Jessica reread her notes several times, trying to decide on where to take the storyline. She rubbed her head and let out a frustrated sigh before calling her agent and waiting.
"Good afternoon, Miss Jessica, I love the first chapter you sent me. I really do like where this story is heading."
"I'm blocked, Scott. The first book was about the emperor's childhood and friendship with the empress. The second book was about co-ruling and their wedding and coronation. The drama in the third book seems like a leap."
"Of course it's a leap, The Navan Empire rarely deals with drama of any kind. It's time the emperor proves his worth."
"There's so much mystery between the emperor and the queen. It's like they have a history that they don't know about."
"Then make it known. You are the storyteller, tell us."
"Okay," she chewed on her lip. "Maybe it's time to take a step back and see what the empress has to say with their alliance with the queen?"
"That is an excellent idea. Go with that. Let me know how it goes."
"Got it, thanks," she ended the call and returned to her screen. She went back through her notes and spoke to herself while mentally brainstorming. "Empress Consort Soraya… The Glowing Moonflower of the Navan Empire… the face of the empire… elegance… grace… workaholic… raised from birth to be an empress…
"Perhaps she is more of a friend to the emperor and doesn't see him as a man… ooh… yes. Got it."
She returned to her keyboard and went to work.
***
The emperor stepped out of the carriage to be met on the front steps of the Emperor's Palace by his empress.
"Welcome home," she quickly kissed his cheek before pulling away to walk him into the palace. "How was your trip?"
"Fruitful," he raised his eyebrows, nearly shocked himself at how wellit went. "I managed to track and kill a nice-sized boar that was immediately donated to an orphanage. It is being slaughtered for them as I speak," he grinned arrogantly.
"Congratulations," she smiled at him. "I wasn't referring to your hunting trip, however," she teased him.
"Ah. Queen Catira," he chuckled lowly. "She will be relocating to the capital to inspect the academy herself and investigate the loss of magic. Her people will be arriving to build a tower beyond the Empress' Palace. She will bring her ministers, ladies, and staff and I have promised that you will assist in getting her settled in."
"That… That is incredible. How long will construction take?"
"A few days?" he walked with her into the dining room and took his seat. "I am glad that I decided to meet with her. Our discussions were extremely educational."
"Do you trust her?"
"We are working towards trust," he admitted to his wife.
"Shall I place someone loyal to you within her household?"
"Of course. I assumed that would be the first course of action."
"How dark and scary was The Tower at night?"
"It was quite bright, I was really surprised."
"And your overall impression?"
"Her secrets have secrets and she is very powerful. I think that when we do trust one another, she will be a formidable ally for not only this investigation, but in future relations."
"Does that mean this situation is not temporary?"
"Up until four generations ago, a High Priestess was always an advisor of the emperor or king. I believe the insight and aid of the most powerful woman in Adhara would benefit the empire greatly."
She blinked her eyes as she stared at him.
"Do you disagree?"
"If she can end the loss of magic and strengthen the empire, there is nothing for me to disagree. I simply hope you haven't been dazzled by smoke and mirrors."
"Give me a little credit," he smirked at her. "I'll have her requests sent to your office in the morning," he reached out to brush his fingertips across her hand. "Tonight… I should like to show you how much I missed you."
She raised her eyebrows and smiled at him. "Shall I stay in the Emperor's Palace tonight?"
"That would make me happy."
She turned her hand over and grasped his with a nod. "Then I shall."