The Empress's breath began to tremble as she stared at her reflection. Her eyes glistened and her lips quivered, the weight of years of hiding and shame finally breaking loose. She tried to speak, but only a shaky exhale escaped her.
A soft tear slid down her cheek.
Before either of them could react, she turned away from the mirror and crossed the room in a rush. Lucas barely had time to register what was happening before she threw her arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace. Her forehead rested against his chest, and her hands clutched the fabric of his robes as if afraid he might vanish.
Lucas froze for a moment, startled by the sudden closeness, then slowly wrapped his arms around her, steadying her as her shoulders trembled.
Her voice came out muffled against him.
"Thank you… I do not know how to repay this. You have given me back something I thought was lost forever."
Lucas lowered his head slightly.
"I only did what I could."
