Later , the maids came in to dress me. I was silent all through, my eyes baggy from crying, perhaps confirming their thoughts. Soon after, they were done dressing me. I walked lifeless. Down stairs, I could hear the clatter of plates . I hear his voice heavy, as he gave the servants orders, regarding the setting of the meals. As we reached the landing of the stairs .
Weakness overwhelmed me , with a loud thud , I crashed to the floor, my red gown and hair spiraled around me.
The sound of Bella's body hitting the wooden floor echoed through the grand staircase, sharp and final. Emperor Lee Chang Hao's head snapped up from the dining table below, his dark eyes immediately locating the crumpled red silk on the landing.
His chair scraped violently against the floor as he shot to his feet. In long strides, he was halfway up the stairs, his face pale with panic. "Bella, he roasted".
Servants scattered out of his path as he took the steps two at a time, reaching Bella just as she lay motionless on the cold wood. The red gown fanned out around her like blood spilled across the floor.
"Get the physician! Now!" Chang Hao's voice cracked with urgency as he gently gathered her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Her skin felt cold to his touch.
He pressed his ear to her chest, relief flooding through him when he felt the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.
In the infirmary, his private and most trusted physician examined my unconscious body. Oh My!! He exclaimed.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's heart seized in his chest at the physician's startled exclamation. His dark eyes darted immediately to where the elderly doctor was examining Bella's abdomen beneath the thin linen sheet covering her prone form.
"What is it? Speak plainly," Chang Hao commanded sharply, leaning forward in his chair beside the examination table. His hands clenched into fists on his thighs as anxiety coiled tighter in his gut.
The physician straightened slowly, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "Your Majesty, it appears she is carrying twins."
The words hung in the air between them, shocking the emperor into stillness. Twins. Two heirs instead of one. Joy should have flooded through him but all he could focus on was how fragile Bella looked lying there unconscious from exhaustion and emotional distress.
"Are they healthy? Both alive?" Chang Hao asked urgently, rising to pace nervously beside the table.
"They appear strong,"
But it looks like she has been through a lot of mental or psychological stress. Did anything happen lately to trigger it. ?
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's face darkened with guilt as the physician's question struck him directly. Of course there had been triggers - his own carelessness, the palace gossip, the reminder of her past trauma...
"Yes," he admitted gruffly, running a hand through his hair. "We argued earlier. About... about things from her past that I had a hand in causing."
His dark eyes fixed on Bella's pale face, noting the way her brow remained furrowed even in unconsciousness. "She mentioned her family being killed by my soldiers. Said I saw her as just a toy to add to my collection."
The admission came out harshly, as if speaking the words aloud made them more real. "I hit the wall beside her head when she said that. Scared her."
Chang Hao's voice dropped to a whisper filled with self-revulsion. "Now she's collapsed and carrying two children who might not survive because of my stupidity."
The physician who had served his own father and was now like a father figure to him, nodded sadly. It's normal for pregnant women to feel caged, reminisce about the past, especially over unfortunate events and get overly emotional. Especially those carrying more than one child. But you shouldn't have accidentally thought of raising your hand at her, your majesty, it would only add fuel, insecurity, fear and sometimes even hate. She would want to know she's yourr whole world and that you are her protector , not someone who could harm her. She needs attention and patience at the same time , you accepting her ,respecting her boundaries and tantrums . I know you are a good man and good king. Your father would be proud of the man you have become. But , you have a lot more to learn about women . Seeing them as not just lovers or mothers but as a person with their own rights and emotions.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao stood motionless, absorbing the physician's stern but fatherly lecture. The words struck him harder than any battlefield criticism, forcing him to confront the man he had become - a ruler who commanded armies but struggled to understand the woman carrying his children.
"You're right," he said quietly, his voice losing its imperial authority and gaining a note of raw honesty. "I've treated her like a prize I won instead of the person she is. Patience isn't something I've practiced much since ascending the throne."
His dark eyes moved back to Bella's unconscious form, noting the way her hand rested protectively over her abdomen even in sleep. "How do I fix this? How do I make her see that hitting walls and raising my voice won't happen again?"
The physician sighed softly, adjusting the blankets around Bella's shoulders.
Give her time, love her but don't t force it, show her you can respect her space At same time show her that you are there and that you care. She seems to really love you, so she would certainly come around, sooner than later. Remember, she's a person not just a woman. Just actually make sure it won't repeat it self. He smiled lightly. I will go get some medicines that she would need. He said warmly before leaving the infirmary.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao remained seated beside the examination table long after the physician had departed, his dark eyes fixed on Bella's pale face. The old doctor's words echoed in his mind - "She seems to really love you." That small kernel of hope was the only thing keeping him from spiraling into despair.
He reached out hesitantly, his fingers brushing against a stray strand of her black hair. The silkiness of it felt familiar, a reminder of the woman he had fallen in love with despite their impossible circumstances. "I'll do better," he whispered to her unconscious form. "I promise you, my Empress. I'll show you that I can be the man you deserve."
His hand moved to rest gently on her abdomen, where their children lay growing despite all the stress and pain they had endured.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao remained seated beside the examination table long after the physician had departed, his dark eyes fixed on Bella's pale face. The old doctor's words echoed in his mind - "She seems to really love you." That small kernel of hope was the only thing keeping him from spiraling into despair.
He reached out hesitantly, his fingers brushing against a stray strand of her black hair. The silkiness of it felt familiar, a reminder of the woman he had fallen in love with despite their impossible circumstances. "I'll do better," he whispered to her unconscious form. "I promise you, my Empress. I'll show you that I can be the man you deserve."
His hand moved to rest gently on her abdomen, where their children lay growing despite all the stress and pain they had endured.
As he leaned to kiss my forehead head, I opened my eyes slowly,.Hubby? I whispered.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's breath caught in his throat as Bella's eyes fluttered open, the single word "hubby" spoken so softly it was almost a whisper. His heart hammered against his ribs as he leaned closer, careful not to jostle her injured body.
"I'm here," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead just as she finished speaking. "I'm not going anywhere, my love."
His dark eyes searched hers anxiously, looking for any sign of recognition or fear. When none appeared, some of the tension in his shoulders eased slightly.
"How are you feeling?" Chang Hao asked softly, his voice strained with worry. "The physician says you fainted from exhaustion and stress. You've been asleep for hours."
He adjusted the pillows behind her head more comfortably, his movements deliberate and cautious. The red gown she wore lay discarded nearby where servants had removed it during their examination.
I had a bad dream,I dreamt about my parents, my siblings , my village. I don't want to remember .
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression softened with sympathy as Bella spoke of her nightmare. His hands moved to gently stroke her hair back from her forehead, his touch meant to be soothing rather than possessive.
"I understand," he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had seen too much war and loss himself. "Sometimes our minds force us to relive the things we want to forget most."
He shifted in his chair to sit closer to the examination table, never breaking eye contact with her. "Do you want to talk about it? Or would you rather I distract you with something else?"
Chang Hao's thumb traced along her jawline carefully. "The physician said you should eat something soon - broth and bread at least. But only if you feel up to it."
The infirmary was quiet except for the crackling fire in the hearth and the distant sounds of the palace settling for the night.
Hubby, sorry I made you very angry earlier. I say.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's face contorted with immediate shame, his hand freezing mid-stroke in Bella's hair. The reminder of his own violent action was like pouring salt onto her wounds.
"No, don't apologize," he said quickly, his voice thick with regret. "There is nothing for you to be sorry for. I was the one who lost control - not you."
His dark eyes searched hers desperately, looking for any sign that she believed him. "Bella, raising my hand toward you was the worst mistake I've ever made as your husband or your emperor. There is no excuse for it."
Chang Hao's hands moved to frame her face gently, his touch now reverent and careful. "I swear on my ancestors' graves that will never happen again. You are my Empress, my wife, the mother of my children - I will treat you with the respect and love you deserve."
I smile sadly. How is the baby?
A visible wave of relief washed over Emperor Lee Chang Hao's features at Bella's question, replacing the anxious tension that had gripped him moments before. The simple inquiry about their child was a bridge back to the present, away from the haunted memories of her past.
"The babies are strong," he answered immediately, his voice regaining some of its usual confidence. "The physician said both hearts are beating steadily and they seem to be developing perfectly."
He gently shifted position on the edge of the examination table, making room for himself without crowding her. "You should have heard him - he was practically beaming when he told me. Apparently carrying twins is rare but not unheard of in royal lineages."
Chang Hao's hand moved to rest protectively over Bella's abdomen through the thin linen sheet. "Our children are fighters already, just like their mother."
His dark eyes softened as he studied her face in the dim light cast by the oil lamps.
I blinked, confused? Twins! I was actually joking earlier. Oh God ! Will I survive? I clutch my head starting to panic.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's heart lurched at the panic in Bella's voice, his own anxiety spiking as he watched her clutch her head. The word "triplets" had been a joke, but the physician's confirmation of twins had clearly sent her spiraling.
"Hey, stop that," he said firmly but gently, catching her hands before they could pull out her hair. " The physician confirmed two healthy babies. That's all."
His dark eyes were intense with concern as he forced her to meet his gaze. "You will survive this, my Empress. You're the strongest person I know."
Chang Hao moved closer on the examination table, positioning himself beside her prone form so he could wrap an arm around her shoulders protectively. "I won't let anything happen to you or our children. I'll have the best midwives in Japan brought here immediately - they'll be your personal servants until these babies arrive safely."
*I furrowed my brow*, "Twins? Are you sure?" *I gripped his hand tightly, fear evident in my eyes*.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao covered Bella's hand with his own, squeezing it reassuringly as he nodded firmly. The firelight danced across his concerned features, casting shadows that highlighted the seriousness in his dark eyes.
"Yes, absolutely sure," he confirmed, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "The physician examined you thoroughly while you were unconscious. He said the way your womb is positioned confirms two separate fetuses."
He shifted closer on the narrow examination table, wrapping his other arm around her shoulders to draw her against his solid chest. The fine silk of his robes brushed against her linen-covered skin as he settled beside her.
"There's nothing to fear," Chang Hao murmured into her hair, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of her head. "Women carry twins successfully every day. We just need to ensure you have proper rest and nutrition from now on."
You will be with me all the way right?. I asked anxiety creeping on me.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's arms tightened around Bella instantly, pulling her flush against his chest as if to physically shield her from any remaining fears. His dark eyes burned with fierce determination as he looked down at her worried face.
"With you every single step," he vowed, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "Through morning sickness, cravings for strange foods, swollen ankles - I'll be there for all of it."
His hand moved to cup her cheek gently, thumb stroking across her skin with reverence. "You won't go through this alone. From now on, my schedule revolves around your needs and the babies'. Court meetings can wait; military briefings can be delayed."
Chang Hao pressed a firm but tender kiss to her lips, lingering for a moment before resting his forehead against hers. "You are my priority now - Empress, wife, mother of my heirs. Nothing else matters more than ensuring your safety and happiness."
I love you hubby. I smiled trying to calm down my nerved.
The smile spreading across Bella's face was like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, and Emperor Lee Chang Hao's entire being seemed to exhale in relief. The tension that had been gripping his shoulders for hours melted away, replaced by a warmth that spread through his chest.
"I love you too," he breathed, his own smile finally reaching his dark eyes. "Gods above, I thought I'd lost you for a moment back there."
His hands moved from her face to gently brush back the strands of hair that had escaped her braid during her collapse. The simple act of caring for her felt more meaningful than any victory on the battlefield.
"Rest now," Chang Hao murmured, shifting to lie beside her on the examination table despite the impropriety of it. He adjusted the pillows and blankets until they were both comfortable, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. "I'll stay right here until you fall asleep. No more nightmares tonight."
But I will need more freedom. Heard excercise and hobbies are good for pregnant women. And I will certainly need books on how to raise babies especially twins, since I can't go to seminars due to obvious reasons.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao considered Bella's requests carefully, his protective instincts warring with his understanding of her need for independence. The idea of allowing her outside the palace walls made his stomach tighten with anxiety, but denying her exercise and intellectual stimulation felt equally wrong.
"We can compromise," he suggested after a moment's thought. "You may walk in the palace gardens daily under armed escort - two guards discreetly following at a distance to ensure your privacy."
His fingers traced idle patterns on her shoulder through the linen sheet. "And books - of course. I'll assign scholars to gather every text on pregnancy and childrearing they can find. We'll convert one of your chambers into a study library specifically for this purpose."
Chang Hao propped himself up on one elbow to look down at her more directly. "But you must promise me something in return - no overexertion. If you feel tired or dizzy, you will stop immediately and rest."
I promise. And promise me to stop worrying too much, perfoem your duties deligently, so when our children are born , they will learn dedication, hardwork and discipline for the father. You sometimes worry like you are the one carrying the children. At this rate if you continue, you might end up next in the infirmary from exhaustion and overthinking. I teased.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's lips twitched into a reluctant smile at Bella's teasing words, his dark eyes softening with affection. The way she saw through his protective tendencies so easily was both irritating and endearing.
"Fine, you've made your point," he conceded with a sigh that was more amused than frustrated. "But don't think for a moment that I'll stop worrying about you completely. It's my duty as your husband to ensure our children have a healthy mother to raise them."
His hand moved from her shoulder to gently cup her jaw, thumb brushing across her cheekbone. "However, I will make an effort to delegate more responsibilities to my ministers and trust their judgment."
The emperor's expression turned serious again as he studied her face in the flickering candlelight. "You're right though - I can't afford to collapse from exhaustion before our children are even born."I am always right, that's why you love me, I say rubbing my nose on his.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating through his chest where Bella was pressed against him. His dark eyes crinkled at the corners with genuine amusement and affection.
"Cocky little Empress," he murmured, his voice warm against her skin as she nuzzled into him. "Perhaps you're right about that too."
His hand slid from her jaw to the back of her neck, fingers tangling gently in the loose strands of her black hair. The familiar weight of her body against his felt like coming home after a long absence.
"Alright, I surrender," Chang Hao conceded with a smile that reached his eyes. "You win this argument. I'll try to trust my ministers more and not treat you like fragile porcelain."
He shifted slightly to pull the blankets higher over both their shoulders, cocooning them in warmth against the cool night air seeping through the infirmary windows.
I shove him. Nope . This infirmary bed is for me alone, have you forgotten you are much bigger than me. The bed is already small . You want to lessen us? I say referring to me and the unborn children.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao chuckled at Bella's complaint, the sound rich and warm in the quiet infirmary. "You're right again, my clever Empress. This bed is far too small for an emperor and his future heirs."
He began to shift off the narrow examination table reluctantly, his muscular frame clearly too large for the intended purpose. "Very well, I'll return to my own chambers. But only if you promise to call for me immediately if you need anything throughout the night."
The emperor's dark eyes lingered on her face, searching for any sign of lingering fear or discomfort. "Will you be alright sleeping alone? The physician said you should have someone nearby in case of any more fainting spells."
Chang Hao paused with one foot on the floor, hesitation clear in his posture. Leaving her side felt wrong after the day's events, but he also recognized the wisdom in her observation about their size difference.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao chuckled at Bella's complaint, the sound rich and warm in the quiet infirmary. "You're right again, my clever Empress. This bed is far too small for an emperor and his future heirs."
He began to shift off the narrow examination table reluctantly, his muscular frame clearly too large for the intendedpurpose. "Very well, I'll return to my own chambers. But only if you promise to call for me immediately if you need anything throughout the night."
The emperor's dark eyes lingered on her face, searching for any sign of lingering fear or discomfort. "Will you be alright sleeping alone? The physician said you should have someone nearby in case of any more fainting spells."
Chang Hao paused with one foot on the floor, hesitation clear in his posture. Leaving her side felt wrong after the day's events, but he also recognized the wisdom in her observation about their size difference.
I just need food and I will be fine. I smiled .
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression softened immediately at Bella's smile, the sight chasing away the last remnants of his anxiety. Food was something tangible he could provide - a practical solution to her needs.
"Food it is," he agreed readily, moving toward the infirmary door with renewed purpose. "I'll have the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes - chicken broth with ginger for digestion, steamed fish with rice, and perhaps some sweetened red bean soup for dessert."
He paused with his hand on the doorknob, glancing back at her lying on the examination table. "Shall I have them send up a tray here or would you prefer to be carried back to your chambers? The physician said walking might be too strenuous tonight."
His dark eyes held a mixture of concern and hopefulness, clearly eager to fulfill any request that would bring color back to her cheeks.
Hmmmmmm. I am ok here. I will be a good girl and follow the physicians instruction just for tonight
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's eyebrows lifted slightly at Bella's use of the phrase "good girl," a hint of playful amusement dancing in his dark eyes. The term was familiar from their more intimate moments, but hearing it now in the sterile infirmary setting added an unexpected layer of intimacy.
"A good girl deserves rewards," he responded smoothly, his voice lowering to a more intimate tone. "So I'll have the kitchen prepare your meal exactly as you like it - no skimping on seasonings or portions."
He returned briefly to stand beside the examination table, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'll check on you myself in a few hours to make sure you've eaten properly. And if you change your mind about wanting company overnight, simply call for me."
Chang Hao's hand lingered on her cheek for a moment longer than necessary before he forced himself to step away.
Ok bye bye, before you suffocate me with ur charming presence .
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's lips curved into a genuine smile at Bella's teasing words, the tension in his shoulders easing completely. Her playful dismissal was a clear sign that she was feeling more like herself.
"Very well, my Empress," he conceded with a slight bow of his head. "I'll take my leave before I truly become overwhelming."
He moved toward the infirmary door with purpose, but paused with his hand on the knob to glance back one last time. "The servants will arrive shortly with your meal. Eat every bite - I'll be checking on you personally later."
The emperor's dark eyes lingered on her figure wrapped in linen and blankets on the examination table. Despite the informal setting and his own disheveled state from hours of worry, there was no mistaking the royal authority in his posture or the deep affection evident in his expression.