" GLORY TO THE SUN OF EMPIRE ― " polite as ever, mildly spoken greeting broke the silence, tugging at Azazel's consciousness to come back.
bloodshot azure eyes rise, meeting the eyes of the woman who stood by the door, tea cart in front of her as per custom. a nod of acknowledgement and he invites her in, wordlessly. he had long stopped asking her why she brought tea with her, having given the same answer every time ― not that he complained. tea might be just the thing he needed now.
" my apologies on the disturbance, but I wanted you to sign this agreement we came to decide on about enrolling the commoner children with magic . " she carried the cart in, setting the tray on the table.
impassive, he walked towards the sofa and took a seat, glaring at her with the same empty eyes all the while she poured tea for both.
"I have talked with the nobles about educating the commoners and funding those in need at the university. at first, some of them were reluctant, but duke Alpheus took a liking to my proposition and convinced the other nobles all too easily," she informed him, pushing a cup of tea towards his direction.
That is when she raises her gaze to find his eyes transfixed on her person ― is not a very pleased manner, at that.
a surprised look flashed on the empress' face briefly, and she questioned: " Is there anything you wish to speak to me, your highness ? "
slouched form of the man straightened ― and she tried not to let her attention divert to the exposed skin through the peculiar, foreign robes he so often wore. He looked irritated like she'd say one wrong word and he would snap.
"I hear there was a celebration in the ruby palace last night ― the empress being the one suggesting it. "
oh ― so that's what it was.
" yes, you heard right," she replied, voice still indifferent. this seemed to tick the emperor further, and he questioned back.
" do you know why we don't celebrate the birthday of the princess? " Persephone didn't reply right away, but took a moment to ponder over her words . should she say it was to break the ice between her and the princess? would he think she was trying to covet his daughter's favour?
or should she tell him it was because she found the princess in a similar position as herself when she was a child and didn't want the little girl to feel the same loneliness?
"I am well aware of your grief, your highness. but my intention was not to mock the passing of the previous consort, but to make sure the princess mother's memory doesn't feel like loneliness and ignorance to her . " her words earn her a frown from the emperor, but he doesn't say anything, and instead listens.
" memories from past are painful to some, but sacrificing the princess' happiness for the sake of grief didn't seem right to me ― I apologise if my actions offended you. "
Azazel clenched his jaw, dismissing Persephone with a wave of his hand. adding a command in the end,
" you can lead the small council meeting on my behalf today, send in the paperwork that needs taking care of. I'm not going to join the meeting. you can leave now. "
she rose from her seat, bowing.
" blessings upon the empire . " her courtesy was followed by a request, " and please make sure to finish the tea, your highness. "
Azazel didn't give her another glance, rubbing his temples with his eyes closed. it was when he heard the faint click of the door being closed, he looked down at the brew in the cup.
a cure for hangover.
Azazel sighed, picking the cup and washing down its contents all at once, calling in a voice that greatly concerned the knight standing outside the door.
" Felix! get your arse here! "