Bab 328: Trust and mistrust (2)

«Archduchess, I thought we had already cleared up those misunderstandings,» the Emperor declares. «Are you still unhappy about those small incidents?»

«I never said that, your majesty,» I reply. «But it's becoming obvious that someone is targeting me for personal antipathy. It's a burden, to me, to always need to clarify my intentions. Especially when I've done nothing to deserve so little trust.»

The Empress inhales quickly, charging for her attack.

«Let us judge whether you've done something or not!» she declares.

Before I can reply, a hot hand lands on my back, and the familiar figure of my husband appears by my side.

«Is something the matter?» Alexander inquires, his tone calm and relaxing like always. «Your majesties,» he adds, then.

With a single, glacial look, he reminds them of who they're trying to face.

Well, the Empress is trying to make things difficult. His majesty only doesn't have enough power and firm will to counter her.