«𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐡𝐰𝐚 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬»

𝕐𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕒 𝕩 𝔼𝕣𝕦𝕕𝕚𝕒𝕟 (𝟛)

"Erudian, what's it like being emperor?"

She asked as Erudian continuously played with her hair. He seemed to be so immersed in staring at her beauty that he almost didn't hear her.

"Hmm.. it's a lot of work but I think it's worth it." Erudian responded. Yerenica knew that he cared about this empire and the people. She could tell from just how hard he worked but part of her wondered if it was any fun.

"If I was empress, I wouldn't be half as good as you." She joked while laughing. Erudian, however, froze for a minute before he looked at her right in the eyes.

"Well, once we're married, you'll be the empress."

He stated, completely serious - he meant what he said, Erudian had every intention to marry Yerenica, no matter how long it would take. He wanted to make her his empress and the sooner, the better.

Yerenica's heart did a hundred flips when she heard what he said because, similarly, she too had thought of marriage before. Though, she considered it was a bit early for marriage and would rather wait a bit.

"I'm not really sure I'd make a great empress. What if I mess up? What if the citizens end up hating me?"

Yerenica started to worry. She forgot what a huge responsibility it was to be empress - it was no easy job. She would have to work hard to ensure the happiness of the empire. Suddenly, fear started to grow into her mind and she was reconsidering the whole position.

Erudian, clearly, could see the trouble evident on her face. He, however, completely believed in her capabilities. She was friendly, compassionate and humorous. Overall, she was an affectionate person that Erudian held a lot of care for. The citizens would definitely love her as empress.

"Hey, don't worry about it, you're not empress yet. You have time to prepare."

"Yeah, but I don't want to ruin the empire or anything. I mean, you've worked so hard and I'd feel so bad if I was to completely mess up." Yerenica mumbled, softly, and with that she buried her head in Erudian's shoulder, hiding her face away. Erudian stroked her hair to comfort her - he, desperately, wanted to show her that she'd do amazing. But how?

"How about you try being empress for a day then?"

Erudian suggested, he thought it wasn't a bad idea. If she tried it out, it could help calm her nerves. Yerenica's eyes widened and she stopped to think it over.

"Wait, what? A-are you sure? Can I? I mean is it really alright if I do try?" Yerenica suddenly felt excited. Being a leader full-time was much more frightening but if she tried it for a day, she could get a taste of what it's like. She had to face her fear one way or another.

"Yeah, sure. Why not? And I'll just watch you while you do everything."

Erudian said. Honestly, he could do with some rest - having to work everyday was exhausting. Yerenica decided that she would try and they both smiled, looking forward to tomorrow.

As the next day approached, Yerenica woke up earlier than usual. Erudian's schedule was now hers and she was to keep on top of everything. The morning had gone swiftly, with only paperwork to do.

However, there was now a meeting with the council that she was required to attend to. Yerenica started to feel nervous - she couldn't mess this up. These were nobles. Nobles that are the pillars of the empire. Strong, important figures and she had to make a good impression.

As she entered the council room, many nobles were already seated and ready, discussing various topics. However, when they saw Yerenica enter, silence filled the room.

They were confused as to where Erudian was. They were all very much aware that Yerenica was the emperors lover and they had no issue with her.

"Um, excuse my rudeness, but where is his majesty?"

One of the nobles had asked. They were completely unaware of the new arrangements for the day.

"Well, I will, temporarily, be taking care of his duties until his majesty has fully rested."

Yerenica, calmly, responded. Then, she headed to the centre of the room where the leaders seat was. She sat down and proceeded to announce the agenda for the council meeting.

As the meeting went on, Yerenica's nerves had gone away and she was feeling more confident in herself. The nobles enjoyed her company and her charming character - they, collectively, agreed that if she was empress, surely the empire would strive.

Honestly, Yerenica was starting to feel tired but she was enjoying herself. While busy conversing, she didn't realise the doors had opened and a certain individual had strolled in.

"Looks like you're doing just fine, hm?"

It was Erudian. He stood behind her, looking as handsome as ever. The nobles had tensed when he entered - they were scared to make a wrong move. Though, his usual cold demeanour had softened while talking to Yerenica which was a shocker to the nobles.

"Yup! I'm doing just fine." Yerenica smiled and put a thumbs up. Erudian felt proud of her and this made his desire to marry her grow even deeper.

"Since you're doing great, we should just get married, then you could be empress." Erudian slyly suggested. He was trying to hint at something.

"Hehe, you're funny, Erudian."

Yerenica laughed causing Erudian to internally sigh. It seemed it would take longer than planned.

"What do you guys think? Wouldn't she make a great empress?"

Erudian now asked the nobles. Well, it was more he demanded than asked. Though, his face held a smile - the nobles knew they couldn't mess their answers up.

"Yeah! Your highness will be the best empress!"

"You should already get married!"

"Your kids would be so cute!"

The comments kept flying at them. Hearing all these compliments made Yerenica blush - were they telling the truth?

She didn't realise but soon she was smiling. She felt content, it was nice to hear that she was actually doing things right. However, she realised she still had more work to do. Quickly, Yerenica excused herself from the room and hurried to the throne room.

She now had to sit on a big throne and listen to different nobles complaints and worries. This, by far, was the most exhausting part of being a leader. She did care about improving the empire, but trying to negotiate and please everybody was a huge task.

Erudian sat beside her in a chair, watching her deal with many people. It was amusing to see Yerenica struggle with all sorts of people and he was too busy starting at her pretty face to think of anything else.

Finally, the day had come to an end and Yerenica could rest after a long day. To say, she was exhausted was an understatement. She just wanted to sleep.

She dragged herself to their bedroom and flopped on the bed face first. She groaned in exhaustion, trying to ease her mind. Erudian entered and chuckled at her tired state.

"Erudian, how do you do this everyday?"

"I guess I'm just used to it, I mean I've been doing it for years." He shrugged. He walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge. Yerenica sat up while hugging a pillow close to her chest. They stared at each other for a while before Yerenica quickly pecked Erudian on the lips. She felt more energised after a quick peck.

The whole day she had been busy and hadn't even kissed him at all. Now Yerenica understood what being empress was like,she didn't hate it but she would have to get used to it. While in thought, she felt Erudian's lips once more and smiled.

"Would you like to go to sleep now?"

Erudian asked once he pulled away. He held her hand in his while he waited for her response.

"Definitely."

Yerenica giggled and the two lay down. They leaned into each other's embrace as sleep slowly took over.