The dining hall still glowed with warmth.
But Sarah no longer felt it.
Her fingers rested lightly on the table, untouched food before her. Her appetite had vanished long ago, replaced by something sharper.
Suspicion.
"Mom, I'm full," she said gently, rising to her feet.
The Empress Dowager looked up, studying her for a brief moment before smiling.
"Go on, my dear," she said. "You should spend time with your husband."
Sarah bowed slightly.
"I will go and meet him now."
Her voice was calm.
But her steps were not, she had suspected something, and now, she is going to find out!
********************
Inside the emperor's chamber—
The air felt thick.
Heavy.
Amelia stood a few steps away from Alexander, her hands clenched tightly in front of her.
Struggling to steady herself.
"Please, Your Majesty…" she said softly, shaking her head. "I'm not interested."
Her voice trembled despite her effort to sound firm.
She turned slightly, folding her arms as she adjusted her dress, putting distance between them.
"I have already crossed enough lines," she continued, her tone breaking. "I don't want to go any further…"
Her heart pounded painfully.
"I believe in karma… what I do, I will answer for. I don't want to destroy your marriage."
Alexander exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Amelia…" he said, his voice strained. "We talked about this."
He stepped closer again.
"And we just kissed," he added, his tone tightening. "How do you expect me to forget that?"
There was something raw in his voice.
But before she could respond..
**
A knock!
Both of them froze.
The sound echoed through the room like a warning.
Alexander's expression darkened.
Amelia's heart dropped.
"The Empress…"
Without hesitation, Amelia rushed behind the heavy curtains, her breath uneven as she pressed herself into the shadows.
The door was still locked.
Alexander walked toward it and opened it.
"What?" he said sharply.
Sarah stepped inside, her expression composed, but her eyes searching.
"My lord," she said softly, walking further into the room.
Her presence filled the space immediately.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
"You haven't touched me since we got married," she continued, her voice lowering slightly, almost seducing, she wrapped her hands around him. "I need you tonight."
For a brief second—
Alexander's breath faltered.
"Amelia,"
The name slipped out.
Unintended.
Dangerous.
His eyes flickered.
"Sarah," he corrected himself quickly.
But it was too late.
Silence followed.
Sharp.
Tense.
"Amelia?" Sarah repeated slowly.
Her gaze changed instantly.
Cold.
Alert.
Suspicious.
She stepped forward, her eyes scanning the room.
"I heard something earlier," she said, her voice tightening. "And now… you say her name?"
Alexander moved quickly, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"You are my Empress," he said calmly. "Stop overthinking."
His tone was steady.
Controlled.
Convincing.
But Sarah was not entirely convinced.
She turned away from him, walking toward the bathroom, her eyes sharp as she searched.
"Where is she…" she muttered under her breath.
"I will kill her…"
***
Behind the curtain...
Amelia stood frozen.
Her entire body trembled.
Her breath shallow.
Her heart pounding so loudly she feared it could be heard.
So this is it…
She closed her eyes briefly.
He is lying for her…
No—
He is protecting his marriage.
Of course he is.
A bitter feeling rose in her chest.
She clenched her hands tightly.
I will never believe a man again…
***
After a few moments,
Sarah stepped back from the bathroom.
Her gaze swept the room one last time.
Nothing.
No one.
Her shoulders relaxed slightly.
"I'm sorry," she said at last, her tone softer. "I was overthinking."
Alexander said nothing.
Just watched her.
Carefully.
Then...
She smiled faintly.
"How about I freshen up first?" she said lightly. "Before we sleep."
Alexander's expression stiffened slightly.
"Yes… go ahead."
Sarah began removing her outer robe, revealing a lighter dress beneath.
Then she walked slowly toward the bathroom.
"Why don't we go together, Honey?" she called out sweetly.
"No," Alexander said quickly. "I have some work to finish in my study."
She paused.
Then nodded.
"Alright."
And disappeared into the bathroom.
*****
The moment the door closed,
Amelia moved.
Quick.
Silent.
She pushed past the curtain, her face pale, her breath uneven.
She didn't look at him.
Not once.
She walked straight to the door.
Opened it.
And slipped out—
Almost running.
The door shut behind her with a soft but final sound.
**
Alexander didn't stop her.
Didn't call her back.
He simply stood there.
He watched her leave.
His expression unreadable.
But his silence said everything.