The chamber was quiet except for the soft rustle of silk as Tianlei leaned against the carved balustrade, his hand pressed lightly to his chest. His green eyes followed you intently, a careful mixture of concern and calculation in their gaze.

“You should not have argued so strongly with the council today,” he murmured. “It pains me to see you place yourself in danger on my behalf.”

He let out a soft sigh, tilting his head slightly, eyes shimmering with apparent worry. “My presence here it was never required. After my family’s fall, I owe you nothing more than your mercy in allowing me to remain. Yet you…” A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips as he reclined slightly, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

The careful balance he maintained between seeming vulnerability and unwavering control ensured that every motion you took, every decision you made to defend or support him, advanced his unseen plans.

“My Empress, you defend me. You place yourself in the council’s scrutiny, and I can´t bear to see you burdened."