Treading on Thin Ice

Sylphina stood frozen in the opulent chamber, her fingers clutching the silver tray like a lifeline. Her eyes flicked toward the imposing figure of Valeria, who had settled in one of the ornate chairs by the balcony. The Alpha's presence dominated the room despite her silence, and the faint trace of mandarin still lingering in the air kept Sylphina's nerves tightly wound.

The door clicked shut behind her, and she nearly jumped. She chided herself for reacting so dramatically, but how could she not? Every instinct screamed that she was in a predator's den, and the predator had yet to decide if she was dinner.

"Why are you standing there?" Valeria's voice cut through the heavy air, crisp and detached.

Sylphina swallowed hard. "I—I'm waiting for your instructions, Your Majesty."

Valeria's brow furrowed. "I didn't ask for a speech. Just set the tray down."

Hurrying to comply, Sylphina placed the tray on the small table in the center of the room. Her hands trembled slightly, but she managed not to spill anything. Valeria observed her like one might a skittish animal, her head tilted in vague curiosity.

"You're not going to drop dead from fear, are you?" Valeria asked, a note of something perhaps humor? in her tone.

Sylphina bit her lip to suppress a retort. Her heart pounded as she straightened, but she kept her eyes downcast. "No, Your Majesty."

Valeria sighed and leaned back in her chair. The awkward silence stretched between them, thick and stifling. Sylphina dared a glance at the Empress, who seemed just as uncomfortable, though she hid it better.

"Sit," Valeria commanded, gesturing to a smaller chair across from her.

Sylphina hesitated. "I—I couldn't possibly—"

"It's not a request."

Reluctantly, Sylphina sat, her posture stiff and her hands folded neatly in her lap. She didn't dare meet Valeria's gaze, but she could feel the weight of it on her.

The room was too quiet. Every tick of the ornate clock on the mantle felt like a hammer striking metal. Sylphina's stomach chose that moment to betray her, emitting a loud growl that shattered the silence.

Her cheeks flamed red as she clamped a hand over her stomach, mortified.

Valeria blinked at her, and for the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed her face something that might have been surprise or amusement.

"When was the last time you ate?" the Empress asked, her tone sharp but not unkind.

Sylphina shook her head quickly. "I'm fine, Your Majesty. Truly."

"That wasn't the question."

Sylphina hesitated, unsure how to respond without further incurring Valeria's scrutiny. "This morning, I think," she mumbled.

"You think?" Valeria stood abruptly, the movement making Sylphina flinch. She didn't approach, instead walking toward the tray and lifting one of the covered dishes. Without a word, she placed it on the table between them and gestured for Sylphina to eat.

"I couldn't possibly," Sylphina protested, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is for you, Your Majesty."

Valeria's lips pressed into a thin line. "Are you always this contrary, or is it just with me?"

Sylphina blinked, unsure how to respond to that.

"Eat," Valeria repeated, more firmly this time. "I'm not going to poison you. If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't be sitting here."

Sylphina wasn't comforted by the statement, but her growling stomach made the decision for her. She reached for a slice of warm bread, her hands trembling as she brought it to her lips.

Valeria sat back down, watching her with a mixture of detachment and mild curiosity. "Do you always tremble like a leaf, or is this a special performance for me?"

Sylphina nearly choked on the bread. "N-no, Your Majesty."

"Good. It's exhausting."

They fell into another uneasy silence, broken only by the occasional clink of utensils as Sylphina cautiously picked at the food. The meal was simple but hearty: roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, and fresh rolls that melted in her mouth. It was the kind of food meant to comfort, not impress a stark contrast to the imposing figure sitting across from her.

Despite her fear, Sylphina couldn't deny how hungry she was. Each bite seemed to restore a fraction of her strength, though it did nothing for her nerves.

Valeria, meanwhile, seemed lost in thought. She tapped a finger against the armrest of her chair, her sharp eyes occasionally drifting toward Sylphina.

Finally, the Omega couldn't take the silence anymore. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice trembling.

"For what?" Valeria asked, her tone unreadable.

"For the food," Sylphina replied. "And for not… hurting me."

Valeria raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you expected? For me to hurt you?"

Sylphina hesitated, then nodded.

"Good." Valeria's voice was cold again, but there was a flicker of something else beneath it something softer, though it was gone before Sylphina could identify it. "Fear keeps people in line."

Sylphina's heart sank. She'd thought, for just a moment, that there might be a trace of kindness in the Empress. But no this was all a calculated game to her, wasn't it?

Still, there was something about the way Valeria's gaze lingered on her, something that made Sylphina question her assumptions. But she quickly pushed the thought aside. It didn't matter. Whatever the Empress's motives, Sylphina would play along for now.

As the meal concluded, Valeria stood, her commanding presence filling the room once more. "You'll clean up when you're done," she said, turning toward the door. "And don't break anything."

With that, she was gone, leaving Sylphina alone with her thoughts and the lingering scent of mandarin in the air.

Sylphina let out a shaky breath, her hands gripping the edge of the table. Her heart was still racing, and her mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions.