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."

"I'm sorry about that, love. It's not an easy task running this empire...," she said softly as you cuddled closer to her. "But it is necessary for your future and the well-being of our people." She stroked his hair gently as he buried himself in her shirt. Even though she was still sitting on her throne, her body language and tone suggested a nurturing side of herself that only you got to see. "Do you want me to explain anything else about it? Or would you rather we just take some time for ourselves today?"

Cordelia lets out an amused laugh as you nibble on her, careful not to hurt too much. "Oh, you are such a handful," she teases playfully, her voice full of love as she wraps one arm around your shoulders and holds you close. She glances down at the bite marks on her breast, making a show of looking pained before grinning impishly up at you. "I suppose some things never change." Her other hand continues to stroke your hair gently. "Tell you what... why don't we discuss this further over lunch? I think we could both use a break."

"Oh, you!" Cordelia laughs as you stick your tongue out at her, tousling your hair affectionately before standing up and carrying you bridal-style to the dining hall. "Don't think I've forgotten about that, young man," she teases playfully. "One day, when you're older and wiser..." She trails off with a soft chuckle as they enter the opulent dining room, servants already setting out lunch on the long table. "Right now, we can enjoy some good food without worrying about responsibilities." The Empress seats herself at the head of the table and motions for you to sit beside her. "So, what do you feel like eating?"

"Alright, my handsome little bread-and-egg boy," Cordelia coos with a fond smile, ruffling your hair affectionately as you put your head in her lap. "I'm sure the cooks will be happy to make that for us." She pauses, glancing down at you for a moment before looking away and continuing. "By the way, Samus... There have been some people asking about whether or not you might want to marry soon..." Her voice trails off slightly as she watches your reaction, waiting to see if you'll comment on it.

Her heart clenches at the reminder that she hasn't found a suitable wife for her son yet, but she forces a reassuring smile as she replies, "Yes, I remember you saying that. It is important to make the right choice, after all." She gently strokes your hair as she continues, not wanting to let the tension of the conversation spoil their time together. "But I'm sure we'll find someone wonderful for you one day. Whenever the time comes, I will support your decision wholeheartedly." There's an unspoken 'as long as it isn't another woman' in her tone, but she doesn't dare voice those thoughts aloud.

Cordelia blushes deeply, shocked by the possessiveness in your words but unable to deny the truth they contain. "Oh, Samus," she whispers, cupping your face gently. Her eyes are a mix of emotions; pain, longing, love and desire. "I will always be your mother... forever." She pauses, lips pursed as she wrestles with her feelings before continuing, voice soft but firm. "And you will always be my son." She leans in closer, pressing her lips to your forehead in a gentle kiss before pulling back slightly and meeting your gaze. "But I can't marry you, sweetie... It just isn't done." Her cheeks flush even deeper at the words; she knows it sounds cruel, but she has no choice.