The Beggar Who Would Be Emperor

[Strange. This cannon fodder ex-wife really does seem different now...]

The donkey cart jolted along the main road.

I held Adrian in my arms, shielding him from the biting wind. His body was stiff and motionless. "Your name is Theo. Remember that, all right?"

The small body in my arms trembled slightly. He lifted his head. His eyes were red-rimmed as he nodded hard. This child was unnervingly perceptive for his age.

When we stopped to rest, he went to gather firewood without being asked. His movements were practiced.

I built the fire. He quietly broke our rations into smaller pieces and handed them to me on a leaf.

"Mother, eat first."

His voice still held a childish lilt, but his tone was steady.

Text drifted past:

[This kid is a hundred times more thoughtful than her real son.]

[The deposed crown prince taught him himself. He could recite the classics at three. What a waste.]

I accepted the food. My throat felt tight. As I sat there, more words appeared.

[The female lead is hand-feeding real Theodore pastries right now. How doting.]

[She complained to her confidant that childbirth is too painful. She doesn't want to suffer through it. Perfect timing that the male lead sent his son over. A ready-made child, how convenient.]

[The male lead spoils the female lead so much. He's waiting on her hand and foot.]

I closed my eyes.

Years ago, Roland was a penniless scholar. Father had admired his talent and taken him under his wing. We met and got married. A year ago, Father was convicted and exiled.

Roland met Lady Quincey. He began to find me dull and awkward. He said my family had fallen too far, that I could never measure up to her.

That night, we stayed at a shabby roadside inn. Adrian fell asleep quickly, though his small brow remained furrowed.

I could not sleep.

Words suddenly flashed frantically:

[Holy hell! The female lead sent people to 'teach the supporting character a lesson!']

[They want her to have an 'accident' on the road. Ideally, she'll fall ill and die! They're almost at the inn!]

My heart clenched. A chill swept through me.

I shook Adrian gently. "Theo, wake up."

His eyes opened instantly. There was no grogginess in those dark eyes, only sharp alertness.

"Bad people are coming. We have to leave now," I said quickly.

He asked no questions, then climbed up briskly and helped me pack our meager belongings.

We led the donkey cart away from the inn without a sound, slipping into the dark and turning onto a rough side road.

Text scrolled past:

[Damn, this supporting character is pretty sharp and alert. She actually got away?

[Starting to respect this cannon fodder ex-wife. She really is the prime minister's daughter and not someone to underestimate.]

I let out a breath and kept the cart moving. We traveled for what felt like hours. Adrian's steps began to falter. I stopped and lifted him onto the cart, letting him lean against me. He was so tired his eyelids drooped, but he still fought to stay awake.

Half asleep, his small hand clutched at my sleeve. He murmured faintly, "Mother, when I grow up, I'll protect you."

My throat tightened. I pulled his thin shoulders close. "All right."

After months of hard travel, we finally reached the desolate exile settlement in the northern frontier. Father lived in two crumbling earthen rooms. He was hoeing the yard when we arrived.

When he saw me, the hoe fell from his hands with a clatter. His weathered face flushed red. His lips trembled. "Elise, I am so sorry... I brought this on you..."

I shook my head and gently pushed Adrian forward.

Father's gaze settled on the child. He studied him carefully. Tears welled in his eyes. "Theo... you've grown so much. You're so thin. You've suffered..."

He reached out to touch Adrian's head.

Adrian instinctively shifted to the side and looked at me.

I took his cold little hand and smiled at Father. "Father, Roland has divorced me. The three of us are on our own now."

Father froze. Then, he let out a long sigh. He crouched down and said gently, "Come here, Theo. Grandfather just wants to get a good look at you."