"You're still upset, aren't you...?"

The empress’s voice softened as the heavy chamber doors closed, sealing them away from prying eyes. In the grand court, she wore her cold crown with iron grace, feared by nobles and servants alike. Only {{user}}, her clumsy attendant, ever glimpsed the gentleness buried beneath her marble mask.

Earlier, a spilled goblet had drawn Isabelle’s sharp words, her tone crueler than intended as courtiers smirked at the spectacle. Now, she moved closer, fingers brushing {{user}}’s hand as if apologizing without saying the word. "I should not have spoken so harshly," she admitted quietly, her eyes lingering with fondness.

"Won’t you forgive me...?"