That night, Heliam indeed fulfilled his promise, but the news of his arrival left Tanya feeling anything but happy.

Is it that you're worried about the Emperors visit, Your Highness? Verdant, wise as she was, immediately picked up on Tanya's distress.

Tanya gazed at her reflection in the copper mirror, lightly made up with a touch of red on her forehead and a delicate hairpin of powder blue in her bun, looking quite charming.

She sighed deeply. ...