In the early hours of the morning, Edward and I found ourselves locked in a physical combat within the confines of an abandoned room. The dim light barely touched the corners, casting long shadows as we moved. This secluded place was perfect for our purpose, where our actions could remain hidden from prying eyes. I needed to keep this a secret, and I trusted Edward implicitly. Although he was loyal to His Majesty, I believed he was also capable of keeping my confidence.

"Your Majesty, pardon me for interfering, but why do you need to keep this a secret, especially from His Majesty?" Edward asked, his breath coming in short gasps. His eyes were sharp, filled with curiosity and concern. I couldn't help but smirk as I reached for the two swords resting on the table.

"Let's just say this is for my own protection," I replied, my tone nonchalant as I tossed one of the swords toward him. Edward’s reflexes were impressive, he caught it with a swift, fluid motion. "The future is unpredictable, Edward. Who knows? My life could be in danger soon."

Without further warning, I swung my sword toward him with a speed that tested his reflexes. His reaction was almost instantaneous, his sword met mine with a metallic clash, deflecting my strike.

A subtle smile tugged at my lips as I launched into a more aggressive assault, my movements a blur of speed and strength. I could see the strain in his eyes as he struggled to keep up, his steps retreating under the pressure of my relentless attack. Sensing an opportunity, I twirled my body gracefully, my sword carving a sharp arc through the air. The blade stopped just shy of his throat, hovering barely an inch away.

"You are fast, Your Majesty," Edward remarked, admiration lacing his voice. But then, with a sudden shift, I felt the cold steel of his blade pressing lightly against my side. "But always be cautious with your moves, Your Majesty," he added, his voice calm and steady.

I smirked once more, the thrill of the duel coursing through me. I had chosen wisely in selecting Edward as my mentor, his skill was undeniable.

Lowering my sword, I stepped back, creating some distance between us. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I prepared for the next round. My right foot slid back, my left knee bent slightly, and with my right hand raised high, I pointed my sword directly at him with unwavering determination. Edward mirrored my stance, his eyes locked onto mine as he readied himself.

"Attack me first," I commanded, my voice firm. Without a moment's hesitation, Edward lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with precision.

For nearly two hours, we sparred, our movements fluid and unrelenting. Each clash of our swords echoed through the empty room, a testament to our skill and endurance. But eventually, fatigue began to seep into my muscles, and I knew it was time to stop.

Breathing heavily, I lowered my sword and stepped back, my body drained from the intense exertion. It was time to rest, to gather my strength for the challenges that lay ahead.

Nauna akong lumabas mula sa silid at nadatnan ko si Sarah na matiyagang naghihintay, "Your Majesty!" she exclaimed, quickly bowing her head in a show of respect before lifting her gaze to meet mine. Her eyes were filled with concern as she noticed the sweat glistening on my brow. "Your Majesty, hayaan mo akong punasan ang inyong mga pawis," she insisted, her voice soft but earnest.

I shook my head, dismissing her offer with a gentle wave of my hand. "No, just hand me the towel," I objected firmly. Though eager to help, she obediently complied, passing me the towel without further protest.

I took the towel from her and began to wipe away the sweat that clung to my skin, the fabric absorbing the evidence of my recent exertion. The silence between us was heavy with unspoken words as I turned and began to walk away, the echoes of my footsteps filling the quiet corridor.

As I went to my chamber I did my morning routine with the help of Sarah. I wear a dark blue dress, a grecian style on the top while there is a slit on my skirt. The dress hug my body and it's showing my curves.

"Your Majesty, oras na para sa pagkain!" narinig namin ni Sarah ang boses sa labas ng silid ko. I took a deep breath. "Let's go," as I we went out I saw a one maidservant waiting patiently. Nilagpasan ko siya at nauna akong naglakad sa kanilang dalawa ni Sarah.

Pagkarating ko sa dining hall nadatnan ko si Anastasia na parang aliw na aliw na kausap ang Emperor. Umubo ako upang agawin ang kanilang atensyon bago ngumiti ng napakatamis. "A wonderful morning to you, Your Majesty, and to you, Consort Anastasia. I apologize for making you wait." I took my seat across from the Emperor, who was now staring at me intently, as if studying me with great care. His gaze was penetrating, almost as if he were trying to decipher something hidden within me. "We should eat before the food gets cold," I suggested, breaking the tension with a polite smile. His Majesty nodded in agreement, though his eyes remained fixed on me.

Carefully, I picked up my spoon and fork, conscious of each movement as I began to eat. Despite my deliberate caution, I maintained an air of calmness. As soon as the first bite touched my tongue, the rich flavors exploded in my mouth, momentarily distracting me. But the silence was soon broken by Lady Anastasia's voice.

"Her Majesty has such a very modest manner of eating. Where did you learn that?" she asked, her tone seemingly innocent but with a hint of curiosity that caught me off guard. I paused mid-bite, then softly chuckled, turning my gaze toward her.

"Of course! How could I not know such a simple thing, Consort Anastasia?" I replied with a light tone, meeting her eyes. "In fact, I taught myself." My words seemed to surprise her, though not in the way one might expect. There was no amusement in her expression, only a trace of bitterness that she quickly tried to hide.

"Oh! How amusing, Your Majesty," she responded, forcing a sweet smile onto her lips.

I returned the gesture with a smile of my own, my voice gentle but firm. "Oh please, Consort Anastasia. It’s a pleasure to converse with you, but for now, let us focus on the meal." My eyes briefly flickered to the spoon she held, noticing how tightly she gripped it.

"Of course, Your Majesty," she agreed, though I could see the tension in her hand as she resumed eating.

We finished the rest of our meal in silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts. When I finally broke the quiet, my tone was casual, as if we were merely exchanging pleasantries. "How was your first night here, Consort Anastasia?" I asked, dabbing my lips delicately with the table napkin.

"My night?" she echoed, glancing briefly in His Majesty's direction before chuckling softly, almost dreamily. "It was very memorable. His Majesty was very sweet," she added, her voice dripping with a certain suggestiveness, as if she were recalling something intimate. Her soft chuckle followed, a sound that seemed to linger in the air.

I couldn't help but laugh lightly, covering my mouth with my hand. "Really? That's good to hear! It’s reassuring to know that, especially when there might be times I cannot fulfill my duties at night."

Consort Anastasia’s eyes sparkled with something unsaid, and though her smile remained, there was an unmistakable tension that hinted at the underlying complexities of our exchange.

His Majesty remained silent throughout the meal, as if he was waiting for something more, but the meal passed quickly and without incident.

Now, Sarah and I were in the palace garden, gathering flowers. I inhaled the scent of a black rose before gently placing it in the basket. "Sarah, from now on, I want only black roses in my chamber," I announced, my voice carrying a note of finality. "These roses are very attractive," I murmured to myself, admiring their dark beauty.

"So, you like black roses." The voice caught me off guard, and I quickly turned to see who had spoken. I smiled when I recognized him. "Yes, Your Majesty. It seems we share a similar taste," I replied—both of us drawn to things that are alluringly beautiful yet mysteriously dangerous.

"It is," he agreed, his voice low and resonant. I flinched slightly as I felt his hands gently caress my shoulders from behind. "Very mysterious," he continued, his deep voice echoing in my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. I chuckled softly and turned to face him, offering my sweetest smile.

"My, my, my beloved husband. Is my presence starting to bother you?" I teased, my finger tracing a slow path from his jaw to his chest.

"What can you do about it?" he asked, his gaze piercing, as if he were trying to read every nuance of my expression.

I bit my lip, feigning sadness. "Pardon me, Your Majesty, but I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do about it," I replied, my voice soft and resigned.

"Is that so?" he murmured, and I nodded in response to his words. I gently pushed him away and turned my back, subtly shifting the conversation. "What brings you here, Your Majesty?" I inquired, my tone light. A few seconds passed before he spoke again.

"I want you to manage the state affairs," he said, his words causing me to pause. Had he really just asked me to take on such a significant responsibility? Or was this merely a test to see what I was capable of?

"What about Henry?" I asked, curious about his intentions. "He will be at your side," he answered without hesitation. I pondered the opportunity before me. It was a chance to hone my skills further, a challenge I could not pass up.

"All right, but are you planning to leave?" I asked, shifting my full attention to him. His expression was serious, unwavering.

"Yes, I'll be handling a bigger problem," he replied, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that left no room for doubt. I nodded, accepting his words without further questions.

This was an opportunity I needed to seize. I had to prove my worth, to show him that I was invaluable to his life and his rule.