𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

𝟎𝟑𝟏

a/n; i hope everyone enjoys!! lighter chapter today and some fun stuff will be in the next chapter! try not to be a silent reader and do comment and vote on the chapter as it would greatly motivate me and spur me on to update faster!

—

It wasn't the easiest getting accustomed to the palace life once more, but you could feel yourself becoming more alive; more cheerful.

Your mother had told you once that each person was like a flower. They blossomed and withered at different places, at different times, in different conditions. Flowers grew best in a place that had optimum conditions for them, and in this case, the palace was your garden, and the floor that you walked on was your soil. The people were your fertilizers, and Silas was your water.

Your duties had become much more complex. Because you had missed out six years of tasks, naturally, your workload was terrifying, and so were your lessons. In normal circumstances, you would have been done with your lessons. However, due to your absence, you now had a few more lessons to catch up on. It didn't bother you that much, anyway.

For a brief moment of time, it felt just like old days — slipping out of lessons to sample a snack from the kitchen, napping when you were supposed to be finishing assignments — but soon, that easy life slipped away and you started on your adult duties. Working hours were long and sluggish, but rewarding. You noted with a hint of pride that Silas seemed much more diligent and efficient in his work.

"I'm beat," you massaged your neck, giving out a large sigh. From the morning to the evening, you had simply been sitting at your desk, working yourself to the bones. Silas had been at a neighboring desk (he had pulled one over from his study, much to your amusement and chagrin) and similarly to you, had been slaving away at some document.

As each day passed, the workload of the Emperor and the current butler (your father) eased, while the workload of the next Emperor and butler increased. You found yourself longing for retirement, even when you had barely started.

"Are you done?" Silas looked up from his desk. You had a habit of playing around with his hair, and as a result, he now had a sloppy bun resting at the top of his head. "I have a few more to sort out."

A growing heap of finished documents and letters laid at the corner of the room. There was still a small pile awaiting to be touched.

"I think I'm going to do the last bit tonight." You yawned.

"Procrastinating?" Silas raised an eyebrow, "that's unlike you."

"Hey," you said easily, "for the past six years, I've not touched a single document. Excuse me if I'm rusty. I'm not used to it."

About two or three weeks had passed since your return. You were more or less adjusted, but it was a convenient excuse.

"Speaking of which," Silas said, "you have yet to show me the memory stone of what you did those last six years."