Krillien noticed her change in demeanor. Much… angrier as she continued to slice the meat on her plate with more force than her last slice. Did she hate it that much? Krillien knew that she had been studying as Theodore reported. But he did not think Meredith would care so much about it. Or to successfully carry out her duties.
"I will personally teach you of your duties you will do from now on." He said as they finished their food.
"And when will that be?"
"Today."
Meredith almost spat out her drink. Today? She almost forgot how quick Krillien was with his agendas. That would mean they will spend the whole day with each other. After what happened last night, Meredith wasn't sure whether it would be a good idea for them to be in each other's space today.
Does he not realize how awkward this was? She wanted to ask. But he had already said his plans.
"Alright, Your Majesty."
After Fiona and another maid cleared their table, Theodore appeared to assist Krillien, walking beside him as the three of them headed their way to one of the study room no one was using.
As the door swung open, Meredith looked around the room. The shelves were half empty with some books lying around, a table where she can do her work, and a small table and two chairs.
"Is this the Empress's study?" She asked as she entered, scanning the books on the shelf. Krillien and Theodore exchanged a glance.
"No, unfortunately, the former Empress turned her study into an entertainment room." Krillien explained. "The room will be ready soon. For now, this place will suffice." He pointed to the chair on the desk for Meredith to sit.
Clearing his throat, he stood next to her with a book placed on the desk, opened to a recent page. "These are the finances of the palace. It is imperative that you see to it properly…" Krillien's teaching began as Meredith listened intently, making note of the important things he would say.
Theodore came in and out of the room, placing more books on one side of the shelf that will help in management of the palace. Though Meredith was disappointed, she couldn't show it. Wouldn't he be suspicious if she wanted to take hold of the palace?
His teach lasted the whole afternoon to which he asked her, "would you like to take a break?"
With a nod, they exited the room and headed for the West wing.
"Where are we going?" Meredith asked, looking at the unfamiliar sight of the halls.
"To the garden," Krillien continued to walk and stopped at the open hall, turning right.
"Isn't there a garden at the south wing?" She said, recalling the time she had tea with her ladies-in-waiting. Although tainted with the messy memories of being petty and bad feelings harbored with each other that resurfaced, it was still a pretty garden worth coming back to.
Krillien stopped in his tracks, a lush small green garden filled with vines and blooming red roses surrounded and covered the bushes. "Here is prettier."
Meredith couldn't help but agree with him. It indeed was. It was private and small. It was perfect for them and perhaps other royal family members must have taken a break here before.
Krillien led the way towards the center where a small table and two chairs sat. He gestured for her to sit down as he sat down as well.
"Aurelius will be here with the tea and snacks."
Aurelius. He was the right hand man as Meredith recalled. She did not see much of him. Theodore would always be by his side more often.
"May I ask why him?"
"He is the only one, other than myself, permitted to enter this garden. So I do apologize if it is unkempt. No maids or gardeners are allowed here." They looked around the garden, surprisingly, it wasn't unruly or unkempt for something a professional hadn't cleaned and managed.
"May I ask why?" Meredith was curious. To be brought such a place must make it a place of importance; that not even Theodore—the man who was in charge of practically everything in the palace—was not even allowed to enter here.
"It is—was my mother's garden." Krillien said.
"Oh," was all Meredith could say. Krillien's mother was not the Empress, as she recalled. He was if not, the second concubine's son. Her only son. He was the sixth child out of seven that the Emperor had.
"It is a lovely garden." Meredith said in an attempt to console him. His mother, Lady Khalia, died when he was young. Meredith could not remember her face all that well as she had only ever seen her in passing. She could only remember her eyes—the same one that Krillien had. The ruby red eyes that sparkled and glimmered at any point, no matter how dark it was.
She wondered why he brought her to this place.
Krillien gave her a knowing smile as he didn't find the need to explain to her of his mother. It was well-known. Though, no one knew much of how she died. They sat in silence. Not the awkward one Meredith was used to having with him, much to her relief. It was a silence they both found rest in.
"Your Majesty—" Aurelius abruptly stopped seeing the two of them together. For a second, Meredith could swear his eye twitched. Quickly, Aurelius bowed to recover himself.
"Your Majesties," he corrected. "I have brought your tea. And some biscuits." He placed a tray down, a tea pot and a plate of cookies and other biscuits on the table.
"Apologies, Your Majesty," Aurelius turned to Meredith. "I didn't know you will be having tea with His Majesty. I will fetch a cup for you." He bowed.
"It is alright," Meredith smiled. From his reaction, she could tell that Krillien has never brought anyone here. It must have been a shock to see her.
"You can have my cup. Aurelius, I will wait for mine." Krillien pushed the cup towards Meredith and poured tea for her. Aurelius couldn't help but stare with a slight twitch from his brow.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Aurelius left, leaving the two together.