the new Emperor’s favourite, Corvin has been very careful in his strict discipline and communication with me.
All I need is to whisper in the Emperor’s ear, and he would be beaten with a thousand wooden shoes. It's felt strange to have that power, considering the cost that comes with it. So I don't intend to give you those powers.
In fact, Corvin and I have never been more mutual during this period. It feels good not to have that lingering threat of death and assault on my head. But I don't intend to take these moments for granted. I must find a cure for Daevir or nothing else.
I've kept watching for him these days. I've asked every palace guard, every place staff member where he is, but they all kept up the same words.
He is still in battle against Alpha Theron’s ailles.
Every night I cry on my pillow, hoping he is alright. My dreams are filled with him.
How he touches me and sometimes how he goes beyond that.
Last night, the dreams were particularly damning.
Daevir and I were naked in a river. He kissed me tenderly and ran his finger in between my legs, poking in and out of that pleasurable soft wetness. His body was strong, slimy, and wet. I couldn't hold him tight to myself, but the things he did to me drove me crazy. I kissed him back, yet it felt like he was strangely fading away. I held him, and suddenly he slipped from my grasp and disappeared into the water.
I woke up with that aching between my legs. I wanted him. Oh, I did.
Maybe he was right. Maybe we were not meant to be friends. Maybe we were meant to be so much more.
But how could we be when I'm his father's wife?
I can't want my son-in-law.
It's forbidden!
“Hurry up now, so you can be back before the next imperial banquet.” Corvin broke my thoughts.
“There's another imperial banquet?”
Corvin nodded. “I heard this one will be a show stopper. The emperor will be making an important announcement that will change the trajectory of the kingdom.”
“And Prince Daevir? Will he be there?” I couldn't help myself. I need to know if I'd see him again.
“Of course, he will, Amarien. What silly question is that?! He is the heir to the throne!”
I gasp in satisfaction. That's it. I'll see Daevir again.
I would return home with a remedy, and we'll be back together again. He would never be afraid to touch me afterwards.
I tucked my backpack behind me and walked through the quiet bamboo forest. Corvin had picked out a peasant dress for me so no one would know who I was or what I represented.
Despite Corvin's pleadings, I maintained that I need no security.
This journey was mine to take alone.
As I got closer and closer to the village, my heart ached for the memories I had formed here. The painful ones, that is.
Despite walking among those whom I had bullied and spat at in the past, none of them recognised me. They all thought Amarien was gone and given for good.
Life went on as usual in the village, though. Everyone minded their business, and a few people had time to stare at the ‘stranger’ in their midst. This was good for me as I could easily walk up to Grandma Chi-Chi's house up on the hill.
When I got to Grandma Chi-Chi's house, I was exhausted. So I quickly stepped in to make myself a cup of tea.
Everything was just as I remembered it. Except now there was dust and cobwebs everywhere. I wish I could stay back and live here again, all by myself. No palace drama. Just me and Daevir in this little bamboo hut home.
I sighed and searched the counter for Grandma ChiChi’s jasmine tea. It was my favourite. As I searched through Chichi’s cupboard, I noticed a frame tucked in and pulled it out.
It was a pencil drawing of Grandma Chichi when she was young, and a man beside her. He was muscular with long, fine hair, and he looked at her with passion.
I have seen paintings of Grandma Chichi in her youth, but I've never seen this one. Was she hiding this from me? And who is this man?
Thankfully, there was a writing beneath the painting. It was an ancient writing not discernible to the masses. But thankfully, Grandma ChiChi had taught me to read it.
It read:
“Portrait painting of ChiChi and Alpha Logan.”
Alpha Logan? What's Chichi doing with a werewolf?
My eyes lowered to the final words at the end of the frame, and my jaw dropped.
“...on their wedding day.”