The Tyrant’s Last Doll

ttom:15px;margin-top:15px; ”>

And he knew he had no choice but to grant Liliana’s dying wish.

He blamed himself for not finding her sooner, berating himself repeatedly for failing to protect her.
His wrath was directed to those who treated her so menacingly.

The black Lotuboru was driven straight through Liliana’s chest.
He embraced her lifeless body as he wailed and howled, crying for three consecutive days and nights.

He buried Liliana, grabbing his sword with a clear resolve and after a year, the Emperor of Ivant was changed.

***

The emperor, who visited the central temple of Theres for the prayer festival, was now locked up in his room for the second day all because of a sudden illness.

The Temple of Life and Abundance announced the emperor had fallen sick, and they were fidgeting on their spots and refused to give further explanations.
Nothing else was said, and everyone in the detached palace kept their mouths shut looking like their necks were about to be sliced off any moment.

Same goes for Lavis.
He was the only one who visited the private chambers of the emperor.
He stayed by his side and carefully watched his expression.
He was the lone person in the temple who pretended to listen to him, and he was close to exploding.

His aggressive half-brother was up for two nights now.
Ridrian was staring at the blonde woman who was unconscious on the pristine white bed.
He was seated next to her for two days, looking utterly distraught.

Ridrian, are you worried about her?

After Ridrian had lost Liliana, it was the first time Lavis saw him exhibiting emotions that were not anger.
He wondered about the doll who had caused quite a change in Ridrian’s demeanor, and he thought about the extent of Ridrian’s feelings towards her.

“We’ll take our leave.” The attending servants announced after clearing out the items used by the royal court.
Ridrian, Lavis, and the court doctor who had treated Iona were the only ones left inside the room.

After a long, long silence, the emperor spoke, “Court doctor.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

The emperor took a deep breath, “How is Iona?”

“There is nothing to worry about.
She is sleeping soundly at the moment.” The doctor assured.

Ridrian fumed at those words.
The three court doctors who had accompanied him on this visit had examined Iona for two days, and he was tired of hearing them say there wasn’t anything wrong, “Nothing to worry about? So how come she is not waking up!”