"Argh! Your Majesty, please forgive my poor ribs for whatever offense they've done to you!" Lord Antiphates exclaims after a well placed and nimble blow is dealt by Empress Yanelis in their practice match. The two head of guard often with have sparring matches with Yanelis, none holding back as they do so.
"Oh, my apologies if I was too rough. Sophia, please make sure to get Lord Antiphates his blankie and binkie with his wetnurse!" Yanelis quips back before narrowly avoiding Tyri's attack. "Come now you two, let's have a decent spar!"
"You're a cruel mistress, dear Empress." Antiphates mutters before lithely getting to his feet and flanking her. He was an agile rogue compared to Tyri's war maiden approach of attack with strength and fury until they're dead. Their morning spars helped to keep them all on their toes, but Empress Yanelis was open to sparring with anyone strong. This helped to keep her techniques constantly evolving.
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Asteropaios checks his attire in the mirror, ensuring not a flaw was in place before leaving to meet her Majesty for their tea. He notices that Jun was also traveling there as he enters his carriage. They had separate ones, but both were joining her at the Sun Palace. His nerves are a bit rattled, but he calms himself and continues to hide it away. He admits his failings to do so with his last meeting with the Empress, giving him being ill prepared for the situation. The only thing he can focus on though is his goal of destroying the Kingdom of Phasikar. His desire to watch the soul leave the King's body burned through him! However, he tempers this down, pushing it to the side as it doesn't serve him at the moment. No, his sole focus right now is to win over the Empress, securing her favor so he can initiate the conquering of Phasikar.
He clears his mind as the carriage stops at the Sun Palace, leaving it with as much poise and grace as he can. He starts to head in, then notices Jun exiting his carriage. The consort is immediately halted, being reminded of decorum by Lady Meridith. "Consort Jun, would you like to enter with me?"
Jun looks between the two, then shyly shakes his head no. "I have to go to relieve myself, please greet her Majesty first, Future Emperor." He bows to Asteropaios, but still finds himself nervous with this man too.
Asteropaios smiles kindly and pats Jun on the shoulder. "Very well, I'll meet you there." He walks off, his attendees following close by. He can't help but to wonder how Yanelis will react to seeing just him though. Soon though, he's announced as he enters the gardens to see her sitting at an ornately designed table with a fountain in the middle that circulated water around the rim of a neatly placed flower bed. The water held dishes of food that any attending could pick up, no doubt it's spot would be taken by a new one placed by a servant. "Greetings Empress Yanelis, I am honored to be invited by you." He bows to her as all the flowers of the garden perfumes the breeze embracing them gently.
"Rise Future Emperor, come sit with me." Yanelis replies, motioning to the seat to her left. He doesn't miss this and understands that means she's choosing to have Jun as her right hand. Meaning even though he's a consort and not an Emperor candidate, he was still more favored. "Have you settled well into the Moon Palace?" She asks before taking a sip of tea.
"Yes I have, much thanks to your Majesty for taking such good care of me." Asteropaios replies before selecting a tea from an offered tray. "I'm glad to see your Grace is in such good health, I wish you many years of such blessings."
"Thank you Future Emperor, I'm truly blessed to be so beloved by my subjects." Yanelis smirks at him, feeling at ease for the moment as she kept tabs on where each individual was.
"Neli!" Jun suddenly runs up to the Empress, engulfing her into a loving embrace. "I've missed you so much, thank you for inviting us for tea!" He smiles up at her, being on his knees besides her chair without a care.
"Jun, sorry to keep you waiting. I've missed you too, my precious boy!" Yanelis strokes his hair giggling at his pout. "Tell me, how do you like the Future Emperor?"
Jun looks at Ateropaios, then blushes and looks away quickly, burying his face against her lap. "He's nice to me… He brought me a gift of swords!"
"Oh? I'm relieved to hear you two are getting along so well, it truly warms my heart." She lifts Jun's head, cupping his cheek as she speaks now. "Jun, take your seat please, this position can't be comfortable."
"As you wish, Neli." He takes his seat, though he keeps sneaking glimpses of Yanelis.
Yanelis motions to the servants. "I've brought gifts for both of you to show my appreciation of this new start for us." The servants bring boxes of gifts to both of them, each wooden chest beautifully decorated. Inside there's various gifts including silks, gems and hair decorations to show their positions to the empire. "Asteropaios, I believe our wedding preparations shall be finished tomorrow. Our wedding shall be held the day after."
"Yes, your Majesty, I am truly looking forward to our marriage. May we have many blessed years and offspring together." Asteropaios responds with a bow, gauging the people around him subtly.
"Yes, I too am looking forward to our wedding. In particular, the honeymoon." Yanelis replies, giving him a wink.
"Are honeymoons fun?" Jun questions with a furrowed brow, confusion evident on his face.
"They can be, just as much as they can be disappointing." Yanelis answers, patting his hand.
Asteropaios blushes but gives her another bow. "I will endeavor to ensure I don't disappoint you, your Majesty. The honor you've given me for becoming your Emperor is the grandest I could ask for." He kneels to her here, unashamed of his actions.
"Yes, I'm glad you see it that way. Please return to your seat and be at ease, this is supposed to be us enjoying ourselves." Yanelis reassures him.
"Your Majesty! We've received a message from King Telets Hyldetan has sent a request for your consideration in having his son, Prince Ericus Hyldetan, as your emperor." Sophia interrupts with a hasty bow, her being out of breath.
"King Telets Hyldeton? Of the Pribairus Empire? How presumptuous of him." Yanelis hums to herself, then tilts her head with an arched brow. "Sophia, why did you race here to tell me this now?" She had the feeling something more pressing may be at stake since she was interrupting them now. Her dear loyal servants wouldn't fuss over this for no reason.
"Your Majesty, Prince Ericus Hyldetan was sent personally by King Telets to deliver the message. He's awaiting an audience and is being tended to in the southern audience room." Sophia replies anxiously, unsure as to what her mistress would do. However, she collected herself with ease.
"I see…" She sighs, then rises with a smile on her face. "My apologies, but I must attend to this impromptu meeting. Please enjoy your tea this evening, we'll do so again soon." Yanelis gives Asteropaios a glance before moving off to meet this prince.
"Will you...not be Emperor, Future Emperor Asteropaios?" Jun asks hesitantly.
"No worries, our Empress will make the best decision for the empire and all within. Even if I'm not the Emperor, I'll still serve her to the fullest of my abilities." Asteropaios replies soothingly, gaining an unsure smile from Jun. "Shall we enjoy our tea?" While he seems unaffected on the outside, inside he finds himself uncertain. He goes over many scenarios to winning her favor over the other prince, but he knows that connection wise the Pribairus Empire was a better one than the Kingdom of Phasikar.
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"Empress Yanelis Kalino, please accept these gifts of goodwill from the Pribairus Empire. King Telets Hyldetan wishes to continue having amicable relations between our two empires." Prince Ericus bows with respect as the servants bring in trunks of goods.
"Prince Ericus, I am told your father would like for us to marry." Yanelis inquires, not bothering to acknowledge the gifts at the moment.
"We received word that your Majesty was seeking a new Emperor. My father believes I may be a good match and so sent me to offer my hand and strengthen our relations." Prince Ericus replies, though doesn't quite meet her penetrating gaze.
"And what do you think of this arrangement?" Yanelis questions with her smile widening.
"I believe it would be beneficial for both empires, your Majesty." Ericus answers easily.
"And what about your actual desires? Do you wish to devote yourself to me and me only?" She asks while scrutinizing him. Prince Ericus hesitates and looks around at the various servants. "Leave us, this will be a private audience now." After all the servants clear out, she stares back down at Ericus from her throne with interest. "Very well, now talk freely."