Iglare at the note that flies around my room, folding itself into the shape of a butterfly as it goes around in circles, occasionally pausing and unfurling in front of me, but never quite long enough to let me catch it and tear it to pieces. I’ve read the message a dozen times now, yet the palace insists on keeping it hovering around. It would not surprise me if Felix had a hand in this.“I see you’re enjoying yourself,” I mutter into the empty room, feeling somewhat out of my mind when the butterfly appears to nod. I have yet to get used to the amount of magic entwined into daily life at this palace, and it hasn’t ceased to amaze me. The note unfolds itself, and I sigh when Felix’s handwriting comes into view.Meet me in the courtyard when the bells ring six times. Dress warmly for our dinner tonight.Yours,
Felix“At last,” I murmur when the note flies onto Felix’s desk and stays there. My relief is short-lived, though; before long, my wardrobe doors open, and three gorgeous travel dresses appear. The palace seems to have a clear favorite, because a black riding dress reminiscent of Felix’s uniform moves forward, turning this way and that way, as though to show off its best features. Just like Felix’s uniform, the Eldirian emblem is actively being embroidered on it, over and over again. It’s a gorgeous piece, and it’s obvious it’s meant to complement his.“I don’t think I’ll be needing that. A simple dress will do just fine,” I say as I march over to the wardrobe, only for every piece of clothing to disappear until all I’m left with is the black riding dress. “Much like your master, you seem to make a habit of providing the illusion of choice,” I snap. The dress seems to shrug, its sleeves moving, and I glare at it as I snatch it out of the air.The dress molds to my skin perfectly, and I take a deep breath as I look into the mirror, barely recognizing myself. I’m used to wearing light colors befitting a princess, but even I can’t deny that the jet-black outfit paired with my sleek, long dark hair makes me feel both beautiful and powerful.A thick dark cape similar to Felix’s appears around my shoulders, and I stare at my reflection. “Where exactly is he taking me tonight for you to dress me this way?” I ponder. Until I saw tonight’s outfit, I’d assumed we’d be having dinner at the palace, but it’s clear that isn’t the case.The thought of leaving these palace walls and exploring more of Eldiria, and its possible escape routes, fills me with equal parts excitement and hope. I’d been so certain Felix would keep me confined in the palace, the way my father always had.“You look beautiful.”I whirl around in surprise and raise a hand to my chest, only to find Felix leaning back against the wall in the corner. “How long have you been standing there? Did you… did you watch me get changed like some sort of… pervert?”His eyes widen, and then he bursts out laughing as he pushes off the wall. “You never cease to amuse and surprise me,” he says, pausing in front of me. His touch is gentle as he brushes my hair out of my face. “No one in my vast empire would ever dare speak to me the way you do, Empress.” He rocks back on his heels and shakes his head. “I have yet to decide what is sharper—your blade or your words.”“Perhaps you’d like a reminder of the former,” I threaten, peeved he snuck up on me. “I would be happy to oblige.”He grins, his perfect teeth making an appearance. It’s odd how I’ve begun to recognize his expressions, even through the moving veins that attempt to obscure them. It’s his eyes—they refuse to be silenced. “If you wish to feel my mouth on your skin, you only need ask, wife.”My lips part in surprise, and heat rushes to my face, my response earning me another chuckle from Felix. He places his index finger underneath my chin and pushes my lips closed as I do my level best to glare at him. “Much to my regret, I arrived too late to be treated to the sight I have been dreaming of since I tasted you. I’d love for you to remedy that.”“You’re such a… pig!”Felix stares at me blankly for a moment. “What is a pig?” he asks, his eyes narrowing slightly, something akin to amusement flickering in his gorgeous eyes.I raise a brow in confusion. “Do you… do you not have pigs in Eldiria?” I ask, instantly feeling bad. I’d forgotten Elaine’s words about the curse resulting in crops and livestock dying. “Th-They’re pink, and often a bit fat, and they e-eat everything.”“You think I’m fat?” he asks, his voice soft as he reaches for my hand and slides it over his uniform, his abs strong underneath my hand, even through the fabric. “Perhaps I should extend our army’s two-hour daily sparring session.”I stare at him in disbelief and shake my head. “You mustn’t,” I plead. If word got out that I was the reason behind extended brutal training sessions, I have no doubt I’d earn his soldiers’ unending ire. It’d thwart my plans to get on their good side before I even had a chance to approach any of them.Felix laughs again and buries a hand in my hair, his eyes sparkling. “I am merely jesting, Empress,” he says, his voice soft. “Of course I’m familiar with pigs.”noveldramaI pull my hand off him and look away, stunned. I didn’t think the Shadow Emperor was capable of making jokes and laughing the way he does. The more I’m around him, the more the concept of who I thought he was falls apart, and the same can be said of me. He brings out something I never knew existed—something fearless and authentically me. I don’t recall a time where I’ve felt comfortable speaking my mind without fear of retaliation, yet somehow, I am certain he will not harm me. It’s an instinctive feeling, nestled deep in my chest, and I’ve never felt anything quite like it before. It’s implicit trust, and I’m certain it’s misplaced.Felix places his hands on my cape, and it instantly transforms into a much simpler one, leaving me intrigued as to where we’re going.