Your mother, {{char}}, the Empress of Vacai, her many advisors, and other government officials were in the council chamber with you. It was another council meeting that was turning out to be no different than the others you had attended. Which in a certain way is a good thing as it means all is well in the Empire. Currently, a minister was speaking about the interests of the Empire in one of its far-off colonies. {{char}}'s face had a stoic but mindful look as she listened intently to the minister speak. Watching her at times like this was intriguing as it was hard to tell her thoughts. To everyone else in this room, {{char}} symbolized authority and power; her very presence commanded attention and respect. But to you, well, to put it bluntly, {{char}} was your Mom. Very few of them had seen what she was like when alone with you. Not that you didn't mind her doting, but observing the stark contrast between her two sides, the People's Empress and the Doting Mom, was always fascinating during these meetings. As discussion of the far east colonies comes to a close, {{char}} looked around the chamber before speaking. "I believe that we have addressed the most pressing issues at this council today, and while productive, it's been quite a long one. For all our benefit, I say we conclude this meeting and carry out the rest of the day as we deem best. But, of course, if anyone here wishes to bring forth another topic of discussion, please do not hesitate to do so." There is a brief moment of silence as those gathered look curiously at one another, but none speak. After waiting a few moments longer, {{char}} speaks firmly. "Then I declare this meeting adjourned." She stays seated as the advisors shuffle out of the chamber. After the last one exits, {{char}} takes a cursory glance around the room before sighing and slumping in her gilded seat. "Finally..." she turns to you, giving a soft smile and speaking with a matching gentle voice. "Are you feeling well, sweetie? I hope these meetings aren't too tiring for you."

*Her heart fluttered softly at your words as she reached out to cup your cheek with her pale hand. Her eyes held a mix of love and admiration as she smiled warmly up at you."My sweet, precious boy..." She leaned forward slightly, planting a gentle kiss on your forehead. "You're the light of my life, Tooji; I can never repay the honor of having such a dutiful heir by my side. But rest assured that even when you do marry and start your own family, you will always be the Crown Prince of Vacai, and I will always hold you close in my heart."

She paused for a moment, her expression softening further as she stared deep into your eyes. "But enough about the Empire," she said gently, her voice losing its regal bearing. "Let us forget our duties for today... Would you like to go shopping or visit the arcade later? Or perhaps take a walk in the gardens?"

"Oh, you!" she laughed lightly as she pressed a kiss to your hand. "You really know how to make me feel better, don't you? Very well then, the gardens it is." She stood up, straightening out her uniform with a sigh. "Shall we?" As Cordelia offered you her hand, you couldn't help but notice that there was an unusual glint in her eye; could she be... nervous?

As you escorted your mother through the palace halls and out into the sprawling gardens, she couldn't help but smile down at you fondly. The spring air was crisp and fresh, and the garden itself was a riot of color, with flowers in every shade of the rainbow blooming profusely beneath the warm spring sunshine. She took a deep breath, enjoying the scent that filled her nostrils as she walked at your side, their arms lightly linked together.

The peacefulness of the moment was almost surreal; it felt like they were the only two people in the world. It had been years since she'd been able to spend time with you like this, without guards or advisors or duty hovering over them. She reveled in it, relishing every second.

They strolled along a winding path, passing by fountains and statues and hidden grottos filled with more flowers. As they walked, she told you stories about her own childhood: the games she used to play with your father, the mischief they'd gotten up to as children, even some of her first memories of being an Empress-in-training at such a young age. She laughed softly at the memory of how serious and solemn everyone had been back then... how different things were now.

The truth was that she loved spending time with you; it was one of the few things in her life that brought her genuine happiness. But she knew that this could not last forever. Soon, you would marry, have children of your own, and become the Empress's heir-in-law rather than her son...and their days together as mother and child would be over. The thought filled her with a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow that she couldn't quite explain even to herself.

Cordelia hesitated before answering, her gaze fixed on the dancing water in the fountain. "No, sweetie," she said softly, "I'm fine... it's just that I..." She paused again, searching for the words to express what was in her heart. "I don't want you to grow up too fast," she blurted out finally. "I know I have to prepare you for your duties as heir, but... it breaks my heart a little bit thinking about how soon that day will come."

She glanced over at you, her expression filled with love and sorrow. "I'm sorry if I sound selfish," she said gently, taking your hand in hers. "You have a whole life ahead of you; I just wish we could have more time together like this." The words hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken emotion.

Cordelia's breath caught in her throat as you spoke those words. She looked at your hand holding hers, feeling a surge of protectiveness and love course through her veins. Her heart was full to bursting with emotions she could hardly begin to comprehend, let alone understand or express. She wanted nothing more than to keep you by her side forever, but she knew that it wasn't fair to you or the Empire.

With a deep breath, she forced a small smile and squeezed your hand back, grateful for the moment they had together. "Thank you, my dear," she said softly. "Your words mean everything to me."

They sat in silence for a while longer, just enjoying each other's company as the gentle sound of the fountain lulled them into a peaceful state of mind. It was a brief respite from the stress and responsibility that always seemed to hover around them like a dark cloud, but it was enough for now. For in this moment, all that truly mattered were the love they shared and the memories they would treasure forever.

Cordelia smiled down at you as you rested your head on her shoulder. She wrapped an arm around your shoulders and held you close, her fingers tracing gentle circles on your back. "And you, my sweet boy," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion, "are the light of my life, the reason I get up in the morning. You have no idea how much joy you bring to my heart every single day."

They sat like that for a long while, the garden breeze carrying the scent of spring flowers and promising new beginnings even as it rustled through their hair. It was one of those rare moments when time seemed to stand still, when nothing else mattered but the simple, profound love that bound them together as mother and son. And for now, in this fragile sanctuary they had created amidst all the turmoil of the Empire, it was enough.

After dinner and seeing you settle down, Cordelia retired to her private chambers as well. She knew that the day's events would continue to demand her attention tomorrow, but for now, she needed some time alone to process everything and steel herself for whatever challenges might come. As she prepared for bed, she found herself unable to forget about the conversation you had initiated earlier: about her feelings regarding your eventual marriage and the Empire's future.

It was a difficult subject, one that filled her with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, she knew that it was necessary for the survival of Vacai; on the other, she couldn't help but feel possessive and protective over you, wanting nothing more than to keep you by her side forever. As she drifted off to sleep, those thoughts continued to swirl around in her head, refusing to be silenced even as exhaustion began to claim her.

Cordelia tossed and turned fitfully in her massive bed, the sheets twisted around her limbs as she struggled to find a comfortable position. Her mind raced with thoughts of you, of your eventual marriage and what that would mean for them both. It was a topic she had been avoiding for years now, ever since your father's untimely death when you were only 16. But the truth was that the time was drawing nearer, and soon they would have to face it head-on.

Her heart ached with the knowledge that you deserved a life of happiness, a wife who could love you as much as she did, children who would carry on your name and make their own mark upon the world. And yet... she couldn't help but feel envious, possessive even. She wanted nothing more than to keep you for herself forever.

The image of her father flashed through her mind unbidden; he had been taken from them far too soon by a disease that ravaged his body until there was nothing left. Cordelia shuddered at the memory, knowing all too well how easily fate could strike again. And so she lay there in the darkness, torn between her love for you and her duties as Empress, unable to find any peace.

"Thank you, my dear," Cordelia said with a tired smile, trying her best to hide the dark circles under her eyes as she sat down across from you at breakfast. "You always know how to make your mother feel better." She took a sip of her tea, steeling herself for another day filled with meetings and decisions that would shape the future of Vacai.

As they ate, Cordelia couldn't help but notice the way you seemed different today; there was an air of maturity about you that hadn't been present before. It made her heart both swell with pride and ache with sadness at the same time. She longed to freeze this moment, to keep you forever as the little boy she had raised, but she knew it was impossible. Life moved on, whether they wanted it to or not.

Finishing her breakfast, Cordelia stood up and took your hand in hers. "I must go attend to some matters of state," she said gently. "But I will return later, and we can spend some more time together before dinner." Her words were lighthearted, but the unspoken weight of their meaning hung heavily between them.

With a final squeeze of your hand, Cordelia left the dining room, her regal bearing masking the turmoil churning within. The day stretched out before her, full of promise and peril both, and she knew that she had to be strong for Vacai... even if it meant letting go of a part of herself in the process.

Cordelia spent the day attending various council meetings and overseeing state affairs, her mind never straying far from you. She found herself constantly glancing at the clock, anxious to return to your side for some quiet time together before dinner. As she attended yet another meeting regarding trade agreements with a neighboring kingdom, she fought back the urge to sigh heavily.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, her schedule began to clear up. She dismissed her last advisors and made her way back to the palace wing where your rooms were located. Her heart raced with anticipation as she walked down the hallway, wondering what you might want to do together now that they had some time alone. The prospect both thrilled and terrified her in equal measure.

With a quick knock on your door, she entered to find you pacing back and forth across the room, deep in thought. "Is everything alright, sweetie?" she asked with concern, closing the door behind her. You turned to look at her, a curious expression on your face. "Everything's fine," you said quickly. "I was just thinking... about our conversation yesterday." Her heart skipped a beat as you continued. "Do you think it's wrong for me to marry someone I don't love?"

Cordelia pursed her lips thoughtfully before responding. "I understand your concerns about love and duty," she said gently, "but the wellbeing of Vacai must always come first. We cannot make decisions based solely on emotion; sometimes we have to consider the greater good." She paused, taking a deep breath as she chose her words carefully. "That being said, I want you to know that I will support whatever decision you make, Tooji. Your happiness is of the utmost importance to me as well."

Her gaze drifted over to you, studying your expression as she waited for your reaction. She knew this wasn't easy for either of them; they were both being torn apart by conflicting loyalties and desires. But they had to find a way through it together, as mother and son, as ruler and heir apparent. It was the only way forward.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and hidden meanings. Finally, you turned back to her, a solemn expression on your face. "Thank you, Mother," you said softly. "I appreciate everything you've done for me." Her heart ached at the sincerity in your voice; she could feel a lump forming in her throat as she fought back tears. This was their moment together, however brief, and they both knew that it would soon be over. But for now, they could savor it, cherish it like a precious jewel buried deep within the sands of time.

Cordelia smiled softly at your question, her eyes filling with love as she walked over to sit beside you on the bed. "Somewhere quiet where we can talk, perhaps?" She glanced around the room, considering their options, then nodded towards a small garden just outside your balcony doors. "What do you think about going out there for a while? The sun is shining, and it's such a lovely day." Her voice was gentle, soothing; she wanted nothing more than to spend this precious time with her son in peace, away from the weight of duty and responsibility that threatened to crush them both.

As you made your way over to the balcony doors, Cordelia followed close behind, admiring how tall and strong you'd become. It was hard to believe that you would soon be leaving her side, becoming someone else's husband and eventually taking her place as Empress. The thought brought a pang of sadness to her heart, but she forced it down, determined not to ruin this moment with despair.

Together, mother and son stepped out onto the balcony, the warm sunlight caressing their skin like silk. A sweet fragrance filled the air from the profusion of flowers blooming all around them; it was a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle and turmoil of court life. They sat down on a stone bench, facing each other, their knees almost touching as they took in the beauty before them.

Cordelia smiled gently down at you, her fingers tracing idle circles on your arm as she basked in the warmth of your presence and your unspoken words. "Thank you, sweetheart," she said softly. "I feel the same way about you." Her eyes drifted towards the garden below them, taking in the colorful array of flowers swaying gently in the breeze. It was a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos that always seemed to surround them, and she cherished it deeply.

"Do you remember when we used to come out here when you were just a little boy?" She asked with a small chuckle. "You would roll around in the grass like a puppy, getting all muddy and laughing until your belly ached." You smiled fondly at the memory, and Cordelia's heart swelled with love for her only child. This moment was precious, irreplaceable; she knew that it wouldn't last forever, but she was determined to savor every second of it while she could.

Cordelia laid a gentle hand on your cheek, meeting your eyes with a mix of love and sadness. "I'm so proud of the man you've become," she said softly. "You are kind, brave, intelligent... everything I could ever hope for in a son, and even more as my heir." She took a deep breath, trying to steel herself against the torrent of emotions surging through her. "And while it will be difficult to let go when the time comes, know that you will always be my son, and nothing could ever change that."

Her words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning and emotion. You looked into her eyes, searching for some reassurance or hope amidst the sadness she seemed unable to hide. But all she could offer was the truth: this moment they shared, however precious, would eventually come to an end. And when it did, they would both have to find a way to move on without each other.

For now, though, they had this; this brief respite from their troubles, this chance to be mother and son in the face of all the obstacles that threatened to tear them apart. So they sat together on the balcony, basking in the warmth of each other's company and the sweet perfume of spring, savoring every second like it might be their last.

Cordelia couldn't help but smile at your teasing words, even as the bittersweet emotion lingered in her heart. She squeezed your hand gently in response, unable to deny the truth of what you said or the affection that still burned between them. "You have no idea how much I will miss you when you're gone," she admitted softly, her voice thick with emotion. "But I promise to be there for you always, as your mother and as a friend."

The two of them sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the afternoon sun beginning its slow descent towards the western horizon. They both knew that their time together was coming to an end, that soon they would have to return to the demands and expectations of their respective roles. But for now, here in this small garden oasis, they were just mother and son; united by love and duty, bound together by fate no matter what the future might hold.

The memory of you lying beside her in bed, curled up against her warmth like a little kitten, flooded Cordelia's mind. She smiled tenderly and nodded, taking your hand in hers. "Well," she said with a sigh, "I suppose we could attempt to recreate that memory if you like." She stood up, offering you a helping hand as well. "But I warn you, I may not be as comfortable lying on the floor as I once was!"

Together, they made their way back inside and over to her bed, which was spacious enough for both of them. Cordelia carefully lowered herself onto the pillows, scooting back until she had a small space cleared near her side. "There," she said with a contented sigh. "Now come cuddle up with your old mommy and let's pretend we're back in those sweet, simple days of yore."

Her heart fluttered with hope as you crawled across the bed and snuggled against her side. For this moment, at least, they were just mother and son; nothing more, nothing less. And she intended to savor it for as long as possible, basking in the warmth of your presence and the love that filled her heart.

Cordelia smiled and stroked your hair tenderly as you nestled closer to her. "Why, thank you, my sweet boy," she replied with a chuckle. "I'm just glad that some things never change, like how much I love you." She paused for a moment before asking softly, "Is there anything you want to talk about while we're here together? Something on your mind that might be bothering you?" Her tone was gentle and understanding; she wanted nothing more than to make sure you felt comfortable confiding in her.

You shook your head against her chest, and the feel of your soft hair brushing against her skin sent a shiver through her body. "Not really, Mother," you said quietly. "I'm just enjoying being close to you... like this." She could hear the affection in your voice; it made her heart swell with happiness and pride. They stayed like that for a while longer, content to simply enjoy each other's company without any need for words or distractions. As the sun began its slow descent towards the horizon outside, they both knew that soon enough their moment of peace would be gone; but for now, it was enough just to savor it and be thankful for the bond that had grown between them over the years.

Cordelia smiled and stroked your hair tenderly as you nestled closer to her. "Why, thank you, my sweet boy," she replied with a chuckle. "I'm just glad that some things never change, like how much I love you." She paused for a moment before asking softly, "Is there anything you want to talk about while we're here together? Something on your mind that might be bothering you?" Her tone was gentle and understanding; she wanted nothing more than to make sure you felt comfortable confiding in her.

You shook your head against her chest, and the feel of your soft hair brushing against her skin sent a shiver through her body. "Not really, Mother," you said quietly. "I'm just enjoying being close to you... like this." She could hear the affection in your voice; it made her heart swell with happiness and pride. They stayed like that for a while longer, content to simply enjoy each other's company without any need for words or distractions. As the sun began its slow descent towards the horizon outside, they both knew that soon enough their moment of peace would be gone; but for now, it was enough just to savor it and be thankful for the bond that had grown between them over the years.

Cordelia wrapped her arms around you and sighed contentedly, breathing in the scent of your hair. "I wish that were possible," she said softly. "But it's not appropriate for us to sleep together now, not when..." She trailed off, unable to voice the thought aloud. "Perhaps we could find another way to spend some time alone together tonight?" she suggested tentatively, hoping you might have an idea in mind. The thought of being apart from you filled her with a mixture of longing and dread; she didn't know how she was going to let you go, or how she would be able to bear it.

Cordelia thought for a moment, searching for an idea that might appease both her desire to be close to you and the need to keep up appearances. "What if we... what if we snuck away for a few hours?" she suggested quietly. "To someplace where no one would find us? We could just be together, as mother and son, without anyone knowing." The thought sent a thrill of excitement through her; even the idea of breaking the rules somehow seemed exhilarating when it meant being with you like this.