"That office," the butler said, nodding toward the connecting door, "is not simply Her Majesty's workspace. It is imperial heritage — passed from emperor to emperor, generation to generation, for as long as this throne has stood. Every ruler of this empire has sat at that desk." He paused. "Perhaps it is their integrity. Perhaps it is the nature of those who have held this throne. But most of our emperors, even those with multiple consorts, loved deeply. Differently than most people love."
Larus listened.
The butler continued, his voice quieter now.
"Empress Celeste's grandfather built a connecting room for his wife — smaller, modest, because he was a man of principle who followed proportion. He wanted her close when he worked late. He didn't want her to be far." A small smile. "And then Her Majesty's father — the previous emperor — he was a different sort entirely."
"Different how?" Larus asked.
