Chapter 22 Chapter 22 61 55 vouchers For the past one week , Natalia had remained in her chambers , she wasn't allowed to go out , the emperor had given her a week to think about it carefully and then give him a positive response . A yes , Natalia's eyebrow furrows as she thought about how the emperor contradicts himself , he claims he doesn't want to hurt her or force her , yet he would just let her refuse him ... isn't that being an hypocrite ? The door opened and a young slender woman walked in with a tray containing food , and Natalia's eyes darted towards the door , and another frown creased her eyebrows . She had been seeing the girl frequent her room , but she didn't pay much mind to her . " You seem to be more stable than the regular maids , " She drawled as she sat up on the bed , adjusting the pillows to support her back . " Who are you ? " The girl froze , all her dark hair were held into a large braid that fell over her left shoulder , Natalia noticed that the people in this place differ by hair and eye color they had strange hues and it made her curious , perhaps this girl could tell her . " I was brought to be your personal maid by Master Draven , My Lady , " She answered her head lowered . " What's your name ? " Natalia asked , still dissatisfied by the sound of everything . " Dakota , my lady ," She answered softly again . " Just call me Natalia , " Natalia muttered folding her arms . " And I am not comfortable with the way you keep bowing your head . " Darkorta's face held terror , as her eyes widened , her head lowered again . " Pardon me , my lady , but the emperor will have my head for disrespecting his mate . " She trembled as she spoke , even though Darkorta was a dragon , she had only heard the cruelty of the emperor from the lips of other dragons . They had always warned them to be careful and try their best to not break any rule , or they are destined to suffer cruelty from their emperor . Natalia's gaze darkened at the mention of the word ' mate , a term animals used to refer to their partners . " I am not his mate , " She snapped and the maid remained quiet , unwilling to make her even angrier . " Forgive me , for my rudeness , your highness . " She pleaded before she approached the bed , Natalia turned away . " Take it away , " She ordered . " I don't have any appetite , I am not eating . " She wasn't sure if her people were being fed well , so , she couldn't afford to be eating this good food while they were probably suffering . " But , your highness . " The maid hesitated , her eyes narrowing in concern , " You haven't anything we brought to you in the past few days . This is bad for your health . " Chapter 22 55 vouchers " Take it away , and leave ." Natalia ordered sternly , unable to argue anymore , she bowed her head again before leaving . " Your majesty , " Draven greeted with his head bowed as he entered into the courtroom of the emperor , but fortunately the emperor wasn't with anyone at the moment . The emperor was seated with a paper spread before him and he tapped on the inkstone placed carefully beside him with the small brush in his hands . Draven's curious eyes darted to the paper , trying to understand what the emperor was doing . He was painting , something that looks like a landscape . He had heard rumors that the emperor appreciated arts , but this was the first time he had ever seen him put his talent to practice . Draven felt his heart raced because he also enjoyed art . " You should have a good excuse for interrupting me , " his voice was still cold , almost unreal , and Draven swallowed hard when he felt the temperature of the room dropped . " Pardon me , Your Majesty , " He apologized lowering his head once more . " I bring you urgent matters from the chambers of the queen . " Suddenly the brush stopped moving , and the emperor's red eyes raised slightly . " What is it ? " He asked , his voice cold and unreal , Draven felt his teeth clatter as the temperature of the room suddenly dropped . " The human princess has refused all meals , and this has been happening for a while now , " He started in a calm voice , hoping nothing in whatever he is saying will not anger the emperor . " I am afraid that if this continues , her body might be at its limit ." There was a deafening silence in the room , the temperature dropped even lower , and then there was a loud snap . The emperor had crushed the wooden brush with nothing but just his hands , reducing it to nothing but splinters . He got up angrily , and then left without speaking another word . Natalia laid in her bed , faced up after arguing with the worried maid who had tried countless times to force her to eat something . But how could she eat when she doesn't know if her people had eaten or not ? Why enjoy the luxury at the expense of her people ? Her father , her sister ? She worried for them even more , her father has a bad knee , and working in the mine or doing anything strenuous will be hazardous to his health . And she isn't even allowed to leave the walls of this chambers , it's sickening . The door suddenly burst opened , and the emperor stormed in , panic surged in her chest , as she jumped up , missing a footing she slipped from the bed and landed on the floor . " Where did you find the nerve to refuse your meal , princess ? " before Natalia could react to him , she felt herself being picked up from the ground and thrown against the bed . She bounced softly against the mattress . " Answer me , princess . " Came the growl . " What is it to you ? " She asked curiously , " I don't know how my family is doing , and you expect me to sit here 11:07 Tue , Sep 16 : Chapter 22 and stuff my face with all the food ? " 61 55 vouchers " Do you think going on a hunger strike will make me change my mind ? " He stared down at her and a shaky breath escaped her . " Keep playing with me , princess . And you will get burnt by fire ." 11:07 Tue , Sep 16 Chapter 23 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!