Leonidas sat alone in his study, the dim light from the chandelier casting a golden glow over the room. The air was heavy with the scent of ink and parchment as he sifted through a stack of documents. His eyes fell on a sealed letter bearing the crest of the Cedric Dukedom. Breaking the seal, he unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the contents quickly. 

A smirk crept onto his lips. “So, Duke Lucian was desperate enough to marry under the High Priest’s blessing with only a handful of witnesses. How quaint.” 

One of his attendants, hesitant but curious, spoke up. “Perhaps they are in love, Your Majesty. Duke Lucian always seemed like a kind man.” 

The smirk vanished, replaced by a chilling glare. “Kind?” Leonidas’s voice dropped, dangerous and cold. “Are you implying that I am not kind?” 

The attendant paled, falling to his knees. “N-No, Your Majesty! I meant no disrespect! Please forgive me!” 

Leonidas’s expression hardened. “Tsk. Drag him away and get rid of him.” 

The room fell silent as guards entered, hauling the trembling attendant out. The second attendant stood frozen, his face drained of color. 

“Everyone seems intent on testing my patience these days,” Leonidas muttered, his voice laced with irritation. “Duke Sable has been uncharacteristically quiet since Isolde arrived. The Empress grows tiresome, and Lucian… what is he scheming now?” 

His fist clenched, crumpling the letter slightly before he let out a low chuckle. A slow smile spread across his face. “Ah, Isolde. Inform her to join me for dinner tonight.” 

The remaining attendant hesitated. “But, Your Majesty… the Empress—” 

Leonidas’s gaze turned lethal. “Do you wish to meet the same fate as your predecessor?” 

“N-No, Your Majesty,” the attendant stammered, bowing hastily before hurrying out. 

Alone once more, Leonidas leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the desk. His smile deepened, a glint of excitement flickering in his eyes. “Oh, my dear Isolde… what game are you playing?” 

In Isolde’s chambers, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. The sudden influx of new knights and maids didn’t go unnoticed by her sharp eyes. When the dinner invitation arrived, her preparations began immediately. 

“Make sure I look alluring, but not vulgar,” she instructed firmly. “A white gown with hints of blue will complement my hair and give an air of innocence. Use a light, sweet fragrance for my perfume, and adorn my hair with flowers. The jewelry should be simple yet elegant.” 

Her maids nodded in unison, quickly setting to work. As they moved about, braiding her hair and adjusting the gown, Isolde’s sharp gaze remained steady, her mind calculating each detail. 

When her transformation was complete, an attendant arrived to escort her. 

“Even the Empress herself has never been granted a private dinner with His Majesty,” the attendant remarked as they walked through the palace halls. “Consider yourself fortunate.” 

Isolde glanced at him, her expression neutral but her tone sharp. “Fortunate? Or unfortunate? That depends on what the emperor has planned.” 

The attendant said no more, leading her to the grand dining hall. 

The dining hall was bathed in warm candlelight, the long table set with exquisite dishes. At the far end, Leonidas sat, his golden eyes gleaming as he watched Isolde enter. She moved gracefully, her white gown flowing like water, the blue accents shimmering with each step. 

“Your Majesty,” Isolde said, curtsying deeply. 

Leonidas’s gaze swept over her, lingering a moment too long. “You’ve outdone yourself, Isolde. Do sit.” 

She obeyed, her movements poised yet deliberate. As the servants poured wine and brought in the first course,

The Emperor’s gaze remained fixed on her, a mix of admiration and suspicion gleaming in his golden eyes. He studied her every move as though trying to decipher the hidden layers beneath her poised demeanor. 

“So, how do you like the new arrangements?” he asked, his tone casual yet probing. 

“I have no complaints,” Isolde replied calmly, her focus on the food before her. 

Leonidas took a deep breath, the weight of hesitation visible in his posture. “Isolde, you look truly beautiful tonight.” 

“I am honored, Your Majesty,” she said, her voice soft but deliberate as her eyes met his. A faint blush colored her cheeks, paired with a demure smile. “I’m glad that you appreciate my efforts.” 

He cleared his throat, his usual confidence faltering for a moment. “Well, ask for anything you desire, and I shall reward you.” 

Isolde tilted her head slightly, a playful innocence in her expression. “I only desire your presence in my humble life, Your Majesty.” 

Leonidas’s brow furrowed, his lips parting in disbelief. “Come now, don’t be modest. Surely there’s something—a piece of jewelry perhaps? Women love jewels, do they not?” 

She gave a soft laugh, light and enchanting. “Your Majesty, you are my greatest jewel. What value could mere stones hold when I already have you in my life?” 

The Emperor blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Ah… I see,” he murmured, shifting slightly in his seat. “Right…” 

He composed himself quickly, his usual commanding air returning. “How about this, then? From now on, we shall share a meal together each day. What do you say?” 

Isolde’s expression softened, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I would be most grateful, Your Majesty. It would be an honor to spend more time with you.” 

Leonidas leaned back, his lips curving into a self-satisfied smile. “Good. Then it’s decided.” 

As the evening progressed, the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by a subtle dance of words and intentions. Isolde spoke sparingly, her responses carefully chosen, each one weaving a delicate web. 

To be continued....