A young heart (1)

«Archduchess, what brings you here at this hour?» the Emperor inquires without moving his eyes from the documents he's signing. «It's lunchtime.»

«I'd like to ask your majesty to grant me permission to visit the royal archives.»

«What for?»

«To study the story of the Empire and better know what it needs to survive such a turbulent period,» I declare. I've prepared this sentence beforehand.

«How much of the archive do you need?»

«The more, the better.»

«I can't just open it to you without a valid motive,» he sighs. «But, on the other hand...»

He looks at me, his mouth crooked.

«I really wish I could,» he states

«Am I not one of your majesty's advisors? I need new information to give better suggestions.»

«Your suggestions were right on the spot till now. Do you need more effectiveness?»