Oh, what do I do? Your fingertips are all messed up.

Its okay because itll get better eventually.

None of this is okay!

I raised my voice, completely forgetting that it was rude to do so.

How could you keep wearing those gloves until after the tea party was over?!

Hang on, just calm down a little.

Calm down! How can I be calm?!

Lize.

Be honest, your Highness, arent you hurt?!

Damian had called out to me in a sheepish voice.

But unable to control my frustration, I ignored him as I bit my lips.

The more the gloves were opened, the more of the Emperors malice and insidiousness was unveiled.

It was made from hard black leather to conceal any bloodshed.

The Emperors calculations were on point.

No one noticed that Damian was wearing needle-stitched gloves.

Not even me.

And it makes me so mad.

Why on earth does the Emperor torment Damian so much?

He already usurped the throne in the first place!

Damian looked at me with a sympathetic look, speaking in a hushed voice.

*Sigh* I didnt want to take off my gloves because I was afraid Id make you worry.

Damian, its natural to be worried for others, thats nothing to be guilt-ridden about.

Her Majesty interjected with a resolute tone.

The only person who understood my heart was the Empress, as expected.

I looked at her with tearful eyes.

The Empress spoke with mixed emotions.

Lets treat his fingers first. And.

She turned her attention from me, narrowed her reddish eyes, and glared at Damian.

You made our Charlize cry, youll pay dearly for that.

***

I patched up Damians fingers.

Well, of course, I cant deny entirely that my personal feelings didnt interfere during the treatment process.

Pouring the disinfectant onto his fingers, Damians whole body squirmed.

Ah, it stings.

Be patient.

I gave a cold reply.

Hearing my dissatisfied voice, he asked helplessly as his shoulders drooped.

Lize, arent you being too cold-hearted with me?

You did just casually wear needle-filled gloves like it was nothing, remember?

I squinted at Damian.

Your Highness, cant you at least withstand measly stings from disinfectants?

Honestly, it doesnt matter. It was quite painful though, whispered Damian as he looked me in the eye.

Then why would you endure the pain!

I yelled at him.

My blood was boiling!

Argh!

At the same time, a scream erupted from Damians mouth.

It was because I wiped Damians fingertips with a cotton swab.

Thankfully, the punctures werent too deep.

Hell recover fully if he takes the medicine given and a couple of days off from training.

Putting those gloves on without a fight was the best option, Damian answered soberly.

What do you mean?

Why else would the Emperor go through the trouble of having those gloves made and giving them to me?

.why?

I blinked blankly.

Damian continued to speak in a soft but burdened voice.

He carefully chose a place where presents could be given. A place where everyone would be watching.

At those startling words, I bit my lip.

Looking back, I was so mad at what Damian went through that I didnt even think about that.

Damian lightly shrugged his shoulders as he continued his words.

Its a test of my obedience towards the Emperor.

.Obedience?

Yes. To see how willing I am to obey him and how far Ill endure anything irrational.

Damians words were bereft of any childlike innocence. It was hard to believe such somber words came from a thirteen-year-old.

If I hadnt worn those gloves, the Emperor would have raised suspicions.

Hey, but.

I have no issues being under suspicion but I dont want to cause any more trouble than I already do for you and her Majesty, murmured Damian as he stared at his bandaged fingertips.

I was overcome with emotion.

Damian is still thirteen.

And yet, this thirteen year old has to suffer under the Emperors harsh machinations

You know, your Highness, I said as I opened my first aid kit.

Damian glanced back at me before smiling.

You said you didnt want to cause any trouble but.I dont mind any of that.

What are you saying?

What Im saying is that I like his Highness very much.

.uh, what? Damian muttered, his breathing becoming irregular for a moment.

Huh, did I say something I couldnt say?

I was puzzled.

Well, I like you.

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