Grand Duke! Marquis Kelon looked at Enoch with an air of embarrassment.


    Enoch ignored him, his blood-red eyes fixated solely on Aran.


    Empress, I am willing to pay a fine for any taxes I owe, Enoch repeated.


    Arans eye flickered and slowly she raised her head. When their eyes met, Enochs lips drew a gentle smile. He remained loyal to the emperor since her ascension, always deferring to her decree and recognize it to existence.


    I will always follow your will, Your Majesty.


    In a sh, the tables had been overturned. The aristocrats flocking and vying to bite the emperors neck at a moments notice drooped their head and wagging tails at Enochs edict.


    Duke Ss, watching the scene from the sidelines, hid his innermost thoughts.Are you still that friendly fianc, Grand Duke?


    Duke Ss thought it amusing. He looked at the Empress expression. Towards the Grand Duke who saved her, she said no word of thanks, only a reluctant nod.


    Such demeanor yed an integral part in the Empress reputation among the aristocrats that she treats the Grand Duke, the head of nobility, with begrudging inclination.


    The Grand Duke ced her at the seat of power, on the throne as sovereign of the nation prior to being sold off to a marquis fifty years older than her. In the eyes of the wolffish aristocrats, the Empress brushes off the Grand Dukes kindness without grace. Some diehard loyalists of the Grand Duke once openly spoke that it would be for the best that he hangs the emperors head and take the throne. The Grand Duke did not take to their words kindly, thus resulting in heavy punishment.


    But Duke Ss understood the Empress train of thoughts to an extent. He recalled the event known as theBloody Wedding.Duke Ss remembered that chaotic day when he attended Aranrhod Linister and Marquis Maxwells wedding. He saw the deathly still bodies of the royal family scattered over the marble floor, their pools of blood fusing together.


    It chilled his core.


    He did not know the details urring between Her Majesty and the Grand Duke that very day nor could he understand why the Empress flinched faintly at the Grand Dukes sight each time.


    Though whatever the circumstances, she was able to achieve her goals at the Grand Dukes support despite the aristocrats detesting her view that undermined their territorial rule.


    This concludes todays meeting. Until then. Aran dered the end of the meeting and hurried out of the conference room.


    She was no longer present, but none mouthed a word ofint. Enoch Roark remained in the conference room.


    Her Majesty is truly blessed. It is rare for an emperor to have a loyal subject as great as the Grand Duke himself, Duke Ss said to Grand Duke Roark, his voice tinged with subtle sarcasm.


    The Grand Dukes expression did not change. Duke Ss was disappointed.


    Is that so? I dont think so, the Grand Duke answered bluntly.


    You are cold, Grand Duke, but you remain ever so loyal to Her Majesty.


    Enochughed at the dukes remark. To witness hisugh outside the emperors presence was rare and Duke Ss was floored.


    I dont think Im a loyalist, he answered lowly and followed after the emperor.


    Regardless, Grand Duke Roark was a military god and Duke Ss shrugged, pondering over something.


    ***


    Aran was in misery. She was to meet the foreign envoys in an hour, but her sour mood had not gone away.


    Sheforted herself, said to herself that it was fortunate the taxes were lowered, but the sense of helplessness washing over her grew bigger. She was perplexed. Her decree did not garner the support of the aristocrats and instead relied on the support of the Grand Duke.


    She sat on the bench, the sunshine bough drifting through as the gentle wind soothed her mncholic heart. She felt the presence of her servant and said without turning her head, Did I not say that I wish for time alone?


    I came to check up on you, Your Majesty.


    That familiar voice Aran hurriedly raised her head.


    Why are you here? he asked.


    To rest.


    Enoch sat next to her, hisrge hand cupping her cheek.


    Aran pushed his hand away and whispered weakly, Please, Grand Duke, when others see


    I wish youd value me more in the eyes of others.


    ..


    Enoch held Arans chin and turned it towards him, their eyes meeting. Aran gazed into his blood-red eyes. His lips were slightly open.


    You dont look good in dark makeup.


    He rubbed his thumb over her lips. Aran shut her eyes. She did not notice the sad look on his face.


    I put you on the throne to close your eyes and cover your ears and merely enjoy the luxury provided to you. Why do you act a saint?


    But taxes needed to be lowered. The harsh winterst season was Aran said carefully but shut her mouth seeing his cold gaze.


    And do you think theyll be grateful to you? They do not know that the seat of power has changed. They know not your name, Your Majesty.


    ..


    Enoch Roark brutally prated Aranrhod Linisters mind.