He moved toward the window, giving the attendants privacy as they removed Liora’s wet clothing, dried her, and wrapped her in warm linen. Every small sound behind him made him want to turn around, but he forced himself to remain where he was. He struggled to maintain his composure, forcing himself to steady his breathing as an unexpected wave of desire stirred within him, leaving him deeply unsettled. He had already crossed enough boundaries that evening. The Emperor was not foolish. He understood the danger of his growing interest in Liora, and the circumstances had now placed her in the most private room of his residence.She was a married woman, and her husband was Maxwell. The thought should have been sufficient to restore his composure. Instead, it reminded him of the extraordinary trust Maxwell had placed in him throughout their years of service together. What

"Your Majesty, surely you do not intend to dismiss me as though I were an ordinary visitor?" "I intend to ensure that the woman who nearly drowned receives proper care without having to endure an audience. If you are genuinely concerned about her condition, you will allow her to rest." His answer was firm enough to make further argument impossible. The Empress’s face flushed with humiliation. She had entered the room expecting to reassert her authority over the imperial household. Instead, she had been ordered to leave in front of the servants, the physician, and the very consorts who depended upon her protection. She looked toward Liora. The Duchess remained weak and unaware of the confrontation taking place around her. She had not spoken a word, yet her presence had been enough to provoke a reaction from the Emperor that the Empress had never experien

An imperial attendant hurried to intercept him. "Your Grace, His Majesty has instructed us to escort you directly to Duchess Liora. She is receiving treatment in his private chambers." Maxwell's expression hardened. "Then take me there. I have already lost enough time." The attendant bowed and quickly led the way. Maxwell's thoughts had been in turmoil throughout the journey. He knew Liora had survived the incident in the pond, but the disappearance of the system's display had left him unable to determine what had happened afterward. He had repeatedly attempted to summon another image while traveling, receiving nothing that could reassure him. Now that he had finally reached the palace, every additional moment of separation felt intolerable. When the doors to the Emperor's chambers opened, Maxwell immediately searched

She had encountered countless men who were eager to prolong a discussion with her. Some sought political advantages, while others simply enjoyed receiving attention from the highest-ranking woman in the imperial household. Maxwell appeared interested in neither. His concern was entirely reserved for Liora. At that moment, the senior maid emerged and announced that the Duchess was ready to be transferred to the prepared suite. Maxwell immediately turned. "Please bring a warm covering for her. I will carry her myself." The Empress watched as he entered the room and returned a short while later with Liora securely in his arms. The Duchess had been dressed in comfortable clothing and wrapped in a thick blanket. She looked tired, but the smile she gave her husband was unmistakably affectionate. "Maxwell, I think I can mana

The servant nodded tremblingly, unaware that she, too, was among the things Shera was prepared to sacrifice should the plan be exposed. "Prepare the finest cakes available in the palace kitchen," Shera ordered. Her trusted servant remained standing before her. The woman appeared hesitant but lacked the courage to question her mistress's decision. "What kind of cakes would you like, Your Highness?" "Something suitable for a duke and his wife. Nothing too simple. I want them to believe that the Empress genuinely sent them as a welcoming gift." "Yes, Your Highness." Concubine Shera rose from her chair and walked toward the window. From where she stood, she could see several servants passing back and forth, carrying supplies toward the building where the distinguished guests were staying. Liora and Maxwell had been granted a private chamber b