Before the carriage reached the vast courtyard, Wren turned to Benjamin and said, "I plan to depart the palace shortly after the audience with the Imperial family. As I mentioned, I have long-standing family friends here in Amara. Their home is in the heart of the city. Their house is large, with plenty of rooms. Would you like to stay with me? It would give you the chance to explore Amara freely."
"He will do no such thing," Charles interrupted, not giving Benjamin a chance to respond. "He is exhausted. Further travel will do him no good. He needs rest, and a room has already been arranged for him in the palace. If he decides he wants to explore Amara, there will be a carriage and a guide at his disposal."
Benjamin merely nodded, well aware of the Emperor's orders. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Wren. I truly appreciate it," he said softly. "But as Charles mentioned, I am tired. I believe it's best if I stay here for now. We can make arrangements to meet afterwards."
Wren nodded politely, reaching out to pat Benjamin's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Benjamin. I didn't realize how tired you were. Let's talk later." Charles turned away, staring out the carriage window to hide his frustration.
As they disembarked in the courtyard, palace staff arrived to escort them. Four staff members guided the group through the palace entrance. They moved through a maze of high-ceiling hallways before arriving at a magnificent hall.
At the far end of the hall sat the Imperial family. Emperor Azad Farrokh and Empress Mina Farrokh were seated on grand wooden thrones painted in gold and cushioned in deep red fabric. The Prince and Princess both sat on smaller but equally elegant chairs. The wall behind them was a breathtaking mosaic of cut glass and gold that shimmered in the light.
In front of the royal platform, a large red carpet was laid out with smaller yellow mats for the guests. Benjamin and the others bowed deeply before taking their seats on the floor. Charles and Sofia sat in the front row, while Benjamin, Wren, and the ladies-in-waiting sat behind them in rows. Benjamin sat furthest in the back with Wren. While the Isadoran Royal Guards remained standing in the back of the hall, Imperial guards stood in silent rows along the walls.
As Benjamin settled onto his mat, he studied the family. He had met the Emperor before, though not within palace walls. The man remained a towering figure, though his beard had grown whiter since their last meeting.
The family shared a striking resemblance. They all had fair olive skin, glistening dark brown hair, and light, golden-brown eyes. They were all dressed in fine white linen accented with heavy gold embroidery.
The Emperor wore a tall, golden turban-style crown of woven gold thread that spiraled upwards, adorned with rubies and diamonds. The Empress wore a fan shaped crown of gold and adorned with various jewels. Despite their stern expressions, Benjamin noticed a warmth in their golden eyes.
To the side of the Empress sat Prince Zaid. He wore a similar turban-style crown, but in black thread. He was a tall, muscular man, but nothing about his features were truly remarkable. Zaid was known to speak with a gentle warmth and rarely ever raised his voice in anger. Yet he possessed a natural authority that could command a room the moment he chose to, though he rarely desired to do so.
Though Zaid was a capable leader, he was known for having a soft heart, easily moved by the plight of others. It was rumored that he was required to keep an advisor by his side to keep his generosity in check. Benjamin watched closely and recognized a familiar warmth in Zaid's eyes as he observed the guests one by one.
To the Emperor's side sat Princess Shirin. She wore a traditional headpiece featuring heavy, golden bands with inset jewels that wrapped around her hairline and rested on her forehead.
Benjamin could see why she was said to be the picture of elegance. She had an oval face with high cheekbones and big eyes with dark, piercing lashes that were highlighted by the short bangs that fell just above her eyebrows. Her perfectly straight hair fell to her waist and shimmered in the light.
Shirin wore a slight, dominant smile that suggested she was sizing up everyone in the room. When her gaze landed on Charles, her expression softened into a genuine smile before she quickly put on a straight face. Benjamin felt uneasy. He felt out of place and felt that his presence was unnecessary.
"Charles and Sofia, my, how you have both grown," the Emperor said, his voice echoing through the hall. "Please, come closer."
"Your Majesties," Charles began, stepping forward. "My sister and I are honored and humbled by your invitation. We have brought gifts from Isadora and hope you find them acceptable. King Asterion and Queen Asterion send their best regards."
"We met James and Isabel just last year," the Emperor replied. "They have raised wonderful children. Charles, your work in the West has solidified our ties with the Naga, and in the East, maintained our relations with the Shen Zhou. For that, we are grateful.
And Sofia, I hear you are pursuing studies in Arcadian history, art, and literature. Even our native dialect. If you have questions, please ask my children."
"I am honored, Your Majesties," Sofia replied, gracefully bowing her head. "I hope the artworks I have curated please you both."
"I am sure they will," the Empress added warmly. "Charles and Sofia, you and your guests should rest. It has been a long journey. We shall dine together tomorrow morning, but for the rest of your stay, Zaid and Shirin will show you around. It is rare we have such a chance to gather."
After the audience with the Imperial family, Benjamin let out a long sigh. Everyone in the room noticed that Shirin's gaze remained solely on Charles throughout the rest of the evening. Benjamin had felt uneasy the whole time and his mind spiraled into a thousand questions and played out various scenarios of Charles and Shirin. Only when he felt a light tap from Wren, did he snap out of his own thoughts.
Benjamin and Wren quickly discussed that they would meet the day after at Amara's downtown market, after which Charles impatiently ushered Benjamin away. They were then escorted to their rooms by palace staff. Benjamin was dismayed to find that his room was right next to Charles'. Exhausted, Benjamin washed up and stepped out of the bath, only to find Charles already collapsed on his bed, fast asleep.
"Charles," Benjamin whispered, nudging him. "Charles, I know you're tired, but wake up."
Charles's eyes fluttered open. "Ben... let me stay here," he pleaded. The exhaustion on Charles's face tugged Benjamin's heart. He knew the journey must have been hard on Charles too.
"Fine," Benjamin sighed. "Just stay on your side. We aren't at home, so please behave."
Charles smiled at the words home. "I will," he replied.
The bed was massive, leaving a wide gap between them. But as Benjamin finally settled himself into the bed, he felt Charles reach out and pull him into a firm embrace.
"Ben, I've missed you," Charles whispered. "I love you... you know that."
Benjamin didn't answer, but he didn't pull away. He was too tired to argue and he knew that he had missed Charles more than he would ever care to admit out loud.
The next morning, Benjamin skipped breakfast and slept in. He didn't want to join the Imperial family, especially since it meant being around Charles and Shirin. When Charles came to wake him, Benjamin pretended to be asleep until he left.
Once the room was quiet, Benjamin took a walk in the palace gardens with Felix, guided there by one of the palace staff. When they returned from their stroll, Charles was leaning against Benjamin's doorframe. His face lit up when he saw Benjamin, but as he stepped forward, he saw Felix's expression and turned around.
Princess Shirin was right behind them.