Rui stared at the diminutive Empress with an intrigued expression as she finished adjusting her clothes. He hadn't done any kind of research on what kind of person the Empress of the Hlakaschken Trade Empire was; he didn't have any time to focus on evaluating what kind of individual this person was when he intended to confront her and speak with her directly.
He expected to find himself staring at an egotistical, arrogant, haughty ruler who did not truly care about the country as much as she did her own power and influence.
What he saw, however, was something quite different from her expectations. He did sense fear within her, but not for herself as much as for her nation. She feared what would happen to her nation if she were assassinated and the ensuing political instability would weaken her nation to external attacks.
She steeled her expression with determination, maintaining her royal bearing and dignity, glaring at him with her red eyes.
