NYMERIA: THE EMPEROR'S LOST TREASURE

CHAPTER THREE

Nymeria steps faltered as she fought the pull of their bond that threatened to bring her to her knees.

Her mind raced for an explanation. Questions on how she of all people could be the emperor's mate.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the source of the pull inside her.

The word still felt foreign to her but regardless, a tiny smile tugged at her lips, She'd seen mates together and while she often wondered what it would be like to have one of her own.

She had never actually believed she would. Let alone the Emperor.

The most feared man in the kingdom, his name synonymous with cruelty.

How was someone like that supposed to love her like no one else on earth, to protect and treasure her?

"If you wish to join the collection of statues the palace has, let me know." His voice rang through the dining hall, dry and commanding as it pulled her out of her thoughts. "Otherwise, sit."

Nymeria scurried to the table and settled down into the seat next to him, and began to eat.

She watched him out of the corner of her eyes, mesmerized by the movement of his hands bringing food to his lips.

A simple movement but after last night, one look at his lips and her chest tightened, remembering the feeling of his tongue on her—

Emperor Zyaire's eyes lifted suddenly and locked on her. "Did no one ever teach you that it's rude to stare?"

"M—My apologies, Your Eminence.” Nymeria bowed her head.

A look of irritation formed in his face, "Of course you lack basic manners."

Nymeria felt a stab of pain at his words. How had he gone from being so passionate last night to seeming like her biggest hater overnight.

"It won't happen again, I promise" she apologised.

That seemed to sooth whatever repulsion the Emperor, as his attention shifted back to a file placed next to his plate.

In the silence she noticed how their proximity fed her bond, making the pull feel even stronger.

It wasn't a surprise, the things she had heard about the bond explained the overwhelming urge she felt to be in his arms, to let him take her in the sweetest, most intimate way possible.

What it didn't explain was how this feeling that toyed with her self control, seemed completely one sided.

He flipped through a page of the file, completely unbothered.

He was either the kingdom's best actor or....

"Your Eminence," Her voice barely a whisper.

Emperor Zyaire took a spin of water, his eyes still on the file "Speak up if you're addressing me."

Nymeria cleared her throat and straightened her back, while making sure to keep her eyes on anything but him.

"I have a question... regarding...I just wanted to..." She struggled to find the words.

"Why you are here? Is that it?"

"Yes," she nodded eagerly, forgetting her earlier promise.

"You're here to be my breeder." He answered blankly.

Nymeria blinked twice, her brows furrowed. "Breeder?”

"Yes. You've been chosen by the moon goddess to sire my heir.”

Her shoulders relaxed at his explanation and a sense of pride filled her. Of course who else would the goddess choose to bear his heir than his mate.

"Or are you incapable of understanding that? Do you need to be taught like a toddler?" His golden eyes echoed the sarcasm in his tone.

Nymeria touched her flushed cheeks and bowed, "No I understand. I just wasn't informed that the Emperor's mates were referred to as Breeders."

The sound of choking made her head rise. The Emperor held a hand to his mouth as he coughed, having nearly choked at her words.

"Mate?!" The most chilling voice she'd ever heard in her life echoed in the dining room, laced with disgust and anger.

"What brought you to that foolish assumption?" He asked.

Nymeria looked around the room stunned, wondering if his words were directed to one of the guards at the corners of the room.

But no. His golden orbs were staring right at her.

"Well, um...I... I felt—"

He didn't even let her finish.

"Don't for a second be under the stupid impression that because you managed to crawl your way into my bed, you will be my mate and Empress. If it wasn't for the goddess I'd have had you beheaded with your friends. You have one purpose, bear my heir and you're back to whatever hole you came from. Understood?"

The venom in his voice almost choked Nymeria to death. His eyes blazed with anger, and he looked like he would kill her right there.

She nodded slowly, leaning as far away from him as possible, and watched as he stood and stormed out.

Nymeria’s eyes blurred with tears as the Emperor’s words echoed in her mind. He also thought she was worthless too. Just a tool to carry his child.

"But the bond..." she thought.

Had she misunderstood what it really meant.

Whatever it was, the Emperor had decided her worth to him. Nothing. She bent her head in shame as tears flowed freely down her face.

Over the days that passed, the truth dawned on Nymeria.

Emperor Zyaire wasn't good at keeping the pull of the bond at check.

He simply didn't feel it. There was no way he could feel what she felt yet treat her like he did.

For whatever reason, the bond was yet to take effect on him but rather than feel discouraged, her resolve firmed.

This was her one chance at having a normal life with her beloved.

She would do anything to make him love her. First by proving her worth.

The palace kitchen felt like a different world, the smell of spices mixed with heat from the flame and maids moving about carrying trays and baskets reminded Nymeria of the town hall kitchen, but bigger.

The moment she stepped in, half the maids froze, their eyes filled with confusion and clear displeasure.

"Where's the head cook?" She asked with a polite smile.

A short round woman stepped forward, a frown sewn into her face. "How can I help you?"

"I'd like to make the Emperor's lunch today," Nymeria answered.

A collective laugh filled the room, the mockery in it was clear as day.

"And what makes you think the Emperor would trust the likes of you with making his meal?"

Nymeria glanced at them shocked, she had expected resistance but not flat out disrespect.

She gritted her teeth, forcing her head up high, she might have been the Emperor's breeder but that was by far higher than mere maids.

"Well the likes of me can make sure you're severely punished for your disrespect. Choose your next words very carefully."

Her threat seemed to land perfectly as their smug expressions melted away.

She knew they would still gossip about her behind her back but that didn't matter if her goal was achieved.

After what felt like hours in heat and covered in sweat, Nymeria succeeded in making the Emperor's meal, no thanks to the maids who scorned and left her to work alone.

Thankfully having to fend for herself had taught her to make her own meals.

She wheeled the tray to the Emperor's study, made her way to his desk and served the dish, all the while he barely glanced in her direction until she had placed the last plate.

"Why aren't the servants doing this?" He asked dryly.

Nymeria smiled softly, thinking her gesture had reached him, "I wanted to bring your meal personally. I also made it myself and I'm sure you —"

"No." He interrupted.

"Huh?"

He rose from his chair and moved round the table, ignoring the platter of food.

"I only eat what my chefs make, take your..." He glanced at the food again, an uninterested look in his eyes. "Give it to the dogs."

Nymeria felt her heart shatter, he hadn't even bothered to taste "Your Em..."

A guard stepped in and bowed before she could finish. She subconsciously shielded the discarded meal with her body. A frail attempt to hide her shame.

"What is it?" Emperor Zyaire asked.

"We have word from the priestess..." The guard answered.

The Emperor turned to Nymeria, "Pack that up and leave."

She swallowed her pride and hurriedly did as she was told but as she stepped through the door her curiosity got the better of her. She paused, a few steps from the study and waited.

"I'm listening," The Emperor said.

"She says she has the answer you seek, the moon goddess has shown it to her." The guard answered.

Nymeria moved closer, confused.

The Emperor's tone hardened, more serious than she had heard. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Your Eminence. She has found your mate."