3
Faking one’s death to escape a miserable life was a classic trope in the novels we both loved. We were well–versed in the concept. After confirming she was serious about leaving, I laid out my entire plan.
I would “die” first, and she would follow a few days later to avoid suspicion. I told her to go to the Azure Cloud Temple to pray for
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me three days after my disappearance. I reminded her to convert her jewelry into cash and gold for easier transport, suggesting
hiding places for when she left the palace. I even told her to bring something to prove her identity…
She was giddy with excitement, talking about how she’d always wanted to see the world outside the palace. She’d heard the border
towns had spring–like weather all year round and were far from the capital…
We chatted excitedly for hours.
It wasn’t until a eunuch came to summon her for dinner with the Emperor that we realized the entire day had passed. I said a hasty goodbye and rushed out of the palace just before the gates closed.
I was surprised to see the General’s carriage still waiting. I assumed the driver had dropped Marcus off and come back for me.
But when I pulled back the curtain, I found Marcus sitting inside.
He had been resting with his eyes closed, but the sound of my arrival made him open
them.
The first thing he did was frown.
th
I had run all the way from the inner palace, and the cold wind had whipped my face raw. A thin layer of sweat had broken out on my forehead, leaving my cheeks flushed and hot. I figured my disheveled appearance must be an embarrassment to him, hence the displeasure.
“It’s been a while since I saw the Empress, so we talked for a bit longer than expected. I almost missed the gate closing,” I explain- ed, sitting down and trying to smooth my windblown hair.
“Mm,” he grunted, adding more charcoal to the brazier.
After a moment of silence, he spoke again. “What did you and the Empress talk about? Did she ask you anything in particular?”
The Empress asked me if Marcus’s impotence meant he couldn’t get it up at all, or if he was just a three–second man.
I obviously couldn’t tell him the truth.
“Nothing much,” I said vaguely. “She was just concerned about my health and had the royal kitchen make me some of my favorite foods.”
“She thinks I’ve been mistreating you?” His gaze fell on my noticeably thinner face. Before I could answer, he added, “You were sick for a month. It’s no wonder she’s worried.”
I nodded.
Then his tone turned cold again. “You have only yourself to blame.”
“What kind of wife goes to the palace every three days, more faithfully than a pilgrim visiting a shrine? The only reason you stopped was because you fell ill last month.”
My best friend was a lovable idiot. If I didn’t check on her frequently, what if she got bullied?
But faced with his criticism, I just lowered my head meekly. “Yes, you’re right, I was wrong. I won’t do it again.”
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My submissive attitude clearly surprised him. Even with my head down, I could feel his intense gaze on me. After all, on our weddi- ng night, his first words to me had been, “Now that you’ve left the palace, you should cut ties with the one in it.”
Before our marriage, there had been a series of “accidents” in the palace during the selection of new concubines. One beauty dro- wned in a lake shortly after being favored by the Emperor. Another, praised for her singing, was poisoned and lost her voice…
The frequent mishaps involving the Emperor’s new favorites had all benefited Selena. I knew Marcus suspected that she and I were behind it all.
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He wouldn’t listen to my explanations. So I, in turn, refused to listen to his commands. I continued my frequent palace visits, right
up until I fell ill.
Perhaps my newfound obedience pleased him, or maybe he was just in a good mood today. He actually took my hand, which had
been resting on my lap, and held it in his.
His large hand was warm, and his usually cold voice now had a touch of gentleness.
“Good. As long as you understand.”
“The winter is harsh. For the sake of your health, you should stay away from the palace for the next few months.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
It won’t just be the next few months, I thought. It’ll be the next few decades.
