Page 111 of The War God’s Favorite

Cassandra was speechless. The Generals had written to the Emperor about her? She hadn’t possibly seen that many men in the Red Room, back at the Camp! Maybe two hundred, but six hundred lives! Did they exaggerate on purpose? Or had something happened while she was gone? The Emperor went on.

“According to them, the Lady of the Mountain has been more efficient in healing and teaching her knowledge to their men than any of the useless, stubborn, and whiny military doctors that had been appointed. The injuries and disease reports have been reduced by nearly half. This is due to the men now being able to take care of themselves. Apparently, they insist on…thoroughly washing their hands, several times a day.”

She couldn’t help but blush and look down after hearing this. She hadn’t been to the Camp in weeks! How could she have known her little stay had allowed so many things to happen back there.

The Emperor smirked.

“It goes on for several pages, with some military matters that would bore most people. The Generals are sending their thanks to my Third Son, for his exceptionally wise taste in women.”

He nodded in Kairen’s direction, but everyone knew who was really receiving the praise here. Cassandra was in an inner turmoil. She hadn’t expected to be singled out by the Emperor in front of the Imperial Family! When the old man turned to her again, she was still too shaken to react.

“After reading so much, this old Emperor couldn’t sit still! Who knew so much knowledge could hide in such a young woman? You make this old man very happy, child.”

Cassandra had no idea how she was expected to answer, or if she was supposed to answer at all. She wished Kairen was by her side, but the Prince was sitting still in his golden chair, a few steps away. She was standing by herself in front of the Empire’s most powerful man.

“As an Emperor, I have to be grateful to the ones who make this Empire prosperous, and its people safe. Your knowledge has been helpful to our valued soldiers. I do hope you will lend us more of it from now on. I had thought of a way to thank you, but it seems my son took a step ahead with your…situation.”

Cassandra frowned a bit. He meant her status as a slave, staring at the place where her collar stood just hours prior. The Emperor nodded, looking satisfied.

“Fine, fine. I can just go with my own idea, then. From today on, Cassandra, you will be a Noble Lady and an Imperial Physician.”

“Father!” yelled Princess Phetra, her tone sounding more than furious. “You can’t give a noble title to a damn slave!”

“Take a good look, Sister, this woman is no longer a slave. Sit and shut up,” said an older Princess.

“Still! They can’t rise from rags to rubies in a day! She’s a slave and a Southerner! What do we look like if just anyone can achieve that!”

“Not anyone, Phetra,” said the First Prince. “Lady Cassandra is a skilled doctor, our father’s most trusted General attested to that. Can you claim to have any skills as admirable as one that can save lives?”

With her older brother’s glare, Princess Phetra was defeated. One could tell her anger hadn’t subsided one bit. She sat back loudly, glaring Cassandra’s way, clenching her fists. The young Concubine was too shocked herself to react.

A Noble Lady? Imperial Physician? It was all too much for her! Just like Princess Phetra said, it was unbelievable. All of this was happening to her in just one day! Yet, the Emperor was nodding, satisfied.

“It is good, very good. I’m counting on you to meet with my own Imperial Physicians later. You are welcome to study from our Imperial Library, and I bet those old doctors have a few things to learn from you as well!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Th… Thank you,” mumbled Cassandra.

“Good, good! And take good care of yourself, too! I want to see this precious Grandson of mine as soon as possible! Now you can go and enjoy the feast, young Lady.”

Understanding this meant their conversation was over, Cassandra hurried back to Kairen’s side. As they reunited, her Prince didn’t say a thing, he only invited her to gently sit on his knee. Cassandra, feeling a bit embarrassed, refused him, and took back her place in-between his legs. No woman was allowed on any of the Prince’s seats. She had already drawn too much attention to herself tonight.

Most of the Imperial Family had their eyes on her for the rest of the evening, including some murderous glares. Cassandra didn’t feel as scared as she could have, though. Kairen’s warm hand was on her at all times, caressing her arm, shoulder, back, or neck. He was making her confident with his presence right behind her. It was easier to ignore them if she wasn’t scared.

As the couple silently ate, watching the performers, Cassandra realized she would now be wearing a pink dress as a high-ranking Concubine. The Emperor’s words had made it clear her status had changed again. Did this mean she would be safer or in more trouble? It was hard to predict. As soon as they could, Kairen and Cassandra went back to their room, leaving the Imperial Feast without looking back. Even after returning to the Prince’s apartments, Cassandra didn’t feel calm or safe at all. She slowly took off her jewelry, frowning a bit.

“Did you ask your father for all this? Or your men?” she asked Kairen, who was waiting for her on the bed.

“No.”

So the General really had sent this letter on his own accord. Cassandra couldn’t help but wonder if anything had happened back at the Military Camp. It was all going too fast for her.

She sighed a bit, taking off the last piece of her jewelry, and walked to her Prince, who put his arms around her. His fingers gently caressed her skin, making sure to undo her dress in the process.

“Are you tired?” he whispered.

“Just a bit. I didn’t expect His Majesty to…”

Cassandra interrupted her sentence, frowning. She was staring down, behind Kairen’s back. Something was moving under the bedsheets.

---