Unworthy Of A Chance

It's unclear on how long it's been since Zeya moved into the Exousian's residence, nor does it matter anyway. Her time was mostly spent cooped up inside her own personal chamber, where she searched endlessly through various maps that overviewed both Exousia and Imnolyn, attempting to locate her mother's hidden library.

 So far, it had been a terrible mess, with every find leading to more possibly locations until eventually, she was left with a map littered with God knows how many 'X's all over it. It was almost like a sign, warning them to stop searching but Zeya knew she was far too close to stop now.

The days went by quickly as she lived her life this way, with days turning into weeks without her noticing. Occasionally, she would step out to go to the royal library, where she would meet Ezra to discuss her latest findings.

It was rare for her to run into Varen after she moved in, and she tried hard to keep it that way for the sake of her own sanity. Nothing good ever came out of seeing him; his superficial attitude was something Zeya detested the most in this realm, never failing to vex her each time their paths crossed.

Despite having been told that she was more than welcome to explore the palace, Zeya knew that it was all just for show. Out of politeness, Ezra had once offered to show Zeya around the palace, though she immediately refused the proposal without much thought.

"It would be my pleasure to show you around if you have some time, Empress." Ezra offered, expecting her to agree. "Though I must apologize beforehand that I won't be able to show you the entire layout of the palace, due to the contract you sighed."

"As much as I do appreciate the kind offer, I don't think that would be necessary." Zeya declined with a strained smile. "I believe I'm familiar with this place enough to not get lost."

"Oh, why of course. I apologize for my carelessness." The counsellor immediately corrected, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Although it had been quite some time ago, it had slipped my mind that you used to work alongside His Majesty in the past. Besides, I've heard Roseabelles have impeccable memory, so I am certain you'll be fine without my assistance."

"Work alongside Varen he said." Zeya muttered to herself, the words leaving a bad taste in her mouth. "That bastard must've spewed some ludicrous lies to his men to paint some kind perfect picture between us."

She shook her head to regain her focus and continue on with her work but not long after however, a knock on her door broke her attention once again, disrupting her flow yet again.

"You can just leave the food by the door." She called out without looking up. Her hands stopped working when she noticed how the door never clicked closed.

"I wasn't aware that I had to bring food with me in order to come see you, Your Highness." A deep, honeyed voice said.

Her gaze turned spiteful at the sight of the emperor.

'Well, speak of the devil.'

"How... delightful to have you visit me despite your busy schedule, Your Majesty." She said in a sarcastic tone, her eyes conveying the suspicion she felt with Varen's sudden appearance.

"I am merely just carrying out one of my many responsibilities which of course, includes checking up on my dearest guest." He smiled, welcoming himself into her chamber.

She raised her eyebrows at his obvious lies but remained silent.

"And I see we have some uninvited guests in here as well." Varen stated as something interesting caught his attention.

"I suppose it wasn't clear enough when I said they were only allowed here during the daytime?" He shrugged to where Nox and a few of its companions were seen sitting at the end of Zeya's bed, their eyes wide open like cats as they carefully observed the two.

"My brother had placed an order for all shadows to return back to their realm after nightfall in case that monster decides to attack them, and the only way for shadows to go back there is through their master, Lex." She stated with a fed-up sigh.

"This particular group lost their chance to go back so, they shall be staying where I can see them until sunrise."

Zeya finally looked up to meet the monarch's curious gaze, this time with a mischievous grin on her face. "Also, that specific order of yours wasn't written in the contract which means I don't necessarily have to abide by it."

"Hm, that... is true." He grunted after a moment of thinking, unable to think of a witty comeback. "I suppose you have gotten me there."

"Well, now that you've seen me doing fine, I assume you can leave me be now?" She urged, crossing her hands in front of her chest as she stared at him. "I'm sure you have other, much more important matters to deal with."

"A matter much more important than you?" He asked light-heartedly, finding humor in Zeya's clear distaste towards his teasing. "Of course not."

There was amusement laced in the way he spoke to Zeya, both his eyes and voice taunting the empress in a way she couldn't quite place.

"Surely, you came all the way here because you were dissatisfied with something." She tilted her head, watching as Varen's eyes lit up with a sick delight. "Are the reports that council of yours making about me no longer satisfactory to you?"

"You know me so well that it's getting quite unnerving." He claimed, his smile getting bigger. "Let's put it this way, shall we? If a person that has made it their life's mission to being a constant bother suddenly turn so... obedient; it would seem rather suspicious, wouldn't it?"

He continued talking whilst taking a step forward.

"It could only mean one of two things... either I've finally managed to break you or, that smart mind of yours is planning something."

"And what exactly do I appear to be planning, Varen?" Zeya tilted her head, challenging his proposition. Varen was directly in front of Zeya now, with only the desk separating the two.

"That, only you would know my dear." He purred seductively, enjoying the way he was vexing the empress.

Their difference in height was much more pronounced this way as Varen looked down at her, his eyes glimmering a bright crimson red.

"However, I don't plan to find out right away so worry not. Besides, it is much more fun when we both play pretend, don't you agree?" He finally looked away, though his smirk never once disappeared. "So far you're doing rather well, I'll give you that but let's see how long you can keep it up."

"You know, to be quite frank, I still can't seem to find it in me to trust you." He started with a light-hearted smile, a total contrast to his indifferent stare that bore into Zeya. "You accepted my request to become allies far too easily after denying for so long. There must be something you're planning against me... it wouldn't be like you otherwise."

"You may be able to fool everyone else, but you know you can never fool me." He stated with so much confidence. "How can you when your eyes show me everything?"

"... I must frighten you so horribly judging by how attentive you're being of me." She smirked as she picked up her pen.

"Is it really that terrifying to watch someone come back from the dead?"

"What's even more terrifying was how silently you returned." He replied, his voice suddenly hard to read. "I imagined a far more... violent presence."

"That would've been the case if it weren't for father's cursed will." Zeya spat out bitterly as a frown began to form. "Although causing a bit of a ruckus definitely would've help getting me exiled once more, that would've been a bit too much of a bother I suppose."

"Even if it meant getting a chance to kill me?" He stared at the Roseabelle as her hand stopped writing. "I'm right here in front of you, completely defenseless in my own home and yet you have done nothing to harm me."

"... As much as I wish to, what good would come to me if I did decide to hurt you? The consequences my people will have to suffer for the sake of my selfishness is simply not worth it." She finally answered after a moment of thinking. "Nor are the efforts I have to make just for you."

"... Is that so?" His voice had a peculiar playfulness, one that Zeya was far too familiar with. "Or perhaps you intend to hurt me in another way?"

"I see that your sick tendencies are still very much alive, Your Majesty." Zeya retorted calmly as she attempted to push Varen away.

"And you're still the only one who can satisfy me." He flirted brazenly; his head tilted in amusement. "So, tell me dear, did you return to me to break my heart yet again?"

His eyes were relaxed but there was something that stirred inside of his eyes that deeply unsettled Zeya. They held each other's gaze as Varen attempted to get closer, walking past the desk that had acted as a barrier between him and Zeya all this time. With Zeya's back towards the wall, she had nowhere to go as Varen successfully trapped her.

"You... you must have a death wish." She threatened, feeling his hot breath on her neck as he laughed at her reaction.

It was when she felt Varen's lips on her neck that she reacted almost immediately, her eyes widening with surprise and anger. With one fluid motion, she slammed her hands into his face, pushing him away with all her strength.

"You fucking pervert." Zeya insulted, having enough of his pathetic attempts to toy with her. "Get out! Before I make you."

A deep chuckle erupted from the Kaxarene Emperor with his face still buried in her hand. Something stirred violently in his eyes as he continued to stare at her, sending chills down Zeya's spine. He bit her hand softly as he maintained eye contact before finally stepping back.

"I'd figured it was time you'd say that." He took her hand in his, kissing it softly. "As expected, it's going to take a lot more for you to open up but worry not. We have more than enough time to change that."

"Have a restful night, Empress." He greeted warmly before heading for the door and finally leaving Zeya in peace. "And welcome back home."