"..."
"..."
Empress Gisella wasn’t sure what was worse.
Was it meeting her in-laws for the first time back then, or suddenly finding herself face-to-face with a possible family member?
No. Scratch that.
This wasn’t just possible—it was hopefully inevitable. This was someone who had to become a part of their family.
Because if her son’s expressions were any basis for judgment, then that willful child might just throw everything away if he failed to succeed in this. But then again, if she were being honest, he would likely keep living, but only out of duty, stripped of the life she had glimpsed in him today.
Gisella shivered at the thought. And who could blame her?
Back when she had met Xavian’s parents, she had been told she held herself well. She had prepared speeches in case they declared she wasn’t a good fit for their son, or if they dared to bring up the idea of concubines.
She had been fearless. Or so Xavian had claimed. Then again, her husband had been staring at her through rose-colored lenses since day one, so maybe she hadn’t been as put together as he insisted.
But even so... that moment hadn’t felt like this.
Now, even with the entire Empire practically in the palm of her hand, she wasn’t sure how to talk to someone this important.
Perhaps this was the difference. She could endlessly plot for opportunities to see him, scheme with the precision of a general to get these moments... but she hadn’t once thought about what to do after she got them.
Because this wasn’t a business deal.
No deal, however lucrative, could ever buy genuine affection.
Even if she promised the Empire itself to this boy, there was no guarantee he would return her son’s feelings. No guarantee he would care for Xavier as deeply as they did, or more.
So, what was she supposed to do?
The two of them sat outside the medical bay, side by side, while the doctors inside busied themselves with Renard.
For a moment, it was quiet. Too quiet.
Then, a voice.
Gentle. Clear. Concerned.
"Miss, is everything alright?"
The disguised Empress blinked. Her heart skipped. He... was asking about her?
Her?
Panic shot through her. What was she supposed to say? That she was fine? That she was actually the Empress of Solaris, having a complete meltdown because she was seated beside the boy who might just be the key to their son’s heart?
Because that was the truth.
There were thousands lining up for the role of Crown Princess or Prince Consort. All of them clawing at each other for a throne, a title, a crown. Not one of them even knew who the Imperial Crown Prince was. Not one of them cared about Xavier.
But this boy? Even if she wasn’t sure about his feelings for her son, she was at least sure about his effect on Xavier.
His very presence alone changed her son in ways she had never thought possible. And now, on top of that, he was looking at her with concern?
Her ears buzzed. Her lungs tightened. She could hardly believe it.
"Miss, are you alright?" Luca repeated softly.
This time, his brow furrowed, golden eyes clear with worry. Was the sunny woman with the kind smile also sick? Was it contagious?
The Empress’s throat locked.
To think she didn’t even know just what kind of thoughts were going through Luca’s mind.
Although, if anything, maybe this was the true test for her legendary composure?
If so, would she be a mess once she confronts her own son?
But when Luca offered earnestly, "Miss, if you’re not feeling well, I can also bring you into the medical bay, like I did with that other guy," she quickly raised her hands and shook her head.

Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]