"Miss Anasthsia," Aurelius spoke with a voice that came out slightly muffled, as though the weight of what he was about to say had pressed itself against his throat before he could release it properly. "I need that territory back. It holds a very particular place in my life; it was the land where I grew up. I have my memories with that place.
The sincerity in his voice was quiet but unmistakable, carrying none of the performative emotion that people sometimes wore when asking for favors, only a low and genuine request.
Anasthsia looked at him steadily, and whatever playfulness she had shown before was entirely gone now, replaced by a serious and considerate expression. "I am sorry, you need to learn to move on, Aurelius," she said. "And this is not an empress speaking to you; I am advising you as an elder sister. You are free to visit the Aurelia territory anytime you want, but I cannot give it to you for specific reasons."
