The morning light barely softened Emperor Ludwig's hardened expression as he strode through the palace halls, his gaze set, jaw tight with tension. Servants and guards could sense his mood and stepped out of his path, bowing without a word, their heads lowered to avoid his piercing gaze. Today, there was an unmistakable air of impatience and irritability that clung to the emperor, a silent warning that this was no day to risk his temper.
Inside the throne room, Ludwig moved through the day's duties with a chilling efficiency. Reports of border issues, petitions from local lords, and diplomatic dispatches from foreign lands all passed before him, each one met with a brief response or curt dismissal. At last, he leaned back, his expression weary as he glanced toward his aide, Cedric, who had remained silently at his side throughout the morning.
"Cedric," Ludwig said, his tone low yet carrying an unmistakable edge.
Cedric stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Ensure everything is prepared for this evening," Ludwig said, his voice controlled, though irritation flashed briefly in his eyes. "And send for Elizabeth. She is to attend me in my chambers tonight."
Cedric's eyebrows lifted slightly, but he quickly masked any reaction, bowing once more. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I'll make the necessary arrangements."
Ludwig nodded, dismissing him with a flick of his hand. "Make sure she understands her responsibilities," he added, his tone dropping into a cold, detached formality.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Cedric replied, and with a final bow, he left to carry out his orders.
The day continued, each duty pulling Ludwig deeper into his role, his face an unreadable mask as he attended to the empire's affairs. But as evening began to fall, a hint of tension slipped into his features—a hint that he quickly buried beneath the practiced facade of the ruler.
When he finally retired to his chambers, the room was arranged just as he had instructed. Flickering candles cast a warm glow over the walls, softening the shadows, and a table with a delicate porcelain tea set had been placed by the window.
Not long after, a quiet knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," Ludwig called, his tone composed and measured.
The door opened, and Elizabeth stepped in, her figure delicate against the heavy doorway as she entered the room with a curtsy. She raised her eyes to meet his, uncertainty flickering in her gaze, though she held herself with quiet composure.
"Your Majesty," she greeted, her voice gentle.
Ludwig gave a small, almost courteous nod, gesturing for her to sit. "Elizabeth, please. Join me for tea," he said, his voice carefully even, a practiced gentleness layering his words.
Elizabeth hesitated but moved to sit across from him, her hands resting lightly on her lap. She watched as he poured tea for both of them, his movements precise and deliberate.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she murmured as he handed her the cup.
Ludwig's expression softened just enough to appear polite, his gaze lingering on her face with an unreadable intensity. "There is no need to thank me, Elizabeth. You know you are always welcome here."
Elizabeth lowered her gaze slightly, a small smile playing at her lips. "You are too kind, Your Majesty."
Ludwig took a measured sip of his tea, his eyes still fixed on her. "Kindness is not something I am known for," he said, his voice low, almost teasing. "But I assure you, Elizabeth, I value those who are loyal to me."
Elizabeth's cheeks flushed faintly, her fingers tightening slightly around the teacup. "It is my honor to serve you, Your Majesty," she replied softly. "I only hope that I may fulfill whatever role you need."
Ludwig's eyes glinted, though he kept his expression calm and gentlemanly. "You fulfill your duties well, Elizabeth," he replied, setting down his cup. "And that is why I ask of you a particular duty tonight. It is not one I assign lightly."
Her gaze lifted, surprise mingling with a hint of nervousness. "Of course, Your Majesty. Whatever you ask, I will do my utmost to serve."
The emperor leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing yet tempered with the pretense of warmth. "Good. You are to stay with me tonight, Elizabeth. In a time of political uncertainty, appearances are important." He paused, giving her a reassuring smile. "Do not be afraid. You have my trust."
Elizabeth nodded, though her hands trembled faintly as she set down her cup. "I understand, Your Majesty. I… am honored."
Ludwig gave a small, approving nod, his eyes lingering on her with a cold calculation hidden beneath his composed exterior. "Excellent. You are a capable woman, Elizabeth. One whom I respect and expect to be at my side when required."
Elizabeth managed a faint smile, her heart beating steadily with a mix of nerves and gratitude. "Your Majesty, I am grateful for the trust you place in me," she said, her voice steady despite her emotions.
"Then, let us not speak further of duty," Ludwig replied, his tone almost gentle. "Enjoy the tea, Elizabeth. Tonight, you are here, as requested. That is enough."
And as they sat in the quiet chamber, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows around them, Ludwig maintained his poised demeanor. Inside, however, his thoughts remained guarded and cold, his heart untouched by the very emotions he seemed to offer. To him, this was simply a duty—a role to be played—and nothing more.