Chapter 5 5

In the Emperor's study...

Your Majesty, the reports are unequivocal; this time, the Brun family's escape route has been sealed. Our guards have taken every precaution, neutralising any advantage they might attempt to exploit. They are ensnared in a trap with no viable means of evasion," Yoshi, the most trusted of Zichov's guards, reported with unwavering conviction.

Dawn had barely broken when Yoshi unexpectedly showed up in the study. While it might have been early for most to rise from their slumber, it was no novelty for the emperor to vacate his bed and settle himself within his study. Zichov's rest spanned no more than five hours a night. Thus, he routinely roused himself before the sun graced the horizon, meticulously reviewing the reports before his courtly duties commenced.

Zichov's gaze descended thoughtfully upon the contents inscribed on the parchment before him. The Brun family represented one of Grita's most formidable adversaries. Over the course of several years, they had harboured ambitions of launching an assault, yet the natural defences that cocooned Grita made such a conquest, a Herculean task. The Grita Empire was encircled by towering mountains and dense forests, rendering any hostile incursion an intricate and daunting endeavor, even if feasible. It demanded nothing short of a brilliant strategy to surmount these natural obstacles.

"They won't dare to commit mistakes," he replied slowly. "They have been trying to find loopholes, but in these years they have failed miserably."

Yoshi nodded. "You're right, your majesty. There's also news that her highness the empress requested that Empress Sirikit let her take care of the second prince.

Zichov frowned when he heard the news. He tore his gaze from the paper and fixed it on Yoshi, who was standing at his side.

"She did?"

He never expected this. He heard that the daughter of Supreme lived an isolated life during her maidenhood. And also that she doesn't like to engage with others too much. She even brought only two maids with her. He also heard the news of her rejecting Razia's offer to give her more servants. But the sudden decision to take care of the second prince is kind of surprising. When did she come so close with the second prince to making such a decision? Though he was not doubting her character or morals, her decision was surprising, and Zichov couldn't help but point out some views.

Yes, the empress Sirikit agreed to it," Yoshi confirmed.

Zichov nodded again. "Once the court is over, I will visit Vortex Palace."

Yes, your majesty."

In the Vortex Palace...

After bathing, Priscilla gets dressed and sits before the huge, oval-shaped golden mirror. Greta was doing her hair while Camilla helped her wear some jewellery.

"My lady, is the second prince not really curable? I heard that he has been crippled for a long time, and still, though doctors are treating him, they can't cure him completely." Greta kept a straight face while saying this.

Priscilla looked at the white gem bracelet that Camilla was helping her wear. The condition of the second prince is not something impossible to treat, but all these years he was...

"He lost all energy during that time a few years ago. Since then, he has not been able to use his legs like before. Some say he tried to leave because he couldn't take the pain of not being able to join the army again," Camilla added.

"His legs..." but before Priscillia could finish the statement the guard from outside informed her that the emperor had arrived. Priscilla was surprised for a moment. It had been three days since she had seen him. Shaking her head, she quickly finished dressing and went out to receive him in the meeting hall.

The moment Zichov stepped inside the inner room, he smelled a faint fragrance. Once the fragrance hit his nostrils, his head started to feel slightly dizzy. Perplexed and not knowing what was happening, and rubbed his forehead. What happened suddenly? He was all fine just now when he suddenly felt dizzy.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" He heard a voice, and he looked up only to find a beautiful woman looking at him with concern. She walked forward before holding his arm.

"Please have a seat," she said, making him sit on the couch. Greta, bring the golden pill' quickly," she ordered.

Greta instantly obeyed and brought a golden-coloured pill with a glass of milk. Priscilla grabbed the pill and dropped it in the milk before grabbing the glass and putting it near Zichov's lips.

"Your Majesty, please drink this. Your dizziness will be cured."

Zichov was rubbing his forehead, and without a second thought, he drank the milk. Not a few seconds passed, and all his dizziness went away instantly. He looked around, and he felt just fine, like before. He turned to Priscilla, who was sitting beside him.

"What was that?"

Priscilla smiled. She knew he would surely ask this.

"That was the fragrance of incense I burned. It was not bad, but though the fragrance smells sweet, it has a slight effect on the body if you are not used to it. It will make your head spin and make you feel dizzy. But if you're used to it's smell, then it won't have any effect on your body," she explained calmly.

"You are using it. Why?" He frowned.

"The incense is good; it purifies the air around you and makes you feel refreshed."

Zichov nodded. It's something new for him. An incense that can make others dizzy. This is a good method if you are not interested in meeting someone. He turned to her again.

"What fragrance was that?"

It's a mixed one. Made from Lavender, Chamomile and Eucalyptus"

Zichov looked at her cynically. What are those things? He couldn't even remember those names if he didn't hear them every day.

"Do you have more?" He asked.

Priscilla was surprised for a moment. She blinked before calming herself. He seems quite interested in incense now. Does he want it too?

"Your Majesty, do you also want to try?"

Zichov did not reply at first but looked at her intensely. Those deep green eyes are so familiar and so enchanting that he couldn't help but feel ache in his heart. These eyes are the symbols that reminded me of her, who was lost years ago without a single trace.

"Your Majesty?" Priscilla called again. He looked away from her, then simply nodded.

"This fragrance, though it still has strong effects, is really good," though the answer was not yes but also not negative. Hearing him, Priscilla could only smile.

This man is really strong-headed. He doesn't want to admit it yet, but he can't resist wanting it too. Priscillia glanced behind, and Camilla and Greta nodded before leaving.

"Your Majesty, what about your sudden visit?"

"I heard you personally asked Mother about taking care of Second Prince."

Yes, the second prince is like a brother to me. Seeing him like that, I can't help but think of taking such a decision," Priscilla replied, then looked at him and asked, "Is his majesty here to oppose my decision?"