The Emperor slowly got up from his seat, the room falling even quieter as he walked over to the table. He picked up the jug of water and calmly poured it into a cup. Without a word, he turned and approached the Empress, holding the cup out to her.
"Here, drink this," he said, his voice steady but firm.
The Empress, still fuming, barely glanced at the cup. "I'm not thirsty," she snapped, turning away in defiance. But when she looked back at him, she saw his eyes—calm yet cold, leaving no room for argument.
"Drink it," he repeated, this time with a tone that carried a subtle threat.
Her anger wavered for a moment. She could see that he wasn't asking; he was telling her. Slowly, she reached out, taking the cup from his hand. The moment felt heavy, the tension between them thick.
