The corridor fell into a strange silence.
Liam's brows furrowed slightly as his gaze lingered on the girl who had just opened the door.
"…Why are there two Amelias?" he muttered under his breath.
Because the one standing before them,
Was not the same.
She wore a kitchen uniform, simple but neat. Her posture was straight, her eyes alert, confident in a way Amelia had never been.
And yet..
Her face.
Identical.
Only slightly taller. Slightly sharper in expression.
Clara froze the moment she saw them.
The emperor.
Right outside the door.
Her heart dropped instantly.
Without a second thought, she bowed deeply, her voice trembling,
"Your Majesty…"
Fear replaced every ounce of boldness she had shown moments ago.
She didn't wait.
Didn't question.
She quickly slipped past them and hurried away, her steps rushed, her breath uneven.
Liam watched her go, then glanced toward the room again.
"Too identical…" he murmured quietly.
*****************
Inside the room,
Amelia had already jumped to her feet.
Shock flooded her face the moment she saw him.
She bowed immediately, her head lowered completely.
"Your Majesty…"
Her voice was soft.
Fragile.
"Get up," Alexander said.
She obeyed slowly.
"How are you?" he asked, stepping closer. "Does it still hurt?"
His hands came to rest on her shoulders.
Gentle.
But unfamiliar.
Amelia stiffened under his touch, her gaze still lowered.
"No… Your Majesty."
A lie.
"Really?" Alexander asked quietly.
There was something in his tone,
Something that made her hesitate.
"…It hurts," she admitted softly.
A pause followed.
"I'm sorry."
The apology was quiet.
Unexpected.
Amelia blinked slightly.
"I have no grudge against you, my lord," she said quickly. "I am nothing but a maid."
The words sounded rehearsed.
As if she had already accepted her place.
Her worth.
Alexander studied her in silence.
Then,
"You are twins."
Amelia nodded faintly.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"So identical…" he muttered, almost to himself.
He stepped closer.
Too close.
There was a hesitation in him, uncertainty.
As if he did not know what to do next… yet refused to step back.
His hands moved to her waist.
Amelia froze instantly.
Her breath caught.
Slowly, he leaned closer,
But before he could reach her,
She stepped back quickly.
Fear filled her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty…" she said hurriedly, her voice shaking. Afraid to offend him.
The distance between them grew.
But not enough.
"Come to my chambers tonight," Alexander said.
His tone shifted.
Firm.
Commanding.
"I will give you whatever you ask."
Amelia's heart pounded.
"I… I am the Empress's personal maid," she stammered. "I cannot… I can't do what you ask… please, I beg you…"
Her hands trembled at her sides.
Alexander's expression darkened slightly.
"I command thousands of territories," he said slowly. "If I give you an order… you obey."
His eyes flickered,
Amelia took another step back until her back met the wall.
"I… I can't betray the Empress," she said, her voice breaking. "She trusts me… she treats me well…"
But Alexander didn't seem to hear her.
Or perhaps,
He choses not to.
He reached for her again, pulling her closer.
Holding her waist and leaning to kiss her dipply.
Amelia's breath quickened, panic rising in her chest.
"Please… Your Highness…" she cried softly.
***
At the door,
Liam stood frozen.
Again.
The same situation.
The same mistake,
About to happen.
This time..
He couldn't stay silent.
"Your Majesty…"
The words slipped out.
Careful.
Fearful.
But spoken.
Alexander stopped.
Slowly,
His head turned.
His gaze locked onto Liam.
Cold.
Sharp.
"…She might be traumatized," Liam said, his voice tight with tension.
Silence.
Deadly silence.
Then,
In a swift motion.
Alexander grabbed Liam's sword.
Before Liam could react,
The blade was at his neck.
Liam dropped to his knees instantly.
His breath hitched.
The cold steel pressed lightly against his skin.
Alexander's eyes burned—Red.
Like flames barely contained.
The room held its breath.
"No—!" Amelia cried out, her voice breaking as she burst into tears, spilling down her cheeks.
"Please! Your majesty Don't kill him,!"
Her cry echoed at his back.
Raw.
Desperate.
And something shifted.
Alexander froze.
The sword remained still for a second longer.
**
Clang.
It dropped to the floor.
The sound echoed loudly in the room.
Without another word,
Alexander turned.
And walked out.
Just like that.
The door closed behind him.
Silence followed.
Heavy.
Unbelievable.
Liam remained on his knees for a moment longer, his heart still racing.
He had expected it.
Prison.
Punishment.
Death.
But none came.
Slowly, he exhaled and picked up his sword.
Amelia stood where she was, her hand pressed tightly against her chest.
Her breathing uneven.
Tears still falling.
"…Thank you," she whispered.
Liam glanced at her briefly.
Said nothing, Then turned.
And walked out of the room.
Leaving behind a silence that neither of them could understand.
Because for the first time,
The emperor had stopped himself.