The Evil Empress Adores Me

Thats why Im so happy.I dont want to take these gloves off one bit.

Having said that, Damian smiled again.

It was a radiant and breath-taking smile that eluded any more questions directed towards him.

Oh, I see

The ladys face just by looking at that smile of his, flushed red.

Meanwhile, I could only look at Damian with a sorrowful expression.

Its a gift from that annoying Emperor, why are you so enthusiastic about wearing it?

Or, maybe you dont want to show youre at odds with the Emperor.

It could be that but-

I pouted my lips in dismay and let my thoughts run wild at that point.

***

At last, the tea party was over.

The long day was at an end.

After seeing off the ladies, I ran to Damian.

Your Highness, crown prince!

Oh, Lize.

It was only then, did I see Damian become more laid back as he loosened the stiffness in his shoulders and even chuckled.

But my eyes widened, fixated on the gloves Damian was still wearing.

Come on, all the ladies have gone home already, havent they?

Why are you still wearing those hideous-looking gloves?

If you wear them any longer, Im gonna get worried!

Why arent you taking those gloves off?

Sorry?

An awkward look appeared on Damians face.

Hey, why did he do that?

I pressed him again.

You dont need to have them on all the time. The guests are all gone now.

Please, crown prince. Take them off.

At the most convenient time, the Empress also came to help me.

But Damian still refused to take off his gloves.

No, I

Youre going to be indoors anyway, wont it be inconvenient to wear gloves?

Does he like those gloves that much?

I tilted my head, my eyes musing on Damian.

That cant be true.

When he opened the box earlier, I was sure I saw his fearful expression, didnt I?

Theres no way I cant be suspicious of what the Emperor gives.

Please take them off. Ill look after the gloves for you.

Lize, its not

Ugh, this is frustrating! Ill take them off myself.

I grabbed Damians hand.

Just then.

You-umph.

A suppressed groan escaped Damians lips.

I looked at him in surprise, slackening my grip.

Your Highness, whats wrong? Are you sick?

What happened?

I didnt hold onto him that hard.

Just as I said that the Empresss face hardened.

She immediately walked up to Damian, grabbed him by the wrist, and took off a glove.

.prince.

The Empresss eyes widened and flickered at what she saw before her.

Damians hand finally exposed to the outside world was truly a dreadful sight to see.

The tips of his fingers were smothered in blood as if they had been pierced by countless needles.

I froze on the spot.

He was only wearing leather gloves.

How is his hand like that?

H-How did this happen!?

I cried out in a faltering voice.

With a rigid face, the Empress took off another glove without hesitation.

Her forehead became deeply wrinkled as she carefully scrutinized the gloves.

She then probed Damian with a perceptive question.

Why were you so keen on keeping these gloves on?

These gloves have needles embedded in the fingertips.

Needles?

I swallowed my breath.

It then occurred to me that Damian had already stopped wearing the gloves.

I took the gloves from the Empress, ripping them open with a white face.

Just as the Empress said, they indeed had sharp needles embedded in them.

The entire time, Damian was drinking tea and chatting with the gloves on.

Damian didnt even curl an eyebrow.

How is that possible?

Im fine, your Majesty.

Damian smiled calmly, hiding his bloodied fingers behind his back.

Youre fine? By the looks of it, youre hurting a lot!

I unconsciously reached out and clasped his hand.