What am i fighting for?

Katherine pov cont'd

Never in my dreams had I thought that I would be called as the one who wanted fame or instant fame or that I did not want to do any hard work!

"Did you not say that I would make good relationships with noble ladies so that the power of empress would heighten? And who would be more powerful than the archduchess. If we could get fame with the permission for women to work, then it is a wonderful investment.

It will develop the empire and the respect of your name too.`` I replied while three deep lines formed on his forehead.

"I still did not think that women should be allowed to work. It will destroy the balance the empire had now!" he shook his head as he took a sip of his drink.

I could see the smirk and mirth in the eyes of Rosamund.

"Is it really about the old rules or is it about the man's ego that could not let a woman work!" I could not help but ask. He was talking like a narcissist who could not see above him.

"What do you mean? Did you forget that I am your husband or did you forget that this is not your empire but the Forchestire empire?" Although he was still speaking in a calm manner and there was a smile on his face, his words were cold, pouring ice on my face.

I laughed sarcastically at his choice of words!

"So, you mean to say that even after being the empress, this empire is not mine. If anyone else would have said that, I would have laughed at that person. But if my husband is telling me these words. I am nothing but speechless." though i did not want to sound sarcastic. He had crossed the limit of my understanding. I wonder where did the Charles, whom I had met for the first time, left and who was this person who passed only comments or gave absurd ideas to my mind.

"This is enough, I mean this is not the Wunsunstan empire. If you think of this empire as yours then I am happy for you and hope you would accept it further and treat it like your own home." he held a hair and tucked it behind my ear. He was looking at me gently as if we did not have a firing conversation.

I smiled back, matching his fakery that I did not care and did not mind the discussion at all.

"I will try my best, your majesty.'' I took the last bite of the steak in my mouth. Despite knowing that the steak was cooked by the best chef of the empire, it felt rather bland to me. I could not feel any taste in my mouth.

"I am done, your majesty. I will take my leave now." I bowed a little as I stood up and he nodded his head. Not even once, even for fakery did he ask me to stop.

I knew that the marriage was a political alliance, but it did not change the fact that we were married now.

"Of course, you must be tired after the party for today. You shall take a good rest and sleep early." I nodded with the same smile and walked back to my chamber.

The maid who had stopped me, looked at me with apologetic eyes. I shook my head at my foolishness. I was the one who was curious and I was the one who wanted to buy in. thinking that he would feel embarrassed that he forgot about the promise of dinner he had made. How wrong I was!

"Shall i bring a strong tea, your majesty? You would feel better by drinking it.`` I shook my head at his suggestion. I was fine. I did not do anything to make me feel better.

If I want to stand strong, I have to improve. And that was the only goal for now.

"No, I want you to bring me the books about the history of the empire for the library." I replied as I sat down on my office's leather chair.

There were parchments about the new policies of the palace. I could not compare if the new policies were better if I did not have the data of the old policies. When asked, they told me that the data had been personally kept by the queen of the empire as she was the one who planned it. I could not believe that the policy details could be kept personally too.

There was no way she always had an upper hand without any support. The staff of the palace must have an alliance with her. That was why even after trying so hard, I did not get any success! I looked at Beth with doubt filled eyes. She was too busy to notice the change in me. But how was it possible that Rosamund knew everything I was doing!

"I think you should rest for now, your majesty. You can always study tomorrow." my eyes narrowed at her reply. Was she thinking of my welfare or was she trying to create hurdles in my growth in the name of my care!

"I never knew that you have the right to speak against my decisions!" My cold and curt reply stunned her.

She bowed immediately, as her face filled with regret

"I apologise, your majesty. I have been too insolent lately. I would go and bring all the books you need.`` She bowed her head and left while I just stood there contemplating.

Why did it feel like I have been crazier these days? I have started doubting the intentions of everyone around me. Why? Was it even worth it? It was not like they had the power to remove me from my throne or the position I had then, what was I even fighting for?!