The Emperor's Play

A few days had passed, and Jinny was doing her best to move on. She was now changing the flowers in the vase inside the emperor's chamber.

It was quiet today. She glanced out the window and saw birds resting on the branches of a tree. She longed for more peaceful days... every day.

"I hope the war finally ends," she whispered.

Too many lives had been sacrificed because of the war.

"The war won't end as long as I or the king of Montclairs is still alive. One of us must die," Matias said.

Jinny was startled to see the emperor enter the chamber. He had overheard her.

"F-Forgive me, Your Majesty!" she stammered.

Matias sat down on his bed and stared at the dark marks spreading across his left arm.

"We have to end this war soon," he said, his voice heavy with resolve.

Jinny watched him with a worried expression. The longer she served the emperor, the more she realized he wasn't a bad person at all—he was nothing like the rumors.

"But Your Majesty… You can't go to war," she said softly.

"Why not?" Matias locked eyes with her. "Because of my curse?" He smirked.

Jinny averted her gaze. "M-My apologies," she murmured, clutching her skirt nervously.

Matias's smirk widened, and he stood. He caressed her cheek gently, then held her chin, tilting her face so she would look at him.

"You're worried about my condition?" he asked, his voice low.

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, swallowing hard.

"This is the first time a mere servant has worried about me. You dare to look down on me," he said, his tone shifting.

"Y-You've misunderstood, Your Majesty," she stammered.

Jinny felt a shiver run down her spine. She could almost see him as a dangerous snake, coiling around her, ready to strike with his venom.

Matias smiled, his gaze drifting to her lips. They were so red... they looked so soft.

"Has Yehuda kissed you before?" he suddenly asked.

Jinny's face flushed. "W-Why do you ask, Your Majesty?" she stammered.

Without another word, Matias leaned in, his lips crashing onto hers in a kiss.

Jinny was frozen in shock. Her heart pounded in her chest. What was happening? Why was the emperor kissing her? This wasn't part of her duties.

She tried to push him away, but Matias was far stronger. He bit her lower lip, coaxing her mouth open. He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring hers. It grew more torrid with each passing second.

When they finally broke apart, Jinny was left panting, struggling to catch her breath.

The emperor smirked, his eyes lingering on her flushed face. She's cute when she blushes.

He then turned away. "Prepare my food," he ordered, sinking into the couch.

Jinny, still blushing, her mind a whirlwind of confusion, nodded silently and hurried out of the chamber to prepare his meal.

Why had the emperor kissed her? Was he playing with her emotions?

When Jinny left, Matias turned his gaze back to his arm.

He was running out of time. Sooner or later, the curse would spread across his body and kill him. He needed to find someone to bear an heir. He couldn't trust the nobles; there was no guarantee they would remain loyal to him or wouldn't betray him. That's why he had chosen Jinny. She was innocent, seemed loyal to him, and didn't care for power or wealth. If she bore his child, he was certain she would care for it and wouldn't use the child as a pawn for political gain. Her sister would protect them if he died in the war.

The Serolf Empire needed a ruler with Serolf blood, and Matias would do anything to win the war—even if it cost him his life.

He clenched his fists tightly as he thought about it.

.

.

.

At Rembrandt's Mansion...

"How many bags have you packed?" Ran asked, his tone casual.

They were seated in the garden, enjoying tea.

"Good enough for our long journey ahead," Rin replied, crossing his legs as he took a sip of his tea.

They were discussing their plan to escape.

Ran smirked. "Perfect." He took a sip himself. "I hope we find a brothel during our travels. It'd be nice to relax."

Rin frowned. "Shut up. Don't waste our money on useless women."

Ran chuckled. "Haha. You're so serious. I'm just kidding."

"So, when are we leaving?" Rin asked.

"On the crescent moon," Ran answered. "It's the perfect time to escape. The guards won't notice us because it will be dark, and only a small portion of the moon will be visible. I've already paid someone to help us drive the carriage out of the capital."

"Where are we heading?" Rin inquired.

"There's a small village outside the empire's territory. We can stay there for a while, then travel to another place. We'll look for our other brothers— they might be outside this empire," Ran said.

Rin nodded. "I understand. I'll prepare the rest of what we need."

Ran nodded in return and took another sip of his tea.

"My Lords, I have good news for you." The head butler approached them.

"What is it?" Ran asked, not bothering to look up.

"The emperor has sent a letter, requesting your presence at the palace. He wants to meet with you," the head butler informed them.

Ran and Rin froze. What?

The emperor, the brother of the missing Prince Hendrik and the current Duke of the North, had been searching for answers ever since his brother disappeared. With illegitimate sons suddenly showing up at Rembrandt's mansion, the emperor wanted to confirm whether they were truly the children of the late Duke of the North. It was about the bloodline of royalty—and the emperor wouldn't let anyone casually use the late Duke Claudius' name to fake an identity.

Ran clenched his fists. This is trouble.

"I've prepared the carriage, My Lords," the head butler continued. "We will depart now. The emperor despises waiting."

Ran and Rin exchanged a look.

The head butler had said they resembled the late Duke. Perhaps the emperor wouldn't suspect them. But what if they conducted a DNA test in this world?

"What do we do now?" Rin whispered.

Ran sighed.