Just a brief character study.
Damon stood in his private garden, hands in his pockets, and looked up at the stars. It was chilly, but he hadn’t bothered to grab a jacket and didn’t feel like going back for one. He’d be twenty in a week. He wasn’t sure exactly how he’d made it that long. His second wedding anniversary was in two weeks. He’d bought the empress a necklace. Jade shaped like leaves set in silver around a small ruby rose. It was beautiful, but not ostentatious. Just like her. Damon sighed and lowered his head to rub the bridge of his nose. His head hurt and he was exhausted, but he couldn’t settle his mind enough to sleep.
“Emperor?”
Damon stiffened at the voice and turned his head just enough to confirm who it was. “Milady.”
Zakia picked her way over the stepping stones until she was beside him. His eyes flicked over her now that she was closer. She was already in her nightgown, but had been wise enough to pull on a robe before coming out. The nightgown was silk the same unnervingly pale green as her eyes, with gold embroidery and lace edging. Perfectly befitting an empress. The robe, on the other hand, was old and brown. Just a tetch more vibrant than her skin. Her raven hair was down instead of pulled back into her usual severe bun. It made her look softer and almost approachable. Until those pale, emotionless eyes met his.
He looked away. “How was Lith’tai?”
“Freezing, but well in order.”
“As usual then. Was there something you wanted from me, milady?”
She nudged his arm and he glanced up to find a tumbler of brandy in her hand. “I made you a nightcap.”
He took it, refusing to examine the glass. “I thought you said I drank too much.”
“You do.” She replied, a hint of distaste in her tone.
He glanced at her hands, even though he knew they were empty. “None for you?”
“No.”
He threw the brandy back and gulped it down. He kept his head tilted as he lowered the glass, his eyes once more caught by the heavens. “There always seemed to be more stars when I was out at sea.”
She pulled her robe about her a bit more tightly and looked up as well. “It’s the lights from the city. They drown out the stars a little.”
“Is it the same on your island?”
“No.” That hint of disapproval was back. “Any lights that aren’t actively being used are shut off to conserve energy.”
“Of course.” He let his gaze fall to the bushes, waiting for a sensation of nausea or a burning in his muscles or skin. All he felt was the faint buzz that came from drinking brandy too quickly.
“You should go to bed, Emperor. It’s late.”
He nodded and glanced over at her, curious. “… Of course. Goodnight, milady.”
She didn’t acknowledge him. He made his way back, not bothering with the stepping stones. He noticed absently as he went that there were no lights visible from the windows of her suite. Not even from a fire. It would be cold in there. She hated being cold. His head was starting to feel a bit sleepy. He shook it off and closed the door to his suite, setting the glass on the small side bar in the anteroom on his way towards the bedroom. He managed to undress and get into his bedclothes before he figured out the sleepiness was unnatural. He tumbled into bed and managed to wrestle his way under the covers as his eyelids started getting too heavy to stay open. Distantly he heard a faint creak as the garden door was opened and shut. After a bit of effort he managed to get his eyes open enough to see her standing beside his bed, looking at him.
“Come to watch?” He mumbled, letting his eyes shut again.
He felt a tug on the sheets, followed by a slight tilt as a weight depressed the mattress. “It was just a sedative. You haven’t been sleeping.”
“Oh.” He mumbled, confused.
She was lying next to him. Why was she lying next to him? She’d only been in his anteroom a few times, never in his bedroom. Never in his bed. Maybe she wanted to slit his throat. Except she wouldn’t have needed to sedate him to do that. Hell, it probably would have taken the fun out of it.
“… Milady?”
“Yes, Emperor?”
“When are you going to kill me?”
He thought he heard a delicate snort. “Not tonight, my emperor.” She rolled over. Even through two layers of fabric he could feel the heat of her skin. As he slipped out of consciousness he thought he felt her lips touch his throat for a few fleeting moments. “Not tonight.”
