Killing Your Sweet Breath - Chapter 17

Chapter 9.1

“Although I’ve forsaken the family name, I thought it only proper to introduce you to my bride before our marriage.”

“So you refuse to marry the Princess of Meiar, even in death.”

“Is that not natural for a man who’s already deeply in love? Marrying anyone other than Lillian Antherden would work in Your Majesty’s favor, wouldn’t it?”

“…I’m merely surprised. I didn’t expect you to indulge in romantic affairs. Have you not been busy these past six years?”

To an outsider, he might sound like a caring father who was counting the days for his estranged son’s return to the capital, but that was far from the truth.

The past six years.

After the death of Van’s mother, the former empress, the new empress consort brought in three sons. Two of them died during this period.

Six years ago, the youngest prince—who hadn’t come of age yet—died instantly after falling from his horse during a hunt. Then, three years later, the second prince disappeared after a night of debauchery and was found a month later.

His body was so badly decomposed it was beyond recognition. He washed up on the lakeside of the imperial hunting grounds.

If not for the imperial family’s seal he wore, no one would have thought he was the prince.

So, the emperor was insinuating: Did you or did you not take all of my sons from me? And very busily at that.

“Indeed, I have. And because of that, I’ve established my place in the capital. Now, I can marry in peace.”

“Marry… Yes, I see no reason to stop you. More importantly, that face looks very familiar.”

He turned his attention toward Winter, his eyes full of meaning.

Winter waited patiently with her head bowed. When ordered to raise her head, she had no choice but to look up and meet his gaze.

“Truly, what a familiar face. It’s somewhat unpleasant, even.”

“I-I apologize—”

Shell-shocked, she stumbled over her words, but Van interrupted once again.

“If you want someone to blame, blame my own foolish heart. Do you intend to strip this love from me as well? Simply because she bears a resemblance to a woman from that family?”

“No, it makes no difference. She couldn’t possibly be alive. So, should I take this as a sign that you wish to settle down now?”

“Well, I can’t offer you a definite answer. You’re well aware of how unpredictable I can be. Who knows what I may want to do next?”

Winter found this farce between father and son ridiculously amusing.

To put it bluntly, it was nothing more than a father’s way of politely asking if his son had finally decided to spare his life, and the son giving him a twisted and courteous reply of “It all depends on you.”

All the while, everyone knew that the son was still aiming a blade at his father’s heart, even at this very moment.

“Should there be something you wish to do, I will no longer stop you. I shall permit your marriage. It is only right that I place my trust in you as your father, seeing that you’ve ventured to the capital on your own and left your soldiers behind at Helgram.”

Seeing that he had no other options, the emperor resorted to being blatantly honest. This man was once known as the Lion of Niello, but here he was now, outright begging his grown son to protect his throne.

“I thank you for your blessing. It is said that the god of death fears only the sun of Niello. Therefore, Your Majesty, you are destined to live a long and prosperous life.”

Van finished with a smile, but his lips soon flattened into a firm line at the sudden commotion outside.

All three of them turned towards the large doors.

The noise grew louder and louder, until finally, the doors were kicked open, and the commotion spilled into the audience chamber.

For a split second, Winter thought this might be a trap, but she quickly dismissed the foolish notion.

Only a madman would accuse their own son of treason without any evidence.

Antonio Niello was at the dead center of this disturbance. Van’s half-brother and the Crown Prince of Niello.

A man with disheveled blond hair, a spitting image of the emperor in his youth, strode into the room on unsteady legs, almost as if he had a few loose screws.

“Father…! Fatherrr…! Tell me it isn’t true—that bastard is here at Niello’s palace?”

His bloodshot eyes glared at the emperor, while the guards by the door stood motionless, awaiting the emperor’s command.

“Is that bastard here to finish me off, after murdering both my brothers?!”

It would’ve been easier to dismiss him if he reeked of alcohol.

But Winter knew instantly. The Crown Prince of Niello was not drunk. He had driven himself to madness out of an obsession for his own survival.

He flailed his arms around, unsheathing the sword fastened at his hip.

“Antonio! How dare you commit such insolence in my presence!”

“Father! Don’t be deceived! This wench must surely be part of his scheme…!”

Antonio was swift in his movements. His staggering steps suddenly turned quick and firm as he closed in on Winter, his jewel-encrusted sword raised in a defensive stance.

He might have been crazy, but one could clearly see—he was undeniably of Niello blood.

And then…

Red blood dripped onto the white marble floor of the audience chamber.

“Summon the court physician at once!“