Of course, the rumors of the tea party spread like wildfire, and soon enough by morning, they had reached Emperor Augustus. As he sat in his study, going over documents, he couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of his Empress handling the concubines in her own unique way.
The fact that she hadn't reported the dead fox incident to him, instead choosing to confront the situation herself, both amused and impressed him. He admired her strength and wit, but it also made him realize that she was determined to stand on her own.
'I was worried over nothing.'
That night, he can't go to play with her so as a gesture of both affection and acknowledgment, he sent her a gift—a young, red fox, its fur gleaming as brilliantly as her resolve. It arrived at her chambers with a note in Augustus' elegant handwriting:
"For the Empress who knows how to handle her own battles. I thought you'd appreciate a live one this time."
☾ ✮⋆˙( ၴႅၴ₊˚.₊˚.☾ ✮⋆˙( ၴႅၴ₊˚.₊˚.☾ ✮⋆˙( ၴႅၴ₊˚.₊˚.☾ ✮⋆˙( ၴႅၴ₊˚.₊˚.
When Nerina opened the gift, her eyes widened in surprise before a smile crept across her face. Its brown eyes peered up at her curiously, its bushy tail flicking as if sensing the warmth in the room. Augustus knew exactly how to tease her without words.
I was touched by the thoughtful gift, but curiosity gnawed at me. How had Augustus come to know about the fox incident? My gaze shifted to Eliana, who was standing nearby, her eyes sparkling while watching me touch the fox.
"Did you tell His Majesty about the fox incident?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Eliana's eyes widened in shock as she quickly shook her head. "I didn't tell anyone, I promise!"
I studied her for a moment, but her sincerity seemed genuine. Thinking it over, it must have been the servant who delivered the box in the first place. Augustus must have ways of hearing everything that happens in the palace. It wouldn't surprise me if the information had reached him even before I knew what to do with it.
Still, I couldn't help but smile at how Augustus had responded, not with interference but with a thoughtful, playful gesture.
I carried the little fox gently in my arms, feeling its soft fur against my skin as it wriggled slightly. My head hurt slightly as an image of a white fox appeared in my mind but I quickly dismissed it thinking it was nothing. "What should I name you, hmmm?" I mused aloud, tilting my head and staring into the fox's curious eyes.
The fox yawned, its tiny, sharp teeth showing as it snuggled closer to me.
The fox yawned, its tiny, sharp teeth showing as it snuggled closer to me.
"How about... Ember? Like the flames of a fire, since you have striking red fur like my hair."
The fox blinked up at me, as if approving of his new name.
The next morning, I was about to ask Eliana to fetch the necessary items for taking care of Ember when a knock on my door interrupted me. To my surprise, it was Javier, standing there with his arms full of supplies.
"Javier?"
"His Majesty ordered me to bring you these," Javier said, stepping inside and placing down the boxes.
My eyes sparkled as I saw what he had brought—everything I needed to care for Ember. There were plush bedding, food, bowls, toys, and even a tiny collar.
"His Majesty really thought of everything," I murmured, feeling my heart warm at the thoughtful gesture.
Eliana chuckled softly beside me. "It seems His Majesty knows exactly what you need."
I looked down at Ember, who was curiously sniffing the boxes, and with a playful tone, I said, "Look at what your father brought you, Ember!" I was completely focused on setting up his little area. Little did I know, my simple comment had sparked a whole new set of rumors among the palace again.
Behind me, Eliana and Javier exchanged amused glances, trying to stifle their giggles as they were practically slapping each other because of their excitement.
"I cannot take this!" Javier grinned, trying to keep his voice down. "Are they planning to have a baby next? Her Majesty's already calling the fox their son!"
Eliana giggled, covering her mouth. "It seems they're having a little practice when the baby comes soon!"
They were caught up in their playful conversation when the door creaked open and Augustus walked in.
The moment they spotted him, their faces transformed from gleeful to serious in an instant, as if nothing had ever happened. Both stood at attention, hands behind their backs, with expressions of utmost professionalism.
Augustus raised an eyebrow, clearly having witnessed their antics but chose not to comment. Instead, his attention shifted to me and Ember, his lips curling slightly into a small smile. "I see Ember's settling in well."
Meanwhile, Eliana and Javier was grinning while they quietly made their exit to let the two have some alone time with their 'baby'.