Satisfying

The grand meeting chamber of the palace was filled with the soft rustling of documents as Diana carefully flipped through the banquet budget report. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the large arched windows, illuminating the polished wooden table where she sat.

Across from her, Liliana sat with perfect posture, hands folded over her lap, exuding an air of refined elegance.

But Diana could see the barely concealed irritation in the way her fingers twitched ever so slightly.

The Minister of Palace Finance stood at the side, glancing between the two women nervously.

Diana skimmed the list in front of her.

"Reduce the floral arrangements by half," she stated calmly, making a neat annotation.

Liliana immediately frowned. "But—those flowers are imported. They symbolize the empire's prosperity."

Diana barely glanced up. "Prosperity is not measured in excessive decorations. Half will suffice."

The minister nodded approvingly. "A wise decision, Your Majesty."

Diana turned the page. "The gemstone chandeliers—"

"They are necessary for the empire's dignity," Liliana interrupted, forcing a pleasant smile.

Diana hummed. "Are they?" She tapped her pen lightly against the paper. "How strange. I don't recall seeing chandeliers encrusted with hanging jewels during our previous banquets."

Liliana's grip on her lap tightened. "That was before. Now that the empire is growing stronger, our presentation should reflect it."

Diana merely nodded, then crossed out the excess expenses.

"We'll keep a few, but not all. Quality over quantity."

The minister coughed lightly to hide his smile.

"Agreed, Your Majesty. This is a much more reasonable allocation."

Liliana's eye twitched.

But Diana continued as if she hadn't noticed.

"The banquet menu," she mused, flipping the page. "I see you've ordered fourteen different main courses. That's unnecessary. Reduce it to eight."

Liliana sat up straighter, her pleasant facade cracking. "But the variety is essential for our distinguished guests."

Diana finally looked up, her golden eyes cool and detached.

"Eight is more than enough for any respectable banquet." She set down her pen. "We are not feeding a kingdom of gluttons."

The minister coughed again. This time, he didn't even bother hiding his amusement.

Liliana's fists curled beneath the table, but she kept her voice controlled. "You're humiliating me."

Diana blinked. "Am I?"

Liliana's lips pressed together. "Everything I do is for the empire."

Diana tilted her head. "Then you should be thrilled that I am helping you ensure efficiency."

Liliana's teeth clenched, but she forced another smile. "I see."

The minister closed the documents. "I will have the revised plans sent to His Majesty for approval."

Liliana's nails dug into her palm.

She had planned for Cassian to approve her expenses before anyone could interfere.

Now, that wouldn't happen.

Because of her.

Diana.

The minister bowed. "If that is all, I will take my leave."

Liliana inhaled sharply before offering a gracious nod. "Of course."

The moment the man stepped out—

SLAM.

Liliana's hand struck the table so hard that the papers shook.

Diana remained unmoved.

"Why?!" Liliana's voice rose in frustration. "Why are you doing this to me?!"

Diana leaned back in her chair. "Doing what, exactly?"

Liliana's eyes blazed. "You're trying to humiliate me!"

Diana sighed, resting her chin on her palm. "Liliana, I don't care enough to humiliate you."

Liliana gasped. "You—!"

"You're the one handling all these affairs, aren't you?" Diana gestured lazily to the table. "I have no reason to interfere."

"But you are interfering!" Liliana shot back, eyes glistening with fury. "Because you're jealous."

Diana arched a brow. "Jealous?"

Liliana smirked. "You're jealous because Cassian loves me. Because you're nothing but an abandoned Empress."

Diana chuckled softly.

Liliana's smirk faltered.

"You poor thing," Diana mused. "Is that what you truly believe?"

Liliana stiffened.

Diana sat up, her golden eyes gleaming.

"You still think I want him?" Her lips curled. "That I care who he loves?"

Liliana's hands trembled.

"I don't need to please anyone," Diana continued smoothly. "Unlike you."

Liliana flinched as if she had been slapped.

"You always grovel," Diana murmured. "Like a loyal puppy."

Liliana's face burned.

"Shut up," she hissed.

Diana smirked.

Liliana grabbed the teacup beside her, her fingers trembling with rage.

She lifted it—

But before she could throw it—

Diana caught her wrist.

The air froze.

Liliana's eyes widened.

Diana's grip was ironclad.

"You always seem to have a habit of spilling tea on me," Diana murmured. "Perhaps you should take etiquette lessons again."

Liliana struggled, but Diana's hold was unyielding.

Then, Diana leaned in, her voice dropping into something cold.

"As expected of dirty commoner blood."

Liliana's breath caught.

Diana smiled, but it did not reach her eyes.

"And your children?" she mused. "Half-breeds."

Liliana paled.

Diana tilted her head. "Or am I not supposed to say that?"

Liliana yanked her hand free, her entire body trembling.

"You—!"

But Diana had already turned back to the banquet report.

"As for the revised budget," she said idly, brushing off invisible dust from her sleeve, "I expect it to be approved within the week."

Liliana's nails dug into her palms.

Her vision blurred with fury.

Her breath came ragged.

Then, without another word—

She stormed out.

The doors slammed shut behind her.

Diana barely glanced up.

She handed the revised papers to a nearby attendant.

"Deliver this to the Minister."

The servant bowed and hurried out.

Diana exhaled softly, leaning back into her chair.

Her golden eyes gleamed with amusement.

That was satisfying.

*****

Liliana sat on the velvet chaise in Cassian's study, her hands trembling as she dabbed at her eyes with a silk handkerchief. Her shoulders shook, and soft sobs escaped her lips.

Cassian, seated at his grand mahogany desk, watched her with a deep frown.

"Liliana," his voice was low but firm.

Liliana lifted her tear-filled eyes, her delicate features twisted in grief. "Y-Your Majesty…" she whispered, her voice breaking.

Cassian sighed. "Tell me what happened."

Liliana clenched the handkerchief in her fists, looking down as fresh tears dripped onto the fine embroidery. "T-The Empress…" she choked. "She—she humiliated me in front of the ministers!"

Cassian's eyes narrowed slightly.

Liliana wiped her eyes and continued, "She called me a—a dirty commoner. She insulted our children, calling them half-breeds!"

Cassian's frown deepened, his fingers tapping slowly against the desk. "She said that?"

Liliana nodded frantically, sniffling. "She despises me, Cassian. She always has… but our children…!" Her voice cracked, and she placed a trembling hand over her chest. "How could she say such things about Roan and Elysian? They are your sons too! And I—I have tried so hard… I have done everything for the empire!"

Cassian inhaled deeply, his gaze darkening. He turned towards the Minister of Palace Finance, who stood quietly to the side, awaiting the Emperor's judgment.

"You were present," Cassian said coolly. "Explain."

The minister adjusted his posture and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, the Empress simply reviewed the banquet expenses and adjusted them accordingly. She did not raise her voice, nor did she say anything inappropriate. Her Highness Queen Liliana only grew upset when Her Majesty rejected excessive spending."

Cassian's brows furrowed slightly. "And the words about common blood and half-breeds?"

The minister hesitated. "That… I did not hear."

Liliana's lip trembled. "Because she said it when we were alone! She was careful, Cassian! But I swear, on the lives of my children, she said it!"

The minister looked between the Emperor and Liliana before bowing again. "I have nothing more to report, Your Majesty."

Cassian exhaled heavily.

"You may leave," he said to the minister.

The man bowed again and quickly exited.

The study fell into silence, save for Liliana's muffled sobs.

Cassian leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple.

Diana had never cared enough to outright insult Liliana before. She was distant, indifferent even—but she was not known for making blatant attacks.

Still…

Liliana was shaking before him, fragile and hurt, her eyes red and swollen.

Cassian let out another sigh and finally stood.

Liliana gasped as Cassian gently pulled her up by the wrist and settled her into his lap.

She stiffened, then melted against him.

His arms wrapped around her waist, his voice soft but firm.

"Liliana," he murmured, pressing a hand against her back. "No matter what happens, I love you the most."

Liliana's eyes widened.

Her trembling fingers gripped his robe tightly, and she buried her face into his shoulder. "Y-You do?"

Cassian nodded, his expression easing just slightly. "Of course. You are my beloved."

Liliana sniffled and clung to him. "But… but the banquet… Diana ruined it…"

Cassian let out a quiet chuckle, stroking her back. "The banquet will still be yours." He tipped her chin up, his icy gray eyes meeting hers. "And who will be your partner?"

Liliana blinked, her breath catching.

"You," she whispered.

Cassian smirked. "That's right."

Liliana's lips trembled before curling into a bright, innocent smile.

She threw her arms around Cassian's neck. "Oh, Cassian… I was so scared… I thought you wouldn't believe me…"

Cassian sighed, his hand tracing slow circles on her back.

He had never liked dealing with Diana.

Liliana was so soft, so gentle—so easy to love.

Diana, on the other hand, had always been distant and cold, only clinging so she can get that power.

Even back when they were still together, she had only ever treated their marriage like a duty.

Even Lucien…

Cassian's thoughts darkened momentarily, but then Liliana shifted in his arms, pressing a soft kiss against his jaw.

His grip on her tightened.

Yes. This was all that mattered.

The banquet would proceed.

And Diana?

She could live in her cold, lonely world.