Chapter 3

The Empress pleaded with Alex on my behalf, and only then did Alex let me go. He instructed me to ground myself and reflect on my actions.

I was carried back to my place. My legs were frostbitten to the point of serious illness. I would be bedridden and barely recuperate that winter.

The imperial physician checked my situation and mentioned something else.

I was terminally ill and wouldn't live much longer.

He spoke of stress-induced illness, but in simple terms, I fell ill from pent-up anger.

He trembled as he knelt before me.

I smiled casually, rewarded him with some money under his doubtful gaze. I told him to keep his mouth shut.

I thought it was a bit late for me to get ill.

It should have arrived three years ago.

Why did I have to suffer for three more years?

Ever since I learned that I wouldn't live long, my mood improved significantly, and I even ate more.

But such a situation made others in my place think I had lost my mind and they took it upon themselves to ask Alex to come and see me. Which disturbed my peace.

On a rare sunny day, I was lying on the chaise lounge and enjoying the sunlight.

As soon as Alex arrived, he blocked my sunlight. He squinted at me and started with a reprimand. "You see me and don't rise to greet me. What kind of decorum is this? I heard from your place staff that you wanted to see me?"

I pointed to my legs, wrapped tightly. "They're crippled. I can't stand."

My words stung him, and his brows furrowed deeply.

He looked at my legs and huffed, "It's because you insisted on provoking me, so I decided to give you a minor punishment. It's not a life-threatening punishment. You're being overly dramatic."

I glanced towards the corner of the room. Before I noticed, a branch of plum blossoms had grown obliquely, blooming despite the cold. But it sadly showed signs of decay.

It didn't have much time left, just like me.

He thought I was overly dramatic to kneel in the freezing snow all night.

Being Dramatic in his eyes was so tough.

I couldn't be bothered to argue with him. "My legs won't recover anytime soon, so I can't kneel and apologize to Raegan. Raegan will just have to wait."

Alex was infuriated by my words. His chest heaved as he grasped my wrist and yanked me from the chaise lounge.

I was suspended in mid-air, relying on my arms for support. It felt quite painful. "I'm talking about you. Why do you mention her?"

As he spoke, he paused before saying, "Your hand... why has it become so thin?"

He seemed a bit shocked.

Alex had long ignored me, so he was unaware of my current condition.

The pain in my legs had tormented me, making it difficult for me to eat or sleep. I had occasionally coughed up blood. How could I not be emaciated?

Perhaps Alex thought I was indeed pitiful. He released me and said, "You know very well what I want."

Did he want me to bow my head to him?

As I was nearing death, it was even less likely. I sneered, "I don't."

Alex's expression darkened under my mockery, and he finally grabbed my throat in anger. "Lillian, you're the most ungrateful woman I've ever known. Since I can raise you to such a high rank, I can also kill you. Don't think I dare not."

I chuckled mockingly. "Then please kill me, Your Majesty."

Alex tightened his grip abruptly.

Just when I thought he might actually kill me, he let go of me while staring at me coldly.

He was as cold as the snow outside.