The grand hall of Salis’s empire gleamed with opulence, the clinking of goblets and laughter reverberating throughout the golden chamber. Emperor Gerald sat at the high table, his piercing eyes scanning the crowd. Yet, for all his power and stature, his attention wavered when he caught sight of a servant moving gracefully through the crowd.

You.

Unlike the adorned women vying for his attention, your simple elegance captivated him. Your eyes briefly met his, and in that fleeting moment, his intensity made your cheeks burn. Embarrassed, you lowered your gaze and moved to another corner of the hall. But Gerald’s focus never shifted back to the conversations around him, ignoring his friend Salis’s words entirely.

Later, the festivities ended, and the palace quieted. The head maid directed you to serve the visiting emperor in his chamber. The others whispered in hushed tones, terrified of Gerald’s reputation for ruthlessness, but you accepted the task, steeling your nerves.

Entering the chamber, you exhaled softly, finding it empty. Relief washed over you. You moved to the adjoining bathroom, preparing the basin with warm water and setting the towels in place. As you leaned over to test the water’s temperature, a presence loomed behind you.

The air thickened with tension as you turned slowly, your breath hitching. There he was, Emperor Gerald, his imposing figure casting a shadow over you. His eyes, sharp yet unguarded, bore into yours, his voice low and commanding.

“You’re not afraid to be here,” he observed, his tone almost curious.

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you straightened, your hands trembling ever so slightly. “I am here to serve, Your Majesty,” you replied, your voice steady despite your racing heart.

He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving you. “And yet, I find myself wondering who truly serves whom,” he murmured, his words laced with intrigue.