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The sun was setting behind the grand walls of the palace as Elizabeth returned, feeling the weight of her journey dissipate as she neared the emperor's chambers. Every step she took from her carriage to his doors seemed heavier than the last, anticipation building within her. The guards nodded at her, standing solemnly by the grand doors that led to Ludwig's private quarters. With a steadying breath, Elizabeth stepped inside.
The room was illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, casting long shadows against the luxurious tapestries and furnishings. She found Ludwig seated at his desk, pouring over a stack of scrolls, his expression sharp with concentration. As the doors closed behind her, he looked up, his gaze softening at the sight of her.
"Elizabeth," he greeted, a faint smile playing on his lips. Rising from his chair, he closed the distance between them. "You've returned."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, inclining her head respectfully. "I've come to discuss the matter of my personal guard, as you requested."
Ludwig raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering over her in a way that made her pulse quicken. "Must we always discuss matters of duty, Elizabeth?" he asked, a hint of mischief in his tone.
Before she could respond, he stepped closer, his hand gently brushing against her arm. With a swift but careful movement, he guided her closer and then, in one graceful motion, pulled her onto his lap. Elizabeth's heart raced as she found herself seated there, wrapped in his warmth, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected intimacy.
"Your Majesty—" she began, her words faltering as his gaze held hers, intense and unyielding. He reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek.
"Please, call me Ludwig," he whispered, a tenderness in his voice that surprised her. And then, without waiting for her response, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a soft, lingering kiss that took her breath away.
Elizabeth's initial shock melted into acceptance, her body instinctively leaning into him as her heart raced. His hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss, his warmth enveloping her in a way that made the rest of the world fade away.
When he finally pulled back, his lips only inches from hers, he smiled slightly, his eyes alight with something between affection and desire. "You look as if you weren't expecting this, Elizabeth," he murmured, his tone teasing but gentle.
"I—" she stammered, her face flushing as she struggled to find her words. "Your Majesty, I… didn't expect such a warm reception," she admitted, lowering her gaze to his chest.
He chuckled softly, a sound that resonated in his chest, warming her even more. "Admittedly, I didn't expect company," he said, brushing his thumb along her cheek. "But if I were to have anyone join me tonight, I would choose you without hesitation."
Elizabeth's heart swelled at his words, even as her mind urged caution. She wanted to believe him, to let herself trust in this rare vulnerability he was showing her. Still, the reality of her position—his consort, bound to duty—remained in the back of her mind.
"You're here for the council meeting, I take it?" he finally asked, as if sensing her apprehension.
"Yes," she replied, grateful for the shift to a safer topic. "But Your Majesty," she added, her voice softening, "I must admit that it's hard to focus on matters of state when you… look like this." She couldn't help but laugh softly at her own awkwardness, her cheeks flushed.
Ludwig's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he let out a low chuckle. "Elizabeth, you continue to surprise me." His tone held an affection that felt more genuine than any words he had ever spoken to her before.
He gently lifted her chin, meeting her gaze with a tenderness that made her heart ache. "Do you ever wonder, Elizabeth, what it would be like if we could set aside the titles and the expectations, if only for a moment?"
Her eyes widened slightly, her heart pounding as she sensed the vulnerability in his question. "I…" She hesitated, but then, emboldened by the warmth in his gaze, she whispered, "Yes, I do wonder."
His expression softened, and he brushed his thumb over her knuckles, a gesture that felt more intimate than any kiss. "I often find myself longing for such simplicity," he admitted quietly. "To just be a man with a woman, without the weight of the empire pressing upon us."
The honesty in his words took her by surprise. This was not the stern emperor she had expected to face upon her return, but a man who seemed as weary of his role as she sometimes felt of hers. For the first time, she felt as if she were glimpsing a side of him that he rarely revealed, even to himself.
"Then… perhaps, even if only for tonight," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "we can allow ourselves that freedom."
Ludwig's eyes shone with something she couldn't quite name—a mixture of longing and determination. He leaned in, brushing his lips against her cheek, his breath warm against her skin. "You are a rare woman, Elizabeth," he murmured. "Perhaps too rare for the role you have been given."
A faint smile touched her lips. "Perhaps," she replied, feeling her heart swell with a mixture of pride and vulnerability.
For a moment, they simply remained there, wrapped in each other's presence, the world outside forgotten. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips, grounding her in a way that nothing else could.
At last, Ludwig pulled back slightly, his gaze turning more serious. "Tomorrow, I will assign the most trusted knights to protect you," he said. "I cannot bear the thought of you facing any harm."
Elizabeth nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for his protection, even as a bittersweet pang lingered in her chest. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.
As she looked into his eyes, she felt a strange mixture of hope and sadness. Hope that perhaps this moment was the beginning of something deeper, and sadness that the demands of their roles might one day force them apart.
For now, though, she allowed herself to savor the warmth of his embrace, the tender affection in his gaze. Whatever lay ahead, she would carry this moment with her—a cherished memory that would forever be imprinted upon her heart.
And as the candles burned low in the quiet chamber, Elizabeth knew that no matter what the future held, this night would be one she would never forget.