The Red Star Empress fell silent for an even longer moment this time. Her fingers twitched, yet she made no move to pull away from Richard's grasp. Her expression shifted unpredictably—flickering between shock, confusion, and disbelief—a kaleidoscope of emotions washing over her face.
"You know, this... this isn't how it's supposed to be," she finally spoke.
"Why?" Richard asked.
"Is it because I have a wife? But didn't the late King have many women as well? Or do you think you would merely be my mistress? No. I will build my own empire, and you will be its Empress."
Richard's tone grew fervent. He had been stung when she said things weren't "supposed to be" this way. Once again, the Empress was left reeling.
"Is everything you've done for me... just for this?" she asked, her mind beginning to spiral. Every bit of help Richard had provided was now being reframed through the lens of this hidden motive.
