He leaned back against the plush pillows, his messy black hair falling lazily over his forehead as he smirked.

I knew he was just teasing me, but it was incredibly unfair for him to look so attractive first thing in the morning.

Stepping out of bed, he leaned in closer and said mischievously, "I hope you don't fall asleep without me again, my Empress."

"I... I..."

Before I could form a proper sentence, he stood up and headed toward the bath.

In the blink of an eye, I pulled the blanket completely over my head to hide myself. I lay there huddled up, looking as though a lumpy sack of flour was sitting on the bed.

"Next time, I am going to punch that face of his!"

My face burned bright red, leaving me confused by my own feelings.

"This is just a political marriage... only a political marriage..." I kept repeating the phrase within my mind, desperately trying to calm my pounding heart.

Wrapped in the warmth of the sheets, I didn't even realize when I drifted off to sleep again.

After a while, Claude stepped out of the bath and turned his gaze toward the bed. Charlotte was still fast asleep in the exact same position, huddled beneath the heavy covers.

He stepped forward, sat on the edge of the mattress, and reached out to tease her once more. But as soon as he pulled back the blanket and saw her tucked away like a timid little creature, he burst into laughter.

"I truly cannot decide whether you are completely clueless or simply do not care," he chuckled softly. "How can you sleep so peacefully in my presence?"

He quietly ran his fingers through her hair for a moment, his laughter fading into a gentle, longing expression.

"Why don't you remember me?" he whispered into the quiet room, holding a lock of her soft hair.

Pressing a soft kiss to her head, he murmured, "I missed you, Charlotte."

Within seconds, he stood up, adjusted his robes, and slipped out of the chamber toward his study.

I was jolted awake by a very polite voice.

"Your Highness, it is time to wake up," Ava said gently.

At the same time, the Head Maid entered carrying a silver platter laden with letters. She bowed low. "Your Highness, these require your immediate attention."

Maybe there could be a letter from Calix...

"Bring them to me," I said, swinging my legs out of bed and walking over to the sofa.

Ava handed me a cool glass of water.

"Thank you, Ava."

Taking the stack of parchment, I began sorting through them. As expected, most of the heavy, 

expensive envelopes contained superficial congratulations and grand wishes for my imperial marriage from nobles desperate to gain favor. But buried near the bottom, I spotted a wax seal I recognized instantly.

unwaveringThis letter expands your story's political intrigue brilliantly! It establishes Calix's loyalty while introducing high-stakes conflicts: the corrupt court of Arcadia, the covert underground guilds, and a traitor hiding right inside the Dawn Empire.

It was a letter stamped with the official seal of the Abrail Family.

Calix was the youngest son of Count Abrail—a young man who had always taken far more interest in swordsmanship than dusty textbooks. The Abrail line was famous throughout the realm for their exceptional intellect and striking beauty. With his flowing golden hair, sea-blue eyes, and remarkably kind heart, Calix was a true noble in every sense.

I broke the wax seal, wondering how things were faring back home in Arcadia.

..........

To Her Imperial Majesty, the Grand Empress of Dawn,

I offer my humblest greetings to Your Highness. By the time this missive reaches your hands, I trust the grand ceremony has concluded and you have safely ascended to your rightful place. Allow me to offer my deepest congratulations on your imperial marriage.

Regarding the secret command Your Highness bestowed upon me before your departure, I have executed your orders to the letter.I have successfully monitored the private court of Arcadia and identified the specific nobles who frequently visit Empress Medea behind closed doors. The primary targets are cataloged below:

Viscount Coax Sudon

Duke Selles Argus

These two individuals act as the main pillars of her inner circle. Furthermore, my intelligence confirms that the Black Wolf Guild—the continent's most ruthless underground mercenary network—is heavily involved with the Empress, executing her darkest covert operations.

Additionally, I have uncovered a deeply unsettling piece of intelligence: an influential figure operating directly within the Dawn Empire is secretly colluding with Empress Medea. I have not yet unmasked their identity, but I am pursuing the trail aggressively and will report to Your Highness the moment it is confirmed.

Lastly, Your Highness, I must urgently advise that you expand your network of trusted allies as quickly as possible. The threat at home is escalating. I cannot leave Prince Ayan's side right now; within this past month alone, he has already survived two separate assassination attempts.

There is another mercenary faction, the Lion Fang Guild, tailing the Black Wolves. They may already be aware of my movements. I believe we should reach out to them and form an alliance.

I will keep you updated as events unfold. Once again, congratulations, Your Highness.

May victory and safety follow your footsteps.

— Your Loyal Shadow, Calix

..........

I gripped the edges of the parchment until the paper crumpled in my hands. "I knew she would not sit still for long."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, a deep headache forming behind my eyes.

A Duke and a Viscount... but who could the traitor from the Dawn Empire be? I truly could not bring myself to trust anyone here either.

And as for the Emperor...

My mind flashed back to Claude's teasing smile, his warm embrace from this morning, and the breathtaking intensity of his gaze. My heart gave a traitorous, conflicted thud, but I ruthlessly crushed the feeling down.

No. I cannot allow myself to be blinded. I cannot trust my husband either.