[Chapter Will Be Heavily Edited & Story Will Be Heavily Changed]
It was her again—the maid. She stepped inside, her movements quiet and deliberate, the faint rustle of her skirts the only sound in the room.
"Your Imperial Majesty," she began, her tone demure but with an undertone he couldn't quite place.
Argider straightened in his chair, wary. "Yes? Is there something you need?"
The maid stepped closer, her gaze steady, her lips curving into a subtle smile. "No, Your Majesty. I came to see if you needed anything."
There was something in her tone, something that made his pulse quicken. He frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm fine. Thank you."
"Are you?" she asked, tilting her head. Her voice was soft, almost tender. "You've been alone in here for hours. You seem... troubled."
