Chapter 157: The Game for the Heavenly Throne
"Your Majesty! I apologize for being late, but Maximus wouldn’t let me in." The Empress cried out in worry, her eyes fixed on the Emperor.
"Don’t you see how I am?" the Emperor growled, his voice thick with anger. "If I’d known our son would make me see this day, I would have ripped you from the ground so he could never be born."
"It’s not like that, Your Highness," the Empress pleaded. "Maximus has been misled by the Duke and that... so-called princess. He won’t even acknowledge me anymore. I’m sure they’ve done something to him."
"I don’t know anything about that. Just let me get out of here. That girl needs to be gone! If she dies, I’m free. And that Duchess! How did she even escape?" the Emperor shouted, his rage palpable.
"I’m trying, Your Highness. I’ve planned everything I could to expose the girl as a fraud. She’s no princess, no daughter of yours. As for the Duchess, she somehow materialized. I don’t know how or why, but I won’t question your actions. I’ll fulfill any task you give me."
A guard entered abruptly. "Your Highness, the Empress must leave."
"A mere guard doesn’t dictate my actions," the Empress snapped.
Just then, Crown Prince Maximus appeared. "Mother, I believe the Crown Prince has more authority in this palace and this empire after the Emperor. And after what you’ve done, you should be grateful you’re not locked away with him."
The Empress’s eyes narrowed. "You will learn your lesson, Maximus," she spat before storming out.
Maximus approached the Emperor. "Your Highness, what happened to you? Who did this?"
"Who?" the Emperor roared. "Can’t you see who’s behind it all? The Duchess! Capture her! Imprison her! Execute her!"
"But how could the Duchess be here when she was seen in her chambers at the same time?" Maximus questioned. "How can someone be in two places at once?"