traitor chapter 6

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“Are you truly going to take a consort?” It was late, after a long meeting. Diana had skipped dinner and walked out into the gardens. In the darkness of the unlit lawn stood a tall man. The Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, Leonhardt Fluto. A cool breeze rustled their clothes. Even in the dim light, she could see his bright blond hair swaying. His eyes, darker than his hair, flickered like lamp flames.

“It seems you’re not concerned about the candidates themselves, but the fact that I’m taking a consort at all.” He stiffened, as if struck by her words.

Diana looked at the tall man, briefly recalling the past. A young boy, bound like an animal on a filthy floor stained with blood and grime. She had pulled him from that hellish place and raised him to a position of power. She had made him noble. It was understandable that he might see her as a parental figure. His resistance to the idea of a consort resembled a child’s fear of losing affection with the arrival of a sibling. But the Emperor was not so soft as to indulge such feelings. She was his sovereign, not his parent. “I know your loyalty is deep. However, I cannot condone further objections. Do not speak of this again.”

Having received his answer, and her command, he knelt, bowing his head. “I beg you, couldn’t you postpone taking a consort?” His voice was heavy, the atmosphere solemn, almost desperate. He was pleading with her again, objecting once more. What was it about a consort?

“I believe you see me as a parental figure.” 

“….” 

“That’s understandable. We share a unique bond.” He remained silent. Diana looked down at the crown of his bowed head. 

“But we are not family, and I am not your parent. I care for you, but we are sovereign and subject. Show your loyalty, and do not be swayed by personal feelings.” 

He remained stubbornly silent, offering neither argument nor submission. Diana didn’t press him for a response. She turned and left. The subject, left alone in the darkness, didn’t move. He remained there for a long time. Diana, having walked away without looking back, was unaware of this.

Feeling tired, she headed towards her bedroom, only to stop at the sight of a visitor standing by her door. “You are being impertinent, coming at this hour.” “Your Majesty.” 

The man turned towards her and bowed. Jet-black hair spilled over smooth skin. The Chancellor, Seth Mone Averna. “Still at work, I see.” “I apologize for the intrusion, but there is something I must tell you.” “While I allow a select few, including yourself, close access, I have never permitted anyone near my chambers at this hour.” “My apologies.” “I will overlook it this time, but refrain from approaching my bedroom in the future.” Mone remained silent. Diana found it irritating, but chose not to comment. It wouldn’t do to be too strict. “You must have a reason for waiting here. Speak.”

Given permission, he raised his head. His violet eyes shone with determination. “I ask you to reconsider…no, to cancel your plans for a consort altogether.” 

“You too?” 

“Who else…? The Minister of Defense?” Mone frowned, clearly displeased to be echoing Leonhardt’s sentiments.

“My favored aides share such similar opinions. What am I to do?” Hearing her use the formal “I,” Mone bowed his head again. She rarely used such formal language outside of official settings, especially with her close aides. She only referred to herself as “I” when she needed to assert her authority and draw a line.

Mone, looking tense, remained silent. Diana repeated the same words she had spoken to Leonhardt: their bond was special, but it shouldn’t influence matters of state. She ordered him not to mention the consort again. He listened with his lips pressed together, then asked, “I will heed your words. I have no intention of disobeying. However, I do not see Your Majesty as a parental figure.” 

“It was merely an analogy.” 

“Yes, but…” Mone swallowed, then paused. He seemed to be holding back, hesitant to speak his mind.

“What personal feelings are driving you to this?”