A deal was made

When I next awoke I was being shaken by someone. My eyes opened only to see the night sky above me. There were men around me wearing knight uniforms with the imperial family logo on them. I knew it was all over. I tried to get up to run away again but my body was still struggling, but I fought with all my might.

"We found her! Help her up!" They yelled as they started to help me stand.

"No, don't take me back, please" I begged. They ignored my request as they brushed the dirt and leaves off of me and wrapped a blanket around me. They put me on a horse with a different knight. He had more badges sewed onto his uniform than any of the others and directed a few of the other knights to come with him back to the palace. He must be the captain of the royal knights.

I had lost. I had to go and face His Majesty now. I looked around and noticed I had nothing, all my fine jewelry and silk were taken from me and I wore only peasant clothes. I was humiliated I let myself be manipulated like this. I gave up and went along with the knights without a fight. I had no energy for it anymore as I fell asleep still sitting up on the horse.

I next awoke in the morning and was in front of the imperial palace. I groaned as I knew what was coming. The knight helped me off the horse and brushed me off, trying to save me what little face I had left.

"Can I at least wash up before?" I asked the Captain, already knowing the answer.

"No, His Majesty wanted to see you as soon as you arrived. Come now," He directed me towards the palace. I walked up the endless stairs with him feeling defeated. The other nobles seemed to be gone at least, he must have made sure no one else was here to save me further embarrassment. Why did he care still after all I had done? I don't think I could ever understand.

When we entered the palace it was full of portraits of previous Emperors and their Empresses. The ceiling was tall and had stained glass. When we reached the throne room I was blown away by the sheer size of. The stained glass depicting jewels and roses behind the thrones was breathtaking, but my attention was more on the two seated there in front of me.

The Emperor was clearly happy to see me but was trying to remain professional as the Empress smiled with glee at my sorry state.

"Viola, you have returned," He stated, trying to hide his true feelings. I got on my knees and bowed before them and heard the Empress giggling.

"That wound on the back of your head? Does it still hurt? Perhaps I was too rough on you," She giggled as I saw the Emperor tense up but fight his urge to explode at her. Before he could say anything she signaled at the guard, "Bring in the accused," She smirked at His Majesty, she definitely was up to something.

I took a good look at her and her face reminded me a bit of a horse, her hair while a pretty blonde color, had the texture of a mop. Her teeth were crooked and she was missing one or two. It was hard to believe she was nobility, let alone the Empress.

I heard a noise from behind me as the sound of clanking metal drew closer. I turned to look at who was being brought and I saw Leo in metal handcuffs walking in. He seemed irritated to see me again as he let out a silent scoff at me. He was angry to be captured so soon. I saw the fury of His Majesty grow before my eyes, and honestly, mine was too to see him again after he left me to die or be caught.

"Leonard, you stand accused of theft, kidnapping my prized mistress, and many more charges, how do you plead?" The Emperor asked him with such a stern tone it was unsettling.

"Not guilty," He replied quickly.

"Not guilty?" He looked in disbelief at that answer, "And why is that?"

"Because, we," He pointed to me and smiled, "are in love, how is it kidnapping when I went along with the woman who dragged me out of here practically? If anything she kidnapped me. As for theft, it was her jewels that she spent herself," He explained calmly. I couldn't believe he was pinning the blame on me. My blood was wanting to boil over and I want to smack him in that deceiving face for all he put through the past few days only to say it is all my fault, again. I fought my urges and stayed perfectly still though.

"Uh-huh, what about your other crimes?" He seemed too calm for how angry he should be.

"What?" Leo actually looked surprised as His Majesty smirked.

"The solicitation of a prostitute with Imperial jewels. And how did my prized mistress get those red bruises on her arm in the shape of a hand when she was only with you? Don't deny it, all the people you met on your 'journey' confirmed she only stayed by your side or isolated," He explained to Leo. He was smirking as he pulled out the evidence of my jewels Leo took from me and gave to that woman. No way, they weren't just flirting but he actually slept with her while I was under the same roof! I felt even more like a fool as my rage for him only grew, but so did my disappointment.

"Leonard with no family background, you are hereby sentenced to-"

"Come now, we can work out a deal," The Empress interrupted. I saw the surprise on His Majesty's face as she arose and walked towards Leo. She smiled at Leo as she looked up and down, feeling his body with her filthy hands. She grabbed his face and looked him in the eyes, "I will save your life, on the condition you became my plaything," She suggested. Not wanting to die or be imprisoned Leo instantly nodded his head in agreeance.

The Empress looked back at the His Majesty with a look of pride in herself for her idea.

"You told me I would understand for love. Maybe now I get it," She smiled as she started to play with Leo. While His Majesty seemed annoyed at her for this idea he only signaled her to leave.

"Take him, you are infertile anyways," He said as signaled her to leave him. I saw her face twist with rage for his comment about her fertility as she went off with Leo. Before she left completely she turned to me and said, "You should have died love, you would have been better off," She left laughing with Leo as she felt all over his body to satisfy her disgusting self.

"Viola, I-, are you okay?" He asked me. I hate that I was happy to see him as I turned my head away from him. He looked down, all of his frustration from earlier was gone as mine only rose.

"Viola, I want to tell you the whole truth. No more deception, will you please allow me?" he asked me so gently. I wanted to stay angry at him, to torture him, but my curiosity about my life wouldn't let me, so I nodded my head 'yes'.