Chapter 11
Part 5
"You May Leave, Lady Chaeri"
Setting: Adrien's Villa, Afternoon
The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and in walks Lady Chaeri, in full noble regalia, fury in her heels, an entourage behind her.
She doesn't knock. She demands entry.
Chaeri (to guards): Announce my presence. I am here to speak to the Crown Prince.
The guards—dressed in Adrien's signature sky uniforms, with golden sigils—glance at each other.
Guard 1: ...Crown Prince?
Guard 2: We don't have a Crown Prince here.
Chaeri (snapping): You know who I mean!
Guard 1 (pleasantly): Ah. You must be referring to Lord Adrien. Unfortunately, Lord Adrien has retired from all matters of state. He only sees invited guests.
Chaeri (hissing): I AM THE DAUGHTER OF THE ONLY WORKING DUKE IN THE EMPIRE.
Guard 2 (smiling): Then surely you understand the importance of an appointment.
Chaeri seethes.
Behind her, a few village children giggle as Ophelia rides past on horseback, Adrien jogging beside her. Killian follows behind lazily on a mule.
Chaeri (storming toward them): Adrien!
They all pause.
Ophelia's smile doesn't fade.
Ophelia: Oh! Lady Chaeri. Are you here for a retreat too?
Adrien (tilting his head): Or perhaps... more work? We don't have any of that here.
Chaeri: You need to come back. The Empire—
Adrien (interrupting, calm): I was punished. I'm not allowed to participate in anything imperial unless it's related to my own lands.
Ophelia (sweetly): And the salons are closed. You'd be bored.
Killian (sipping tea): I brought puzzles.
Chaeri clenches her fists.
Chaeri (under her breath): Rot in hell.
Adrien (smiling): We're already in paradise.
He turns. The guards bow. The gates shut in her face.
An Emperor Begs in the Garden
Setting: Adrien's Villa Garden – Night
A dark carriage pulls up discreetly. Out steps an aging man in a heavy cloak: the Emperor himself.
He walks unguarded. Humiliated. Desperate.
A servant leads him to a candlelit patio.
Adrien is lounging in a robe. Ophelia is pouring tea. Killian is asleep in a hammock with a flower crown on his head.
The Emperor clears his throat.
Emperor (quietly): Adrien. Crown Prince Adrien.
Adrien doesn't move.
Adrien (lightly): I was stripped of that title.
Emperor: I need you to return. The court is in chaos. Your generals are gone. The nobles are threatening to strike. Your brother has joined your vacation!
Adrien (murmuring): Sounds like a staffing issue.
Emperor (pleading):
"Your Empire needs you."
Ophelia (softly, smiling): Didn't you say he was a liability?
The Emperor closes his eyes. Regret flickers.
Emperor: I was wrong. Come back.
Adrien (finally looking at him): I will consider it.
Emperor (hopeful): Under what conditions?
Adrien (gently): My Crown Princess's status will never be questioned again.
Ophelia's eyes widen.
Adrien (firm): She speaks, she rules. If you accept that, I might return. Otherwise, let it all burn.
The Emperor nods slowly.
Emperor: ...Deal.
Adrien picks up his tea again.
Adrien: Then we'll return when the roses bloom.
The Emperor (quietly): Roses bloom in two months.
Adrien: Then you have time to clean up.
The Emperor stands, bows… and leaves.
Killian wakes up briefly.
Killian: Did the empire fall yet?
Ophelia (smiling): No, not yet.
Adrien (gazing at her): But it might rise differently now.