Rashta settled herself on the plush couch adjacent to Sovieshu's desk, her gaze filled with empathy as she spoke in a gentle tone.
"Your majesty, you seem to be stressed lately..."
Sovieshu, seated behind his desk, exhaled softly, his weariness evident.
"I'm fine, Rashta. It's just that...perhaps he doesn't acknowledge my presence as much."
Inquisitive and concerned, Rashta leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Who is he?"
A contemplative silence enveloped the room momentarily before Sovieshu, his voice laced with a touch of exasperation, answered, "That Obelian emperor."
Rashta's visage registered surprise, her delicate features reflecting comprehension. "B-But isn't he always like that? He seems very cold and distant to others...just like the empress!"
A faint pout adorned her lips as she crossed her arms, subtly conveying her discontent.
A pensive shadow crossed Sovieshu's countenance as he delved into his thoughts, his brow furrowing with a tinge of concern.
'The empress...' his inner voice tinged with uncertainty, a flicker of suspicion dancing in his eyes.
As the memory of the previous morning resurfaced, a vivid picture emerged in his mind's eye, revealing a conspicuous absence.
'Where was the empress yesterday morning? I did not catch sight of her...' he pondered, his frown deepening as his contemplation took hold.
A sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, casting a darker hue upon his features.
'She must've left the palace...but why didn't she inform me about it?'
A tinge of discontent, his gaze narrowing with a touch of suspicion.
"Your majesty?"
Sovieshu's attention was abruptly drawn back to his surroundings as Rashta's gentle voice permeated the air, coaxing him out of the labyrinth of his thoughts.
He turned his gaze towards her, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of gratitude and weariness.
He watched as she approached, gracefully positioning herself beside him, her delicate hands finding solace upon his tense shoulders as a warm smile played upon her lips.
"You know, your majesty," she spoke softly, "Rashta heard that it is not good for someone to be stressed."
Her gentle touch on his shoulders seemed to alleviate some of the tension that had been plaguing the emperor.
He leaned back into his chair, letting out a deep breath as he closed his eyes briefly.
"You always know how to make me feel better," he said with a hint of gratitude in his voice.
The mistress's smile widened as she continued to massage his shoulders, happy to be of service to him.
"Anything for you, your majesty!"
♕
Laura's excitement filled the air, her eyes shimmering with intrigue as she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.
She leaned in closer to Navier, unable to conceal her enthusiasm.
"Woah, really?! You actually accompanied his majesty, Emperor Claude, to the academy?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mix of awe and excitement.
Navier's expression remained composed, her eyes reflecting a hint of weariness as she clarified the situation.
"Yes, Laura, but please do not misunderstand. It was simply a visit to observe the institution."
Her words, however, failed to extinguish Laura's fervor, as she continued to harbor her fascination with the enigmatic emperor.
Laura's excitement only grew, her eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky.
"Indeed, Lady Laura, Her Majesty is absolutely correct," Countess Eliza interjected, her voice firm yet gentle. She understood the need to protect Navier's reputation from unfounded assumptions.
Laura's gaze shifted towards Countess Eliza, her determination unyielding. "But have you not noticed? Despite his reserved personality, Emperor Claude possesses a striking handsomeness that captivates the senses!"
The countess sighed softly, aware of Laura's penchant for romantic ideals.
She exchanged a knowing glance with Navier, silently acknowledging the young lady's infatuation with the emperor.
A gentle smile graced Eliza's lips as she pondered the enigma that was Emperor Claude. She tilted her head slightly, considering the possibilities that lay beneath his stoic exterior.
"Well, it indeed must be a miracle for us to have the privilege of seeing him in person," Eliza remarked, her tone carrying a touch of admiration.
Laura leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, awaiting Navier's insight on the emperor's character.
"Tell us, Your Majesty, what is he truly like? Is he kind and gentle?"
Navier sighed softly, her expression hinting at the complexity of the emperor's persona. She couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement at Laura's eagerness.
"Well..." she trailed off, a slight bead of sweat trickling down her temple. "he does possess a certain goodness, despite his stoicism," she replied, her voice tinged with a touch of hesitation.
Eliza, ever the thoughtful one, nodded in agreement. "It doesn't come as a surprise that he maintains his stoic demeanor. However, I wonder what would happen if he possesses a captivating charm? He might come out as a heartthrob. Although even he already appears to be an introvert, his striking features have surely won the hearts of many women."
A soft, sheepish smile danced on the empress's lips as she listened to Eliza's musings.
As the conversation shifted to other matters, Navier couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the emperor's reserved facade.
Or is he really just a reserved man?
♕
Navier strode through the grand hallways of the South Palace, with her hair tied up into a ponytail as she wore a royal blue gown.
The flowing silk and chiffon fabric draped gracefully, adorned with intricate embroidery. A slim silver belt cinched her waist, and delicate silver earrings shimmered with every movement.
In a moment of contemplation, Navier's countenance remained composed as she pondered the intentions behind Emperor Claude's request to see her.
Her brows gracefully arched, revealing a hint of surprise, when she unexpectedly caught sight of Prince Heinrey approaching.
"Prince Heinrey?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible, as curiosity flickered in her eyes.
To her astonishment, the prince's face lit up with joy as he closed the distance between them swiftly.
"My Queen! I have been searching for you," he exclaimed with a genuine and exuberant tone, his eagerness shining through.
Navier responded with a composed nod, her expression regaining its customary composure.
"I see," she murmured softly, her words carrying a tranquil air of knowing.
The prince's voice softened as he continued, his words laced with a touch of reluctance, "I wanted to return your handkerchief, though truth be told, a part of me wishes to hold onto it a little longer."
A subtle swallow escaped her as his words resonated within her, causing her to momentarily avert her gaze towards his outstretched hand, which held the delicate handkerchief. With a composed grace, she accepted the cloth, her fingers delicately encircling it.
"Thank you," she responded, her lips curving into a faint smile as she cradled the precious item in her hand.
"You are most welcome, my Queen," he replied with a warm sincerity, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
However, his curiosity couldn't be contained, and he ventured further, his voice filled with intrigue.
"Forgive me for my curiosity, but may I inquire about the reason for your presence here in the South Palace?"
With an air of composure, she provided a concise explanation, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "I have been summoned by Emperor Claude, thus I am currently on my way to his chambers."
A flicker of disappointment momentarily passed through Heinrey's eyes, accompanied by a subtle crease forming on his otherwise bright countenance.
However, he swiftly regained his cheerful composure, offering a polite gesture.
"Very well," he replied, stepping aside to allow her passage.
Navier acknowledged his gesture with a single nod, her regal presence undisturbed, as she gracefully walked past him, resuming her purposeful stride toward the chambers.
After reaching her destination, Navier's gaze fell upon Felix, stationed by the door, his stance exuding a sense of unwavering dedication.
"Ah, your majesty!" the knight exclaimed, his astonishment evident in his voice, while Navier regarded him with a composed expression.
"May I come in?" she inquired with her customary calmness, prompting a swift nod from Felix as he opened the door, granting her entry.
However, as she stepped inside, a momentary pause seized her, causing her eyes to widen imperceptibly at the sight.