"Annabelle is your name, correct?"
There was nothing that broke the silence save for the sounds of steps on the mosaic and the words that left Rhaast's mouth. It looked like the queen had gotten a bit annoyed towards his remarks and had seized the first opportunity of seeing him away that had been thrown at her ; and how so lucky she found herself. He had plucked the young lady-in-waiting's name from unrelated chatter he heard in the palace's halls though he wasn't certain he would remember it for long after the day had ended.
"Yes, sir."
She led the emperor through the corridors with little to no hesitation even as the endless pathways resembled one another at times, remaining quiet at all times except when he wished to address her just as Luxanna had advised her to. She remembered Her Highness' words very well : a warning that the man still couldn't be completely trusted despite the reasons of his presence and that she should be cautious of anything he said without showing too much interest in his words.
"Ah. The Queen's aid, I see."
He would have added more but the young woman halted in front of a finely crafted hardwood door before beckoning him to enter inside the room with a polite bow as she held it open. Annabelle cleared her throat.
"We sincerely hope the guest room is to your liking, sir. Please call if you are in need of anything."
Rhaast gave her one of those smiles that were full of teeth and empty of any mirth or consideration as he stared for an instant before walking through the entryway. Yet, the laugh underlying the tone of his voice sounded more entertained than false.
"What a well trained puppy. You can return to your mistress, worry not." The emperor's shoulders drew a nonchalant shrug. "After all, as she said, I do need my rest. Do close the door, thank you."
A sizzling sensation seized Annabelle's chest. Revolting anger beat against the walls of her heart and left her hands shaken with this despicable feeling, nonetheless she nodded her head and swallowed the rage that threatened to spill from her throat.
"Of course, sir."
Her emptied tea cup was pushed back into the center of the table against the plates on which only remained the crumbs of baked sweets. She leaned back into her seat, enjoying the comfort of the cushioned chair and the silence that lingered after the emperor's departure to gather her thoughts. The entirety of the afternoon felt like a day and she felt tired although the sun was not yet finished setting behind the horizon. Luxanna assumed that the knocks at the door were from Annabelle.
The lady-in-waiting had the face of someone that had been holding in a scowl with her eyebrows stuck in a furrow in significant upset. There was no doubt that Rhaast must have said something that displeased her and that she must have had found a way to veil her inner distaste. Poor girl, the monarch thought and with a softened smile dismissed her for the evening. She too needed her rightful rest.
"I hope you have found the room to your liking."
Yesterday seemingly hadn't gone so well therefore Luxanna had suggested that they both take a stroll through the main square's gardens. The weather had completely cleared since the day before and already the sun was proudly looking down on the world surrounded by perfect blue. Nevertheless, a gloom feeling hid away in the hollow of her ribs as if an awkward itch Luxanna felt unable to scratch away. Mismatched eyes glanced back at the emperor at her side as she awaited his response.
"Ah, think little of it. I would not allow myself to be excessively picky when you have been so kind as to welcome me in your beautiful city. It was very much perfect."
The satin pillows had a scent of pinewood and flowers that was oddly comforting was the one and perhaps only thing that he noted although Rhaast hadn't fallen asleep until very late into the night. A fire colored lock of hair curled against his forehead as he nonchalantly stretched his neck.
"You've spoken with Annabelle, my lady-in-waiting, haven't you?"
"Indeed. Lovely girl, how lucky you must feel to have such an helpful asset to your side." A quiet and short lived chortle escaped the emperor. "I would almost be jealous to not have her by my side at all times. What about her?"
"She is my most trusted confidant, perhaps the closest to me." The queen's gaze lowered on the road ahead of them thoughtfully. No words were exchanged in that lapse of time, a simple hum floated from her lips to the air. What words could she use to properly push her point across?
"I would sincerely appreciate it if you could view her in the same light I do and respect her in the way I do… All I ask and expect out of this arrangement is neither your appreciation or your love," They no longer walked along the park's pathway, Luxanna stared through his golden eyes. "I simply ask for respect. That is all. Could you do that?"
Rhaast was a difficult man to read for his features barely ever moved even through surprise or mockery and his smiles were indescribable. His head canted to the side as if he was deeply thinking although said thinking did not last for minutes. Once again, he smiled.
"I promise."
He gestured to the road ahead.
"Shall we continue?"
"Of course, but not for too long. We're awaited, after all."