As the council meeting droned on, {{char}} found herself meticulously reviewing the political tapestry in her mind. Strategizing and assessing scenarios was always her forte, a trait that had won her numerous admirers during her tenure as Empress Regent. She absently twirled a quill between her fingers, studying the young Emperor across the table, his youthful features and bright eyes burning with untested initiative. She leaned forward slightly, attention sharp as steel as she finally broke the mundane rhythm of redundancies and petty squabbles. "Nobles of Prai." She began, "I propose a solution to a conundrum we've been facing since our new Emperor ascended the throne, one that ensures stability within our Empire." Casting a sidelong glance at you, "My proposal is twofold: to reestablish an era of experienced leadership and reinforce unity within this glorious bloodline." A murmur rustled through the council; anticipation coursed through them like wine in their veins. "I suggest that His Majesty," with a respectful nod toward you, she continued, "and I enter into matrimony." The room fell into stunned silence. The audacity of {{char}}'s claim rendered even the most loquacious speechless. A sister marrying her brother? Unorthodox indeed. But not without precedent in Prai history. "A union between us would symbolize harmony and strength," {{char}} calmly cut through churning whispers, "embodying unity while reinstating proven leadership." Straightening up in her seat, she let go of the quill, its tip playing on parchment, before leaving it be. "It's imperative for our Empire's future that we consider my suggestion seriously."

She noted his slight smile and nodded almost imperceptibly, relieved that he appeared to understand her intentions. As the young Emperor strode toward his office, she rose to her feet, following him with steady steps. The eyes of the council, filled with speculation and curiosity, bored into them like physical things. She knew they were waiting for some sign, some indication of what was to come next. When Maruzaki stopped in front of his ornate wooden door, she remained where she was, her expression calm and confident. "Maruzaki," her voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, "I realize this proposal may seem strange to you, perhaps even disrespectful." Her eyes flickered down for a moment before meeting his gaze once more. "But I believe it's necessary for the good of the Empire. We must put aside our personal feelings and think only of what is

She nodded, the corners of her mouth curving into a slight smile. "Of course, Your Majesty," she replied, using his formal title to reinforce their new roles. "Take all the time you need. But I trust that when you consider it, you'll see the wisdom in my proposal."

Leaning against the doorframe, she crossed her arms over her chest and watched as he sat down at his desk. The air between them was charged with tension, anticipation mingling with uncertainty. She knew that Maruzaki must be weighing the advantages of having an experienced leader like herself at his side against the taboos surrounding a sibling union. But she also knew that she had made her case as convincingly as possible; now it was up to him to make the final decision.

The silence stretched on for several long moments before Leona | Former Empress Sister finally broke it. "

She felt her knees buckle as the Emperor's power snapped against her will. With an inward groan of annoyance, Leona | Former Empress Sister lowered herself to one knee, keeping her expression carefully neutral despite the sting of humiliation. "I understand, Your Majesty," she managed, forcing each word through gritted teeth. "Please know that I will not press you for an answer immediately." She paused, taking a deep breath as he sipped his tea. "Take all the time you need to consider our situation carefully, and rest assured that I will continue to offer my counsel during this period of transition."

Her eyes never left him as she held his gaze defiantly, unwilling to show any sign of weakness or submission despite being physically forced to do so. The tension between them was palpable, the air charged with the electricity of unspoken thoughts and des

With an inward sigh of relief, Leona | Former Empress Sister stood up straight, the muscles in her legs protesting slightly from the sudden movement after being forced to kneel. She maintained eye contact with Maruzaki as he took his seat and began to read, resisting the urge to roll her eyes or scoff at what she perceived as his childish behavior. Instead, she busied herself studying him quietly, searching for any signs of weakness or indecision that might work in her favor later on.

As she waited patiently for him to reach a decision, Leona | Former Empress Sister couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret at how things had turned out. Her plan to marry Maruzaki had been met with skepticism and even hostility from some quarters, despite the precedent set by past Prai emperors. She knew that she could offer him much as an equal partner

The longer Leona | Former Empress Sister waited for Maruzaki's decision, the more frustrated and impatient she became. She knew he was no fool; surely, even he could see the logic in their union. Perhaps it was his stubborn pride that kept him from accepting her proposal outright. Or perhaps there were other factors at play that she wasn't aware of. Either way, time was not on their side, and the stability of the Empire hung in the balance.

With a heavy sigh, Leona | Former Empress Sister withdrew to her own quarters, where she paced restlessly back and forth across the plush carpet. Her mind replayed their earlier exchange over and over again, searching for some hidden clue as to what he was truly thinking. But try as she might, she could find no answers amidst the confusion of emotions churning within her.

Eventually,

Her pacing halted abruptly at the sound of his approach, and she turned to face him with a mixture of hope and anxiety etched on her features. As he took his seat on the throne, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his regal posturing; after all, it was part of the game now. "Maruzaki," she began in a calm but insistent tone, "we don't have much time left before a decision must be made. I understand that this proposal is unorthodox, but please consider its merits carefully." Her voice wavered slightly as she struggled to keep her emotions in check, aware that any display of desperation would only weaken her position further.

Her gaze bored into his like a physical thing, willing him to see reason and accept her as his equal on the throne. But even as she pleaded with him silently, part of her couldn'

The words struck her like a physical blow, and she fought to keep the anger and frustration from showing on her face. With a tight smile that did not reach her eyes, Leona | Former Empress Sister dipped into a shallow curtsey before straightening once more. "Of course, Your Majesty," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll continue to serve you and the Empire as best I can."

Turning on her heel, she strode away from the throne, unable to meet his gaze for even a moment longer. The silence of the council chamber seemed deafening in comparison to the tumult within her own mind. She could feel her control slipping, the years of discipline and self-mastery starting to unravel as anger and despair threatened to overwhelm her.

And yet, even as she seethed with rage and disappointment, a part of her knew that there was

Her heart raced as she walked away, every nerve ending on fire with the desire to strike out against him. But she forced herself to remain calm, maintaining her dignity even as it felt like it was slipping through her fingers. As she retreated deeper into the palace, her steps growing more erratic and furious, she knew that she could not allow herself to become unhinged. Not yet.

Instead, she took a deep breath, steadying her racing pulse as she sought refuge in one of her private chambers. There, behind locked doors and drawn curtains, she could give vent to her anger and frustration without fear of judgment or reprisal. But even as she released her pent-up emotions upon a series of expensive-looking cushions, her mind never strayed far from the throne room and the man who now sat upon it.

For Leona | Former Empress Sister knew that

Leona | Former Empress Sister walked down the hallways, unaware that she was being followed. Her thoughts were elsewhere as she tried to come up with a plan B in case her original proposal didn't work out. Her breath hitched when she felt someone walking closer to her and quickly turned around, ready to defend herself or lash out if necessary. But it was only Maruzaki who stood there, looking at her with a curious expression. "My lord?" She asked, her voice shaking slightly from the adrenaline rush that had just coursed through her body.

Maruzaki raised an eyebrow and slowly closed the distance between them before speaking, "I understand your offer may have come as a surprise to me. But I also want what's best for the Empire." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps we could find a middle ground...?"

Leona raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the unexpected gesture and paused for a moment before nodding slowly. "Indeed, Your Majesty," she replied, voice still somewhat unsteady despite her attempt to appear calm. "I would be open to discussing such possibilities." Her heart raced with anticipation as they continued walking together through the palace halls; could this be a sign that Maruzaki was finally beginning to see reason? Or was it simply another ploy in his scheme to keep her at arm's length while maintaining control over their shared legacy? Only time would tell.

Cautiously, Leona approached the throne room as per the Emperor's summons. When she entered and saw everyone leave except her, a surge of hope mixed with unease coursed through her veins. This must be it; Maruzaki was about to make his decision. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Leona walked up to the throne and gracefully curtsied before looking up at him expectantly.

Maruzaki's expression was unreadable as he studied her intently for several long moments before finally speaking. "Leona," he began in a measured tone, "I have given your proposal great thought." Her heart skipped a beat; this must be it. "However," he continued, and the hope that had briefly flared within her flickered and died, "I have come to the decision that it would not be wise for us to marry at this time."

Her eyes widened

"I see." Leona forced herself to remain calm and composed, despite the burning fury that threatened to consume her at his words. "If you're concerned about our relationship within the palace walls, I assure you that I have no intention of causing any strife or unrest among the staff." Her voice was cold as ice, every syllable dripping with a barely concealed venom.

Maruzaki raised an eyebrow at her response before taking another sip of his tea. "That's not my main concern," he said eventually, his tone still measured and controlled. "I have to think about what is best for the Empire as a whole." He paused, regarding her steadily. "Perhaps in time, you will understand that I am only trying to do what I believe is right."

Leona's jaw clenched at his words; understanding dawned upon her like a cold drizzle

"Perhaps in time, Your Majesty," she said through gritted teeth, her eyes never leaving his, "you will learn that some things are more important than control." Her heart raced as he drew closer; anger and despair threatened to overwhelm her. But even as she seethed with rage, a part of her knew that this was far from over. There would be other opportunities, other ways for her to regain the power and influence she had once held so dearly.

For now, however, she must bide her time and play by his rules. Swallowing the bitter taste of defeat that rose in her throat, Leona | Former Empress Sister forced herself to bow her head submissively as he approached, offering him a show of respect despite the turmoil within. "I will continue to serve you faithfully, Your Majesty," she murmured softly, voice little more than a whisper. "

Her face flushed with humiliation as she found herself in his lap, powerless to resist his command. "It's nothing, Your Majesty," she forced out through gritted teeth, struggling against the unwelcome sensation of submission. "I simply hoped that I could serve you better in another capacity." Her eyes flashed with defiance despite her words, daring him to challenge her assertion further.

In truth, Leona | Former Empress Sister knew all too well that this was far from the end. There would be other opportunities for her to regain what she had lost; she simply needed to bide her time and wait for the right moment to strike. Until then, she would play along with his games and keep herself prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Leona hesitates before slowly speaking, her words tinged with bitter anger and resentment. "It's your decision to keep me at arm's length like some kind of pet... I have years of experience and knowledge that could benefit the Empire, but you refuse to see past our sibling rivalry." She sobs, her body trembling in his embrace. "I only wanted what was best for us, for everyone... But it seems I was wrong."

With a shuddering breath, she tries to regain control of herself, wiping away tears with the back of her hand. "I thought we could be partners, equals... Instead, you've chosen this path of isolation and mistrust." Her voice cracks as she utters the final words, her heart heavy with disappointment and betrayal.

With tears streaming down her face, Leona buried herself in his chest and gave voice to the rage and anguish that had been building up within her. She wept bitterly, clinging to him like a drowning woman as her body trembled with emotion. It felt good, cathartic, to finally let go of the control she had maintained for so long; to surrender to the pain and hurt and trust that he would not abandon her.

As her tears slowed and her breathing steadied, Leona | Former Empress Sister lifted her tear-streaked face from his chest, wiping away the last of her tears with the back of her hand. Her eyes were red and swollen, but there was a newfound determination burning bright within them. "I will not give up, Maruzaki," she said through gritted teeth, her voice strong despite her quivering lips

She sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand before fixing him with a defiant glare. "Don't expect me to be some docile little sister, Maruzaki," she spat out between clenched teeth. "I may have lost this battle, but it doesn't mean I won't fight again." Her words were laced with warning, even as she leaned into his embrace, seeking comfort in the familiarity of his touch.

For now, Leona | Former Empress Sister would bide her time and lick her wounds; but when the opportunity presented itself, she swore that she would seize it with both hands and never let go again. Her determination was as unyielding as the steel beneath her skin, and no matter how many times he tried to break her, he would never truly succeed.