Next day Tia goes to see Ruve in his office and greets him by bowing to him. Ruve is displeased and says in a stern voice "There is no need for you to bow to me when there are only the two of us, so don't do it unless when absolutely necessary." Tia answers "Yes your majesty". Ruve is still looking displeased. "When it's only you and me, why don't you speak to me normally. Each time you address me so formally, it feels like you're trying to distance yourself from me." (aww my grumpy Ruve ^^)

"Oh... I'm so sorry your majesty I'll try to correct it.... I mean..."

Trying to fix her mistake only makes things worse, and suddenly Ruve smiles brightly as he watches Tia fretting and blushing.

"Here I was, trying to grumble a little bit more... but I can't. You're just too cute." says Ruve

"Your hi-highnes...."

"It will become natural as time pass, don't worry. Meanwhile, I will greatly enjoy watching you being shy and awkward." (omg Ruve is... a tease!! )

Tia--> My face was completely red and I fanned myself, avoiding the blue-sea eyes glittering with pleasure.

Tia then notices that Ruve is quite pale. Ruve answers that he's ok, he's just a little tired.

"I've been overworked a bit because of the amount of papers."

"You have to rest. Nothing is more important than your health. Please, stop the papers now" says Tia.

"Alright", answers Ruve. "Let's do this, I will have a break and you handle these papers for me."

"What do you mean? These are matters only meant to be seen by the emperor."

Ruve answers "In the emperor's absence, there was a precedent with an empress taking care of the state affairs. I don't see the problem."

"But that was hundred years ago!"

The sound of Ruve's laugh stops Tia's protesting, and she sees him looking at her with his ocean eyes full of mirth and a big smile on his face.

"Is it okay to use the excuse that it didn't happen in centuries to refuse, empress?"

(OMG... I've melted into a puddle. Please, walk carefully - don't slip on me)

Tia --> That... that was embarrassing. Since when did you become so casual?

Tia is worried about Ruve and tries to convince him to take a proper rest and call the day off.

"I'm feeling a bit sad, says Ruve. Spending time with you has always been the best rest I've ever had. But you're always turning your back on me. Is spending time with me so inconvenient?"

"I don't mean that, I just thought you should relax" says Tia.

"I wasn't in office yesterday. Only today. I mean, I just wanted to spend time with you. I'm sorry" says Ruve sadly. (aaw my little pumpkin Ruve )

Seeing this, Tia sighs and smiles in spite of herself, half frustrated that Ruve doesn't seem to understand how anxious she is about him, half delighted and excited by his heartwarming words.

--> Tia : I never thought that this day would come. I was delighted to be able to see new sides of him.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing. Your majesty, I never thought you could be sad. Don't be. I'm sorry. I came to give you something."

Ruve caughs to hide his embarrassment and takes the silver box Tia is holding out to him with wonder. He unties the blue cord and his eyes widen in amazement at what's inside the box.

"This..."

"It's far from perfect, but I hope you'll accept it."

"Did you make it yourself? When did you have the time to do this when you've been so busy?"

"That... I actually made it a while ago. I'm sorry, your majesty. I'll make you a new one next time..." (Tia gave him the handkerchief she embroidered with his crest. The one Ruve saw and asked about when he tried to have her admit his feelings for him before she was attacked).

Ruve jumps out of his seat and embraces Tia. She's surprised but holds him back. Surrounded by his cool scent, she nearly closes her eyes when she feels his hot skin.(edited)

She takes a hand out of his arms and touches his cheek. Ruve is burning with fever.

"Have you been in this state until now?"

Ruve quickly releases her.

"I'll call the imperial doctor!"

"It's ok, it's not that bad."

"You've got a bad fever!"

"It's okay."

"No, I don't think so. I'm calling a doctor right away."

"I've already seen a doctor. He said I was overworked. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I didn't want to worry you. I did rest yesterday and feel better."

Tia narrows her eyes, and Ruve looks at her fidgetfully (omg, please manhwa author, please draw this moment! ^^) . Tia sighs.

"Is this the only papers you need to do for today?" asks Tia.

"Yes, why?"

"I don't know if it's possible, but I'll summarise them as much as I can."

"Thank you Tia." Ruve says with a bright smile, looking into the box.

Tia finds him very cute, looking at the embroidered piece of clothes without daring to touch it.

"This handkerchief, it's the one I saw before right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then..."

"I am sorry for what I said back then your majesty."

"No I was not going to blame you. Just... I was just wondering if you really didn't like me back then." he hurriedly says in embarrassment. Tia feels sorry for the way she treated him and how she always pushed him away.

She slowly puts her hand on Ruve's and smiles.

"Absolutely not. Now and then, you are my only one."

"... Tia" whispers Ruve, his sea-blue eyes shining.

After looking at her for a long time, Ruve takes Tia in his arms.

(Too sweet, too sweet... am I the only one who needs insulin?)

"Thank you, says Ruve. I was worried you were being unreasonable and were forcing yourself to do something you didn't want to do."

"It can't... It can't be!"

"I just find it so hard to believe (that you love me, and that you always did). I just wanted a proof that you are mine. I wonder if this fear of losing you will ever lessen a bit."

--> Tia : It pierced my heart. I was so mean. I hurt you so badly. Since I've rejected you so many times, it is inevitable that you are afraid that I will change my mind. Myself, I was terrified of being abandoned, although you have been constantly showing me your love.

"Tomorrow I'll make you a scarf. The day after, I'll make you gloves..."

"Tia."

"Don't worry Ruve."

Ruve stares at Tia, his eyes glowing with a heat that doesn't come from the fever. Tia's heart is pounding and she wraps her arms around his neck. Ruve gets closer. His lips are almost on hers when she suddenly stops and releases her. He sighs and say "Oh dear... I don't want to get you sick. Unfortunately, this will have to be enough."

Ruve then takes Tia's hand with a very sad face and kisses it.

Tia then feels the warmth of Ruve's lips and gets worried again.

"Now, you must really take a break. What if it gets worse?"

"Okay. I'll do that. But, Tia?"

"Yes?"

"Do you remember our night in the imperial garden? On the day of my father's funerals."

"Of course I remember. But all of the sudden, why do you... ?"

"That day, I fell asleep. I've always suffered from insomnia. I think it's the first time I've slept so comfortably in my whole life. And so..."

--> My heart pounded. It was because I seemed to know what he was hoping for, even if he didn't add anything else. When I couldn't answer anything, he blushed but smiled and laid his head on my lap. At the thrilling sensation my body hardened.

"Are you uncomfortable?" asks Ruve

"Oh no, it's not that"

--> The sea-eyes I've always looked up at where looking up at me this time. When he blushed with a strange and shameful face, his mouth lifted at the corners and he closed his eyes. His disheveled hair kept drawing my attention, but I tried hard to focus on work. I carefully took a bundle of papers.

"Then, let's take care of this first."

Tia goes through the papers for a while and discovers that Ruve has excellent political sense. She's impressed with him. Suddenly Ruve stirs.

"Oh your majesty, are you awake?" Tia whispers.

Ruve nods and looks up at her. "I've slept for quite a long time. It's been so long since I've slept so well."

"Why are you unable to sleep?"

"Well, I think this problem will be solved soon."

"Are you sure? How?"

"I used to sleep everytime you were around. So I'll be fine in the future" he says, smiling at Tia. (aaawww )

Tia touches his forehead and is pleased to see that his fever has dropped down a lot.

Then they talk about few issues and Tia gives some advice to Ruve on some matters.

"Yes. Thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind."

Tia : When I saw him answering seriously, I still couldn't realise that we were discussing state affairs with him lying on my knees, and that he asked and listened to my opinion seriously.

Then Tia asks him about a document coming from the Lisa kingdom saying something about a queen. Ruve falls silent. Not a murmur can be heard. Then he stares at tia and jumps up. "Don't misunderstand Tia! I'm only yours. I will never have any other woman! (I will never take any other wife!)"

--> When I saw his embarrassed face, I laughed a little. I thought for a moment I'd pretend to be angry, but I just smiled softly and nodded.

"I see. I won't misunderstand you."

"Thank you" he sighs in relief, smiling at Tia.

Suddenly Tia feels pins and needle in her legs (because Ruve slept on them for several hours).

"Oh, are you okay Tia? What shall I do? I can do a massage..."

"No, don't do it! It's okay your majesty. It will feel better soon."

Tia slaps his hand away and can see that Ruve's eyes are mischievious. As he sat next to her, he smiles.

"Instead I will give you my knees, he says. Now, lie down. It will be better once you've stretched your legs."

"Oh no your majesty. I'm fine..."

"Come on."

Ruve quickly plucks Tia and lay her on his lap. She is so startled that she doesn't resist. She tries to get up but Ruve gently pushes her down.

"It's fair now. Just stay" he says. "Now, the document you left out. Please help me to the end. Keep your posture."

"Your majesty"

"Ruve."

Tia's heart beats like crazy and she blushes furiously.

"Are you hot?" Ruve asks.

"...No"

"How come your face is so red?

"...Will you keep teasing me?"

He helps Tia up with a smile and gently caresses her silver hair that goes down to her waist. "I'm in trouble. You're too popular. And too cute."

"Your majesty"

"I can't. I was going to wait until Spring, but maybe I should pull the date forward. How about New Year?"

Ruve teases Tia a bit and Tia goes up and says "Seeing how much fun you have, I can see that you're feeling much better. I'm relieved. And I'll take my leave."

"Humm? Where are youn going?"

"I forgot I had to dine with my colleagues. Then I will retire your majesty. Rest well."

Tia tries to go out quickly but Ruve is faster. He hurriedly stops her and says "I won't play anymore. I couln't resist teasing you because you look adorable when you blush... Tia"

"Yes your majesty."

"I'm sorry. But... I'm serious about our wedding. So can you think about it?"

"You should consult my father rather than me on this matter..."

"Does that mean you agree if we marry sooner?"

"I'll just step back." Tia whispers in his ear before storming out of the office. Then she leans against a pillar and puts her hand on her heated cheeks.