SYZYGY:The raise of the Monarch

Chapter XXXV

The silence in the library was overwhelming, contrasting sharply with the previous chatter before the Tsar's entrance. Eva raised her eyes to survey the room, only to find it now deserted.

"I heard that His Majesty beheaded many nobles, leading to the downfall of numerous wealthy individuals," she remarked.

Ogen looked at her with wide-open eyes, visibly shocked by her words. Eva, realizing she felt too comfortable and had inadvertently blurted them out, covered her mouth with her hand.

"I don't kill people because I enjoy it; I do it to protect myself," he replied, avoiding direct eye contact.

He briefly glanced at her face, then turned around, engrossed in finishing his book.

Emboldened, Eva felt a surge of courage, as if her fear of him had dissipated. She closed her book, allowing her curiosity to take over.

"But, Your Majesty, from what I observed during my stay in Ruvia, people—whether rich or poor—don't seem to favor you, despite your role in making the country strong and secure."

Ogen couldn't conceal his emotions. A broad smile formed on his face, seemingly delighted by her comment. Closing his book, he turned his chair to face her.

"Eva, what do you think of me?"

Eva's heart felt like it was about to explode. He gazed at her with smiling eyes, a sincere expression she had never seen him wear before. He appeared so beautiful and captivating that her mind became chaotic, rendering her speechless. She desperately wanted to rise and embrace him tightly, a strange desire awakening within her body, making her feel unlike herself.

Slowly, a smile spread across her face in response.

"To me, you are an extraordinary individual, captivating in every way."

Ogen didn't anticipate such a response. He leaned back in his chair, hands covering his face, and burst into laughter, genuinely surprised and unsure of what was happening.

'Ah, she got me good,' he thought, still chuckling and attempting to hide his embarrassment.

Though he felt like he had lost his composure, he acknowledged that facing Eva left him with no chance of winning. Rising from his seat, he approached her, turning her chair to face him. However, before he could make a move, he heard approaching footsteps and Grayton calling out.

"Your Majesty! It's an emergency."

Ogen clicked his tongue, and his relaxed expression turned into a frown.

"Now what?"

Grayton rushed in with several soldiers, but upon seeing that the Tsar was with Eva, he halted, realizing he had interrupted something.

"I'm so sorry, Your Highness, but Orlins are planning an attack on the north of the country."

Ogen's expression turned serious. He pushed aside Eva's books and sat on the table, placing two fingers in his mouth. 

He let out a high whistle that caused some soldiers to close their ears in pain. Suddenly, a massive eagle appeared from the window. Ogen tightly closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they had turned yellow while the bird's shifted to blue. Witnessing this extraordinary scene, Eva was left stunned.

"To the frontiers of Morilisk," Ogen commanded the bird, which vanished into the sky with dangerous speed. 

Ogen stood up, still with closed eyes, and walked through the soldiers, who followed him. Eva put her book away and joined the group.

"Prepare exactly 20 soldiers – ten from the royal guard, five from the trainees I just selected, and the rest as fillers. Choose who you want," Ogen instructed.

"As you wish, Your Majesty. And what about food and other necessities?" Grayton inquired.

"My mansion in Morilisk has all the supplies we need. We'll only take some money to buy what we might want on the road," Ogen replied.

"But you're the Tsar. Why do you need to pay for food when you're on your way to protect the people?" Eva interjected, interrupting Grayton and Ogen's conversation. 

They all stopped and looked at her, surprised to find her following them, except for Ogen, who smiled at her, his eyes still closed.

"I never take someone's hard work without remuneration. What am I, some tyrant?"

"Even though you've never done that, your personality and reputation push people to think so," Grayton replied, taking a step back. 

Normally, he wouldn't speak such words directly to the Tsar, but he felt protected by Eva's presence. Ogen didn't respond, appreciating the honesty in some way. He gazed at Grayton for a few seconds with closed eyes and then walked away to his wing. The soldiers stayed outside along with Eva, and only Grayton entered. Ogen then signaled for her to enter. 

Inside, the air was filled with the his scent.

"Here, take a seat, my lady," Grayton offered, motioning towards a sofa. 

Ogen, in his chamber, instructed him, "Grayton, you're excused." 

Grayton quickly bowed and left the room, leaving Eva alone, fidgeting with her fingers and battling nervous feelings.

After a few minutes, Ogen emerged, clad in armor with his hair tied up. Eva stood up, watching him approach while he secured his sword in his belt. He stopped in front of her, closing his eyes tightly for them to revert to their natural blue. Rubbing his eyes with his fingers, he placed his right hand on her shoulder.

"The enemies will arrive at the borders in five days, so I will be back exactly ten days from now. The fight won't take more than an hour."He then stopped talking , staring at her face.

 "Eleven days from today is my birthday banquet. I'm almost done with the preparations, but I still need to do checkups. Will you take care of it for me?"

Eva was speechless, astonished by the significant task the Tsar was entrusting her with.

"But, Your Majesty! I know nothing of the etiquette and how to handle such an important occasion. What if I ruin it?"

He smiled, stepping even closer, nearly pressing his body against hers. Holding her hair with both hands, Ogen had Eva completely captivated, ready to agree to any of his orders.

"Ronard will stay with you; he will help you with anything," he assured, using his thumbs to raise her head up. Slowly lowering his face, he planted his lips on her cheek, giving her a lingering kiss.

"I count on you," he said with a smile, leaving the room immediately to join his soldiers. Eva was left in a daze, profoundly affected by his actions.