The Diabolical

Old Friend

Rose’s PoV

“Stop! Enough! Who told you to come here and yell at each other?! Get out!” The two ministers look at each other before bowing their heads.

“Please forgive us-“

“GET OUT!” I yelled at the top of my lungs. The minister bowed before walking out of the throne room.

“Rose- I thought you’re going to try and listen to everyone's side of the story. Why would chase them out?” I pinched the bridge of my nose before facing my husband.

“Those old bastard are giving me a headache. It’s either that or I’ll kill them. I already told those bastards to keep their voice down, but did they listen to me? No! They were too busy arguing with each other even to care!” I couldn’t handle my anger when I slammed my hand on the armrest.

“Calm down, Rose. Should I handle the next meeting?” Honestly, yes. I don’t think I can keep myself from yelling at everyone today. It’s the month's time, and I’m so pissed at everything. It’s annoying that everything doesn’t go as planned.

“Yes. I’ll be sitting there and watching the progress. I won’t be saying anything.” Kian smiled.

“Of course. I’ll do my best to exceed your expectations.” I smiled at my husband.

“Kian, I’m beginning to think that my decision to wage this war is a mistake. The ministers that were supposed to help me didn’t even care about the people of the empire. They only worried for themselves. The only reason I waged this war was the unfairness the neighboring kingdom had done to the empire’s economy. I know it’s childish, but- it’s the only way to get through that mad king.” Kian took my hand with his.

“But you’re doing everything for the good of the empire. It doesn’t matter if those people didn’t think you are, but I do. What I think matters. I am your husband, and I will support you endlessly. That’s what everyone should do for their partner.” I smiled. Kian always knows what to say.

“Your majesty, I’m sorry for disturbing your time, but there’s a woman who wishes to see you. I already told her off, but she wouldn’t listen to reason.” Does a woman want to see me?

“Who is she?”

“Duchess Catherine.” Catherine?

“Let her in.” Kian nodded his head before standing behind the throne. Catherine was led inside by the maid, and the moment she saw me, she bowed.

“It’s an honor to meet you, my empress finally. I’m sorry for my sudden visit, but it’s urgent, and I want your help.” That was bold.

“My help? Duchess- that’s not how you asked for anyone’s help.” The duchess keeps her head low.

“I’m sorry. A lot has happened, and troubles keep following me everywhere I go. Your majesty, please, help me get a divorce from my abusive husband.” The duchess said before revealing something that she hides with her clothes. There was a time when I wondered why the duchess would continue to wear long sleeves dresses even in the summer. So this is why she never felt hot wearing such clothes before.

“How long has your husband hit you?” The duchess shrugged.

“I don’t know- perhaps after I gave birth to our daughter. My husband, the duke, wants a son that could take his place as the duke when he wants to retire. But I could give him the son he wanted. My last pregnancy destroyed my body, and I couldn’t have another child. My husband started to hate that I couldn’t give him what he wanted, and he tried to find others. He is now dating another woman while keeping me as his wife. Whenever something bad happens, the duke always uses me as a punching bag. I had enough, your majesty. So please- help me!” I turned to Kian, who nodded his head.

“Chattering, title aside; we’ve been friends since childhood. And what happened to you was unacceptable. Does the duke know that we are friends?” Catherine shook her head no.

“Catherine, have you ever brought yourself to the hospital? Those cuts- it seems too deep, and have you been putting medicine on it?” Catherine shook her head no.

“First, you should bring yourself to the hospital. As your friend, I will see what I can do. The duke wouldn’t know what hits him. Where’s your daughter?” I asked.

“She is waiting outside. Rose- we run away from home. I had enough. I couldn’t let my daughter witness such violence every single day.” That does sound bad for the child to go through.

“I understand. You two should stay here in the palace for the time being. I’m sure the duke wouldn’t be searching the palace since he didn’t know we were friends. Catherine, I’m sorry that this happened to you. I thought the duke would treat you good. But he doesn’t.” Catherine thanked me while I stood up from my throne and went down the stairs.

“Catherine- Gisele will be surprised to see you like this. Cover yourself- I will tell the doctor to take care of you. The duke will pay for what he’s done.” I asked the maid to bring Catherine and her child to an empty room in the palace.

“Rose- do you want me to deal with the duke?” I nodded.

“Make the duke suffer what he’s done to Catherine. That kind of person doesn’t deserve to be part of the empire’s nobility. Take away his title and make him a commoner.“ Kian chuckled.

“Alright. Consider it done, my empress.” Kian bow before excusing himself. I went back to the throne and sat back down. A lot of things happened within this short amount of time. But Catherine being here is good news.

I’ve been trying to get my hands on the duke and my old friend just gave me an opportunity to deal with that bastard. The day just gets even better.

MEANWHILE AT THE GUEST BEDROOM,

“Catherine- how are you? Did you go to the hospital wing?” My old friend nodded her head.

“Rose- Gisele went to see me, and she said she’s going to take care of the duke for me. What exactly did you say to make her act that way?” I smiled before taking a seat on a chair facing Catherine.

“I only said that the duke has been abusing you, and that’s it. We both know what kind of person Gisele is to those who harass others. I’ve talked to my aide, and she will deal with the divorcing paperwork. Of course, the duke will take action, but we both know that it’s futile if the empress decides to use her title, right?” Catherine smiled genuinely.

“Thank you, Rose. I will make it up to you once everything is settled. It was a gamble for me to come to the palace. The only good thing about being a duchess is that I get to go to the palace without much hassle.” I smiled.

“Pleasure all mine, Catherine. It would be awful of me to ignore a friend crying for help. The duke shouldn’t hurt you like that. That man was such a gentleman when we met, but I never thought he was the type to raise his hand.” Catherine sighed before looking down at her sleeping daughter.

“The only reason why I managed to go on with my life was because of my daughter. My husband didn’t even acknowledge her existence just because of her gender. It pains me to see how my daughter tried to gain his attention, but that man just brushed her off.” The child is the same age as Kiera but-

“Rose- my daughter is everything to me, and I want only the best for her. I’ll do anything- let my work here in the palace. You know my capabilities- perhaps I can be of help for the empire. I’ll do anything. I even scrub bathrooms for you so please- let my daughter receive a proper education. I want her future to be as bright as the sun if possible.” Scrubs bathroom?! What is wrong with this woman?

“Catherine! Why would I ask a noble like you to wash the bathroom while you could work as my advisor? As you said, I know your capabilities, and I saw how you executed your talent when we were students at the academy. You’re probably way more useful than those old fuckers that remain by my side.” Wait- that’s a good idea!

“Catherine, why don’t you work under me after the divorce? Don’t worry about the duke’s family. I will make sure they will get what they deserve.” Catherine sighed.

“My mother-in-law knows what is going on, but she kept an eye close because that old woman is worried that my husband would take away his privilege. My mother-in-law watched his son hurt me without saying it did anything. What if I die? What will happen to my child if that happens?” Catherine’s voice quivered.

“Catherine, you’re safe now. Nothing will happen to you and your child.” I assured. Catherine grabbed hold of my hand and smiled.

“Thank you, Rose. I don’t know how to repay you.” I waved my hand.

“How is your relationship with Kian? He wasn’t kidding when he said he’ll stay by your side till death do you part.” I laughed.

“That sounds like something you’ll watch in theatres. The only reason why he stays is because of his duty and our child.” Catherine shook her head no.

“Kian loves you. You can’t deny that the prince is getting head over heels for you. Having a child together is just a bonus.” I sighed.

“And he wants to have another child with me. I don’t even know if I am ready to have another child.” Catherine chuckled.

“The princess is now twelve years old. I’m sure you’re ready to have another. Who knows, it might be twins.” Catherine winked. Oh no- please no!

“Twins? Having Kiera was hard enough for me, and you want me to push out two babies simultaneously? I don’t think my body can take it.” Catherine seems to be amused by my reaction.

“Anyway- how is the empire’s current situation? It is the second war you’ve wave after becoming the empress. What was happening inside your head when you decided to put yourself in such a situation again?” Catherine- I almost forgot how bold you could get.

“I admit that I was stupid to allow anyone to get the better of me. But I’m positive that the outcome of this war will benefit the empire.“ Catherine seems skeptical of my logic.

“When does war ever benefit anything?” Oh- Catherine seems like another person whenever she talks about anything related to the empire.

“Well- the neighboring king wants to take the empire’s land by force. It’s only fair for us to fight back. I’ve searched high and low for Gisele and brought her back to the palace. Luckily she fell in love with one of my informants and even made her pregnant.” Catherine seems confused.

“It’s a long story. You’ll probably think I’m crazy.” Catherine smiled.

“I have all the time you need. Now, tell me- how did Gisele make a woman pregnant.” I explained everything that happened, and even Catherine was shocked to hear that Gisele finally found her birth mother.

“You mean to say that Gisele is half-demon?” I nodded.

“I’ve always been wonder how that girl managed to outshine the best swordmaster that was supposed to teach us when we were at the academy. And now I know why.”