The following morning, Elizabeth moved through the palace halls, her face composed as she carried out her duties, though her mind was still clouded by Lady Margot's biting words from the evening before. She couldn't escape the feeling of unease that had settled within her, but she refused to let it affect her outward demeanor.
As she entered the library, she froze, startled to find Emperor Ludwig standing by one of the grand windows, his figure partially illuminated by the sunlight streaming in. He turned at the sound of her entrance, his gaze sharp yet softened just slightly when he saw her.
"Elizabeth," he greeted, his voice low and measured.
"Your Majesty," she replied, quickly lowering into a curtsy. She hadn't expected to see him, especially so early in the morning.
"Come," Ludwig said, gesturing for her to approach. He studied her closely as she walked to him, his expression unreadable. "You seem… troubled."
Elizabeth looked away, a faint blush touching her cheeks. "I assure you, Your Majesty, I am well," she said softly, though she knew her tone betrayed her.
"Don't lie to me," he said sharply, his eyes narrowing. "I can see it plainly enough."
Elizabeth hesitated, feeling the weight of his gaze on her. "It is nothing, Your Majesty. Only… the opinions of others."
"Others?" he repeated, his tone growing colder. "Who has spoken to you?"
She hesitated again but finally whispered, "Lady Margot, Your Majesty."
Ludwig's expression hardened, a flicker of irritation flashing in his eyes. "And what did Lady Margot see fit to discuss with you?"
Elizabeth kept her gaze on the floor, unwilling to meet his intense stare. "She… reminded me of my place, Your Majesty. She mentioned that I am… merely a passing interest to you, one that will soon fade."
A long silence stretched between them before Ludwig spoke, his tone measured but laced with a quiet fury. "Elizabeth, you mustn't take such words to heart. Margot has her own motives, and they are of no concern to you."
Elizabeth swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know my duty, Your Majesty, and I will fulfill it. But… I sometimes wonder if that is all I am here to do."
Ludwig's gaze softened almost imperceptibly, and he reached out, lifting her chin with a gentle but firm hand so that she would meet his eyes. "Your role here is more than a mere duty, Elizabeth. Do not let the words of those who envy you cast doubt upon your worth."
Elizabeth felt her heart skip a beat, her gaze locked with his. "But… why would they envy me, Your Majesty?"
Ludwig's lips pressed into a thin line as he considered her question. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a murmur. "Because you possess something they cannot, something I have chosen to give only to you."
Her eyes widened slightly. "And what is that, Your Majesty?"
Ludwig paused, as if weighing his words carefully. "Trust. Loyalty. A place by my side, if you choose to accept it," he said, his tone still guarded, but with a hint of vulnerability that she hadn't heard before.
Elizabeth felt a rush of emotion, her heart tightening with a mixture of joy and uncertainty. "I… I am honored, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice steady yet filled with sincerity. "I will remain loyal to you, regardless of what others may say."
Ludwig released her chin, his hand falling to his side. He studied her for a moment longer, the corners of his mouth softening just slightly. "Good," he said quietly. "I expect nothing less."
She bowed her head, a faint smile touching her lips as she whispered, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Ludwig's gaze lingered on her as he turned toward the window, his expression once again shifting to the cold, unreadable mask he wore in public. Yet, Elizabeth sensed a glimmer of warmth beneath it—a warmth that gave her the strength to ignore Lady Margot's harsh words. For now, she knew she had his trust, and that was more than enough.
As she left the library, Elizabeth's mind felt clearer, her steps lighter. Lady Margot's words still echoed in her thoughts, but now they seemed hollow, diminished in the light of what the emperor had just told her.
For as long as he desires my presence here, she thought to herself, I will remain by his side—no matter what anyone says.