I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Serena realized just how close she was to Azeid, and her heart skipped a beat. Crouched down with her knees up, she was practically locked in between his legs.

Azeid, his lips still covered by Serena’s hand, remained in a tense, awkward position.

His blue eyes were filled with Serena. If she moved even a little, their lips might accidentally touch.

To an onlooker, it might have seemed like Azeid was preventing Serena from leaving.

She could feel his warm breath against her hand, making her feel strange. Quickly, she pulled her hand away. As soon as she did, Azeid exhaled a long, held breath.

“Haah.”

The rush of his breath ruffled Serena’s bangs. On the left side of her round forehead, an uneven burn scar peeked out.

It was a small scar, like a flower petal, barely noticeable unless you looked closely.

Serena hastily covered her forehead with her hand. She had intentionally styled her bangs to hide the scar, so she moved quickly.

Azeid, staring at a different spot, didn’t notice the scar. He kept muttering strange things, almost like a chant, while taking deep breaths.

His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, catching Serena’s attention. The sight of his taut neck, strong build, and sharp jawline was quite captivating.

‘No wonder everyone blushes when they see the emperor.’

Serena felt herself getting warm. She wished Azeid would move away, but he just kept breathing heavily like an angry bull ready to charge.

‘Is he mad about what happened with Nocturne?’

Noticing his unusual behavior, Serena blinked. Maybe he was thinking about how to deal with those who wanted to harm Nocturne?

If that was the case, he could think it over from a distance. Unable to hold back, Serena spoke up.

“Your Majesty, how long are you going to stay like this? You can take deep breaths from farther away.”

“…”

“Your breath keeps tickling my hair, it’s uncomfortable. Can you please move back a bit?”

Serena’s complaining tone made Azeid stop his deep breathing and look down at her. His expression seemed a bit angry.

‘Did I mess up?’

Serena worried she might have made things worse by pushing him. Technically, she had dragged him here, so she felt a bit guilty for being inconsiderate.

Azeid looked at her with eyes full of things he wanted to say. His gaze lingered on her eyes, nose, and lips before he sighed deeply and spoke irritably.

“Why are you so fearless?”

“Huh?”

Serena looked at him with wide eyes, confused by the sudden comment. Was he about to scold her for eavesdropping?

“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I got worried when they mentioned you.”

She awkwardly explained, shifting uncomfortably. Her body was getting stiff from staying in one position for too long. At that moment, Azeid urgently shouted.

“Don’t move!”

Serena froze and stared at Azeid. He still didn’t move back, biting his lower lip nervously. His anxious expression puzzled her.

“What’s wrong?”

“…”

“Did you get a cramp? Should I help you?”

When Serena tried to lift her hand to find the cramp, Azeid grabbed her hand and said,

“Just…! Stay still…”

His voice, which had started loud, trailed off. Serena, her hand still held, looked at him. His cheeks seemed flushed, and his hand was burning hot. Was he getting a fever?

She had no idea what was going on. He wasn’t angry or cramping, so why was he staying so close?

Feeling suffocated, Serena pushed his chest gently.

“Then at least move back a little. It’s hot.”

“Ah, wait…!”

Azeid startled, jerking his body. At that moment, something heavy and solid brushed against Serena’s leg. It felt like a cane. Without thinking, she blurted out,

“Did you bring a cane?”

Azeid didn’t answer, instead covering his eyes with his other hand and muttering a curse. His ears were now bright red, like someone standing in the cold for too long.

“Oh.”

Serena finally realized what was happening.

‘That’s… I see. That’s what it is.’

Understanding Azeid’s strange behavior, Serena rolled her eyes.

The emperor was quite healthy in another sense.

Feeling her throat go dry and a sudden heat, she relied on her professional instinct. As a doctor, she knew these things were natural and beyond control.

She had a duty to reassure her patient. Calmly, she said,

“It’s okay, Your Majesty. That’s a perfectly natural occurrence for a healthy person…”

But Azeid cut her off.

“Just don’t say anything, Serena.”

“Okay.”

His desperate plea made her clamp her mouth shut. An awkward silence filled the air. It took a while before Azeid calmed down and moved back.

Azeid said nothing, and Serena pretended nothing had happened, changing the topic.

“I should go tell Nocturne about what I heard.”

“…”

“You should prepare for the ball, Your Majesty.”

Serena awkwardly finished her sentence. Azeid glared at her like a wounded lamb.

“…I’ll be going then.”

Serena avoided his piercing gaze and quietly left the library. She walked out confidently but-

‘Aaaah!’

Internally screaming, she dashed away. Embarrassment she had suppressed came flooding out all at once.

She thought she was fine, but seeing Azeid’s reaction made her realize she wasn’t.

‘What was that look!’

Her face turned as red as Azeid’s had been.

* * *

After calming down, Serena went to find Nocturne. She needed to inform him about what she heard in the library.

Nocturne’s room was in the annex, not the main estate. He had likely fallen out of favor after inheriting the title and leaving the duke’s house.

When she reached his room, she knocked three times. The door opened, and he recognized her.

“Lady Serena, what brings you here?”

Nocturne blinked in surprise at Serena’s sudden visit. He was relaxing, his long hair loosely tied.

“I have something to tell you. May I come in?”

“Um. In here?”

Nocturne looked troubled. It was risky to visit a man’s room. Azeid was a patient, so she often went to his room, but Nocturne wasn’t.

Serena quickly waved her hand.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think it was improper.”

“No, it’s fine. The third room on this floor is a parlor. Wait there, and I’ll join you.”

“Okay, I will.”

She almost made a mistake. Her mind was still half-occupied with her awkward parting with Azeid.

She waited in the parlor for a bit.

“Sorry for the delay.”

Nocturne sat opposite her and apologized.

“Lady Serena, what’s so urgent?”

“I have something to discuss.”

“What is it?”

“Are you attending the ball tonight?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Um. Can you not go?”

Serena fidgeted as she asked, making Nocturne tilt his head.

“Why?”

His reaction was understandable. The ball marked the beginning of the hunt festival. Anyone from Greenwood would attend. Nocturne had come from the capital just for this. Serena cautiously began.

“Well, I saw some Greenwood nobles in the library earlier. The same three who were with you before.”

Nocturne’s eyes slightly changed as she mentioned the incident.

“They seemed to hold a grudge from what you did.”

“I didn’t mean to worry you, Lady Serena.”

Nocturne muttered with a faint smile. His expression showed no concern. Serena, frustrated, said,

“This isn’t just a joke. They had a magic orb.”