The Empress looked at Julian with pity. Though she had heard word of how enthusiastic her husband was being with the tutor, she knew it was not his fault.
He had simply been caught in a net without knowing.
Fishes don't plan to get trapped by nets, after all.
"This might be the last time I get to invite you for tea," she finally spoke and though Julian did not know how to interpret it, he knew it was indeed the last. "And I will not be present in the Masquerade, so I pray you get what you are looking for, Master Astrea." She sipped her tea a bit and dropped it, since her hands were already trembling. "I pray we both get what we are looking for."
Julian stared at her, the weak smile on her lips and how it seemed like she was saying a final 'goodbye'.
"I thank you for your good grace, Your Majesty,"
The tea ended in a hollow, ringing silence.
