Probably more than Terran men who charmed women.
When his smile disappeared as fast as it appeared, she knew he was upset. And now, he looked very upset. “What happened?”
She opened her mouth to object, but she stopped herself. “Damn, I didn’t take my medicine yet.”
“Is there something wrong with you? Your medical scans came back that you were a healthy humanoid.”
She shook her head. “No. I was, uh… I fell. Fairly bruised, in fact. Quite the klutzy moment, truly.” She rubbed her hip. It wasn't a lie. She did fall, and her hip would likely have a large bruise on it for the next few days, even with a healing patch.
Her face would be fine. She had plenty of patches for her jaw, and she would be right as rain in the morning.
He stared through the hologram. “Why did you fall?”
“I stumbled on my dress,” she said.
Silence spread between them.
From his expression, she doubted he believed her.
Any other time, she would have objected or otherwise elaborating on the lie because it was a story she’d told so many times. Many in the kingdom thought she was the clumsiest woman in the palace. The ones who did not look too deep into the matter, anyway.
Though she was kidding herself if she truly believed that no one thought she was being beaten regularly. It was known she was the Emperor’s mistress. His temper was equally as well-known.
Many were smart enough to put it together.
Though no one would dare say words against the Emperor about his behavior. Many excused it. Even the medics in the palace blamed it on his grief over losing Empress Fallon.
The first few times, Bianca had believed that.
That his grief made him strike out.
Now though, after over a decade, she knew better. Far better.
It was just one more link in the chain that held her tight to the palace and to him. Since the girls were now grown and considered adults, some of those bonds began loosening, but not many.
“Lady Bianca,” Harbin said.
“I am sorry. I am just tired.”
“I can imagine. Injuries tend to make one tired.”
She nodded.
“Tomorrow, my unit will be the escort unit for your ship. We shall fly your transport to the landing pad, and we’ll keep you safe until you leave the Rhimodian system.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.”
“I look forward to seeing you again.”
Bianca nodded. “I look forward to seeing you as well.”
“Sleep well. And heal.”
She smiled. “I will do my best.”
“If you are not healed, I will make sure you get the medical care you need.”
She couldn’t help smiling again. But when she did, a tear crept from her eyes. Not like the ones from before, but this was a joy. It was caring.
