Letter

I was sweating profusely at this point as I saw the timer count down, the numbers looking as if they were taunting me.

How am I going to do this? How am I going to ask? I can't just expect him to accept my request. This was so awkward...

"Is something wrong, Lillian?" Bradley asked and I looked up into his breathtakingly beautiful eyes as I swallowed down my nerves and decided to ask.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked, my voice hardly above a whisper as I spoke up.

There was a moment of silence and my face burned as I felt mortified by what I asked but it wasn't until a moment after when Bradley finally gave his response.

"I-If you wish too..." He averted his eyes, a red blush painting his tanned cheeks and I almost felt my heart jump out of my body, struck by how adorable he was.

"This is my first kiss," I mentioned with a nervous look and Bradley decided to take over, cupping my face with his larger hands before leaning down to brush his lips against mine.

His lips were soft and my eyes closed as I savoured the heart fluttering moment between us. It didn't last long though as he moved back but I was still in a daze, my fingers grazing my lips as I recalled what had just happened.

"I hope I did well for your first kiss." He muttered but it was loud enough for me to hear.

I didn't know how to respond, too flustered to speak so I instead moved forward and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest to cover my blushing face. Bradley blinked down at me before a warm smile painted his lips and he returned the hug, lowering his head to plant a kiss on the top of my head.

MISSION COMPLETE

REWARD - BRADLEY LOVE POINTS +10

The mission screen disappeared, leaving the two of us to our romantic moment.

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Being an empress was a tiring job.

I had so much paperwork to complete in a day before I could rest and when the next day came, a new pile of paperwork magically appeared. It was ridiculous!

I was hoping I would just live rich and have fun, not deal with paperwork like in my past life. The only difference between this life and my last one is that I'm rich and people are trying to kill me! Not relaxing as I thought it would be.

"Finally, I'm done!" I celebrated as I leaned back in my chair, content that I was now work free.

Now, I could finally relax. Maybe have a hot bath with an exquisite drink or read a book to ease my mind.

There were so many things I could do now-

"Your majesty, a letter from Sir William has arrived!" Heather walked into the room in excitement while I huffed, wishing she would have an hour or two later so I could have at least had some time to myself.

"Pass it here," I said as I stretched my arm out, offering a hand and she placed it on there before she moved back, her hands held together in front of her as she waited for me to read it.

To the Empress,

I am sending you this letter without my father's knowledge to inform you about the kingdom who is aiming to assassinate you. It is the kingdom in which you would head northwest, Astar. The king wishes to behead you to allow his kingdom and yours to become one so he can rule over more land.

I hope I am able to see you once again, your majesty. My heart aches for your presence and I wish we can go through this marriage so I am able to be by your side once again.

From, Sir William.

William's heartfelt words made me smile but they also gave me the determination to resolve this problem.

"Heather?" I called.

"Yes, your majesty?" She replied back with a warm smile.

"Send one of my men to the kingdom of Astar and inform the king that I wish to meet," I revealed, looking up at her.

For a second, I noticed Heather's smile falter until it was back to normal and my eyebrows furrowed together.

"I will do so."

She left the room shortly after while I tried to figure out why she seem to change over what I ordered.

"That was weird." I thought with a frown.

As soon as Heather shut the door behind her, a sense of fear washed over her, her mind occupied with the thoughts of being exposed.

The empress would behead her if she found out what she had been doing behind her back. She would never forgive her.

But, it was all for her lover.

She had no choice. If she didn't obey, he would be the one dying. She would rather it be her than to see the love of her life killed over something she could have prevented.

"I feel so guilty." She muttered.

"And why is that?"

Heather let out a gasp as she turned around to see it was me.

I had wanted to step outside to get some fresh air but as soon as I opened the door, Heather had uttered these words earning my suspicion.

What did she feel guilty about? Was she doing something that was against my wishes? Did it involve Astar?

Now that I thought about it, as soon as I mentioned the kingdom, Heather's attitude had changed which concerned me at first but now I was more curious as to what she was hiding.

Thankfully, my status would not prevent her from revealing the truth to me. She would have to tell me no matter what and even if I didn't want to, I would have to punish her if she were to stay quiet.

"I think you should come back inside, Heather. We have a lot to talk about."