The grand staircase stretched wide beneath golden chandeliers.
Each step echoed softly as Alexander descended, his long robe trailing behind him like a shadow that refused to leave.
His expression—
Dark.
Unreadable.
Behind him, the Empress followed in silence.
Graceful.
Composed.
But her eyes watched him carefully.
Studying.
Questioning.
Because she suspected something.
And she could feel it.
***
At the dining hall,
Warm light filled the room.
The long table was covered with dishes, rich meats, fruits, wine, delicacies prepared for royalty.
At the head of the table sat the Empress Dowager.
Regal.
Observant.
Waiting.
The moment she saw him, she smiled.
"Alex, my son," she said warmly. "You still haven't changed."
Her eyes traced his face.
"That same dark gaze… even when you walk."
Alexander said nothing.
He took his seat calmly.
"Sarah, my dear," the Empress Dowager continued, turning to the Empress. "Come sit closer."
Sarah obeyed with a soft smile, moving gracefully to her side.
"Alexander has a hot temper," the older woman added in a quieter tone. "But from what I see… he must like you very much."
Sarah smiled lightly.
A perfect sound.
Controlled.
But her eyes flickered briefly toward Alexander.
Searching.
Testing.
**
Alexander remained silent as servants poured wine and arranged dishes before him.
"Mother," he said finally, his tone flat. "I'm here. What do you wish to discuss?"
The Empress Dowager sighed softly.
"Look at you," she said. "I have yet to hear any good news."
Her gaze moved between him and Sarah.
"And from what I see… you do not share the same chambers at night."
The words landed quietly,
But heavily.
"It has been over two weeks," she continued. "And I expect to hear good news soon."
Her voice softened.
"Sarah is a beautiful woman. You should make each other happy."
A pause.
"I will fulfill my duties, Mother," Alexander replied coldly.
The words were correct.
Respectful.
But empty.
Without emotion.
Without intent.
He stood up suddenly.
"If there is nothing more—"
He didn't finish the sentence.
Because his mind was already elsewhere.
Not here.
Not at this table.
Not with them.
But with her.
Amelia!
"Son, you haven't touched your food yet," the Empress Dowager called after him.
"I'm not hungry," he replied without turning. "I need my privacy."
And just like that,
He walked away.
*********************
Silence lingered for a moment after his departure.
Then,
The Empress Dowager smiled faintly, turning back to Sarah.
"Do not worry, my dear," she said gently. "He has been like that since childhood."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Perhaps he is simply in a bad mood."
Sarah nodded slowly.
"Of course, Mother," she replied.
Her voice was calm.
But her eyes were not.
Because she had felt it.
Something was wrong.
And she was going to find out what it was.
*************************
Meanwhile...
In the upper corridors,
Amelia moved quietly.
Carefully.
Her steps light against the cold floor.
Her breath uneven.
She had waited long enough to be sure they where gone.
Too long.
Now,
She needed to leave.
She passed through the first door.
Then the second.
Each step bringing her closer to escape.
Her heart pounded louder with every movement.
Don't get caught…
Don't—
"Where are you going, Amelia?"
The voice came from behind her.
Low.
Calm.
Unavoidable.
Amelia froze.
Her breath stopped.
Slowly...
She turned.
And there he was.
Alexander.
Standing in the dim corridor.
Watching her.
Her hand flew to her chest as she gasped softly.
"I... I..."
Before she could speak,
He moved.
Fast.
Effortless.
He lifted her as if she weighed nothing at all.
Amelia froozed abit, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders.
"Your Highness..!"
But he didn't stop.
Didn't listen.
He carried her back,
Straight into his chamber.
The door shut behind them with a firm sound.
Locked.
Trapping.
Amelia's heart raced wildly.
Her breath uneven.
Her body tense in his hold.
He set her down,
But didn't step away.
"We are not done Amelia!" he said quietly.
His voice lower now.
Darker.
Possessive.
"My love."
The word sent a chill down her spine.
Amelia shook her head quickly, panic rising in her chest.
"No… Your Highness… please…"
But Alexander only stepped closer.
Closing the distance once again.
And this time,
There was no interruption.
No knock.
No escape.
Only him.
And her.
And the dangerous space between them that was slowly disappearing.