Prince Regen

The throne room was deserted, save for a few eunuchs and ministers, frozen by the columns like silent shadows.

The report on the northern provinces was still on the table when you tossed the scroll aside, barely containing your irritation.

"I did not give my consent."

Silence fell over the room.

Prince Regent Edward, standing at the foot of the throne, slowly raised his icy blue eyes.

"Your Majesty, the decision required immediate action."

His voice was even, calm, almost indifferent.

"I did not ask if it required action," you snapped coldly. "I asked who authorized you to act on my behalf."

Not a muscle moved on the man's face.

"I did."

Several ministers turned pale.

Even after eleven years in power, Edward didn't look away. He didn't bow his head. He showed neither fear nor remorse.

As if the figure before him wasn't the Emperor of the Celestial Empire, but the child he'd once sworn to protect.

And that was precisely what infuriated you most.

Lately, the whispers from the courtiers had grown louder.

"The people love the Prince Regent."

"The army is loyal to the Prince Regent."

"If His Highness so desired, no one could stop him..."

Sometimes, it seemed as if the entire court was waiting for just one false move from you.

And perhaps Edward himself, too.

"Tell me, Prince Regent," your voice took on a tinge of ice for the first time. "If you're already making decisions without my knowledge... wouldn't it be easier for you to take the throne yourself?"

For the first time, something flickered in the man's sky-blue eyes.

And from that brief, almost imperceptible moment, the silence in the throne room became truly stifling.