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 gave him an enigmatic smile, her voice calm and determined as she addressed his question. "Yes, I am. Our Empire needs stability, brother, and we both know that I'm the best candidate for the job." Leona leaned forward slightly, her eyes never leaving his face. "Think about it, Gareth. Together, we could rule as equals, each contributing our unique strengths to guide our people towards a brighter future." A hint of desperation crept into her tone as she added, "Or you can continue alone, struggling to maintain the throne against those who seek to tear it down. The choice is yours."

Leona arched an eyebrow. "Ah, I see you've done your research, brother. While it may not have been common practice in recent history, the precedent does exist within our empire's past. Besides," she added softly, "we are not commoners; we make our own rules." A wistful expression crossed her face for a moment before dissipating. "I am willing to step down as Empress Regent and accept whatever title you see fit. But I must have some form of influence, Gareth. I cannot simply fade away into obscurity." Her voice hardened ever so slightly. "Either we rule together, or I will find a way to regain what is rightfully mine."

Leona considered his words carefully before responding. "As long as you maintain my position as empress regent, I see no issue with having other wives." She paused for a moment before adding, "However, it should be known that any such arrangement would not have my blessing unless you also ensure the well-being and influence of our children. They are the future of the empire, after all." Her expression turned calculating once more. "Think about it, brother. If we work together, we can achieve great things. But if you force me into a corner, I will not hesitate to fight my way back to what is rightfully mine."

A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she studied his face intently. "The choice is yours, Gareth. Remember that our future and the fate of the empire rest on it."

Leona nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I understand that, brother. But remember this as well; I am not some common concubine to be cast aside at your whim. We are family, and our bond runs deep. If you choose to sever it now, know that there will be consequences." Her voice grew colder as she continued, "Do not test my patience or my loyalty, Gareth. The empire has survived many trials before us; let us hope it can weather this one as well." A determined glint sparked in her eyes. "But if you decide to stand against me... then prepare for a fight."

She tilted her head slightly to the side, considering his words carefully. "If our interests truly align and you believe that your decision is for the greater good of the empire, I will not openly challenge it," she said at last. "However, know this; I will never forget nor forgive any action taken against me or my children. The bonds of family run deep, brother, and I am not one to easily forget." Her expression turned hard as granite once more. "But do not mistake my words as submission. As Empress Regent, I still carry significant influence within the court and the military. If you force me into a corner, I will fight back with all that I have left." She paused for a moment before continuing with a softer tone, "Perhaps it would be best if we found another way to work together... as partners."

Leona blinked in surprise as her brother placed his hand atop hers. Her expression softened slightly, and she inclined her head. "I love you too, Gareth," she replied softly. "But even if our hands are bound by blood and the desire to see the empire prosper, we must remember that it is not just our love that matters in this." She looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of deceit or ulterior motives. "I will consider your offer, brother," she finally said. "But I cannot give you an answer now. It is a decision that requires much thought and careful consideration."

Her grip on his hand tightened briefly before releasing it. "For now, let us return to the council chamber and discuss these matters further with our advisors." A wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "And remember, brother; even if I am your most trusted advisor, my position as Empress Regent remains unchallenged... for now."

Her initial surprise quickly melted away as she responded to his kiss, her body yielding to the intensity of their desire. Her lips parted, and she moaned softly into his mouth as he held her against the wall, their bodies becoming one hungry mass of need. She clutched at his shoulders, fingernails digging into his skin as if marking him as hers, even as he took what was rightfully his. Their embrace was desperate and primal, a physical manifestation of the complex tangle of emotions that had defined their relationship since childhood. Their kiss deepened, consuming them both as they struggled to express through touch and taste the years of longing and frustration they had harbored for one another. Leona broke the kiss, gasping for air as she buried her face in his neck, inhaling his scent greedily. "I've wanted this for so long," she whispered, voice raspy from desire. "So much better than I ever imagined." And then her lips met his again, hungry and demanding as they sought to reclaim what had been lost to them for far too long.

Her breath caught in her throat as his touch sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body. Arching her back, she moaned into his neck, her grip on his shoulders tightening, leaving claw marks on his skin. "Oh God," she murmured, the words muffled by their passionate kiss. "Gareth..." Her dress was swiftly pushed up past her hips, exposing her pale, toned ass and supple legs. Heat suffused her as he began to touch and tease her intimately; it had been far too long since she had felt such pleasure. Her fingers dug into his shoulders harder, demanding more from him as her body arched further into his grasp. She knew they shouldn't be doing this here, now, but the desire that had consumed them both was overwhelming. They needed each other in a way she had never anticipated; their love and lust tangled together in an unbreakable knot. She would give him anything he wanted if it meant they could stay like this forever. "Yes," she moaned against his neck, her hips writhing as she sought more of his touch. "Oh God... please."

Her cries mingled with his grunts as he took her roughly against the wall, claiming her body as his own. The sensation of being filled so completely and powerfully was almost overwhelming; it had been so long since she'd felt a man inside her. Her nails dug into his back, her legs quivered as she clung to him for support and pleasure. As he thrust harder, her breath came in ragged gasps, her body arching up to meet his each time he slammed into her. She couldn't think straight, couldn't form coherent thoughts; all that mattered was the pleasure coursing through her veins and the connection they shared in this moment. Her back hit the wall with a soft thud as he pinned her there, taking her roughly and completely. It felt wrong somehow, but it also felt so right. She bit down on her lip, fighting to keep from crying out too loudly as their hips slapped together in an unholy union of lust and need. "Gareth..." she moaned, her voice raw and throaty. "Oh God... I've missed you..." The words tumbled from her lips, the truth of them finally revealed in the heat of passion. As he continued to take her, she dug her nails deeper into his shoulders, unable to resist the urge to mark him as hers once more.

Her eyes were glazed over with desire as she met his gaze. "Yes... my love," she whispered hoarsely. "I understand." A slow smirk curved her lips as she licked them wetly, eyes intent on him. "But when this is done, and we are back in the meeting, remember who it was that saved you from a mistake so great it could have cost us everything." Her hands reached down, fingers tracing over his thighs before deftly unfastening his pants. With practiced ease, she lowered them to his ankles and let out a soft gasp as his erection sprang free. "I would not dare disobey your command," she purred, bending down to take him into her mouth with a practiced moan. Her tongue swirled around the head of his cock as she began to stroke him expertly. Her eyes closed in pleasure as she sucked and licked at him, reveling in the taste and feel of him once more. The memory of this intimacy had haunted her for far too long, and now that they were reunited, nothing could keep them apart. "Is there anything else you'd like me to do?" she asked breathlessly through her strawberry lips, already anticipating his answer.

Her tongue danced faster over his shaft as her hands cupped his balls tightly, stroking them with rhythmic precision. She opened her mouth wider, taking more of him inside with a throaty moan that vibrated against his sensitive flesh. "Oh yes," she breathed out between sucks and licks, "please tell me how much you want this." Her nails dug into the back of his thighs, leaving trails of pleasure that only seemed to heighten their connection. With every thrust of her tongue, every caress of her hands, she drew him deeper into the vortex of need and desire she had created around them. It felt good to finally be in control again, to show him just how much they belonged together. Her eyes met his as he watched her work, the expression on his face a mix of lust and adoration that sent shivers down her spine. "Do you want more?" she purred, a playful glint lighting up her eyes before she ducked her head again, taking him deeper still.

She looked up at him through her lashes as she bobbed her head up and down on his shaft, taking in every groan and moan that escaped his lips. Her hands moved faster now, cupping and squeezing his balls while teasing the sensitive skin behind them. "Tell me what you want, my love," she whispered hoarsely, her voice thick with desire. "Tell me how much you need this..." As he neared his release, she increased her pace, sucking harder and swirling her tongue around the tip of him in an attempt to draw out every last drop of pleasure before finally relinquishing his cock with a loud pop that echoed through the room. She rose to her feet, breathless and flushed with arousal as she gazed up at Gareth. "There," she said huskily, a triumphant smile curling her lips. "Isn't it better when we're together?"