Shadow Empress (GirlxGirl) (COMPLETED)

Chapter 34 | Assassins

THIRD PERSON POV

"Nicolai, when will mommy be home? I miss her." Nicolai looked up to Rose before turning to the servants who served them their dinner.

"I don't know, Rose. Nicolai misses everyone too. Mommy Bella said she be home as soon as she can in her letters. Even little Malin misses mommy Delphine." They both turned to Malin who's playing with his food while the royal nanny is feeding him.

"What is this? What's with the solemn expression? Is the food not to your liking, milady and milord?" They both turned to the head servant.

"Winnie, do you know when everyone will be back?" Rose asked. The head servant turned to the royal nanny who pretended to not be in the same room as the head servant.

"Lady Rose, Lord Nicolai, you have to understand why they leave the palace. Her majesty has a lot of people that she have to protect, and by leaving the palace, she can ensure the safety of everyone. They're out there working to make sure that all of us have a bright future." Rose and Nicolai sigh heavily.

"Winnie, you said the same thing yesterday too. Did mother Elpis provided you with the words to say if we asked about them?" The head servant couldn't believe how smart the children are.

"How did they catch on?" Winnie asked herself. Before Elpis leave, she did brief the servants on what should they say when the children asked for them. All Winnie did was following orders. She didn't wish to make the children sad.

"It's okay, Winnie. We understand. We will eat now." Winnie watched as the children take a small bite of their food.

"I'm full." Winnie sighed when the children pushed their plate away without finishing it.

"Milady, milord, you mustn't do this. What if you got sick when her highness and the ladies came home from their trip? They will be devastated. Please eat some more." Winnie begged.

Both Rose and Nicolai shake their head no.

"What's the matter? Why aren't the children eating?" The head servant turned around to face empress Sophia who came to see how the kids are doing.

"Aunty! Do you know when will mommy be home?" Sophia looked up to the head servant. With a single look, she asked the head servant to leave her with the kids.

"Soon. That is why you two need to eat. You promised your mothers' that you would listen to me before they leave. They will be very disappointed if they know that you're not eating your meals properly." Rose and Nicolai finally nodded and continue to eat their food.

"Aunty, why does mother Elpis have to leave the palace all the time?" Rose asked with her mouth full. Sophia chuckled and used the napkin to wipe her mouth.

"Because your mother is the shadow empress. She has a lot of obligation to do. Your mommies are there to support your mother when she's working. That is why they need to be by her side." Sophia explained the situation as simple as possible.

"Why can't uncle Ragnar do all the work? He's the emperor." The royal nanny was scared that empress Sophia might get mad at the kids for asking that question. They're just children after all. Surprisingly, Sophia giggled at Nicolai's question.

"Your uncle is just a figurehead. The real person who's in power is your mother, Elpis. And as the daughter and son of a formidable ruler like your mother, you have to look the part. You have to study, practice and even train to be the noblest of noble. Never embarrass your mother in the eyes of the public because she stands on top of the Empire." Rose looked at Nicolai.

"But, we're not even her real children. Does that count?" Sophia was not expecting to hear from such small children.

"Nonsense! Did your mother and mommies ever treat you differently? You're here right now, and that makes you their daughter and son. It doesn't matter where you come from because what matters the most is how they raise you. Remember children, whatever people say about you, just remember that your mother gave you two her last name. That's enough to make you above everyone else in the Empire." Rose and Nicolai nodded. They smiled at Sophia as they took the last bite of their food.