The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 283

Once a woman was pregnant, everything in her life changed to accommodate the baby. She was told to only think good thoughts, eat good things, hear good sounds, and see good scenes.

In her case, however, this wasn’t going to work. Unfortunately, Poliana Winter was not a good person. Everything was supposed to be good when a woman was pregnant, but how could this rule work when the mother-to-be herself was not good?

All Poliana wanted was for this baby to be gone; she did not need or want this child. It was painful to be in this situation, but the only reason why she could not go through with the abortion was that this child was her emperor’s own blood.

‘I am the worst.’

Poliana couldn’t stop punching the wall. If it wasn’t for the gloves, her knuckles would be bleeding by now. She was on her way to report to Lucius the First, but her legs refused to move fast. She walked slower and slower as she wondered, ‘What if he doesn’t think it’s his?’

Just imagining such a scenario was painful. If he doubted her words, Poliana knew she would be hurt for life. She would never be able to recover from it.

Lucius the First had to believe her. Poliana was single and the emperor was eligible again. Since she was pregnant with his child, the best option now would be for them to get married. By getting married, they will effectively stop any ugly rumors.

Yes, Poliana and Lucius the First’s marriage…

When the maids spotted Poliana, they bowed respectfully and greeted her, “Hello, Marquess.”

When the royal guards saw her, they saluted her immediately, “Boss! How are you doing today?”

An elderly nobleman nodded to her and asked politely, “Long time no see, Marquess Winter. Shall we have dinner together soon?” When Poliana refused, the man left in disappointment.

She had to get married. There was no other way.

And with this marriage, everything she achieved will be…

Poliana couldn’t swallow. She felt so overwhelmed that her body burned.

Her name was Poliana Winter. She was born in Aehas and currently, she was the head of the kingdom’s Second Division. She received the title of marquess from her emperor Lucius the First. Her last name “Winter” was the treasure given to her by the emperor herself.

Her hair was shorter than any woman in the kingdom. It barely reached her shoulders. She did not wear any makeup or jewelry, but despite the lack of these fineries, no one who saw her doubted her nobility and importance. The uniform she wore proudly was that of royal guards, beautiful blue with a golden stripe across her shoulder and chest to represent her rank.

Poliana was one of the few who were allowed to carry hidden weapons inside the royal castle, even in the presence of the emperor.

‘Everything his highness gave me… Everything I achieved…’

She knew that Lucius the First would not be unkind to her. She could bet her life on this fact. The only time he said ugly words to her was the first time they met, but that couldn’t be helped.

Because he recently lost all three wives, Poliana knew he would be especially kind to her. If she bore a son, she suspected that he might not even marry another wife. Just as he valued her as his knight, Poliana was sure he would treat her respectfully as his wife. He would treasure her.

Lucius the First was a man of honor. The emperor would be able to make her dream come true. The dream she thought she might live with Frau… She knew that with the emperor, she would be able to form a warm family filled with respect and affection.

The emperor was definitely a much better husband material than Frau. It wasn’t even a fair comparison. Lucius the First was the most beautiful, kindest, and smartest man in the kingdom. A gold digger like Frau could never even dream of becoming half as good of a man as the emperor.

Lucius the First would never ask Poliana the cruel question she dreaded. He would never fault Poliana even though all of it was her fault. He would instead take responsibility and punish those who would dare to disrespect her. He would make sure there is no negative rumor about her. He would trust her and believe everything she says.

“…”

Poliana gritted her teeth and began to walk faster. When the emperor’s servant saw her, he greeted her pleasantly. Lucius the First has been denying anyone’s request to see him today, but he allowed Poliana to enter his room.

“Pol, did you come here because you wanted to see me?”

The woman he loved has been avoiding him. The emperor has been looking ill but as soon as he saw Poliana, his whole demeanor changed. Lucius the First felt true happiness when he saw the woman of his dream. He decided not to hide his feelings anymore. He looked at Poliana lovingly.

“Your highness, I…”

Poliana clenched her fists. Her hands trembled as she continued, “Your highness, I would like to take a break from my duty.”

“… is that so?”

“Yes, I would like to get an extended vacation. I need to go take care of my land and I would like to enjoy some time off. I have been feeling very tired and my muscles have been very achy lately, perhaps from the recent injuries. I think the hot springs from my land will be helpful. I have also been suffering from insomnia, so… I would really like some time off.”

Lucius the First frowned. Everything he was hearing now was not what he expected. Poliana wasn’t feeling well? And she wanted to go away on vacation? He planned on winning her heart somehow, but what she was telling him now was too shocking for him to do anything.

The emperor replied, “Of course you can take as much time off as you like, but do you really need to go to your land? Can’t you take a vacation in the city?”

“I haven’t visited the place once in a very long time, so I think I should go.”

If things didn’t go right, there was a chance she might never be able to return. It was from her greed and selfishness that she asked for a vacation rather than a retirement.

Poliana was a selfish person. She didn’t want to lose anything she received from the emperor and this was why she was lying to him. The love in his gorgeous green eyes… Poliana couldn’t endure it. She thought his love was for her as a knight, and Poliana felt too guilty to accept his affection.

After a short silence, the emperor replied, “Of course… Of course, you have gone through a lot lately, Pol. I understand.”

Only

Lucius the First nodded. So many things have happened after Rebecca’s death. Tory’s public accusation, which led to a political turmoil, the Frau incident, and of course, the shocking night they spent together… Poliana did look very tired of all the things that happened to her. She also looked very thin, perhaps from the harsh training she put herself through.

Lucius the First’s heart ached painfully as he said to her, “You do need a vacation, Pol, so I will allow it. Please have a restful time off for however long you need. No matter when you return, the position as the head of the Second Division will be yours and yours only, Pol. Always.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

Poliana didn’t leave immediately. She hesitated, but Lucius the First did not notice her behavior because he was too deep in his own thoughts.

“Pol.”

“Yes.”

“Please come back to me.”