Heather was seated in from of me, her body trembling while I gazed down at her, my suspicion rising.
"Tell me what you're hiding," I ordered.
I waited but when I received no response, I kneeled so I would be at eye level with her before I spoke in a more soft tone.
"If it is that hard for you to tell me then that must mean your life depends on you keeping this secret. I won't punish you, Heather. Just tell me."
Heather searched my eyes to see if I was speaking the truth and soon, she burst into tears, falling to the floor as she bowed down to me.
"Please help me save my husband from the Astar Kingdom, your majesty!"
I was taken aback by what was revealed and it took a moment for me to speak up once again.
"What do you mean? Is he captured?" I questioned.
"No. He is a soldier but after finding out the relationship between me and him and also knowing how close I am to you...they threatened to kill my husband if I didn't give information about you and any plans you make." She spilt out, tears sliding down her face and landing on the marble floor.
The mission screen appeared at that moment and I leaned back to read it.
MISSION - SAVE HEATHER'S HUSBAND
REWARD - STRENGTH POWER +100
FAILURE - HEATHER'S DEATH
My eyes widened as I saw what would happen if I fail and turned my attention back onto Heather who had her head down, sobbing.
Should I worry about this mission? I mean, it didn't involve me dying if I failed...
But, would that decision make me human?
No...
I would be considered cold-hearted for choosing not to help since it technically wasn't her fault that she had to betray me.
If it wasn't for the thought process I had in my last life, I would have executed Heather in under a second and not even listen to her.
"I'll help you," I revealed and Heather gazed up at me in shock.
"B-But I betrayed you and-"
"You had no choice."
Heather wanted to still protest but I placed a finger against my lip, indicating her to stay quiet.
"I'm helping you and that's final. Understand?" She nodded and I smiled before I offered her a hand to help her stand.
"H-How will we do this, your majesty?" She asked me as she wiped her tears away and I looked at her in a way that told her I had a plan.
"Don't worry. Just follow what I tell you to do and we'll bring your husband back." I informed with confidence and Heather was curious as to what I had in mind but she nodded, deciding to leave it.
The plan was to be executed as soon as we got a time and place for a meeting with Heather and her husband who would usually meet secretly to pass information about me or my kingdom.
It didn't take long after she had sent her letter, discarding the one I gave earlier since it wasn't necessary to meet the king of Astar.
He won't be the king for long...not after his death when his head will be rolling across that expensive carpet of his in his throne room.
Heather would be meeting her husband tonight once the moon struck the dark sky and along his side would be one guard.
It would be easy to take them down so I had nothing to worry about.
I was seated in the carriage alongside Heather, my cloak covering half my features and the guard uniform I borrowed as a disguise while Heather wore casual clothing, a smaller cloak hanging loosely on her shoulders.
"I'm sorry, your majesty." I blinked over the sudden apology from the maid and looked over to her.
"I've always been loyal to you but when my husband's life was on the line...I didn't even think twice to betray you. I...I just could not lose Henry." She said, her head slumping as she felt shame.
"If I was in your position, I would do the same," I said as Heather felt tears sting the corner of her eyes but she held her emotions back, preparing herself for the rescue.
When we had arrived by the designated spot in the forest, I stepped out first, wrapping my fingers around my sword as I searched for the guard belonging to the Astar kingdom.
"Over here."
I turned to my left, feeling tense, only to calm down as I recognised the guard based on their clothing which matched mine. I signalled Heather to exit the carriage and she did so, the two of us walking over to the guard.
Henry was standing by the riverside, waiting for his beloved and when she came in sight, he was relieved, a smile blossoming onto his features.
I and the other guard stood beside each other watching as Heather and Henry held a quiet conversation with one another, trying to be as discreet as possible.
It wouldn't be long until she gave the signal for them to escape.
"I didn't think I would meet you so soon, your majesty."
My heart stopped and I felt my body freeze, trying to comprehend what the guard beside me had just uttered.
"Who are you?"
This man wasn't a guard. I knew that because all guards, no matter which kingdom would never have a casual conversation with one another. Silence was the number one rule.
"Take a look yourself."
I was tempted to but the fear I held in at that moment prevented me from doing so.
The sound of a sword being unsheathed from its holder had my body kick into action and I followed after them, taking out my sword and defending myself from the sharp weapon which clashed against mine.
"Your majesty!"
Henry felt his eyes widen over how. He heard Heather address the guard or should he say the empress.
"The empress is here?" Henry questioned.
"Yes! Now, tell your guard to back down." Heather ordered but the fear that appeared in his eyes made her feel a sense of perplexity.
"That isn't a guard..." Henry admitted and Heather turned to her husband in alarm.
"Who is it then?!"
I stared at the man in front of me, his brilliant red hues shining even against the darkness and my heart thumped.
The only people in this world who were known to genetically have red eyes as beautiful as theirs were the royal family of the Astar kingdom.
The king was old and the only other royal member of the family left alive was his one son,
"Alaric Astar."
I caught the smile that painted the lower half of his face and he stepped back, using his hand to remove his hoodie.
Dark purple locks which were brushed back neatly complimented his beautiful crimson eyes that took my breath away but what further took me into shock was the mischievous look that crossed his features.
"We may be enemies now but I'm sure we will be lovers soon."
Without giving me a chance to even acknowledge his next move, I was suddenly swept away as Alaric leaned down and captured his lips with mine. My eyes widened, stunned by what was done by the prince that my sword dropped alongside his.
Alaric broke the kiss and stepped back as he licked his lips, satisfied by what he had done while I was still trying to process what he has just done.
"That was a gift for you to remember me."
I couldn't respond, watching as Alaric headed over to Henry who stood in front of Heather in a protective form until his posture relaxed, a smile painting his lips.
"Thank you, Prince Alaric."
Henry passed by the prince with Heather by his side and they approached me.
"Prince Alaric will tell the king that we betrayed their trust and were killed so we can safely return to your kingdom," Henry informed and I nodded, deciding not to say anything and just leave.
I knew I was a mess so I wanted to just return home without causing any more heart-stopping moments.
"Until next time, my dear empress."
I looked back and he smiled cheekily while waving playfully but I turned my back to him and returned to the carriage making him feign a pout.
"How mean." He was amused by my behaviour and watched as the door to the carriage was closed before it went off, the darkness consuming the view of it as it travelled further away.
Alaric walked up to his horse and seated himself on top before he released a sigh.
"I better go and inform that old man." Alaric huffed, annoyed he had to speak to that piece of crap who was unfortunately his father and king.