Chapter 22 : Even an Empress.

Reli felt a slight shiver as Nectar said that but she wasn't entirely scared since she knew she wasn't referring to her.

August ran up to her with a lazy smile. He had on a black jacket and white pants. He wasn't wearing shoes though but thick socks he wrapped his arms around her neck leaning on her chest " Morning Sister Reli ".

Reli laughed, patting his head " Morning to you too August " Nathaniel crossed his arms, obviously jealous his friend had already stolen her attention " Typical, leave some for us August ". Reli laughed as she kissed his cheek teasingly " Does Nathaniel feel better now "?

Nathaniel blushed slightly but didn't lose his composure, he was instantly teased by a laughing June " You look like a red cherry ". Nathaniel stomped his foot " No I don't ".

Nectar laughed, then Jewlica raised her hands meaning she wanted to be carried. She was in a black puffy dress with white gloves and a scarf. Nectar happily picked her up making Jewlica clap.

" How do you like your new rooms "? Mario who was sitting on the floor and resting on her thigh shrugged, " It's strange but in a good way ". Nectar nodded " Good to know ".

June raised her hand " Its scary not seeing them the first time I wake up though ". Nectar brightened but Liam cut her off as he rolled out a bandage " Don't even think about it. You've caused enough trouble as it is ".

Nectar pouted as she gave him her hand " Your no fun and you don't even know what I was thinking about...it might have being a good idea ". Liam raised an eyebrow as he began wrapping her palm gently " Was it a good idea "?

Nectar turned and slightly scratched her cheek " Maybe ". Liam shook his head slowly wrapping it " I'm not surprised. Only nonsense comes out of your mouth ". Nectar furrowed her brows as she punched Liam's arm " Your an idiotic egomaniac "

The others watched them go back and forth. Reli laughed making August look up at her "Do they do that a lot "? August nodded " I've never seen them have a complete conversation without insulting each other ".

~ ~ ~

Eros was now in his private study after the council meetings. Eros wasn't supposed to have his own palace but instead spend nights among his women when not busy but that simply seemed ridiculous.

So he had a small one built. It was a somewhat simple looking bungalow painted in a lazy black and pale red color like his hair and eyes.

It was a sort of sanctuary for him since few people knew of it. No irritating women, no nagging council men, Just him and his work.

Then a shadow guard appeared and kneeled, using one hand to support his weight " Reporting to his majesty ". Eros waved, signalling for him to go on as he looked over a new tax request " The subjects at THE FIELDS are becoming more restless and the number of failed experiments has increased by 40% your highness. The scientists don't know what to do or have enough human resources "

Eros glanced at the solider then smiled coldly " Then go out and find more children. I will not tolerate any sort of mistakes or your lot will join them ". The shadow guard shivered slightly as he nodded in conferment and suddenly disappeared.

Eros sighed as he put down the file and looked at the chandelier on the ceiling " What to do? What to do? There isn't much time left so don't disappoint me brother".

~ ~ ~

Athena sighed as the servant closed the door behind her. Though she had nothing to do with it, it was still a lost opportunity to humiliate Nectar.

She'd wanted to get her facts straight before she told Eros. She couldn't go around telling him hearsay, how would she defend herself if something went wrong ? The five servants she'd called in separately said the same thing - Suki had slapped herself.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Nectar was sitting on her throne when Suki slapped herself so technically it couldn't be her [ Maybe I could label her as a sorceress? No..that wouldn't work ]

Though sorcerers were rare in Lishflour, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Most priests in temples where blessed with power from the gods so it wouldn't seem to strange to have them.

Athena pulled at her hair trying to think " I have to take advantage of this quickly ". Then her face lit up as an idea came to mind.

Suki's father Minister San loved his daughter very much and spoilt her a lot since he was always travelling for official business since he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

That was the main reason for Suki's childish behavior. Women in Lishflour were usually treated like precious gems by their fathers but didn't necessarily get along with their mothers who would sometimes feel threatened by her children.

Such was with Suki, her mother was a vain woman and naturally let Suki do as she please to please her husband. That was the reason she became part of the harem. She'd been so captivated by his beauty she'd forced her father's hand and immediately she turned 16 ( the marriageable age in Lishflour ) two years ago.

But one thing was certain, she had her father wrapped around her finger and he was a vengeful man who would pay back whatever Suki suffered, no matter who, even an empress.