"It seems we have intruded, Cousin," Marceline said with a teasing smirk, her gaze flicking mischievously from Ines to Zarah, and back again.
Ines gave her a dry look. "You should have already known that you would be intruding."
Zarah could feel Marceline's gaze even from where she was pressed against Ines's chest.
But she had long since given up trying to pull away.
What could she do when Ines herself seemed to have forgotten the existence of shame?
Jacob cleared his throat. "Forgive our intrusion, Your Majesty. We merely wished to offer our greetings."
"It is quite alright, Duke Sterling," Ines replied, her hand absently threading through Zarah's hair.
"I assume you have brought the Northern border reports?"
Jacob inclined his head.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The soldiers stationed there are requesting additional supplies in preparation for the coming winter. The cold is expected to be harsher this year."
Jia stood motionless beside him.
Her eyes remained fixed on Zarah, on the way she sat upon the desk, face hidden against the Empress, as Ines's fingers moved through her hair with quiet familiarity.
Her hands slowly curled into fists.
"Your Majesty… may I request something?" she asked at last, drawing in a steady breath.
Jacob tensed beside her, casting her a cautious glance.
Jia was capable, exceptional, even. A skilled soldier, the heir to the Sterling Duchy, and a dutiful daughter.
But he also knew how deeply she cared for Zarah.
She had not once stopped speaking of her since returning from the brothel.
And now...
He feared she might say something reckless.
Something that could offend the Empress.
Because from what stood before them…
It was unmistakable.
The Empress had already claimed Zarah.
At Jia's question, Zarah instinctively turned, curiosity pulling her gaze.
But Ines drew her back, pressing her firmly against her chest.
She did not like the idea of Zarah looking at Jia.
And the way Jia was looking at Zarah…
No. Ines did not like that at all.
"You may," Ines replied coolly.
Marceline watched with quiet amusement, noting how Ines held Zarah as though she were something precious.
Jia's throat went dry.
She forced herself to breathe.
No. She could not afford to be reckless.
To ask for Zarah outright, here and now, would be foolish.
If the Empress truly held affection for her… then revealing her own feelings would only bring trouble. It might even cost her the chance to remain in Zarah's life at all.
Her hands clenched at her sides, nails biting into her palms.
"May I request an afternoon tea with Zarah and Iris?" Jia said at last, her voice steady despite the tension coiling within her.
"It has been years, we would like to catch up."
She paused, then added,
"Two of my ladies-in-waiting are also former residents of the brothel. They were part of the same group as Zarah and Iris, they would wish to see them again."
A reasonable request.
Carefully chosen.
To have Zarah… she would first need to win her heart.
The Empress was known to be just.
Surely she would not bind a Flower Maiden who felt nothing for her.
Jia would not confront her directly, not yet.
Instead, she would close the distance slowly… erase whatever place the Empress had carved within Zarah's heart...
And claim it for herself.
Ines looked down at Zarah, her thoughts turning over quietly.
It was a simple request.
Jia and Zarah were old acquaintances, and Jia had not asked for Zarah alone, she had included Iris as well. There was no real reason to refuse.
And yet…
Something about Jia's presence unsettled her.
She had seen her countless times, at banquets, at court, standing beside the Duke of Sterling. Never once had the young lady stirred any reaction within her.
But now...
Now, she irritated her.
"Do you wish to go?" Ines asked, her hand lifting to cup Zarah's cheek.
Zarah looked up at her.
She had expected to meet Jia again one day.
And she was glad.
But that was not the only reason.
The day she had helped Jia escape the brothel… she had done so with purpose.
A favor.
One that had yet to be claimed.
Now that Jia had returned, it was time to use it.
If anything were to happen, if the situation with the rebellion worsened, Zarah needed assurance.
The Sterling Duchy had to stand with the throne.
With Ines.
Her gaze shifted briefly to Marceline, who had abandoned her earlier amusement and now stood by the shelves, idly flipping through a book.
Marceline…
Zarah still had no solution for the poisoning.
Nolan had yet to return, and would not until tomorrow.
Time was slipping.
Her eyes returned to Ines.
She needed Jia.
Needed her to look into things quietly… to act without question.
If she used that favor carefully, Jia would comply.
And Zarah would not need to explain anything.
"Yes," Zarah said at last, her voice steady. "I would like to go."
Ines's thumb brushed over Zarah's cheek, lingering a moment too long.
"Your request is granted, Lady Sterling," Ines said, lifting her gaze to Jia.
Jia released a quiet breath she had not realized she was holding.
"Then, Your Majesty—" she began, but Ines raised a hand, cutting her off.
"I am not finished," Ines said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You may have tea, tomorrow. Not today."
Jia's fists tightened at her sides, her nails nearly biting into her palms.
"I understand, Your Majesty," she said, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you for your graciousness."
Ines turned back to Zarah with a quiet sigh.
"You will return to your chambers. I shall send for you later tonight."
There were matters to discuss with the Duke of Sterling, reports from the northern border, requests from the soldiers.
She would not be able to focus with Zarah here.
How could she?
when all she wanted was to keep her close, to not let her go at all?
Before Zarah could respond, Marceline stepped forward, placing the book she had been reading onto the desk.
"Then, Cousin, since you have so generously handed Lady Zarah to me," she said with a bright smile, "I have a few pressing matters to discuss with her and Lady Iris."
Ines gave her a skeptical look.
"...Very well."
She released Zarah, allowing her to step down from the desk.
Zarah quickly smoothed her dress.
Marceline moved to her side, linking their arms together.
"Come, Lady Zarah," she said lightly, guiding her toward the exit.
As Zarah turned to leave, Jia finally caught a clear glimpse of her face,
and stilled.
Zarah was still as beautiful as she remembered.
And that smile…
It was just as breathtaking.
Jia did not realize she had stopped moving until her father nudged her lightly.
She straightened at once, forcing her attention back as the discussion with Ines shifted to the needs of the northern soldiers.
Her gaze drifted, just once, toward the tall windows.
Dark clouds had gathered.
It looked as though rain was coming.