Published at 23rd of December 2020 02:44:18 AM
She recalled Gaius’s warm gaze towards her right before the banquet started .
“Petra, what’s all this fuss about?”
But The Emperor did not even pretend to acknowledge that woman’s outcry and directly asked Petra .
“Lady Loenheim injured Her Highness The Princess, Your Majesty . The reason was that I didn’t treat her like an empress . ”
At Petra’s words, The Emperor raised an eyebrow .
“No, Your Majesty! This is a misunderstanding…!”
“It’s a felony to cause the imperial family to bleed, Your Majesty . Not only did she lay her hand on The Princess but also on the maid, that cannot simply be a misunderstanding . ”
Despite Catherine’s small expectations that The Emperor would side with her, The Emperor only nodded at his sister’s words .
“It’s indeed a felony . ”
When The Emperor opened his mouth, Catherine felt as if she was struck by lightning .
“Which penalty would be fitting?”
The Emperor asked Petra with an expressionless face, completely different from just a few days ago when he whispered his love to Catherine .
“Those who challenge The Imperial Family do not have a place in the empire . It’s appropriate for Your Majesty to banish them . ”
“No, that’s not appropriate . ”
“Your Majesty! It’s an excessive punishment!”
Catherine, who had been contemplating Petra’s suggestion, heard The Emperor’s answer and cried out with faint hope . But the next moment her hope turned into despair .
“Insulting The Princess and attempting to stand above her was already a felony, but we can’t let go of those who have wounded her body . ”
The Emperor cast a cold glance at her .
“Catherine Loenheim is deposed . And after three days . . ”
The Queen’s aides gulped down their saliva . They were contemplating whether to step up or back down .
“Put her on the guillotine . ”
After The Emperor’s words were spoken, silence fell upon the entire banquet hall . Catherine’s body lost its strength and slowly collapsed . Her aides glanced at each other for a while and then stepped back . It was time to stay out of The Emperor’s sight .
“Your Majesty…”
No one came forward to help . Someone grabbed Catherine’s arms and dragged her roughly out the door . Still watching the sight, the Emperor didn’t move . Then he spoke .
“Let’s start the music again . ”
The musicians were drenched in a cold sweat, but they had no choice but to obediently follow the command .
Despite the pleasant strains of joyous music playing in the background, the atmosphere was thick with fear . The guests spent the remainder of the evening drinking, to hide their terrified expressions .
With that, the banquet ended uneventfully .
——————-
The events of the banquet had left a strong impression on the guests . Everyone who had been present was able to see Petra Leifer’s true ability and power, as her poise and grace had not been affected by her viciousness .
Yet there were still some present who had not understood the gravity of the situation, and tried to line up to meet the new low-class queen .
They came to their senses when they saw Catherine being dragged away .
The emperor’s message was clear . From now on, the Liefer family would be the only ones in control of the imperial family . Any attempt at defiance would not be tolerated .
The following evening, Gaius waited in the study for someone to arrive . Even at the age of 40, he still looked young, as his features were handsome and without wrinkles .
His tall height, pitch-black hair and bright golden eyes were all symbols of true blood of the Leifer family . To some, they were reminiscent of a giant wolf; with these features, he had captured not only the attention of the young queen, but also that of the maids of the Imperial palace .
“Your Majesty . I see you’re here . ”
Petra entered the library politely, at Gaius’s beckons . He motioned for the servants to bring her a chair .
“It’s cold . You should have worn thicker clothes,” Petra said . Her straight black hair was tied back, as it always was . Her golden eyes, exactly like his, shone brightly .
“I’m fine . You should worry about yourself . ”
Petra sighed, and poured him a cup of tea .
“Then please, at least have some warm food . ”
Although Petra was notorious for her lack of kindness and compassion for others, she showed a little bit of tenderness for Gaius, her only brother .
“Did you hear what happened with Viscount Loenheim?”