The Emperor invited Cerena to sit at the table and summoned a servant, who poured the tea before withdrawing.

  Left alone, he remained standing near the door, silently observing her. She let her gaze wander over the room, seeing it for the first time.

  The interior revealed a richness unlike that of her own chambers. Finely wrought furnishings, a spacious and light-filled room, and hangings and adornments of fine quality combined into a harmonious and comfortable whole, never tipping into opulence.

  Suddenly finding herself in this room made Cerena deeply uneasy, her heart racing. From her cup rose a gentle scent of chamomile. She took a sip, the warmth nearly burning her lips. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment in complete silence.

  Setting down her cup, she said,

  “I thank you for the tea. Did you wish to discuss any particular matter?”

  He said nothing, his gaze fixed on her with unsettling intensity.

  She studied him with a questioning look, waiting for him to open the conversation.

  “I have made a decision,” he declared abruptly.

  “A decision?”

  A shiver ran through her as she focused all her attention on him. What sort of decision? Would he lock her away again?

  “Have I done something to displease you?” she continued anxiously.

  Only silence answered her.

  Then, at last, he spoke:

  “Thou shalt be my wife.”

  “I beg your pardon… what did you say?” she asked, quick and sharp.

  “Thou shalt be my wife,” he repeated.

  She continued to stare at him, incredulous, her eyes widening gradually as the words sank in. Her face registered stunned disbelief.

  “I… I am not certain that…”

  “Fret not; ’tis a mere formality. All that shalt be required of thee is to be present.”

  “But… why? Why now?”

  “’Tis time the Empire recognize thee formally.”

  Breathing rapidly, she continued to blink at him, puzzled.

  “Fo…rmally? What does that mean?”

  “As my wife, and the mother of the heir to the throne.”

  A vertigo overcame her. Marry? The Emperor? Did this not signify the end of any hope of ever leaving this place? Would it deny her the chance to see her family again?

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  She turned away from the Emperor and buried her face in her hands, breathing heavily. Then, trembling, she took up her tea cup and drank another sip.

  She continued,

  “Is this the only reason I shall be known? Will I have a title?”

  “Nothing more is necessary.”

  All the gentleness he had shown since his return… had it been solely to soften her?

  “Why speak of it now?” she asked. “I doubt you wish to hear my opinion…”

  “Indeed, I do not. I wished merely to inform thee, that thou might prepare thyself.”

  “Prepare myself…”

  Throwing all propriety to the wind, she drained the rest of her cup in one swallow.

  “I… I need…” she stammered.

  A hand suddenly landed on her shoulder, firm yet gentle, making her startle. Silently, the Emperor had moved beside her while she still faced away. She shot him a frightened look.

  Instead of reassuring her, his gesture made her shiver.

  From his height, he met her eyes and said,

  “Thou hast naught to fear from me. Do that which I bid thee, and all shall go well. Thou hast my word.”

  A knock sounded at the door. The Emperor removed his hand without delay and walked to the door, while Cerena returned her gaze to her empty cup. Moments later, she heard him behind her.

  “We are finished here. The Captain shalt escort thee back to thy chambers. Rest now.”

  After a few moments, she rose slowly and made her way to the door, faltering, still shocked from the revelation. The Captain, noticing her unsteady step, supported her along the entire path back.

  ???

  In a vast hall, seated around a long rectangular table, sat a dozen political and military representatives: ministers, counselors, officers, scientists… They spoke quietly among themselves, awaiting the arrival of the person who had summoned them.

  The purpose of the meeting had not been communicated, but the occasion was rare enough to suggest importance.

  The door opened, revealing the Emperor, walking with slow yet assured steps. Upon his arrival, all present rose and bowed in respect before resuming their seats.

  He took his place at the head of the table but remained standing. Without preamble, he announced,

  “I am to be wed.”

  The others, taken aback, exchanged questioning glances.

  One of them spoke,

  “An official union would strengthen the Empire. Your heir would thereby be legitimized.”

  “But Your Majesty, have we news of him? Do we know when he shall be ready to return?” asked another.

  “To legitimize an heir absent and unknown to the public seems less prudent at present,” doubted a third.

  A man in armor, bearded and of imposing stature, rose promptly.

  “Gentlemen, if His Majesty marries the mother of the heir, are we not assured that he will return sooner or later… for her?”

  “Indeed… and by taking her as your wife, you ensure she may vanish no more,” added another, darker in tone.

  “Let us not forget that she may bear further heirs,” said the scientist, rubbing his hands.

  “Her blood is precious. The very existence of the heir proves she is the one suited for him. She must not fall into the wrong hands. Imagine if it were so!”

  “She must remain under the Empire’s control, to prevent any unforeseen events,” chimed a calculating counselor.

  The Emperor said nothing. A satisfied smile crossed his face.

  No one dared speak further. He turned on his heel and left the hall.