After the Royal Guards took the investigations into their hands, they found some solid proof regarding the late Emperor's death.

The Dowager Empress was sentenced to death, but her execution was held three days later, just as Alexander reminded us.

His majesty called me in his office to fire me... Well, he said it was better I focused on my family. And that my daughter was very cute.

He hopes his children will be like that.

He didn't say anything about firing me, actually, but it was rather clear.

I was paid for my services during the selection. The title of Dame wasn't withdrawn, but I've never used it, so it's no big deal for either of us. Somehow, I prefer being the Archduchess for the moment. When I reach Kyre, I'll use this title for my purposes.

For my main purpose, but for now...

«I still need to repay your efforts, Archduchess,» the Emperor declared. «Is there anything you might need?»

«There is, your majesty,» I said with a smile. There was a single thing I didn't have from the start.

Oh, I also remembered to free the young lads and offer them to return to Polis. So much work all done in a single chat.

After a brief conversation with his majesty, I returned to Alexander's wing of the Palace.

I have never needed to get out of here ever since.

Even the final chat with my uncle is happening here, in the Princess's garden. After the Empress's execution, the Royal Guards and the loyal faction started purging what remains of the rebels.

Even Asteria's spies were eliminated. That must be the reason why the Ambassador is here.

Spies aren't enough to cut diplomatic relationships, so his position didn't suffer one bit. But his plan is delayed. And like hell I'll help him, now that he targeted my daughter.

Even he wouldn't believe I'm that stupid.

«How are you doing, uncle?» I inquire.

«These are difficult times,» he sighs. «But I'm coping with it. And you?»

«Better than expected. Now that the threat to my life has been removed, I can breathe freely.»

«I'm glad,» he voices.

The maid places the trail with tea on the table, and I shove my hand to make her leave.

«Here,» I say while placing the sugar lumps at the centre of the table.

I pour the tea into two cups and lean the golden spoons nearby.

«Let's have some tea, uncle,» I add.

It will be the last time we talk, we should make it pleasant at least.

I observe how he stirs the tea until the sugar melts.

«Only children drink tea with sugar,» I point out. He's similar to Alexander in this. They both love sweeter drinks more.

«It means I'm young at heart,» he sighs.

«Do you think I wouldn't notice, uncle?» I say, dropping any hint of courtesy.

I sip from my cup and observe his expression's changes. Barely noticeable, but he's not as calm as he likes to think.

«You tried to kill my daughter. Many times.»

«That...» he moans. «I needed the Dowager Empress's help.»

«You're admitting it.»

«Is there any need to hide it? You recognised the men I sent. As you see, they all failed. Isn't it enough for proof of good intentions? I sent incapable people to keep you safe and ensure an alliance with the Empress.»

«The Empress is now dead,» I point out.

I didn't even want to assist at the execution. My informers made sure she was really dead when her head rolled down. And that it was her head.

I didn't leave it to fate. And Alexander must have checked the situation, too.

Now, the only thing between me and a happy, long life is the man leisurely drinking tea in front of me.

«Our collaboration ends here,» I say.

Not that the Ambassador has any word in it. But it's better to talk my heart out.

«You used me for your purposes; you endangered my child's life. You also tried creating a rebellion through my husband's faction, don't hide it anymore.»

I lean back on the chair and look at him with a cold glance.

«You're here to destroy Ethiro,» I state.

«What if I am? You are their prisoner.»

«It just happens that I like being a prisoner here. All my needs are satisfied, and I have a social life and a family. I don't want this place to crumble down. And it's the first thing that would happen if I reached the throne. His majesty will retain his rightful place, and I will assist him the way I can.»

«He chased you away and took back the position of a counsellor from you!»

«I will assist even if my job is to do nothing.»

«You were a queen once!»

«And I won't be it again. Not even if you help me, Ambassador. Now, drop the act. And recall all the forces you allocated in Ethiro. This place needs peace.»

«What if I don't? What will you do?» he chuckles. He sips and stares with his challenging gaze. «I'm a diplomatic figure, your little brat. You can't just kill me.»

«And you are not afraid of death,» I sigh. «After all, it's a meek price to pay in exchange for greatness.»

«I see we understand each other.»

«No, we don't. I do understand you a little. But you know nothing about me.»

«I'm what remains of your family.»

«You were my family,» I admit. «When you visited for my mother's funeral, I considered you part of my family. But now, things are different.»

I have a family to protect from the Ambassador and from Asteria.

«So, you're not going to retreat?» I ask for the last time, in the name of our blood relationship.

«No. And you can't do anything to stop me. Even killing my spies won't work because I'll find new and better ones.»

«Are there other capable men in Asteria?»

«Not as much as me.»

«It's a relief,» I sigh. «Getting rid of you will solve all my problems.»

I smile, innocent and pure.

«Goodbye, uncle. I hope we don't see each other again. Not in this life, nor the next one.»

He looks at me, displeased. He gets up and walks away, fury guiding his steps. I offended him, didn't I?

Well, not that it changes anything.

He's done for; he just doesn't know it.

«You drank the tea yourself!» Alexander exclaims when he reaches me.

Oh, Kate did a great job by keeping him busy till now.

He walks to me with long steps and stops next to my chair. He's absolutely furious. So furious that my whole body trembles.

«Don't look at me like that,» I sigh.

He gives me ideas that aren't proper for this moment. I was enjoying my victory.

«You drank the poison!»

«What?» I murmur. «The tea wasn't poisoned.»

His face relaxes. Just enough to let me breathe.

«What did you do?»

«I can't poison the Ambassador: he's a diplomatic figure!» I point out. «And I wouldn't risk drinking the poison on my own.»

Even if I might survive, I'm feeding Lavinia with my milk.

«What did you do?»

«I just asked him nicely to withdraw?»

«And?»

«He refused.»

«So, it was pointless...»

«I wouldn't say that,» I chuckle. «It had a point.»

«What's the plan?»

«The Ambassador will soon leave the capital. He will get involved in a local rebellion and be killed by the dissidents. The incident will reveal Asteria's meddling into internal matters of the Empire. His majesty will write a missive to complain about it, and no one will question how come an Ambassador was killed during his service.»

«Have you arranged the killers?»

«No, but you will,» I murmur. «Won't you, hubby?»

«Of course, whatever you desire, my love,» he says, kissing my hand.

«You know Ethiro better than I do. Make it look like he was killed by a sword, and it will be good. The next person they send won't be worse than Ambassador Zolokis.»

«All right, I'll do that,» Alexander whispers.

I could have let him kill my uncle with his own hands, but then he would be haunted by this for the rest of his life. This time, the Ambassador didn't commit a massacre. Even though he did try killing Lavinia.

Either way, I prefer being the one bearing this sin. Alexander deserves a new life, without the implications of his old one always meddling in his dreams and nightmares.

«Don't worry, my love,» I say. «It will be just fine.»

«I wasn't worried!» he exclaims. He reaches out for a lump and moves it towards his mouth.

I widen my eyes and throw myself on his arm.

«No!» I exclaim.

Alexander freezes, realising.

«You...» he moans. «You little demon!»

«Yes, it's like this,» I admit. «You just need to cover it up for me...»

«That man is already dead,» he sighs.

«Yes, that's true. And he didn't realise it because I drank the tea as well.»

The golden spoons are here for that purpose too. I was afraid silver would become dark in contact with the poison.

Kate said it wouldn't happen, but I used gold just in case.

«Now we are free from the past,» I say. «There are just a few details to adjust. And we can continue with our lives.»

«A few details?»

Giving birth to Elias is the most pressing one. And also, I already have in store my plans for the future.

«Yes! I want us to choose our path from now on.»

No more constrictions, no more duties. Just our love and will to stay together.