Lady to Queen

"Since you came out like this, it must be true."     

"Yes."     

He did not deny it. What was so good about his actions that he could be so confident. Of course, the choosing of the Empress was not his decision alone, and it wasn't so strange to have someone else to love besides the Empress.     

In a certain light, this man was also pitiful? Because of his status as Emperor, he could not become a formal married couple with his loved one. Of course, from the Empress's point of view, there was no waste like him.     

"Then the reason you came to me was to say something like, don't treat the woman in a free manner?"     

"Correct. You're pretty smart."     

This was the first time a compliment felt so unpleasant. Patrizia realized for the first time in her life that a compliment could be a stronger weapon than a curse.     

"The Emperor's love and favor, I don't expect any of this. There will be no reason to do anything to the mistress as long as there aren't any special circumstances."     

"That is good."     

"If so..."     

Patrizia decided to make a deal.     

"What will Your Majesty do for me?"     

"...What?"     

His face was slightly crinkled from the unexpected question. However, Patrizia did not show any change in her expression and calmly added, "If there is something that goes, then there must be something that comes. I gave up two important things as an Empress. Your Majesty's intimate favor and retribution towards the mistress. Since I've solved two of your problems, your Majesty should give me similar conditions that are reasonable."     

"Are you trying to make a deal with me now?"     

"Your Majesty, will not be dealt a losing hand. It is not something unreasonable to ask."     

"..."     

Lucio stared at Patrizia speaking so steadily and then opened his mouth.     

"Okay. Say it first."     

"There are two things. The first, the next Emperor, will be my child."     

"...The second?"     

"The second is ... don't make a child with that person who is the mistress."     

Patrizia did not wish for anything. The best revenge she wanted was to see the Emperor die and she would become the Queen Dowager, and watch her grown son becoming Emperor. At any rate, the mistress was a position that was only treated well while the Emperor stayed alive. So it was not difficult to do anything she wanted after the Emperor had passed on.     

And asking him not to make a child with Rosemond... was Patrizia's last pride. And, above all, it was about her own safety. If Rosemond gave birth to a prince before Patrizia, she might have a lot of trouble that threatened her well-being.     

In the worst case, her child could possibly inherit the throne. It was something that never, never, ever could come to be.     

"Will you be able to protect me?"     

"Ha, all right."     

He laughed piteously, then took off from the seat he had occupied. Patrizia rose up slowly from her spot. There was no emotion in her face, while there was a bit of anger on Lucio's face.     

He walked as quickly and left the room without telling her he would be leaving. Patrizia then sighed and collapsed into her seat.     

At least for now, this was enough.     

Patrizia woke up alone in bed the next day and sent Rafaella a letter asking if she could become her bodyguard. The truth was, she was the only person she could trust right now. Even more so, her life was at stake, and it was dangerous to have anyone be her knight.     

Rafaella easily accepted the offer. Of course, she would have to return to her home to fulfill her duties when the Marquis of Bringston passed away, but since he wasn't too far in his years, at least until she gave birth to the future heir he would stay alive.     

Rafaella made the decision and entered the palace the very next day.     

She was invariably beautiful in her armor instead of the dresses she usually wore. Rafaella, who now looked upon her friend as Queen Patrizia rather than Lady Patrizia as she became aware of the situation, and greeted her with the manners of a knight.     

"Your Majesty's servant, Rafaella Bringston, greets you."     

"Sir Rafaella, please rise."     

It was still awkward to speak this way to a friend, but now there was no choice.     

This was the Imperial Palace, and there were too many constraints to do as one pleased. However, Patrizia tried to reduce the distance as much as possible, helping Rafaella get up. Rafaella smiled and told Patrizia, "After you became Empress, you became more beautiful."     

"What are you saying. It's embarrassing to hear. First, sit down."     

When Mirya gave the two women their tea and left the room, Rafaella relaxed her words. She looked as if she had been waiting, and made a face as if she finally felt alive.     

"Ah, it's awkward. I don't know when this will begin to work."     

"Of course it's awkward because it's the first time. Don't you think we will get used to it in time? But when we are alone, please treat me the same. I'll forget how to say informally at this rate."     

"Don't kill me later because I'm not being polite. The first night ... Did you do well?"     

To Rafaella, who immediately moved on to the secret conversation, Patrizia merely stirred her head. That first night together, they had just talked with hostile looks, and it was over. At Patrizia's words, Rafaella looked in disbelief.     

"But... why? No way, was that really true?"     

"Yep."     

It was Rafaella who felt her insides burning from anger at the calm reply. How could this situation be so peaceful?! Rafaella said to Patrizia with a look that was taken aback.     

"Lizzy, no Your Majesty. This is a serious problem. You know how minimal the Empress' position will be without sexual favor."     

"I know. But this is something I can't do within my power, Ella. You know too. No matter how much I try to gain His Majesty's heart, his heart will not change. I'd rather plan for the distant future."     

"That's an answer typical of you. But Lizzy ... I don't think things are going to go exactly as you want."     

"What do you mean?"     

"If I were His Majesty's mistress, I would drag you down."