Chapter 9- Why I chose him?

In a certain place, there were dark clouds surrounded an unknown figure hidden from the view, seething silently, throwing daggers of glare to the Duke.

"How dare you touch what is mine?" A fuming voice full of contempt said, glaring at the shameless Duke who touched the Empress slyly. The person was hidden on the pillar beside the curtain. It was about to go, but the somber facial expression of the Duke was turned into delight as he touched his lips as if savoring the stolen moment he had with the Empress.

The dark figure's patience snapped and in a blink of an eye, it pinned the neck of the Duke on the wall using its strength.

"How dare you, lowly human! How despicable! I will punish you for your arrogance. You dared touched and sullied with your dirty hand the body of a god!" tightening the hold on his the neck, Duke Lucas was gasping for air. His face was slowly turned ashen, eyes bulging and lips turning purple.

"H-Help!" he uttered in a small voice struggling to take off the strong grip from a dark figure in front of him. He keeps fighting but his struggle seemed to be in vain.

"I will not kill you yet. But listen very carefully lowly human, no one is allowed to touch her but me. Stay away from the goddess. Stay away with your worthless life. I will not be forgiving next time." and in a blink, the gust of cold wind passed by together with the dark cloud slowly dissipating the figure instantly dropping the Duke from its grip.

Duke Lucas collapsed, gasping for air. He soon forgot just what happened, but the mark on his neck was not fading. A dark hand imprinted deeply. Soon, a rumor erupted that the Duke was being punished by a god.

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I did not go back to my office. I called Sarah instead and give her instructions to transfer the remaining works to my room and I immediately left the vicinity as soon as possible. Though I was very angry I tried not to show it to my subordinates. I feel conflicted with his actions at the same time. My face felt flustered as I recall how his tongue explored my mouth and it made me feel bothered, more closely, feeling disgusted as it also reminded me of my dream, of how pleased I am as to how that person touched me and caressed me all over. The thought was unsettling and somehow, I hate the idea that others touched me aside from the person of my dream.

I tried to calm my nerves once I arrived. I never expected him to do something as bold as that. Though I pity him, what he did was an absolute no. Since we were young, I just think of him as an older brother. He was the first person to show me affection, but I don't feel particularly romantic to him unlike Van, the current Emperor, and my husband.

I can't really say that I love him, but he fits as an Emperor of the Empire. I choose him for his qualifications. He is the strongest man in terms of military aspects. He also excels in politics, and he has lots of supporters. I married him because he has strong support in the Empire and our children will lead the future for our people. In short, I consider him the best partner I could have.

I grew up with both of them, and I was told by the elders that I have to weigh down properly my options as I will become the Empress. The Elders' first choice was Lucas of the Dukedom as he showed great potential to be my partner that is why he became my first companion. We studied together and do things together, but a few years later, a new companion was introduced to me in the person of Van.

Van became a strong competitor as my consort, but the three of us developed a strong relationship called friendship. In the end, when I was told to choose, Lucas gave up willingly, thus Van became the Emperor.

"My Majesty, are you okay?" Sarah asked full of concern. Maybe she noticed that I keep sighing and my quill did not move an inch as time passed by. "Are you feeling tired?"

"Yes. I think I have to rest." I said as I glance at my work. I decided to give it up since I am no longer in my mood to work properly.

As I was about to stand up, a messenger came in a hurry.

"My Majesty, My Majesty!" the messenger called while catching his breath. He bowed in front of me while he extended the letter with his hands. Sarah immediately grabbed it and check the envelope making sure that no harm is inside. Feeling satisfied that it will not harm me, she opened it using the paper cutter, took the paper without glancing the content, and give it to me.

I read the letter with my eyes and gasped at the content.

"What is it My Majesty?" Sarah asked as she saw my expression. I took a breath and look at her with a delighted face.

"We have to prepare for the victory party. The Emperor will be back soon. We won the war, Sarah." I happily announce. At last! The 5-year war has finally ended!