This Hatred and Love are Endless

I still resenting the east wind.

In order to help Huston seize the throne.

I sacrificed myself to be his insider.

Imprisoned and tortured by the queen for five years.

Huston agreed to ascend the throne and proclaimed me as the queen.

Five years later, he successfully ascended to the throne.

I waited for three months.

But another woman's enthronement ceremony was held.

"Renee, your family background is not good, so I have to consider carefully when choosing the empress."

"Rest assured, even if I become a virtuous son, I will not mistreat you."

Later, the new queen secretly humiliated me many times.

He saw it all.

Not a word.

He didn't know.

I was forced to take the poison powder to save him.

Only one year of life left.

***

Indoors, the superior sinking incense lingers.

It had been three months since I left the rotten, foul-smelling dungeon, but I still couldn't adjust to the lavishly adorned room.

Nervously, I tugged at my sleeves, covering the scars on my body.

My body was covered with knife wounds, whip marks, and sword slashes from neck to ankle, all inflicted by the former Empress.

Though much had healed over the past three months, the scars remained.

I was terrified that Huston wouldn't like them.

"Miss Renee! The emperor is here!"

My personal maid Carol rushed in excitedly.

I hurriedly straightened my sleeves and hair.

Three months ago, Huston had promised me in the dungeon that he would make me Empress after ascending the throne. Now that he was here, it must be to fulfill that promise.

Soon, the sound of slow footsteps approached. I took a deep breath and saw a man in a pale yellow dragon robe appear.

He exuded a calm and regal demeanor, his posture tall and straight, and the nine strings of jade beads on his crown reflected his authoritative status.

Just as I was about to call out to him, I noticed that he had his arm around a beautiful woman in a red robe.

The woman wore a golden phoenix ring on her finger, looking at me with contempt.

"Renee, this is Amy, the daughter of the National Preceptor Rodney," Huston paused for a moment and introduced. "Tomorrow, I will make her Empress. From now on, you must show her the utmost respect."

I felt as if I had been struck by lightning.

It took me a moment to register the bitter taste in my throat.

"Why... Huston, didn't you say..."

"How dare you!"

Before I finished speaking, the eunuch scolded me severely.

"The emperor's name is not something a lowly person like you can call out directly!"

I turned my head to look at Huston, but his face remained stern and indifferent, not saying a word.

He seemed like a completely different person.

I had no choice but to kneel and bow my head.

"Your servant knows her mistake."

"Forget it, Renee. You helped me ascend the throne, so if you wish to address me as before, you may."

He smiled, his eyes warm and indulgent, just as they once were.

But then he turned and playfully pinched Amy's cheek, his voice full of affection.

"And you, don't blame me for showing her favoritism if she calls me that."

"Your Majesty, you're the best!"

Amy wrapped her arms around his shoulders flirtatiously and kissed him on the cheek, casting a smug look in my direction, clearly showing off.

It felt as if a giant hand was gripping my heart, making it hard to breathe.