Those who had been gossiping about Leon’s alleged drug use now turned their sights to Oliver. Despite the worsening opinion, Oliver remained unyielding. No one could get Leon out of the Crown Prince’s palace against his will, not even Empress Madelyn with her many soldiers. And so, Leon remained trapped in the palace. After several days, the National Founding Day arrived.
Amanda was meticulously tying Oliver’s cravat as usual. The situation so far didn’t seem favorable to him, but she never asked him a single question about it. That was the extent of how much she trusted in Oliver’s judgment. He had said he would blow the doors open at the National Founding Day, and she could only guess what would happen.
Upon seeing Amanda’s serious expression, Oliver gave a soft smile in attempt to lighten the mood.
“What are you thinking so hard about with such a cute face? Are you worried about what will happen today?”
“…”
“Well, many things may change depending on today’s outcome.”
She glanced upwards at his face, and he continued on in a softer voice.
“What will you do if something terrible happens to me?”
Despite his question, his gaze was confident. After ruminating on it for a moment, Amanda replied in a casual voice.
“I don’t know. Perhaps I shall cut off the neck of the Second Prince? Then he wouldn’t be able to take the throne.”
Oliver gave a low chuckle at Amanda’s words. He lowered his eyes and stared at her with a penetrating gaze.
“That’s just like you. But if you do that, the Empress will place many charges against us and have us both executed.”
Killing the Second Prince, who had not even been formally convicted, would be a great risk to Oliver, and an all-out war against Madelyn may force him to step down. Overthrowing the Imperial family by military force meant scorched earth tactics—he would not only have to remove Leon, but Emperor Howard as well. If Oliver tried to have Leon killed in a half-hearted manner, he would only be further from the throne. Amanda was aware of that as well.
“That doesn’t mean I can’t do anything for you.”
Oliver’s blue eyes trembled slightly at her unexpected show of support. He smiled faintly and brushed his fingers against her pale cheek.
“Don’t worry. There won’t be trouble. If this goes to plan, then soon you’ll hold your side of the contract you made a long time ago.”
“The contract…”
The memory suddenly came to her head.
— When you become empress as you desire, live only as my wife.
It was one of their agreements when they made their contract marriage. They wouldn’t sleep together until Amanda became empress, which meant that the moment Oliver took the throne, the pair would truly be coupled.
Amanda’s heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t know why, but there was always a lingering heat in his eyes whenever he backed away from kissing her. She didn’t understand why he only came into their bedroom only when he was exhausted—it was all because he was doing his best to keep his word with her.
“On my coronation day, I’m thinking of burning the couch first.”
Amanda’s cheeks turned pink. Since the wedding, Amanda slept on the bed, while Oliver took the couch. She understood his implication.
“Do what you want. At that time…you won’t need a couch anyway.”
Amanda suddenly felt embarrassed at the words that left her mouth, and her ears burned. Oliver wasn’t the only one hoping for such a moment. More than anyone else, Amanda hoped for the days when Oliver would become emperor and she could keep her family safe. She hadn’t given the contract details much consideration…but when everything was finished, she would live just as Oliver’s woman.
“Don’t forget what you just said.”
Oliver stared at Amanda with bright eyes, and carefully kissed her forehead as if to seal a vow. Despite the softness of his lips, his mouth felt as hot as when they fiercely kissed.
Amanda looked up at him, and Oliver cupped her cheek, her body feeling warmer than before.
“Hold on. I’ll be there for you soon.”