Chapter 45:
Luan
In the grand, opulent office, my father—the Emperor—occupies the central position behind an ornate desk.
The room is a chaotic sight. Shattered furniture. Scattered glass. A painting of recent fury.
An attendant stands to the side, trembling noticeably. An unfortunate consequence of my father's latest outburst.
I cast a sidelong glance at my older brother, Linus.
His ashy hair gleams softly under the ambient light. His grey eyes ever so cold and calculating meet mine. A fleeting expression of disdain flickers across his face.
I brush it off.
We're rivals now. Each vying for the throne. Such sentiments are to be expected.
I draw a breath and decide to speak up, breaking the tense silence.
"Father."
The Emperor's attention shifts away from the scattered debris. His gaze is sharp. Impatient.
"Lucina has reached marriageable age."
I let the weight of the announcement settle in.
"My fiancée from Brendholm, along with her two brothers, will be visiting soon."
My father regards me with curiosity. Clearly puzzled by the sudden shift in conversation.
I press on, clarifying the significance.
"Lucina is of an age to be married. And the two princes accompanying her are still single."
A moment of realization dawns on the Emperor's face.
Understanding lights up his eyes as he processes my words.
A sardonic smile spreads across his lips.
"Ah. I see now." He chuckles. "Let her be someone else's concern."
His laughter fills the room, mingling with the remnants of his earlier frustration.
Perfect.
The conversation swiftly shifts to matters of national policy.
I present several proposals. Ideas adapted from Earth.
I watch with satisfaction as my father's expression transforms from disinterest to impressed intrigue.
Catching his reaction, I cast a victorious glance toward Linus.
All's fair in the race for the throne, after all.
Apologies, big brother. I won't be holding back.
A few minutes later, we exit the office.
Stella greets us.
Her entrance is met with an unmistakable smile from our father. A gesture that clearly marks her as his favorite.
"Father!" Her voice brims with affection.
"Ah, my little sunshine."
The Emperor's response is warm. Clearly pleased to see her.
Stella seamlessly links her arm with his. A level of familiarity and comfort that surpasses even what I've seen between him and the Empress.
Stella winks at me.
I hide a smile.
Her charm is irresistible.
Linus bows out, excusing himself from our conversation.
I watch him depart through the magnificent palace halls. His figure recedes amidst the grandeur of crystal pillars.
"Father, you simply must hear me play the Ererse."
Stella's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm.
"I've been practicing diligently."
Unable to resist, I decide to accompany them.
Watching Stella play the Ererse is always mesmerizing. The music she produces is ethereal. The colors and patterns that emerge from her performance are like nothing else.
She transforms the room into a realm of enchantment.
*
I stretch my arms languidly.
My hand encounters warmth. Another body.
I look down.
A cascade of brunette hair spills across the pillow. A slender back peeks out from beneath the luxurious covers.
A smile tugs at my lips as I recall the pleasures of the previous night.
Indeed. The privileges of royalty are many.
Gently, I rouse my companion. She realizes the situation and scrambles to dress quickly.
One of the maids serving in my palace. Her hurried attempts to cover herself are endearing.
I slip into a robe, draping it loosely around me, and make my way to the bath.
*
In the bathhouse, I catch the eye of another maid.
I give her a playful wink.
Her cheeks flush with a rosy hue.
Charming.
I lower myself into the enormous, heated bath. The warmth envelops me.
Two maids begin to meticulously tend to my body.
This is the essence of indulgence. Power and beauty in equal measure.
I luxuriate in the soothing waters and the attentive ministrations of the maids.
My thoughts drift to the recent swordsmanship competition.
The knight who emerged victorious has piqued my interest.
His skill and prowess would make him a valuable asset to my faction.
I close my eyes.
Let the steam and the gentle scrubbing lull me into contemplation.