Before I finished speaking, the eunuch scolded me severely.
"The emperor's name is not something a lowly person like you can call out directly!"
I turned my head to look at Huston, but his face remained stern and indifferent, not saying a word.
He seemed like a completely different person.
I had no choice but to kneel and bow my head.
"Your servant knows her mistake."
"Forget it, Renee. You helped me ascend the throne, so if you wish to address me as before, you may."
He smiled, his eyes warm and indulgent, just as they once were.
But then he turned and playfully pinched Amy's cheek, his voice full of affection.
"And you, don't blame me for showing her favoritism if she calls me that."
"Your Majesty, you're the best!"
Amy wrapped her arms around his shoulders flirtatiously and kissed him on the cheek, casting a smug look in my direction, clearly showing off.
It felt as if a giant hand was gripping my heart, making it hard to breathe.
The next day, Amy's coronation ceremony as Empress officially began.
The ceremony was held in the bell tower outside the Throne Hall. Below, drums and gongs rang out, and the streets were packed with people celebrating.
Even the officials of the imperial harem, both high and low, went to participate.
I leaned against the palace gates, the smell of medicine lingering around me, gazing toward the Throne Hall.
Huston had told me that since I still needed to recover, it was inconvenient for me to attend.
"Inconvenient?"
"More like he's worried that Miss Renee will lose her mind and cause trouble for Empress Amy!"
"Exactly! When a woman gets jealous, it's dangerous! Of course, the Emperor needs to be cautious!"
Carol chased away the gossiping maids and returned to comfort me, but I could only shake my head and smile bitterly.
Huston, there was no need for you to guard against me.
Since you had already made your decision, I would naturally obey you.
Not long after Amy was crowned Empress, she predictably came to my palace.
She wore an Empress's robe embroidered with golden phoenixes, the phoenix tail patterns on her sash gleaming, highlighting her regal status.
Arrogantly, she knocked over my medicine pot and slapped me.
"The year's end is approaching, and I will be offering prayers and sacrifices for the people alongside the Emperor. No medicine brewing is allowed in the harem during such a sacred time! How dare you!"