The Imperial Study was silent except for the soft scratching of a brush against parchment.
Bronze lanterns hanging from carved wooden beams cast a warm golden glow across the room, while thin trails of sandalwood incense drifted lazily through the air.
At the center of the study sat Empress Selene behind a massive blackwood desk covered with neatly stacked memorials awaiting her approval.
Her crimson robes spread elegantly across the chair like flowing blood beneath candlelight.
Calm.
Untouchable.
Outside the open lattice windows, a soft breeze drifted through the room, making the silk curtains sway gently.
The atmosphere inside the study stood in complete contrast to the peaceful nature outside.
Heavy.
Controlled.
Like even the room itself feared disturbing its ruler.
Selene signed another document without lifting her eyes.
“State your purpose.”
Princess Lynera sat leisurely across from her, one leg crossed over the other while slowly rotating a teacup between her fingers.
Unlike the rigid atmosphere surrounding the Empress, Lynera looked completely relaxed-as though she were visiting for entertainment rather than standing inside the most intimidating room in the Imperial Palace.
“That was rude, Elder Sister,” Lynera sighed dramatically.
“Can I not visit my beloved sister without purpose?”
Selene finally looked up.
Cold golden eyes met amused violet ones.
“You only speak like this when you want something.”
A smile curved across Lynera’s lips.
Sharp.
Knowing.
“Then perhaps Your Majesty truly understands me well.”
Selene leaned back against her chair.
“What is it this time?”
Lynera carefully placed her teacup down before speaking the next words with deliberate slowness.
“It is about my brother-in-law.”
“Which one?” Selene mumbled absentmindedly.
“There is only one who has been sparking everyone’s interest ever since he stepped foot inside this palace…” Lynera paused dramatically before continuing,
“The one and only Noble Consort Elyas.”
The brush in Selene’s hand paused.
Just slightly.
But Lynera noticed.
Always.
“What about him?”
“He wishes to meet Your Majesty in person.”
Selene frowned slightly.
“What is it now?
And what business do you have discussing this matter with me?”
Lynera chuckled softly.
“Sister, you truly amaze me.
Your Noble Consort decided to use me as a messenger pigeon for his request.”
“Absurd.
Get to the point.
Why does he want to meet me?
I am busy.” Selene said coldly while signing another document.
Again.
Another excuse to seek attention.
Lynera’s expression softened slightly.
“On a serious note…
you should meet him.”
Silence filled the study.
Then-
“Fine.
I will consider it.”
Before Selene could say anything further, Lynera suddenly called out loudly,
The palace guards immediately entered and bowed deeply.
“Send Noble Consort Elyas inside.”
The guards obeyed instantly and disappeared outside.
Selene’s eyes narrowed.
“I did not say yes.”
“You did not say no either.” Lynera smirked.
Moments later-
The soft rustle of fabric echoed through the study.
Selene kept her gaze lowered toward the memorial in her hand.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
A familiar voice entered the room.
Selene looked up.
And paused.
There stood Elyas dressed in a simple grey robe embroidered with delicate floral patterns.
Long sleeves concealed his hands completely while a simple silver hair clasp loosely held together his dark hair cascading down his waist.
His face-
Was covered with a thin veil.
Only his dark eyes remained visible.
Sharp.
Clear.
Black like kohl.
Without actual kajal.
His posture was formal.
Elegant.
Proper.
“Your Majesty, I apologize for the sudden visit.”
He bowed again.
Selene quietly stared at him.
Something felt…
Different.
No “Elene.”
No clinging.
No dramatic affection.
The Elyas she remembered never understood personal space.
He would shamelessly cling to her arm, invade her chambers, or call her by that irritating nickname despite repeated warnings.
But this Elyas-
Kept a proper distance.
Spoke with restraint.
And behaved exactly like an Imperial Noble Consort should.
“Sister, Elyas is saying something.”
Lynera’s amused voice pulled Selene out of her thoughts.
“Mm.”
Meanwhile, Elias was panicking internally.
So this is the Empress.
No wonder the original owner of this body fell in love with her.
She was beautiful.
Terrifyingly beautiful.
Tall for a woman.
No-
Tall enough to make even him feel pressured.
And that aura…
One wrong sentence and he felt she could order his execution calmly while drinking tea.
Dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Don’t panic Elias.
She is your wife.
Really?
Yes.
What if she is carnivorous?
“Brother-in-law, please state your matter.”
Lynera interrupted again before the silence became awkward.
“Yes!
Yes!
Princess Highness!” Elias nodded quickly.
“It is ‘Your Highness,'” Lynera corrected.
“Same Highness.” Elias nodded again seriously.
Lynera almost laughed.
“What do you want?” Selene’s cold voice cut through the room.
Elias straightened immediately.
“Your Majesty, as you know, we recently shifted to Moonveil Palace.
We currently lack sufficient groceries and budget to maintain ourselves properly.
So I would like to request an increase in our monthly allowance.”
He paused briefly before continuing carefully.
“Secondly…
I wish to request permission to visit the marketplace personally so I may purchase certain items myself.”
Silence.
Selene’s gaze lingered on the veil covering his face.
So he came here not to apologize…
But to ask for money and freedom.
Interesting.
“Sister, I believe my brother-in-law’s request is reasonable,” Lynera spoke casually.
Elias immediately turned toward her.
Even through the veil, his eyes visibly brightened.
A grateful smile reached them instantly.
That tiny interaction did not escape Selene’s notice.
“Your monthly allowance will be increased starting this month,” Selene declared calmly.
Elias visibly relaxed.
“But you are not permitted to leave palace grounds alone.
Your servant may visit the marketplace instead.”
Final.
Absolute.
No room for negotiation.
“You are dismissed.”
For a second Elias froze.
Then suddenly-
“Oh!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Thank you, Royal Highness!
Thank you, Empress Highness!
May the heavens bless Your Majesty with a long life, endless fortune, healthy children, and a loving spouse forever!”
He bowed repeatedly while thanking her nonstop.
His happiness overflowed uncontrollably.
Lynera watched him with open amusement.
Selene, meanwhile-
Felt strangely annoyed.
Completely unaware of the sisters’ reactions, Elias happily left the Imperial Study.
The room fell silent again.
Then-
“He really only came here for groceries.”
Lynera finally burst into laughter
Author’s Note: Thank you for reading ♡ Poor Elias only wanted groceries and survival rights…
but somehow every interaction with the Empress turns into emotional damage for everyone involved.
Selene realizing that the clingy Elyas is disappearing little by little is honestly one of my favorite parts to write.
Also- Lynera has officially adopted the role of professional chaos creator in this palace.
See you in the next chapter ✨ Your thoughts light up my universe!
Lune5verse-