Chapter 46: Flustered Empress The imperial library was quiet. The towering shelves, gilded in silver trim, loomed over the Second Empress like silent sentinels. Morning sunlight spilled in through crystalline windows, casting a beautiful glow over polished marble floors. Rows upon rows of books lined the shelves, ancient tomes and enchanted volumes stacked neatly like a treasury of knowledge untouched by time. Because that was what books were. Edna sat alone at one of the carved oak tables, her fingers idly tracing the edges of an open book. She hadn’t turned a page in over ten minutes. Instead, her mind wandered elsewhere — toward him. The distant sound of hurried footsteps and excited chatter drifted faintly from the east wing of the palace. Her daughter and her friend, Naelia and Ira, were rushing about their rooms, preparing eagerly for Azel’s arrival. Their laughter was bright and innocent, yet it only deepened the storm within Edna’s chest. She exhaled slowly, setting down the book. Her gaze shifted toward her reflection in the glass pane beside her. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎 She smoothed out her crimson gown, fingers brushing over fabric that shimmered faintly in the light. It clung elegantly to her figure, its high slit and jeweled belt accentuating her form in a way that almost felt... dangerous. Her raven-black hair, braided and draped over one shoulder, framed her sharp yet graceful features. Even she had to admit, she looked seductive, like she wanted to be eat up. Was this too much? Perhaps she had overdone it. Perhaps he would think she was trying too hard. For years, Edna Starbloom had been composed, poised, a pillar of imperial grace. Yet today? Tonight she felt like a girl again — she wae nervous, heart thrumming uncontrollably in her chest. He had made a promise to her. She wondered how he would keep that promise, if he was strong enough... Would he fight the Emperor for her? Would he make himself an enemy to the empire so that he could lead her away? Maybe they could settle down in Aegis, it wouldn’t be that hard to do... Azel could probably open a store and then she could help out. When they were done they would retire to her home and spend the night together where he would fill her to the brim with his seed... Edna slapped her cheeks, a crimson blush painting them. What the hell was she just thinking? ’I’ve been reading too much romance novels.’ She thought with a sigh. She clasped her hands together, whispering softly into the empty library. "Azellll... when are you coming?" Her words hung in the air, almost pitifully. She laughed at herself under her breath. "Listen to me... like some love-struck fool." A voice answered her. "What are you talking about? I’m here." Edna froze. Her head snapped toward the sound, and there he was — leaning casually against the doorway as if he owned the place. She hadn’t even heard the door open with all that thinking. Azel stood tall, the faint sunlight glinting off his silver hair tied neatly in a ponytail, his crimson eyes carrying that same disarming warmth that made her heart squeeze painfully. He looked effortlessly handsome, dangerously so, and when his gaze met hers, her pulse quickened without permission. "You—!" Her words caught in her throat. "The guards didn’t even announce—" "I ran," he interrupted smoothly, stepping closer. His pace was unhurried, each stride confident yet unassuming. Edna blinked. "...You ran?" Azel yawned lightly, scratching the back of his neck. "I was too excited to waste time sitting in a carriage. So I ran straight to the castle." Her breath hitched. ’Excited... to see me?’ It took every ounce of her imperial composure not to crumble right there. When he finally reached her table, she noticed something else — there was a small figure in his arms. A child, no older than seven, nestled comfortably against his chest, pink hair falling in soft waves as she dozed contentedly. Edna blinked. A daughter? He just turned to an adult and he already had a daughter? ’What happened all these years?’ She wondered, though her eyes drifted back to his face... He was more handsome now. She resisted the urge to gouge out her own eyes just because of the thoughts she was having now. Azel set her gently onto his lap as he pulled out the chair beside Edna, sitting with the ease of someone who belonged there. "I wanted to read with you again," he said softly, his crimson gaze holding hers with unflinching sincerity. "I promised you something else last time, didn’t I?" Edna’s face burned hot. She turned away abruptly, clutching her gown to steady herself. ’What is wrong with me?’ she scolded herself inwardly. ’He’s the same age as Naelia, and here I am blushing like a fool!’ Before she could speak, a small, curious voice piped up. "Papa," the girl murmured, tugging lightly on Azel’s sleeve. "Is this my second mama?" Edna blinked. "S-second mama?" The words struck her like a thunderbolt. Her eyes darted to Azel sharply, her heart twisting with sudden irrationality. Azel sighed, patting the girl’s head gently. "Not everyone is your mama, Lillia." But Edna’s curiosity was already piqued. "Second mama?" she echoed. "Does that mean there’s a first?" Lillia looked at her with wide, innocent eyes and giggled. Before Azel could reply, Edna leaned forward slightly, her lips curling into a deceptively sweet smile as she extended her arms. "Lillia, was it? Come here, sweetheart. Let me hold you." The girl tilted her head, then extended her arms without hesitation. Azel passed her over, and Edna gathered her gently, the warmth of the small child settling against her chest in an oddly comforting way. Lillia giggled, her voice bright and playful. "You’re so pretty. You are my mama now!" Edna’s lips curved further, her arms tightening slightly around the girl as she shot Azel a sideways glance, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You hear that, Azel?" she said sweetly, brushing a strand of pink hair from Lillia’s face. "I’m her mama now. Her only mama." Azel blinked, rubbing his temple. "You’re already spoiling her." Edna smirked faintly, rocking Lillia gently in her arms as if she had already accepted the role entirely. The girl nestled against her comfortably, humming happily, while Edna’s heart thrummed in ways she hadn’t felt in years. Perhaps it was the warmth of the child in her arms... or perhaps it was simply him sitting so close, crimson eyes watching her with quiet amusement. But she was happy... genuinely happy.