Lila's heart was heavy with worry for Axel. Every passing day without a letter or word from him gnawed at her soul, but she couldn't let her anxiety consume her. She had a mission, a dark purpose she needed to fulfill. Mateo had to pay for his crimes, and Lila was determined to see it through.
The palace garden, usually a place of solace and beauty, now felt like a shadowed arena where Lila's thoughts turned dark. She sat on a stone bench, her eyes scanning the vibrant blooms that seemed to mock her turmoil. She remembered Axel's words, his touch, his scent—everything about him made her heart ache with longing and fear. But she had to push those feelings aside. Her resolve was like a steel blade, sharp and unyielding.
On the other hand, the atmosphere in the palace was heavy with a sense of impending doom. Emperor Atticus's condition had worsened significantly. He lay in his bed, barely clinging to life, his once robust frame now frail and weak. The whispers among the servants were hushed but persistent, filled with the knowledge that the emperor's days were numbered.
Lila, moving quietly through the corridors, felt the weight of her worries pressing down on her. Axel was away at war, and the emperor's worsening health added to her anxiety. She passed by the emperor's chambers, intending to check on him, when she heard voices coming from inside. The door was slightly ajar, and she paused, curiosity getting the better of her.
Peering through the gap, she saw Empress Lamaine leaning over the emperor's bed. Her expression was twisted with a mix of bitterness and desperation. Lila's heart skipped a beat, sensing something was terribly wrong.
"Just die, Atticus," Lamaine hissed, her voice cold and filled with venom. "Why do you cling to life? You're nothing but a burden now, a shadow of your former self."
Lila's breath caught in her throat. She pressed herself against the wall, straining to hear more. The empress's words were shocking, each one dripping with malice.
"You always loved Vivian more," Lamaine continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "Even in death, she holds your heart. But I will make sure Theo takes everything from Axel. Our son will have the throne, and he will get what he deserves."
Emperor Atticus's eyes fluttered open, but he was too weak to respond. His face was a mask of pain and helplessness, his once-vibrant eyes now dull and lifeless. Lamaine's words seemed to cut deeper than any physical pain, and Lila could see the anguish in his eyes.
"You've held on long enough," Lamaine whispered, leaning closer to him. "It's time to let go. Just die, Atticus. Make it easier for everyone."
Lila's mind raced. She had to do something, but she couldn't act impulsively. The empress's true intentions were now laid bare, and the depth of her malice was more profound than Lila had ever imagined. She needed to gather evidence, to find a way to protect Axel and thwart Lamaine's sinister plans.
Lila steadied herself, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She knew she couldn't afford to let the empress know she had overheard anything. With a quick mental adjustment, she plastered a bright smile on her face and began speaking loudly as if she were accompanied by someone.
"Oh, I think the gardens are absolutely lovely this time of year, don't you think?" she said, her voice carrying through the hall as she approached the emperor's chambers. She made sure to keep her tone light and cheerful, masking the turmoil brewing inside her.
Pushing the door open, she entered the room, her eyes immediately finding Empress Lamaine still hovering over the emperor's frail form. "Oh, Your Majesty," Lila exclaimed, feigning surprise. "I didn't realize you were here. I was just talking to one of the maids about the new rose bushes. They're truly stunning this year."
Empress Lamaine straightened, her expression hardening as she turned to face Lila. "Lila," she said, her voice icy. "What brings you here?"
Lila maintained her bright demeanor, stepping further into the room. "I wanted to check on the emperor and see if there was anything I could do to help," she said, moving to the side of the bed opposite Lamaine. She looked down at Atticus, forcing herself to keep her expression neutral despite the pain she felt seeing him in such a state.
"His Majesty needs rest," Lamaine said curtly. "There's nothing you can do for him."
"Of course," Lila replied, nodding sympathetically. "I just thought perhaps some fresh flowers might brighten his spirits. I'll arrange for the gardeners to bring a few of the best blooms from the garden."
Lamaine's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were trying to gauge Lila's intentions. "That won't be necessary," she said, her tone dismissive.
Lila smiled warmly, refusing to let the empress's cold demeanor rattle her. "Nonsense, it's the least I can do," she insisted. "I'll see to it personally, Your Highness,"
Before Lamaine could protest further, Lila turned her attention back to the emperor, gently taking his hand in hers. "Your Majesty, we're all hoping for your swift recovery," she said softly. "The palace isn't the same without your guidance and wisdom."
She glanced up at Lamaine, who was watching her with a suspicious glare. Lila knew she had to be careful, but she also needed to show that she was just as concerned about the emperor's well-being as anyone else.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go and see to those flowers," Lila said, releasing the emperor's hand and stepping back. "I'll be back shortly."
As she exited the room, she could feel Lamaine's eyes boring into her back. Once she was out of sight, she allowed herself a moment to breathe, leaning against the wall and closing her eyes. She had managed to maintain her composure, but the empress's words still echoed in her mind.
Lila knew she had to act quickly. The emperor's life was in danger, and with Axel away at war, it was up to her to protect the throne and the man she loved. She straightened, determination hardening her resolve.