Whatever It Is

As the heavy chamber door clicked shut behind the Empress, Elian felt the tension drain from his body, leaving him almost boneless with relief. His breath came out in a slow, shaky exhale, and he allowed himself to sink back into the plush pillows Aria and Niko had propped up for him. His fingers gripped the blanket tightly, the discomfort of the encounter lingering like a bad taste in his mouth.

"Thank you," Elian muttered, his voice still weak from both the morning sickness and the strained interaction with the Empress.

Aria, kneeling on the floor as she picked up the scattered contents of the food basket, glanced up with a knowing smile. "Anytime," she replied, her tone light but edged with a hint of seriousness. "I don't trust her as far as I can throw her."