Note: Upgrade your browser if you can't see the images.
The Unofficial Empress - Chapter 18
You are reading The Unofficial Empress Chapter 18 at mangacake.
Please use the Bookmark button to get notifications about the latest chapters of The Unofficial Empress next time when you come visit our manga website
The matter about Theresa was not resolved nor it is cleared. Alexandra and Marco wore hoods before they mounted the horses. Agatha and Lino rode the carriage and disguised themselves as the third prince and his consort. Agatha has not yet replied to Lino’s proposal even after three days spending time together so she feels a little awkward sitting with him cramped together in the same carriage.
“It’s hot, isn’t it?” Lino fanned himself as he opened the window but a cold wind brushed past his cheek. Agatha immediately closed it before he catches a cold.
“You shouldn’t get sick while I’m around. The prince told me to take care of you,” she said with such composure that made Lino gaze in awe.
“You’re truly my type,” he blurted out.
“Excuse me?” as soon as she stood, the carriage shook and she lost her balance making her land on Lino’s lap.
“Although I like to stay like this, I better send you back to your seat,” Lino spoke and they waited until the carriage stabilized before she stood up and returned to her seat.
“I’m free!” Alexandra exclaimed as she maneuvered the horse easily on the rocky path.
“Have you stopped sulking?” Marco asked as he caught up beside her.
“I’m not sulking!” she answered and let the horse run faster.
“Don’t push your limits! The horse can also get tired,” Marco caught up once again.
“I know! Don’t bother me!”
“Whoa!!!” Marco exclaimed as his horse neighed causing her horse to jolt with fear. The horses became violent but Alexandra remained calm while trying to set her pace back. Marco who is more experienced in horseback riding could not calm his horse as it runs in zigzag like a mad dog not listening to its owner.
They are now heading towards a well and 100 meters from it is a cliff. The horse kicked a bucket and it flew spilling the contained water. Marco decided to let go of the reins and Alexandra saw how determined her husband is so she turned back her horse and headed towards the well. Marco dived onto the rocky soil partially covered in grass and rolled over it as the horse continued to run until it fell.
“Marco!” Alexandra got down from her horse and went to check his vital sign without moving him. Marco grunted in pain as he squirmed. Alexandra tried to feel his body to see if he incurred any injuries.
“My trainings paid off,” Marco said as he grabbed her wrist to prevent her hand from traveling further. “There could be a few bruises and scratches but I’m fine,” he said with heavy breathing while resting on the ground .
“What kind of training did you have to be so calm at the face of danger?”
Marco heaved a deep sigh before getting up. “It doesn’t matter. Did I frighten you?”
“You scared the hell out of me! Although I have a basic medical training, it won’t suffice if you had serious injuries. Besides, we don’t have medical supplies with us,” Alexandra scolded. Marco grinned proudly to see a woman who calmly managed the situation.
“You did great. If you panicked a while ago, your horse could have gotten agitated and you might have been injured as well,” he said while ruffling her hair. Then she suddenly burst into tears making him stare and speechless.
“Darn you! Bastard!” she cussed and was about to punch him but she paused upon seeing his pitiful appearance. There are small cuts on his neck. His clothes were dirty, dust and mud combined.
“I’m beat,” Marco grunted as he moved closer but he flinched upon feeling pain on his chest. Then he sniggered before pressing the ground behind him as he relaxed. “I allow you to curse me today without kissing you.”
“Who said I wanted your kiss?”
“Then you should stop cursing with that pretty mouth of yours,” he said as he looked up to follow her movements. She offered a hand so he accepted it. He picked up his hood and they headed towards the well. He removed his coat and folded his shirt sleeves only to show a few bruises. Those are nothing compared to his trainings with the soldiers. “These are nothing compared to my injuries back then,” he said as he recalled the harsh training he had in the general’s camp.
“What do you mean?”
“Seriously?” Marco scoffed as she washed his blood off from his arm. “You lived in the palace for quite sometime. Didn’t you hear more about me?” he asked and she just stared blankly as if she really did not know anything. “Well this is new,” he said shaking his head. “How about Paulino Casino?”
“Aside from being a count, he is also a captain of the imperial army,” Alexandra replied nonchalantly.
“Then do you know his commander?”
“Not that I heard much about him. Wait…are you?” Alexandra finally realized what he has been hinting. “Oh!” she covered her mouth in surprise. “I didn’t know, truly.”
“It doesn’t matter,” he shrugged and unfolded his shirt. He was just recently appointed so it is understandable. “It’s not like it is a crime though,” he said and wore his coat and wrapped his hood back properly before they headed towards the horse. Alexandra watched how her husband waited for her by the horse’s side. “Ladies first.”
“Thank you,” she said and mounted her horse before him. He settled behind her. She felt his breath against her ear when his hands brushed past her waist to hold the reins. She sucked her breath but she controlled herself and pulled the reins from his hands. “I’ll do it. Seek comfort for yourself during the ride. It’s bumpy and you have to bear the pain until we reached the town,” she reminded so he grinned and rubbed his broken rib.
“Then please do the honor, my princess,” Marco said and wrapped an arm around her belly. He knew she was about to complain but he spoke before she could say a word. “You said to find comfort. I’m more comfortable this way,” he said. He can tell she is pissed off but then she relaxed and got herself ready to maneuver the horse. He is serious when he said he is more comfortable holding her. Cowering like that makes him tend to his broken rib while securing himself not to fall.
When they reached the town square, they immediately found an inn to stay for the night before they went to inquire about a doctor. One vendor told them that there is a doctor but he is so busy he could not tend to everyone who visits his house. Even so, Alexandra asked for the address and told Marco to go back to the inn. Marco was reluctant but he left afterwards.
“Aragon,” Alexandra muttered. If it is the same Aragon she knew, maybe she can get information from him about Vicente and his plans. This doctor is obviously a supporter of the Hongs but he does not like Vicente and his tactics. He would rather support the other party and be called a traitor than sacrifice lives to prove his loyalty. Alexandra hurried to the said address not knowing that someone has spotted her on the street when they reached the town square and followed her ever since.
She knocked in desperation when she found the address. Then the doctor opened the door. He looked lifeless as he told her to leave because he is no longer accepting patients during sunset. She blocked the door with her hand and the hard wood almost crushed her hand. “Are you deaf and stubborn?!” he scolded and turned to look at her face. With shocked expression, he stepped back making way for her. “Princess…”
“Please skip formalities. I’m no longer a princess but a commoner. Lord Aragon, I’m here to seek your medical assistance. But before that, please tell me something about Vicente,” she pleaded.