In order to observe the situation further, I remained silent.
The expressions of the newcomers shifted one after another—
Fear.
Annoyance.
Indifference.
Confusion.
My gaze moved across them before settling on a knight at random.
Dark skin.
Blue eyes.
Wheat-colored hair.
Built like he could split a man in half.
With a cunning glint in his eyes.
I tilted my head slightly.
"You. Blue eyes."
He stiffened.
"Lead me to the Empress's chambers."
Before he could move, the maid who had taken the lead earlier stepped forward, a slight frown lining her face.
"My lord, the Empress is—"
I cut her off.
"Does a mere maid possess the authority to interrupt me?"
My voice was smooth.
Almost seductive.
Her face immediately flushed.
"N-no, my lord."
I leaned back slightly.
"Then why do it in the first place?"
Silence.
Then I gestured lazily toward the knight.
"You."
A pause.
"Lead me."
"Yes, my lord."
The hallways stretched endlessly.
White marble etched across the floors and pillars, polished enough to reflect fragments of our shadows.
Too bright.
Too pristine.
The kind of place where blood would probably look beautiful.
No one spoke as they followed behind me.
The weight of the title alone seemed enough.
Eventually—
we stopped before a massive brown door carved with golden detailing.
Imperial.
Excessive.
A maid approached, head lowered, her expression oddly dazed, obsessed .
"Yes, my lord. How may I assist you?"
I folded my arms loosely.
"Will my sister, the Empress, grant this brother a moment?"
The maid bowed immediately and disappeared behind the doors.
Silence stretched.
Then she returned.
"My lord… Her Majesty will receive you."
She stepped aside.
"Follow me."
The doors opened.
And I finally came face to face with—
a woman who looked carved from winter itself.
Cold.
Statuesque.
Intoxicatingly sharp.
Beautiful in the sort of way that felt less like comfort…
and more like a blade pressed lightly against your throat.