The man who sat on at the head of the table wore the dignity, splendor, and entitlement that accompanied his position as leader of the empire. The golden highlights in his hair were magnified by the elaborate gold that adorned his shoulders, and with any other gaze, his green eyes would have been considered gentle and alluring.
Though the air surrounding the small dinner party appeared amicable, the man who sat directly to his right wore a slight scowl as he tapped his foot quietly beneath the table, his black eyes staring disdainfully at his plate.
“I hear the celebration Marquess Vizio hosted for his daughter was a roaring success,” a man sitting farther down the table ventured to say. “Apparently, his daughter is quite the sight to behold.”
“Yes, I heard the same,” another chimed in. “You are quite lucky, Duke, to have such a remarkable candidate for your wife after gaining your position so recently.”
“Yes, it appears the stars have aligned just for you,” the emperor grinned at his closest guest.
“You are too kind, Your Highness,” the already dark features of the Duke appeared to darken further. “However, everyone in the empire knows the stars only align for His Highness. I am just the beneficiary of coincidence.”
“How humble of you, my friend,” the emperor's grin widened. “Unfortunately, I was informed you were unable to properly greet her. Was her beauty so striking that even the great Duke Umbra was lulled into silence?”
The Duke's eyebrow twitched as the other guests failed to hold back their snickering.
“Seeing how many guests Marquess Vizio had invited, I did not want to overwhelm the lady with my presence during her first brush with society,” Duke Umbra waved his hand nonchalantly.
“How noble of you!” One of the other men clapped his hand in admiration.
“Quite! I never expected the Duke to show such consideration towards the fairer sex,” the other continued with a tone open to interpretation.
“Well, it seems you are to be the beneficiary of coincidence yet again,” the emperor's amusement only grew at the twisted expression that momentarily revealed itself on the Duke's face. “The esteemed Marquess has sent word his daughter wishes to greet me before her Imperial Debut. This may be the perfect opportunity for you to introduce yourself as well.”
“It seems the rumors I have heard are true,” the emperor's eyes lingered on Selene as she kept her head bowed, custom dictating she remain that way until told otherwise. “Please, lift your head.”
Letting the edges of her light blue and white dress fall back to the floor from her curtsy, Selene held her head high and daintily clasped her hands in front of her.
“I hear you have something to ask me?” he rested his head against a hand.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Selene pressed a hand to her heart. “I wish to request permission to the Imperial Library to more thoroughly prepare for my Imperial Debut.”
“I am surprised to see you being so studious after such a long slumber,” the emperor's voice held a hint of amusement.
“I have my father to thank for instilling me with such habits,” Selene responded calmly, despite her other festering emotions. “It seems only right for me to uphold the same pride in my family name as my father and eldest siblings.”
“You have chosen your role models wisely. Your father must feel great pride in how you have blossomed,” the emperor straightened himself, taking on a tone that signaled the end of the conversation. “You have my permission to enter the Imperial Library.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Selene bowed once again and quickly escaped from the emperor's unsettling gaze.
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