Celibacy, celibacy! she chanted internally like it was a holy mantra that might save her from herself. But was this even about celibacy? No. It was about commitment. Sure, any other emperor could juggle wives and concubines like political chess pieces without anyone batting an eye.
But Argider? Oh no, she had to go and be a woman now. It complicated things. Could concubines even count if you weren't a man? Wait, why was she even thinking about wives? She barely knew Fialova!
In an attempt to steer her spiraling thoughts back onto a safer path, Argider blurted out, "W-Where are the others?"
"Outside," Fialova replied coolly, her demeanor calm and collected—a sharp contrast to Argider's frazzled state. Then, without missing a beat, the soldier dropped a bombshell. "From now on, I'll swear myself entirely to you, Your Majesty. You've given me such a blessing, so please, let me be by your side forever."
