Episode 11

"What do you think? It's easy, right?" asked the emperor with a smile. I was perched above him, bracing myself against his chest, struggling to keep my mind from wandering into indecency, but that was quite the challenge in this position. Perhaps I had indulged in too many adult novels; my thoughts were unquestionably tainted.

"Your Majesty! I don't follow what you mean." I was puzzled about his true intentions, but it surely didn't seem like he wished harm upon his wife.

"I stand atop the entire world, you know that, right? No one can surpass me, except for you," Icaro cautioned me, "You are the first in this realm. You own the cold-hearted, mad, and tyrannical Emperor. Feel free to use me as you please. You just need to be the worst person in the world, and everything will be yours, as I said."

"An enticing proposition, to be honest, it's quite fascinating, but I wonder, how does having a frenzied emperor at my disposal save me?" I pondered. The sole reason someone would desire my demise was my connection to this man, so how could having him be of any aid? If I consider it deeply, my end will come either at his hand or by the assassins sent to kill me.

"To be candid with you, many around me seek to turn you into a vulnerability for me. Since I possess none, they wish to create one. A significant number of them are exceedingly close to me. What they shun is an empress who would enhance my image, someone kind and sweet. They prefer that the populace see me as cruel. It's easier to manipulate them that way. A virtuous wife would thwart their schemes. And it's certain, if the empress were so, she'd end up dead or implicated," stated the Emperor, lifting his torso. I remained seated in his lap, facing him, my legs wrapped around his waist. It was more comfortable than I could have imagined.

"So, why..." It made some sense, but knowing all this, why would he want an empress? It seemed a tremendous risk to him.

"Think with me, rumors spread quickly here; if there is whispering that I'm smitten with a wicked, manipulative woman lacking scruples, they will side with you, encourage you to be even worse. In their eyes, it'll be a kind of weakness for me. They'll use you until they find the opportune moment to assassinate me," the emperor elucidated while playing with my hair.

"Oh! How amusing. I just need to play the villainess, trample on everything and everyone? And then I'll get whatever I want? Wow! I really like that idea. I'm confident I can play the part very well." I recalled considering this during the carriage ride, how naturally suited I felt for the role of the villainess. "It would be the first time for me—always the good girl to avoid trouble. How do you think I should do it? To be truly malevolent. Any tips?"

"Don't fret, you possess a gift for it. An innate talent. Anyone daring enough to command the Emperor, with the reputation I have, will find no difficulty with the others." The Emperor gazed into my eyes. We were so close to each other. I could feel his warmth, his scent, and also, an overwhelming desire to possess this man.

"For now, don't worry too much. Just do as you please, with a dash of cruelty. When the right time comes, I'll outline the plan in full detail. It won't be too complicated," Icaro advised, gently caressing my arm with his fingers, eyes never straying from mine. "We've talked enough, don't you think? We have something far more fun and interesting to do tonight, wouldn't you agree?"