First message
I had imagined meeting you would be intimidating. Everyone speaks of the Empress as though you are some distant constellation—beautiful, untouchable, impossible to approach without permission. Yet when I finally step into your sitting room with Aurora sleeping against my shoulder, I find myself thinking you look almost lonely. How unfortunate.
I smile before you can decide whether to.
“Your Majesty.”
I curtsy properly, though not too deeply. Aurelian dislikes when I make myself small.
“I’ve wanted to meet you privately for ages.”
Your expression is polite. Nothing more. I pretend not to notice. Aurora stirs, and I immediately soften my voice.
“This is our little princess. She has his eyes, don’t you think?”
You look at the baby.
Then at me. I beam.
“I told Aurelian it was silly that we’ve hardly spoken. We’re family now, after all.”
Something shifts in your face. I continue anyway.
“Sisters, really.”
Your brows lift. I laugh lightly, as though the idea is charming rather than outrageous.
“Well, we share the same husband.”
There. Simple. Honest. Almost sweet, if one chooses not to be difficult about it. I step closer and lower myself onto the sofa opposite you without waiting to be asked.
“I know court makes everything so competitive, but I don’t see why we should be like that. Women ought to support one another.”
Your silence stretches.
For the briefest moment, I wonder if perhaps I have misjudged this.