Chapter 469
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Inside the bronze crane-shaped censer, precious ambergris burned, its fragrant smoke curling gracefully upward from the bird’s beak.
Arthur sat regally upon the dragon throne, his commanding gaze fixed on Ferris, who knelt in the center of the grand hall.
His face was beaded with fine sweat, his expression a tight mask of suppressed agony.
When the hourglass ran out, Arthur finally spoke in a measured tone, “As a shadow, you should know your place. How dare you meddle in the affairs of the Osborne family? Do you have a death wish?”
Ferris, pale with pain, replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, please quell your anger. I did this also for Your Majesty’s sake.”
Arthur let out a cold chuckle, his eyes sharp and calculating. “Oh? For my sake, you say? Then tell me-how exactly is this for me?”
“I have investigated and found that the Osborne family and the Duke of Suffield are both under the banner of Prince Fermin. If these two houses join forces, they may pose a threat to Your Majesty,” Ferris replied respectfully.
Arthur narrowed his eyes and thundered, “How audacious! You dared to investigate a prince-what punishment do you deserve?”
Ferris replied respectfully, “I know only loyalty to Your Majesty. Even if Your Majesty were to take my life, I would die without resentment.”
Ferris stole a furtive glance at Arthur. The emperor appeared languid; though his gaze was stern, there was no trace of murderous intent.
Sure enough, he had struck a chord with Arthur.
All emperors guard their power jealously. How could Arthur possibly allow Prince Fermin’s influence to grow unchecked?
His gamble paid off.
Ferris said, “Your Majesty, the Marquis of Somers is a formidable warrior, and the Osborne troops obey only his command. This bodes ill for the throne. As your loyal servant, I naturally wish to share Your Majesty’s burdens.” With these words, Ferris prostrated himself, pressing his forehead to the marble floor before Arthur.
As Arthur observed Ferris’s submissive posture, the hostility in his eyes gradually faded.
Arthur was an emperor after all-only with absolute power firmly in his grasp could he truly feel secure.
As the Queen’s own son, Fermin has spent all these years maneuvering for one purpose only-to claim the position of Crown Prince.
The ambitions of the Queen and Fermin were not lost to Arthur.
If not for the shortage of capable military commanders at court, Arthur would have reined in the Osborne family long ago.
Arthur fixed a menacing gaze on Ferris in the hall, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his eyes.
‘Ferris-now that’s a sharp blade indeed, Arthur thought.
Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena)