The Scandalous Tutor

The banquet hall gleamed with gold and candlelight as the delegates from various kingdoms stepped forward one by one, each bearing lavish gifts for the Emperor, the Empress, the Queen, and even the royal children.

Diana leaned back in her chair, one arm resting on the armrest while the other held a wine glass. She swirled the deep red liquid absentmindedly, her golden eyes half-lidded with boredom.

This was all just politics. Gifts were never truly gifts—they were carefully calculated messages wrapped in silk and jewels.

Next to her, Lucien sat upright, his small hands resting on the table as he watched the procession with curiosity. His black hair was neatly combed, his gray eyes sharp and observant, taking everything in.

Diana noticed his interest and sighed. Well, at least he was getting something out of this.

She leaned closer, her voice soft enough for only him to hear.

"Each of these kingdoms has a different way of thinking," she murmured. "Watch closely, my dear. This isn't just about gifts. It's about power, alliances, and intentions."

Lucien nodded quickly, his young face serious.

The first to step forward was the delegate from Alderrac.

A tall man dressed in deep green and gold, his every movement exuding practiced grace. The merchants of Alderrac had mastered the art of deception—smiling while calculating their profits behind their eyes.

He presented his gift with a deep bow. "From the esteemed merchants and nobles of Alderrac, a token of our endless admiration."

Servants stepped forward, unveiling a chest overflowing with rare spices, silks, and gemstones.

Lucien's eyes widened. "That's a lot of treasures…"

Diana gave a small smirk. "Alderrac doesn't give anything for free. They always expect something in return."

Lucien frowned, glancing at the delegate suspiciously. "Then… is this a bribe?"

Diana laughed softly, patting his head. "A subtle one."

The Emperor accepted the gift with a nod, offering polite thanks, but Diana barely acknowledged it.

Next came Veltara, the land of warriors.

A massive man with scarred arms and broad shoulders stepped forward, his heavy boots echoing in the hall. He carried no ornaments, no silk robes—just a simple warrior's attire, trimmed with wolf fur.

"The warriors of Veltara honor strength above all else," Diana whispered to Lucien. "They care little for wealth, but they respect those who prove themselves."

The delegate knelt, placing a gleaming sword with a red gemstone in its hilt before the Emperor.

Lucien's eyes shone. "That sword looks powerful…"

Diana nodded. "It is. A warrior's blade, meant only for those worthy of it."

The Veltaran delegate turned his sharp gaze to Diana. "A warrior's spirit burns brightly in the Empress's eyes," he said, his deep voice carrying through the hall. "Veltara recognizes those who stand tall."

The words were simple, but the meaning was clear.

Lucien's eyes darted to his mother, who merely gave a small, knowing smile.

Then came Sorvenia, the kingdom of scholars and mages.

Their delegate was a thin man, dressed in dark blue robes embroidered with arcane symbols. Unlike the previous two, his expression was calm, unreadable.

He stepped forward, placing a crystal orb pulsing with light on a velvet cushion.

"A gift from the Archmages of Sorvenia," he said smoothly. "A record of knowledge from the last three centuries, enchanted to reveal secrets only to those who seek them wisely."

Lucien's mouth parted slightly. "A magical gift?"

Diana nodded. "They believe knowledge is power."

Lucien's small fingers twitched. "Mother… can I—"

Diana chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Later, little scholar."

The next to present their offering was Callis, the naval powerhouse.

A woman in an elaborate coat with golden epaulettes and a hat adorned with feathers stepped forward. Her smirk was sharp, like the edge of a dagger.

"From the seas of Callis," she declared, waving her hand. Servants unveiled a set of beautifully crafted maps, detailing new trade routes and hidden islands.

Lucien's brow furrowed. "Why maps?"

Diana's golden eyes flickered with amusement. "Because whoever controls trade… controls wealth."

Lucien nodded slowly, filing the information away.

Then came Rydholm, the frozen land of warriors.

Their delegate was a silent, grim-looking man with icy blue eyes. He did not bow, only gave a brief nod before presenting a pelt of an enormous snow beast, rumored to be nearly unkillable.

Lucien reached out, hesitating before touching the fur. It was softer than he expected.

"The warriors of Rydholm respect resilience," Diana explained. "This is not just a gift—it's a message. They are watching, waiting to see if we are still worthy of their alliance."

Lucien's fingers curled against the fabric of his coat. "Will they be our friends again?"

Diana's expression remained unreadable. "Time will tell."

And finally, the last delegation—Valmere.

Their envoy was draped in white and gold, their presence almost sickly sweet. A representative of the Holy Empire.

They stepped forward, placing an ornate golden reliquary upon the table.

"A blessing from the Holy Empire," the delegate said, voice smooth as silk. "May the divine light guide the Empire of Verdeca always."

Diana barely resisted rolling her eyes.

Lucien, however, tilted his head. "Mother… they seem very polite."

Diana let out a quiet chuckle. "Yes, darling. Very polite."

Lucien looked at her, frowning slightly. "But… you don't like them?"

Diana patted his hand. "They are wolves in sheep's clothing."

Lucien nodded slowly, as if processing her words.

The Emperor, seated in the center, accepted each gift with his usual cold expression. Liliana, meanwhile, had been preening the entire time—smiling whenever gifts were presented to her and her children, her grip on the arms of her chair tightening whenever a delegate acknowledged Diana.

But the most interesting part?

Despite the gifts meant for the Emperor, many of the delegates kept glancing at her.

The Empress who carried herself like a ruler.

The woman who sat with effortless grace, clad in embroidered suit and coat rather than an elaborate dress.

The whispers around the room grew.

"Strange… I thought the Empress was delicate, a woman scorned. But she looks nothing like a heartbroken wife…"

"She does not even glance at the Emperor. Has she truly moved on?"

"She carries herself with dignity… stronger than I expected."

Diana hummed to herself.

Let them talk.

She cared not for their opinions.

Instead, she sipped her wine and turned to Lucius, who had been watching her with amusement.

"You're enjoying this," he murmured.

Diana smirked. "And you're suffering, so it's a win-win."

Lucius sighed, glancing down at Lucien, who was still beaming up at him.

"I should have never agreed to this."

Lucien tugged on Lucius's sleeve. "Teacher, do you know what's in the Holy Empire's reliquary?"

Lucius smirked. "Oh, plenty of interesting things. But let's just say… not all relics are holy."

Lucien gasped dramatically. "Really?!"

Diana hid her smile behind her wine glass.

The banquet hall buzzed with whispers, the atmosphere thick with tension as high-ranking delegates turned their attention to Lucius Nightbane.

Some recognized him instantly—eyes narrowing in suspicion, hands tightening around goblets of wine. Others were merely confused.

Why was he here?

A man whose name was synonymous with crime, corruption, and control over the underworld.

A few of the delegates were former allies, others were reluctant acquaintances, and some had long wished for his downfall.

And yet—here he was, sitting beside the Empress, relaxed as if he owned the place.

Lucius, of course, reveled in their discomfort.

With a smirk, he leaned forward and picked up Lucien, effortlessly lifting the five-year-old onto his hip before strolling toward a table occupied by his former acquaintances.

The nobles stiffened.

"What… what is he doing?" one delegate muttered under his breath.

Another, an elderly man with a sharp mustache, looked downright horrified. "That madman is holding an innocent child…!"

"That innocent child is the Emperor's son."

"That makes it worse!"

Lucien, completely unaware of the growing panic, was beaming. His gray eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked at the well-dressed nobles.

"Teacher," he whispered, tugging on Lucius's sleeve, "who are they?"

Lucius chuckled. "Ah, my dear student, these fine gentlemen are… acquaintances of mine."

The word acquaintance sounded suspiciously like rivals or victims.

One of the nobles—a middle-aged man with thinning hair—forced a smile. "Lord Nightbane, surely, this is unnecessary—"

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Unnecessary? Educating my student is unnecessary?"

The nobles collectively held their breath.

Lucius, the King of the Underworld, was now teaching a young, impressionable prince.

The horror.

The scandal.

The corruption of an innocent angel.

One noble, a dignified man in navy robes, looked at Lucius with barely contained frustration. "That child has the most doe-like eyes I've ever seen. And you're teaching him? He'll be ruined."

Lucius smirked, ruffling Lucien's hair. "Oh, but he's already learning so well."

Lucien puffed up proudly. "Mother says knowledge is power!"

The noble visibly paled. "Dear gods, she's encouraging it—"

Meanwhile, Diana sat back at her seat, watching the interaction from afar.

She sipped her wine, uninterested in the rising whispers around her.

Cassian, however, was not so composed.

He scowled, standing from his seat as his cold gray eyes locked onto Diana.

"This is unbefitting," he said sharply, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "The son of an Emperor should not be handled so carelessly."

Diana barely looked at him. "This is your banquet, Cassian. Why are you concerned about my affairs?"

His jaw tightened.

"You allowed him to tutor Lucien?" Cassian's voice lowered, sharp and controlled.

Diana finally met his gaze, golden eyes unyielding. "Yes."

"A criminal," he sneered. "A man whose very existence is a disgrace to nobility. How could you—"

Diana tilted her head slightly. "Strange. You were the one who made it clear Lucien would never be a crown prince."

Silence fell.

The surrounding nobles held their breath.

Cassian's cold expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes.

Diana, however, remained perfectly composed.

She turned slightly, glancing at the two children seated beside Liliana—the golden-haired prince and princess dressed in extravagant silks, the very image of royal perfection.

Then, she looked back at Lucien—her son, her Hinsdale heir—sitting happily with Lucius, unaware of the tension between the adults.

"You were clear about it, weren't you?" Diana continued softly. "Lucien is not to inherit the throne. He is a Hinsdale. Always will be."

A ripple of whispers spread among the nobles.

The implication was clear.

Cassian himself had denied Lucien a place as crown prince. And now, he was demanding control over the boy's education?

Liliana, sensing the shift in atmosphere, quickly stepped in with a polite, practiced smile.

"Diana, surely you understand…" she began sweetly. "Etiquette and proper upbringing are crucial, especially for a child of royal blood. It would be best if Lucien had a more refined tutor—"

Diana's lips curled into an amused smirk.

"Ah, etiquette," she mused. "Tell me, Queen, does etiquette demand that I be silent and obedient while I am publicly insulted?"

Liliana stiffened. "I—"

"As the Empress," Diana continued, her voice carrying through the hall, "I still hold authority. I am not some licking puppy at the Emperor's feet, nor a queen whose only duty is to seduce like a bitch and grovel for a place in his bed."

A stunned silence fell.

Cassian's gaze darkened, his hands clenching at his sides.

Liliana's blue eyes widened in shock, her hands tightening into fists beneath the table.

The nobles closest to them had frozen in place, some pretending not to have heard, others very much listening.

The whispers spread like wildfire.

"Did she just—?"

"She just called the Queen—"

"I knew she was cold, but that was—"

Liliana forced a laugh, though her smile was visibly strained. "You misunderstand, dear sister—"

Diana turned away from her, completely dismissing her presence.

Her focus shifted back to Lucien, whose curious gray eyes were locked on Lucius's acquaintances.

He tugged on Lucius's sleeve again. "Teacher, who are they?"

Lucius smirked, resting his chin on one hand. "Important people, little one. Though, between us, they're terribly boring."

One noble cleared his throat, glaring at Lucius. "Lord Nightbane, if you would refrain from—"

Lucien leaned closer, whispering, "Are they your enemies?"

A few nobles choked on their wine.

Lucius grinned, his violet eyes gleaming with amusement. "Some of them would like to be."

Lucien gasped dramatically. "Oh no! Should I be polite?"

Lucius chuckled. "No need. You can be just as terrifying as your mother."

Diana let out a quiet, amused hum, sipping her wine.

Cassian, however, was still standing, his cold eyes locked on her.

This woman—this Empress—was not the same person who once begged for his love.

She had changed.

She no longer clung to him, no longer sought his approval.

And that realization… was infuriating.