"Your Imperial Majesty, the Emperor has summoned you to his palace," the Emperor’s palace butler bowed as soon as he spotted the Empress, seated on the chair, taking a sip of her tea. She turned his way, giving him a faint smile.

"Why?"

"I-I am afraid I do not know..." the man stammered.

"Alright," rising to her feet, she approached him. "Lead the way."

The butler nodded, turning on his heels and walking past the long hallway that stretched toward the Emperor’s palace. He still couldn’t understand why they had decided to live in separate buildings. After all, didn’t married couples live under the same roof, even if in separate bedchambers?

However, he would never dare question them. His duty was to follow their commands, not think about the reason behind them.

Once they arrived in front of the Emperor’s bedroom, the butler bowed, stepping aside to give space to the Empress.

When the guards prepared to announce her arrival, she shook her head, signaling them not to. Exchanging a hesitant glance, they obeyed once she said, "You will not get in trouble."

Whenever she said that, it was a silent promise. And it had been kept so far. The Emperor never scolded them or fired them from their jobs.

The door creaked open, and the woman stepped inside, her steps barely audible.

Before her, Zaphyr was seated, too focused on the papers on his desk.

Curling her lips into a mischievous smile, Selena’s gaze darted around, searching for something. Once she spotted the sword hanging on the wall beside the masterpieces of renowned artists, she pulled it. Slowly, steadily, she placed the blade on the man’s shoulder, but he didn’t flinch, as if he had already sensed her presence.

"Honey, are you mad?" Zaphyr asked without looking away from the documents.

The Empress tilted her head, the sword’s edge glinting faintly under the afternoon light.

"Should I be?"

"That depends," the Emperor replied, dipping his quill once more into the inkwell. His tone was calm, almost amused. "Have I done something that deserves your wrath?"

Selena hummed softly, lowering the blade until it rested flat against his shoulder. "You summoned me without notice. That’s a dangerous thing to do, darling. I might assume you’ve finally decided to dispose of me."

He finally looked up, meeting her gaze with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"If I ever planned to kill you, I wouldn’t summon you first."

Her eyes narrowed, yet the corner of her mouth curved.

"But I am mad at you."

Finally, the Emperor’s gaze flickered upward, perplexed.

"I thought so. But I needed to hear it directly from you."

"Why?" Selena chuckled. "You thought I wouldn’t be mad at you after what you did yesterday?"

"Yesterday?"

"Don’t act like you don’t know. You were so rude to our son!" She swung the sword and placed it on the table swiftly.

Zephyr set his quill back in the ink bottle and exhaled deeply. Crossing his fingers, hands resting on the desk, he shook his head.

"And he didn’t bother to explain why I was upset with him?"

Selena shook her head. She thought her husband was simply acting strange because of Hianshu. Still, that was no way to behave with his own son—whom he loved!

"He needs to get married!" Zephyr exclaimed, locking eyes with Selena, his expression serious.

Caught off guard by his statement, Selena’s eyes widened. She remained silent for a moment before her lips slowly parted.

"What do you mean?"

"Soren can’t get married now, we know why. He needs a good partner, and there’s politics involved... But Zayden? What’s stopping him? He has a son, whose father is with him. Doesn’t that mean he already has a family? So why not just marry? When I told him that, he lectured me about how old I am and that I should ’upgrade my thoughts!’ Tsk." He scoffed.

"I understand, but this is no way to act — at least not in front of his supposed partner and son," Selena folded her arms, eyes narrowing. "You’d better treat him properly when we see him again."

Zephyr nodded. "Yes, yes, My Empress. May I come to your bedroom tonight?" He grinned, reaching for her hand. Pulling it close, he pressed a soft kiss to the back of it, looking up at her.

Selena chuckled. "Alright."

It’s not like I can stay mad at him for too long.

She sighed, giving in.

***

The rattling of knives and forks against plates clanged through the hall, the sound almost haunting in the stillness. None of the priests or High Priests of Hianshu spoke a word.

The servants standing behind each of them, assigned to assist, felt sweat drip down their foreheads. How could they eat in such an eerie atmosphere? Chills ran down their spines at the very thought.

When the meal ended, the servants hurried to clear the table. As soon as they were done, High Priest Charles gestured for them to leave.

They hesitated, glancing at one another nervously, but obedience won over fear. One by one, they bowed and walked out.

Enzo, too, began to stand. What was he supposed to do here?

They are surely going to discuss some political stuff. I should leave–

Just then, a firm hand caught his wrist.

"You stay," Charles murmured, his grip tightening just enough to make the young man freeze.

Swallowing hard, he glanced at the priests and High Priests for help. But they merely looked away, pretending not to notice the silent plea in his eyes.

Grinding his teeth, he sank back into his seat. How stupid of him. Of course, no one would help him. He was, after all, a pure blooded demon—a mere omega. And Hianshus loathed anything non-human.

Charles finally loosened his grip and turned toward his disciples, his expression calm and composed as he began to speak.

They couldn’t risk discussing anything in someone’s bedchamber, nor could they trust the servants assigned to them. So Charles had chosen to hold this meeting here—a harmless, public gathering meant to look peaceful to any curious ears. In truth, the real discussion would take place later that evening, behind closed doors. And Enzo knew only because Charles had been talking about it all night.

Disgusting bastard.

He grabbed a glass of water, emptying it in one go.