The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 195

Lucius the First’s eyes teared up as he looked at Poliana. When the tears began to roll down on his cheeks, Poliana waved her hands in shock before moaning in pain. Her own eyes began to well up at her emperor’s thoughtfulness. He had to be the kindest ruler in history.

Lucius the First begged her, “Please… Please… Don’t ever do something like that again. Don’t make me lose you like that. You are the one I l…”

Suddenly, the carriage stopped. Poliana almost fell to the floor but the emperor held onto her tightly. The door opened without a warning and Sir Ainno announced loudly, “Your highness, there have been urgent news from Yapa. Duke Luzo was the one who received it on your behalf, and he brought it here for you.”

For Duke Luzo to bring the message himself so hurriedly meant that the letter must’ve included very serious news. Lucius the First’s face crumpled with concern. He took the message from Sir Ainno’s hand and when he read it, Lucius the First’s face turned even darker. Poliana asked nervously, “Your highness, what is the matter? Did something happen in Yapa?”

“You needn’t worry, Sir Pol, just rest.”

“But your highness… What happened? Why are you so angry? If I can help you fix the problem, I will. Please let me know.”

“Sir Pol, I…”

Lucius the First gritted his teeth. He wanted to say the words. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but he knew that he probably would never get the chance. The emperor just looked at Poliana sadly and continued, “The best thing you can do for me is to live.”

Lucius the First got out of the carriage and closed the door behind him. Poliana could hear the noises outside, so Poliana slowly got herself up and left the carriage as well. Sir Ainno was gathering some of his guards while the emperor was ordering Duke Luzo. Lucius the First said to his cousin, “You will have to take care of the National Day celebration for me, Duke Luzo. I am sure you will do a good job of it.”

“Of course, your highness. You can trust me.”

Poliana called out, “Your highness!” The emperor turned to her and gave her orders as well.

“Marquess Winter, you will remain in Nanaba until your injury heals completely. You will still be responsible for the protection of the ladies just as you have been in Yapa. If you return to the capital before your injury heals, I will take that as disobeying my direct order. You will be punished.”

The emperor took Sir Ainno and some of the guards and left quickly on his horse. They disappeared within seconds and the silence that they left behind felt eerie.

Poliana had a bad feeling about this.

‘What is happening?’

She was so frustrated that she wanted to swear, but she was in the presence of the Duke, so Poliana refrained herself. She ordered a nearby servant, “Grab me my horse immediately!”

“Are you going to disobey his highness’s order?”

Duke Luzo, who has been watching quietly, called out to her, “Marquess Winter.”

His eyes looked calm as he said to her, “Let’s just get to the Nanaba castle first.”

Poliana’s thoughts raced as she tried to read the duke’s expression. The kingdom was at peace, and there was nothing she could think of that could disturb it at the moment. An urgent message from Yapa… It could only be one thing. She asked Duke Luzo, “Is Lady Rebecca in danger?”

There were only a few possible reasons why Lucius the First would leave in such a hurry. Either the southern regions began a rebellion, or his pregnant wife wasn’t doing well. Duke Luzo didn’t answer immediately, but his silence was enough. Poliana tried to get onto her horse to go after the emperor, but the other knights grabbed and stopped her. Poliana was feeling too weak so she had no choice but to stay. Duke Luzo said to her, “Marquess, are you really going to disobey the emperor’s direct order? His highness will arrive at Yapa shortly, so you needn’t worry about anything. There is no need for you to go there.”

Lady Tory and Lady Stra, who got off their carriage, were trembling anxiously. They could tell something was wrong. No one so far confirmed that something had happened to Lady Rebecca, but everyone could tell that things weren’t okay.

Lady Stra, who was still shocked by what just happened, couldn’t take the stress anymore. She began to sob again, and Lady Tory hugged her tightly. It wasn’t that Tory was calm, but she knew how to control her emotions better.

Only

Poliana watched the two ladies for a short while before giving up trying to get on her horse. She desperately wanted to follow her emperor, but she knew that she would only be a burden to him at this point with her injury. Besides, she had a job to do here; she was still responsible for the safety of these two ladies.

Lady Tory asked the duke, “Duke Luzo, what happened?” Duke Luzo tried to remain silent, but the stares from Lady Tory, Lady Stra, and Poliana, were so intense that he had no choice but to answer her.

“Apparently, Lady Rebecca lost her consciousness. The letter said it happened a few times since the emperor left Yapa, but this time, she hasn’t woken up for the last two days. The doctors didn’t say that she was in a critical condition, and since his highness will be with her very soon, I am sure everything will be okay. With her husband by her side, I am sure Lady Rebecca will feel much better.”

Stra’s cry became louder while Poliana’s frown deepened. Lady Tory took a deep breath and bit her lips before replying, “I am sure you are right, Duke Luzo. In addition, Duchess Nani is with her daughter, so I am sure everything will be okay.”

“That’s right, Lady Tory, you are so wise. So, Lady Stra and Marquess Winter, you don’t need to worry.”

Indeed, there was a very good chance that Lady Rebecca was going to be okay. Lady Rebecca was fragile but not seriously ill. Lady Tory kept murmuring, “Everything is going to be alright.” Poliana remained quiet but tried to think positively as well. Both Vaxi and Vanessa had their babies safely. The majority of her guards’ wives also had their babies without too many incidents. Duchess Luzo also had a healthy boy less than a year ago.

Many women delivered their babies safely, so it had to be the case for Lady Rebecca as well. Lady Rebecca had to be alright; she just had to be.