Nectar massaged her cheeks as she got out if bed. She couldn't stop laughing to herself over what she did to Eros yesterday, " I should have done that sooner. It was satisfying ".
She didn't tell Liam since he'd only scold her and worry, plus she was waiting for his revenge as well. She was also excited about the mine she found.
If things went according to plan, there'd be dozens of nobles across the continent who would want the mana stones and she could sell information about the other ones discovered in her first life.
Nectar couldn't help but laugh to herself as she spun into her closet, " Its feels good to have money. I love it ". The servants standing by as usual were worried for their empress's mental state and their own safety but she quickly left the room.
Nectar's hair had finally grown back and was even longer reaching her lower back. She wore a pink long sleeved top and a ball gown like black skirt with pink butterflies scattered on one side of it.
She matched it with knee length black boots and hand gloves " I can't wait for it to snow ". But then Nectar's smile faded [ Making snowforts with Pollen, I miss that. I miss her ]
The servants again looked at each other with worried expressions at her sudden mood swings and decided to quickly call over Liam to do damage control.
Nectar decided on a bluish black jewelry set shaped like snowflakes and smiled sadly to herself as she walked out of her room, fingering it the pendant.
She was a bit stunned when she felt something like a warm wall slam into her. She realized Liam was hugging her and smiled, " What's this for "? Liam shrugged, resting his chin on her head, " The servants were worried about you ".
Nectar smiled, resting her head against his chest but he went on " I think you're just a lot more moody and more overdramatic than usual ". Nectar laughed, hugging him back, " You just had to ruin the moment ".
Liam constantly pestered her all the way to the pavilion, but she didn't mind. Laughing made her forget her worries...even if its only for a little while.
Her hair was in a simple braid filled with small creature shaped pins Liam had insisted she put in. As they were about to enter, Nectar noticed the top button of his pink dress shirt wasn't done and stopped him.
Liam didn't want her doing it, especially since they were outside, " Its alright Qidu, let me do it ". Nectar puffed her cheeks as she stretched her hands to his neck " No, I'll do it, just stay put ".
Nectar found it more challenging than she thought she would and huffed angrily " Bend, it'll be easier ". Liam refused but she began pulling on his arm like the spoilt brat she could be till he agreed.
Squatting low, he was forced to look up at Nectar as she finally managed to do the button, she smoothed out his shirt and smiled " That's better. You look a lot more dashing now ".
Standing straight again, he smiled as he shook his head, " Let's just get this over with. I have plans with Mario ". Nectar giggled and nodded, " Alright, I have important things to do as well ".
Liam nodded mockingly as they walked into the building.
The now ten concubines stood and curtsied " Greetings to the empress, the clear sky of the dragon's domain ". Nectar happily acknowledged their greeting and took her seat.
" Preparations for the celebration are already underway. I would love to thank you for your help once more ". They seemed slightly surprised at her goodwill but were getting used to it the more time they spent with her.
Athena clenched her napkin, furious at the exchange and then smiled " Sister empress, May I make a request of you ". Nectar nodded slightly and she went on, " Royal Concubine Lily and I were talking and wondering if you could let her attend as well ".
Nectar raised an eyebrow as she motioned for Lily to stand up. The woman seemed a lot more reserved with her orange hair in a bun and her gloved hands moving in circles " What is Sister Lily's contribution to the ball "?
Lily spoke up, still not daring to look Nectar in the eye " By my empress's grace, I've being allowed to hire the workers as well as display a talent during the event ".
Nectar nodded approvingly, slouching slightly in her throne " And you're hair "? Lily nodded and let down her hair. It hadn't grown much since then but it was alright. Lily bit her lip, expecting the empress to belittle her but Nectar simply waved it off.
" Minister Sirod has pleaded on your behalf, just come over later to discuss the workers. Do you understand "? Lily nodded excitedly and whispered to herself " Does that mean I can come as well "? She didn't expect Nectar to hear her, talk less of replying but she smiled, " Yes it does, best start packing for your trip ".
Lily's face brightened all together as she curtseyed low, " Royal Concubine Lily Sirod thanks her majesty for her mercy ". The rest of the meeting were just excited chatter about the ball and the venue they would soon be moving to.
Athena silently seethed as she glanced at Nectar who had a lazy smile on her face. Though Lily didn't ask her to plead, she wanted to take advantage of the situation, putting herself in a better position while building good relations with the Sirods.
But Nectar just gave her a slap on the face, saying she only lifted the punishment because her father had begged on her behalf and because her hair had grown back slightly, filling the requirements she'd stated earlier.
If anyone were to just glance at Athena, they would be able to see the daggers in her eyes as she stared at Nectar when a frigid gust of wind met her skin.
She frowned, the windows around her were shut so a breeze that cold shouldn't be and she seemed to be the only one that felt it when she looked up and met Liam's gaze.
He had a faint smile on his lips though it didn't reach his eyes and it made Athena shiver even after looking away [ I have to get rid of him or he might just kill me someday ]