ASTRID stared at the two men in front of him, observing their interaction down to the smallest detail. The way Valentine leaned slightly into the emperorâs space without hesitation, how the latter didnât pull away even when the actor pouted at him. It all spoke of a familiarity that went beyond casual acquaintances. Most telling was how the emperor allowed this behavior at all. Someone like him, the one standing at the very top of this Empire, was letting Valentine get away with behavior no one else would dare attempt.
Astrid could only come up with one explanation, but the idea seemed too explosive to even consider. What else could their behavior mean besides that? And by âthatâ, he meant a romantic relationship. Surely they wouldnât silence him just for witnessing this, right? Not that Wulfric would let anything happen to him. Still, pretending he hadnât noticed anything might be the safer choice.
The emperor took a seat on the couch, every movement radiating his usual imperial dignity. Astridâs stomach did a weird little flip as he remembered how he and Wulfric had been making out on that very spot not ten minutes earlier. He was suddenly glad that this was just virtual reality. If this had happened in the real world, he would have to make an effort to not show any reaction.
Valentine sat down next to the emperor, who didnât even glance his way. It wasnât that the emperor was ignoring him. It was more like itâs natural for Valentine to be there that no reaction was needed. The casual intimacy of it all only confirmed Astridâs suspicions about their relationship.
Cynric almost asked where Wulfric was, but caught himself at the last moment. This might be his best chance to ask Astrid about whatever was going on between him and his brother.
âWhat exactly is your relationship with my brother?â the emperor asked, his golden eyes locking onto Astrid. âAnswer truthfully. Donât worry about Wulfric getting angry, Iâll handle him.â
Astrid nearly blurted out, âYou really think you can handle Wulf?â but bit his tongue just in time. He let his expression turn nervous instead, dropping his gaze. âI⊠I apologize, Your Majesty,â he stammered. âBut my relationship with Wulf is⊠itâs something between him and me.â He paused before continuing, âI-I donât think itâs appropriate to discuss our relationship with Your Majesty.â
Cynric hadnât expected Astrid to basically tell him to mind his own business. Because thatâs what it was, no matter how politely wrapped it was in nervous hesitation. The kid had guts, heâd give him that.
âIâm the emperor. Arenât you afraid Iâll punish you for acting this bold in front of me?â
Astrid made sure to tremble visibly, his voice shaking just right. âY-Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler,â he said, ducking his head. âSurely Your Majesty wouldnât punish someone over something so petty.â
The emperor narrowed his golden eyes at Astrid. The otherâs words had been perfectly respectful, yet something about them still felt like a challenge. What he had essentially heard was: âPunish me and you prove youâre pettyâ. He couldnât decide whether to be irritated or grudgingly impressed.
âToo bad for you, I can be extremely petty when I choose to be,â he said. âSo before I resort to threats, why donât you save us both the trouble and answer honestly?â
Astrid suppressed an inward sigh. Now he understood exactly how the emperor and Wulfric were related, both could be ridiculously childish when it suited them. He made his hands tremble before suddenly dropping to his knees in what looked like a panicked bow.
âP-please forgive me, Your Majesty!â His voice cracked just right. âI meant no disrespect!â
Cynric frowned. Seeing Astrid trembling so badly, he suddenly felt like some kind of villain. Had he gone too far?
Just as he was debating whether to drop the matter, Valentine let out a quiet laugh beside him.
Valentine let out an impressed chuckle as he watched Astrid. âDamn, youâre good,â he said, shaking his head. Then he turned to the emperor, his expression shifting into a gentle smile. âDonât feel bad, Cyn. Heâs just acting. Heâs not actually scared of you.â
The emperorâs frown deepened at Valentineâs words. He turned back to Astrid just in time to see the other stop trembling. Astrid rose slowly from his kneeling position, the fear melting off his face until only blank calm remained. That was all the confirmation Cynric needed to know that Valentine had been right.
Once again, Cynric didnât know whether he should be angry or impressed. âYouâve got a lot of nerve, Astrid Townsend. How dare you try to play me?â
Astrid straightened and gave a flawless bow, showing no fear of potential consequences. âI sincerely apologize, Your Majesty,â he said, his voice steady despite the situation. âI never intended to disrespect you. I only acted that way because giving a direct refusal to an emperor felt⊠unwise. If my actions have offended you, I am prepared to face whatever punishment you deem appropriate.â
Astrid didnât feel truly scared despite the situation. Maybe it was because he knew Wulfric wouldnât allow anything to happen to him. Was this the kind of confidence that came with having strong backing? Beyond that, he could also sense how much importance the emperor placed on Wulfric. It was unlikely that the other would start an argument with his brother just because of Astrid. Or at least, that was what he was counting on.
More than that, Astridâs gaze flicked to Valentine. It was hard to believe this was the same man who often showed a mature, gentle image in front of the public. The real Valentine wasnât charmingly playful, he was the infuriating kind that made you want to strangle him. Astrid shook his head to himself. This just proved you should never trust the personas celebrities crafted for the public.
At that moment, a familiar voice suddenly filled the tree house. âWho gave anyone permission to punish Aster?â
The space in front of Astrid fractured into glowing fragments, dissolving into pixels that swirled and reassembled into Wulfric.
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