I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

“I don’t have to dance with you, do I? Tonight, all my dances are reserved for His Majesty.”

Ophelia rejected Nocturne without hesitation, sensing some ulterior motive.

But Nocturne was not easily deterred. As if expecting her response, he said,

“Both our partners are absent anyway, right?”

“…”

“Don’t leave me hanging, Ophelia.”

With a charming smile, Nocturne offered his hand again. Annoyed but aware of the watching eyes, Ophelia reluctantly took his hand.

Nocturne led her to the center of the hall, and as they started dancing to the orchestra’s music, he whispered,

“There’s going to be an attack during the second part of the ball.”

“!!!”

“I’m telling you this because I know you worked hard to prepare for tonight.”

“Who’s planning this madness?”

“James.”

One of the three who had conspired to harass Nocturne. He pulled Ophelia closer, supporting her waist and narrowing the distance between them.

“That lunatic wants to play with fire using a magic orb.”

“And why are you telling me this?”

Ophelia asked suspiciously. Nocturne smirked.

“Because you won’t stand by and let anyone harm the family.”

“Who am I supposed to trust, you or James?”

“At least trust what you can see.”

As the dance ended, Nocturne pretended to kiss her hand, slipping something into her palm. Ophelia glanced at the magic orb detector.

“See for yourself. James will have it during the second part.”

“You’re insufferable, Nocturne Harrison.”

“Thank you, Ophelia Greenwood.”

With a leisurely smile, Nocturne walked away. Ophelia glared after him briefly before scanning the room for someone.

* * *

Serena attended the ball as Nocturne’s partner because of his request. As the emperor’s physician, her presence at the ball wasn’t mandatory, so she hadn’t planned to have a partner.

When Nocturne asked, she agreed readily.

Nocturne needed to speak with Ophelia and wanted Azeid away from her. He figured Ophelia would cling to Azeid, so he asked for Serena’s help.

‘I intend to leave this to Ophelia.’

‘Will she help?’

‘Ophelia won’t tolerate anyone who harms the family. Is that enough of an answer?’

‘Yes, that’s enough. Anything else I can help with?’

‘That will do. I’ll handle the rest.’

So Serena had attended the ball, signaled Azeid to meet her at the terrace, and succeeded in getting him away.

Now she just needed to spend time with Azeid while Nocturne talked to Ophelia.

But—

“Your Majesty, why are you looking at me like that?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re looking at me like you have a lot to say but aren’t saying anything.”

“You’re the one who called me to the terrace. Shouldn’t you be the one with something to say?”

Azeid’s tone was sharp.

Why is he acting like an upset cat again?

Serena glanced at Azeid, who seemed quite peeved, with his lips slightly pouting and eyes glaring sharply into the distance. She patted his shoulder and said,

“I do have something to say, but I’m not sure you’re ready to hear it.”

“I’m always ready to listen.”

You don’t look ready at all.

Serena decided she needed to ease Azeid’s mood before asking anything. He seemed likely to refuse her otherwise.

“Your Majesty, would you like some chocolate?”

“Do you think I’m crazy about sweets?”

Just as Azeid snapped, Serena swiftly popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth, her fingers brushing against his teeth and lips. Azeid felt a surge of heat and stared at Serena with his mouth open.

Serena gently closed his mouth and said,

“It’s delicious.”

Eat something sweet and relax.

Serena started coaxing Azeid like a child.

“I found these on the table earlier and had a few. They’re really good. I guarantee you’ll like them.”

“…”

“If you want more, just let me know. I brought a few more in my handkerchief.”

She opened the handkerchief to reveal a few more chocolates, smiling brightly. Azeid, caught off guard by her straightforward approach, didn’t know how to respond.

His lips tingled from her touch, and his mouth felt a bit spicy.

Wait, spicy?

Azeid realized the chocolate had something in it. A strong taste of alcohol hit his tongue.

“…”

“They’re good, right? I think I ate about ten of these. I don’t usually like sweets, but these are deliciously bitter.”

Serena chatted more than usual, her voice unusually high-pitched. Azeid quickly snatched her handkerchief away.

“Stop eating.”

“Why are you hogging them? There’s plenty outside; we can share.”

Serena pouted and complained. Azeid hid the handkerchief behind him, noticing her flushed cheeks and slightly unfocused eyes.

She’s drunk.

Azeid sighed internally and gripped the handkerchief tightly. These were whiskey chocolates, a dessert for those who enjoyed alcohol, with a high enough proof to make a lightweight tipsy after just five pieces.

She had eaten ten, no, eleven with the one he just gave her.

She wasn’t completely drunk, but she wasn’t sober either. Azeid, seeing Serena’s disheveled state for the first time, didn’t know what to do. Then Serena shrugged and said,

“Fine. Now that you’ve had some, relax, okay?”

“I was never upset…”

Azeid secretly threw the chocolates into the trash. He liked chocolate but not alcohol.

Mixing alcohol with chocolate seemed atrocious to him. Chocolate was perfect on its own.

While he was distracted, Serena stumbled towards the terrace railing. Alarmed, Azeid grabbed her shoulders.

“Your Majesty, the ground is moving. Is there an earthquake?”

“That’s because you’re moving, Serena.”

“I’m standing perfectly still.”

“Then the ground must be moving.”

Azeid, engaging in her nonsensical conversation, led her to a chair and sat her down, then sat beside her.

“The chocolate you ate isn’t just chocolate.”

“Of course. It’s high-quality chocolate from Greenwood. It must be special.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Hoo.”

Serena took a deep breath and then rested her head on Azeid’s shoulder.

“My head hurts. It’s all because you stressed me out. Ever since I entered the palace, it’s been nothing but hard work.”

No, that’s just a hangover.

Azeid had much to say but held back, pulling a cord to summon a servant for water and a hangover remedy. He wanted to sober her up quickly.

Soon, the servant brought what he requested. Azeid held the pill to her lips and said,

“If you don’t want to crawl on all fours, take this.”

“Do you think I’m an animal? Crawling on all fours?”

“If I hadn’t stopped you, you’d be crawling by now.”

“What nonsense.”

Serena, annoyed, pushed the remedy away. Azeid persisted, offering it again.

“What’s this? Why do you keep trying to make me take it?”

Serena resisted stubbornly, unlike her usual sternness when giving out medicines.

“It’s what you always do to me. Now, open up.”

Just as Azeid was about to put the pill to her lips again, Serena’s eyes sparkled mischievously, and before he could react, she bit his finger.