Being the Exalt was such an energy-draining duty. From strolling through the kingdom to greet the loyal citizens to giving out her blessings, it was no wonder Emmeryn always arrived exhausted.

The days in which the knight she held the most reliance to was available, the young woman would summon for Frederick for her night cup of tea before slumbering. And of course, being the faithful knight that he was, Frederick quickly rushed out of her chambers to prepare her a cup. Well-known for being a man of his words was what he was most notorious for within the castle.

He was careful with his mixtures of herbs, exactly picking out just which teacup he were to use for tonight's tea, even the way he stirred the steaming liquid. Tasting it in a separate cup was routinely at this point – to check for any signs of danger within the herbs (he'd put his life to protect hers, as a knight should always do). Nodding to himself in satisfaction, Frederick held the fancy silverware, holding the lone teacup that would burn from the touch, and made way through the long hallways into Emmeryn's room.

Although she has specified that it was perfectly acceptable with her if he simply strode in, Frederick always believed it was a sign of disrespect – considering that she was of royalty, and a woman without any marriage status.

Two knocks to her decorated doors and three seconds to wait before slowly pushing the door open was the knight's cue to her that he was marching in. As he entered, Frederick cleared his throat, strolling with a perfected posture while holding the silver platter. "Milady."

Her Grace stood near the great window, gazing out into a lovely view of the kingdom. The sky painted with orange and pink with the sun's setting. Hearing her address, Emmeryn tilted her head, only to see Frederick, standing straight whilst holding her request. "Ah, Frederick, that was quick."

As she approached, Frederick merely answered with, "Of course, Milady. I do wish to not keep you waiting long for something as simple as tea."

Green eyes eyed the platter. The knight observed her facial expression, shifting from nonchalance to… confusion? He paled. Had he made some sort of mistake? Did he use the wrong herbs? Or was the position of the cup not correct? The wrong teacup? – Gods, he knew he should've used the one next to this one–

"Frederick."

"Yes, Milady?"

Finally, a smile graced her features. "Where is your cup?"

Frederick's face shifted into a baffled expression. "Excuse me?"

Emmeryn's lips parted to let out an amused laugh. "Oh, Frederick, I did wish that you'd make yourself one to share with myself."

"Oh," was all he could reply with, sweat-dropping. "W-well, Your Grace, I must've heard wrong with your request—"

"Peace, Frederick." Her hand gestured towards the bed bench, eyes closed as she smiled sweetly. "And please, make yourself comfortable. You work so hard all the time. It's perhaps time you take some time to rest."

"A-ah, Milady—"

"You may address me as simply Emmeryn."

He swallowed, not moving an inch from his spot. "Emmeryn…" The way her beautiful name rolled off his tongue…surprisingly sounded exquisite. "I-I need naught to rest."

"Come here," Her Grace murmured. He grunted as she reached for him, making him panic for the slightest moments, before she pressed him down on the bench. "That is now your cup. I will go fetch myself one and we will share a cup."

"Wait, Mi—Emmeryn." Frederick gently set the platter down, standing up again. "Such waste of your energy. I will fix myself up a cup."

Before she could object, he was already rushing out of her room. Grabbing the handle to the china cup, she blew out some steam, and rose it to her lips to taste the tea. As always, he had prepared her favorite flavor, green. Emmeryn found herself taking a seat, her eyes glancing around.

The way her name slipped from his lips sounded lovely.