"You see, Her Majesty is the Empress, no? It would be wise to get her opinion." Lucian explained. Krillien glanced at Meredith who tried her best not to show her expression, yet it was obvious from the way her eyes glimmered that she wanted to be included in their discussion.
The Emperor couldn't help but sigh. What would he do if Aurelius hears of this? Giving Meredith more access to these information could threaten their stand. Krillien still didn't know what Meredith could be hiding under her sleeve.
"Empress," he said, his voice stern. "It would be best if you leave… now."
Her eyebrows furrowed as she was taken aback by Krillien's words. She thought the time they spent—albeit short—showed that Krillien was not like what she thought he was. Does he really draw the line here? Did he truly wish not to share the power he holds?
She was reminded of Theodore's words when she first stayed at the palace: Please do not mistake His Majesty's generosity with kindness. Yes, of course. He was the emperor—a tyrant emperor. Why would he share his power he took for himself to a woman he just married?
She was a fool to think otherwise.
She lowered her head and said, "yes… Your Majesty." Meredith silently turned around and left the room, a thud came out as the doors closed on her way out.
"Ah, Empress—" Lucian quickly shut his mouth, preventing himself from interfering with royal matters. It was not his place to meddle in their business. Though, it was unusual for an empress not to be involved with the empire's business. Even if Krillien wanted the power all to himself, it was still unusual.
He wondered what the Emperor could be hiding.
"Lord Lucian," Krillien spoke, grabbing his attention. "Shall we start our discussion?" They both sat down across each other from the couch.
"Yes. It is about the situation in one of the towns. Some ruffians, believed to be rebels, are taking over and causing havoc. The de Burke knights were able to handle the commotion, but none of the perpetrators were able to be caught." Lucian explained. Ever since Krillien's ascend to the throne, rebels came popping up in the towns, protesting his seat. They were able to calm down after Krillien's ruthless executions, but in recent months, they began growing and more bold with their movements.
Krillien hummed, listening to him.
"I believe it would be best that we increase more guards and knights in lower areas as it seems most of their recruitments come from there." He proposed, though it wasn't as good of a plan, it was the only way as they are causing havoc because of the man in front of him. Who would want a man who murdered his entire family sit on the throne?
"I will assign more guards there. Anything else?"
"Ah, well… there is one more thing," Lucian cleared his throat to have some courage. "Regarding the Empress."
"What do you want?" Krillien asked with an annoyed tone. What could he want with the Empress?
"As you are married, I believe this is a good time to establish good relations with the other nobles—especially the women," Lucian continued to explain given Krillien's silence. "This could possibly increase Your and Her Majesty's reputation. As, well, the noble women are cautious of the royals."
Krillien sighed. The noble women were usually easy to deal with, but given how they're less like to back down just because of the power one weilds, being in good terms with them is far better. "Alright." He answered.
Hearing this, Lucian let out a warm smile. "Well, my sister is having a tea party soon, she would be happy for Her Majesty to join."
Krillien let out a small laugh. "Lady Lillian would be pleased with this?"
"I hope so." He smiled. "Given Her Majesty's sour mood, would you be able to convince her?"
"It is for her own good. Are we finished?" Krillien asked, slightly annoyed with how long their discussion had been going.
"I have no matters to speak about. Thank you for your time, Your Majesty." Krillien stood up and left the room, heading back to his study. Meanwhile, Lucian sighed, an annoyed expression appearing on his face.
He massaged his cheeks with a hand, tired from keeping a smile on his face. It would be unwise to show Krillien his dislike for him. One day, he might disappear if he knew. Krillien seemed to trust him a bit as he has never been ruthless with him.
Lucian left the room as well, leaving the uneaten biscuits and half-drunk coffee on the table. As he walked along the halls, he noticed Meredith with her back turned, standing in one of the open hallways that led to the garden. She stared outside, her arms wrapping around herself.
"Your Majesty," Lucian approached. Meredith's head turned to look up to him.
"Oh," she said. "You are finished talking?"
Lucian nodded. "Yes. Your Majesty, my sister, Lillian, will be hosting a tea party some time this month. It would be nice if you are able to join."
She furrowed her eyebrows. "And your sister is aware of this? I have not received an invitation."
"Lillian will soon send one. His Majesty is invited as well."
"I see…" Meredith answered. Though she was a bit uncomfortable with Krillien as she felt embarrassed earlier, it was indeed something they must do; show up at events together. Especially one that Lady Lillian, a high-ranking noble, will be hosting.
But aside from her interaction with Krillien, there is one more thing she was worried about: the other noblewomen. What will they think of her? What do they think of her?
It had been years since the last time she had met with them and she knew she wasn't particularly… nice to any of them. Even Lucian who stood beside her now disliked her. Though he was once one of her suitors, Lucian had dropped his advances, telling her how much she was intolerable.
She knew that the smile on his face he has been putting on was merely fake. She shivered and held herself tighter. How would the tea party go with many people like Lucian there?
She gulped. There was no telling what could happened at the tea party.