Chapter 14: Schedule Interrupted

"Good morning, My Husband." Rowena said smiling brightly at him as he walked into their room. Rowena was glad to see her new husband return to their chambers so soon. True, it meant that the Head Chamberlain would now excuse himself and she would have a brief reprieve from lessons and schedules.

However, she also had to admit that she was looking forward to spending time with her new husband and getting to know him. It had been a rather awkward morning between them, and she wanted to smooth things over if need be.

"Good morning." He murmured. He was still having trouble dealing with the concept that he was now a married man. And he was rather embarrassed about the events of the previous night and of this morning.

"I'm sorry I'm late for breakfast." He said bowing to his bride.

"No matter. You are here now" she said still beaming at him. "May I fix your plate? What would you like? Shall I feed you as I did at our wedding reception?" there was a hint of mischief in her eyes at that last question although she was careful to keep her expression as neutral as possible.

He smiled and, if one didn't know better, blushed slightly.

"Do not trouble yourself. I can help myself."

She glanced over at the Head Chamberlain who seemed too stunned at the Crown Prince's minor display of affection for his new bride to move or speak. Daimon followed her gaze.

"I trust there is nothing further for you to discuss with the Lady Empress?"

"N…no, Your Lordship." The Head Chamberlain replied hastily, returning to his senses at the firm tone of the Crown Prince. Although their exchange was not the height of storybook romance, as one who had known the Crown Prince from birth, he could see that Daimon was considerate of his new bride and her feelings. It may not seem like much to others, but it was earthshattering to the Head Chamberlain. He wondered what repercussions this would have for the Empire. Whoever heard of an aristocratic couple – particularly one as powerful as the Crown Prince of an Empire and his bride – having genuine interest and affection for one another outside of duty and protocol?

"Good. You are dismissed."

"Yes, My Lord." He said bowing low.

He turned to the Lady Empress, "I will return for your first lesson at 8AM exactly."

Daimon, who was watching his wife intently, saw a faint frown flicker across her lovely face for just an instant.

"No." he said firmly.

Startled, the Head Chamberlain questioned him without thinking "No?"

Daimon simply raised one eyebrow as he turned to look at the Head Chamberlain who had dared to question him.

The Head Chamberlain quickly bowed his head and stuttered "Forgive me…I…" He cleared his throat uncertain at how to proceed. Rowena stifled a giggle at his discomfiture and Daimon gave her a genuine smile. He was surprised to realize that he wanted to hear that laugh again but louder and unfettered.

"Shall…shall I return at 9AM for her lessons, Your Highness?" he hesitantly asked the Crown Prince. Daimon watched her out of the corner of his eye. He again saw that flicker of displeasure. He knew he had the power to prevent her unhappiness and decided to use it.

"Not today."

"But…" again the Head Chamberlain spoke without thinking. He quickly clamped his hands over his mouth as his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. He'd actually questioned the Crown Prince again. That made two times in just as many minutes. He surely was not long for this world. He briefly wondered if the Emperor would bother to save him. He probably shouldn't dare to hope for that. By the time the Emperor found out, it would likely be too late anyway.

"I will be in charge of the Lady Empress' schedule until further notice." Daimon said firmly.

The Head Chamberlain had his orders from the Emperor himself. Although Daimon was exceedingly powerful, he dared not disobey the Emperor even if it meant crossing the Crown Prince. He was stuck between a rock and hard place. He really had no choice at all. Either option would result in displeasing a very powerful man.

Seeing the obvious uneasiness of the Head Chamberlain, he added "If my honored Father objects, please tell him that my new wife and I need some time to get acquainted and we are not to be bothered."

The Head Chamberlain nodded and left the room as fast as his legs could carry him.

"Thank you, My Lord." She said smiling sweetly at him. "I was worried I would be bored to death."

"The role of the Lady Empress is very important. In fact, there has never been one in the history of the Dragorian Empire."

"I understand." She acknowledged

"And because there has never been one, the Empire can wait another a week or two more to have one." He said with a cunning smirk on his face.

She returned his smirk with one of her own.

They proceeded to help their plates and eat in silence. But it was a companionable silence. Neither felt awkward, so they did not feel the need to fill it with mindless chatter. Despite this, they surreptitiously watched each other as if this observation could help them figure each other out.

She was very curious about him. She had heard so many rumors of his ruthlessness, coldness, and battle prowess. He was greatly feared and respected throughout the Empire and for good reason. However, in person, she could also see that he was kind and thoughtful. At least, he was at the reception.

And he did not force himself on her on their wedding night. Many men would not have been so kind. That earned him a great deal of favor in her eyes. Although she would not have refused him, she was glad he didn't try to force affection and intimacy. It was much better to let it develop naturally.

After a few minutes, Rowena grabbed a biscuit and proceeded to butter it and add blackberry jam. While engrossed in her task, she asked "How shall we get better acquainted, My Husband?" She looked up at him with a seductive half-smile as she spoke.

Daimon nearly choked on his eggs and sausage.