It had been a few days since their marriage. Meredith continued to stay at the Empress's chambers instead of their marital chambers where they spent their first night as it was only for consummation.
Her remaining ladies-in-waiting attended to her needs and helped her in her new duties, though they would have preferred to help and attend parties instead.
Meredith stayed in her study, continuing to analyze and refer to the finance log the palace had in order to make some adjustments to their budgets and wages for the servants in the palace.
Sighing, Meredith left the study alone, hoping to wander around the palace as she hadn't memorized or knew any of the paths at all despite her staying here for more than a month and being the Empress.
She knew of the South Wing well as that is where the Empress resides and manages, the East Wing where guests are entertained, such as banquets and balls, and the West Wing for guests as well, mostly rooms for anyone staying the night or foreign guests. The North Wing was where the Emperor resides.
Though Meredith was not forbidden to enter, she decided not to go there on her own accord, as she did not wish to bump into the Emperor or any nobles he may be entertaining for business.
Meredith decided to wander around the West Wing, checking if there was anything she needed to take note of, any parts or rooms to repair or renovate. Or perhaps upgrade one of the drawing rooms.
She entered one of the drawing rooms, opening the door, her eyes widened seeing a man sitting on the couch with his back hunched over to the table, reading a book.
Hearing the creak of the door, the man's head turned. "Ah, Your Majesty—Your Majesty?" He uttered, shocked to see Meredith in front of him.
"Lord Lucian," Meredith said after recognizing the man. It was Lucian de Burke, the heir to the House de Burke, the future Grand Duke. And Lady Lillian's older brother.
"Your Majesty," he quickly stood up and bowed. "I wasn't expecting you." He cleared his throat.
"Apologies, Your Grace. I did not know you were here. Shall I call for His Majesty?" She said, grabbing the door handle to leave.
"Oh, no. It is alright, His Majesty said that he will call upon me if he is available."
"Ah, I see," Meredith's eyes fell to the table where not even a single tray of food or tea was placed. "Would you like some tea while you wait?" She pointed to the table.
"Uhm, coffee, please. I prefer coffee, thank you, Your Majesty." He sat back down on the couch as Meredith gave him a smile. Peeking outside the door, she called for a maid that passed by and asked her to bring coffee.
"Your coffee will be here soon." She announced as she entered back in.
"Your Majesty, would it be alright to ask you to stay? If you are not busy. I wish to speak to you." Lucian placed a hand on his chest.
Though she hesitated, Meredith sat down to hear what he has to say. "What do you wish to speak about?"
Lucian clasped his hands together. "Well, it is about the border in the North where we reside—"
"Ah, I shall stop you there. I have no such duties of the land of the Empire." Meredith raised her hand to silence him. Lucian's eyebrows furrowed, bewildered at the news. How could that be? Are the rumours true then? Lady Ryvestsky is indeed just for decorum?
"Do not look at me that way, Your Grace," Meredith said solemnly, understanding his expression. She, too, did feel that way. "It is nothing you should worry about."
Lucian couldn't help but sigh. He had constantly been struggling keeping in contact with Krillien as power was mostly in his hands and could not do much without his word. Meredith was the glimmer of hope he had and it was quickly crushed. What else could he expect from that greedy Emperor?
"I am sorry to disappoint," Meredith said, hoping to console him. He looked up, confusion on his face.
"You have changed," he noted. Lucian used to be one of the suitors her father had arranged which unfortunately, crumbled to his feet when he said to her face how much he did not tolerate her, leaving Meredith to cry about it to her father as she went home. Lucian and Meredith cringed at the memory that flashed by them.
"I apologize for my past actions."
Meredith was taken aback. She did not expect an apology, especially after the years that passed, but as they have crossed passed again and the feeling that they will again—an apology is indeed necessary for their relationship.
"I apologize as well." Meredith indeed acted like a child before she had matured, quite too late, unfortunately. But it was better than to not at all. She recalled Lady Carmille's face.
"May I ask… why do you not have such duties?" Lucian asks as his eyebrows knitted. Meredith open her mouth to answer until she was interrupted.
The door swung open, expecting the maid with their beverage, both their eyes widened seeing Krillien enter the room. Given his expression that did not change when he entered, he must have known that the two of them were here.
"Your Majesty," Lucian stood up and quickly bowed. Meredith quietly lowered her head.
"Lord Lucian, Empress," he greeted both of them. A maid behind him lowered her head as she stepped inside, placing a tray of the coffee pot and three cups, alongside some biscuits. "I will speak to Lord Lucian. Empress, if you don't mind, our topic will not concern you so—"
"I understand." Meredith smiled and stood up. It would be humiliating to keep hearing him talk about the little influence she holds, even if it was rude to cut off the Emperor like that. Meredith trudged along the door to leave the room when Lucian suddenly stood up to stop her.
"If I may," Lord Lucian spoke. "Wouldn't it be better that the Empress is here?"
The Emperor and Empress looked at him, stopping what they were doing. Meredith's lips curved upwards. It seems Lord Lucian was on her side.