The servant knelt at foot of the Reigning Empress Dowager's desk, waiting for her word to speak . She looked exhausted, but holding strong as she went over papers and plans for the upcoming heir games . It should have been her son's job, but alas it fell to her .
As a Grandmother, his behavior the last 20 years had ripped her heart to shreds . Yet, she couldn't do anything about it back then . It was a family affair not a government affair . That was only true as long as Empress Evelyn still sat upon the Empress's throne . The day she left, hope for her son's rule to turn around came crashing down .
The Empress Dowager became the Reigning Empress Dowager with the assistance of the guard . Her son had forgotten how he had become Emperor, it was because his mother had stepped aside . With a few words to the court, and a wave of her hand to the guard, he was nothing more than a disgraced Emperor . She had chosen not to humiliate him publicly, at least not as long as he or his wives didn't continue to humiliate Eve and the children .
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Disrespect of the Empress was to disrespect the Mother of the country . The woman the people looked to for strength and understanding . Neither Fae or Kira could soothe the masses . They wouldn't try to either . It wasn't their style, so she hadn't given them the chance .
"Any word on Prince Clovis? He should have sent word he was coming by now, or asked me for a audience . " She asked glancing over at the servant for a half second before dragging the ink tipped brush over the paper with elegant clear strokes .
"Yes, Reigning Empress . It seems Prince Clovis and Princess Raina arrived at the gate, but were denied entry . " The servant paused when he felt the air around them grow cold . "According to the reports the guard had intended to let Clovis and Raina enter but since they had another woman with them she would have to wait outside . They were very rude to Lady Kyera . " There was a soft growl as he said her name . Grace the white tiger rose from her place by the fire and came to sit by her mistress .
"Princess Kyera . " The Reigning Empress Dowager reminded him with a cold tone to her words . She reached down and pet Grace's head .
"Yes, Lady Empress . The Prince refused to enter without her, and they ended up being invited as Prince Alexi's guests to his Palace . " The servant finished his report and stood before the desk . The Reigning Empress Dowager frowned just slightly as she seemed to contemplate things .
"I see . I wonder what Alexi is playing at . Oh well, we should go and rectify this situation . All guards on duty are to report to me tomorrow morning . I wish to know why they denied a son of this throne to be turned away . " She replied standing up . A few maids hurried forward and helped put a cloak around her shoulders and take the books and things away .
"Yes, Lady Empress . " The Servant bowed and exited the room . There was no reason for him to chance further notice from the Reigning Empress .
The Reigning Empress Dowager frowned softly as she glanced into the mirror, reorganizing herself in the cloak her maids had provided . The fur over her shoulders was warm, and should protect her against the evening chill . Her hands trailed up to fix the bow in her hair before sliding down to her shoulders . Her pale skin was thin and weathered, paler just from the stress she had been under as of late .
"I am getting too old for this . " She murmured softly, before tucking her silvering hair behind her ear . Addie nodded slowly, sighing softly at the elderly woman she had known since she was a child . Empress Evelyn had been like a mother to her, and Empress Dowager Vivian had been like a grandmother . It had been a easy thing to promise when The Empress had asked her to stay behind and protect her .
"It will be over soon, My Lady . Shall we go greet the Fourth Prince and little Princess?" Addie asked and Empress Vivian nodded in agreement .
"Yes, I think we shall . " She agreed before leading the way out the door and onto the stone path . It wasn't a long walk, but the cool wind made it seem much longer .
Chapter end
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