Among the jostling servants, Nashia stood at the grand door waiting for Eric to arrive. Her black-shaded purple suit screamed royalty as she carried herself with effortless grace.
Her dark curls pulled up in a tight ponytail swayed behind her as she impatiently rocked back and forth on her heels.
Meanwhile, the nobles and foreign royals mingled in the throne room, awaiting their arrival.
Just as her brows were about to furrow in annoyance, she heard faint footsteps approaching. She turned sharply, ready to let venom drip from her tongue.
"So you finally deci—"
Before she could finish her line, her gaze swept up Eric. An unknown gush of wind filled her senses.
Eric approached, walking like a god descending from the heavens– slicked-back hair framing his sharp, noble features.
His suit matched her attire. He shone bright without breaking a sweat. His former meekness was nearly invisible unless his posture lacked confidence.
Did he always look like this? Nashia eyed him up and down. She murmured a curse under her breath as she regained her composure.
"Oh. You have prepared well for the festival," she stated. "Let's go inside now."
"Sure, your majesty. Let's step inside," Eric replied as he stopped in front of her.
Nashia turned on her heels to go inside. Though her heels had different plans for her as they slipped on the marble floor.
Her eyes shut close in instinct as she sensed the upcoming fall. Until she felt a big, warm hand wrapped around her tiny yet defined waist, suspending her in the air.
"Careful, your majesty," the husky, calm voice of his dragged a shiver down her spine.
Eric steadied her on her feet – his touch, featherlight. As if she were a porcelain doll that might break under his strong grip.
"Grant me the pleasure to escort you, your majesty," his hand was laid open before her.
His deep, polished voice worked more magic than she cared to admit. Her first time hearing his deep voice had thrown her off guard.
But she was too old in this line to mess up for such a small trick. She masked her feelings rather quickly as she took his hand.
The announcer declared their arrival as Eric and Nashia strode in through the door.
"Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nashia, and His Royal Highness, Consort Eric, are now entering the hall."
The guests paid their respects as they entered. Eric and Nashia walked down the aisle leading up to their thrones. As always, Nashia sat on her throne as the owner she is.
She gestured for him to sit on the twin throne beside her. He quietly obeyed. As he settled into his throne, Nashia turned her attention toward the crowd as she stood up to address them.
"Noble guests, esteemed allies, and subjects loyal, I stand before you to celebrate a joyous occasion. The 4500th foundation day is not simply a mark of history but a token of glory."
Her way of speech never failed to amuse Eric. He couldn't help but respect the way she rules. The delicate smile she offers while her speeches almost feels like a fantasy coming true.
"I hope to honor our long-standing tradition, and all my prestigious nobles have come prepared. Let's start this joyous occasion with charity. Please pass your donations to the Imperial officials."
She sat back on her vacant throne while the nobles mingled to donate their donations. Eric couldn't help but compare her empathy for her people with his emperor father.
In a deep corner of his heart, he felt not jealous but a slight flicker of upset feelings. The smile she effortlessly offered thousands of people, yet she couldn't spare one for him.
"Why do they donate at the beginning of this day?"
Eric didn't know if he would get an answer or not, but he dared to ask her that. The silence told him that he hoped for nothing.
"It's a tradition," finally, she broke her silence. "Every noble family donates a certain amount of their treasure to the poor. It works as a reminder that they shouldn't indulge in being rich alone."
It was the first time she'd explained anything to him. His surprise was reflected in the nod he gave her. He watched the imperial officials carefully collect the treasures bought by every noble house.
The imperial family had prepared a personal amount from the imperial family with additional rations. The cost of those extra rations is later covered by the noble's donation.
As the donation part ended, Nashia rose from her throne. "Follow me," she had whispered to him.
He slowly followed her lead. She climbed up the stairs toward an attached open balcony. It was high enough to see and echo their voice to a large crowd waiting down there in front of the palace.
"I believe you were notified about your speech? You hold the title of the Empire's most prestigious man now. Stand tall. Do not embarrass me, Consort. "
She whispered as he followed her from just a step behind. As they approached the balcony, his heart skipped. Not from hearing the crowd's cheers, but the unfamiliar way of her words.
Those words of hers weren't venom-coated as always– almost like a whisper of support, but is that even possible? The words rang through Eric's mind while he steeled himself for his role.
"My dear people. I'm honored that you all gathered here today to share the glory. The era of cruelty and slavery ended by our ancestors is a glory we are proud of."
Her speech held just the right blend of warmth, control, and firmness a ruler required.
"For some unfortunate reasons, we had to put off our long tradition for the past 10 years. But thanks to the recent alliance, we can celebrate it again without worrying about our beloved soldiers."
She gestured for him to step up beside her with a warm smile that had Eric almost fooled for something real.