Chapter 319 --319
The next morning, Elara felt a slight ache in her muscles. It was frustrating; even though she was the one in control during the night, her royal body was still physically weak. It was a poorly optimized vessel for someone with her drive. She was sitting by the window when a knock sounded at the door.
She didn’t answer. She knew it wasn’t one of the beast knights—she had already memorized the heavy, disciplined thud of their boots. This footstep was lighter, more graceful, and carried the weight of someone used to walking on silk carpets.
The door creaked open, and the Emperor stepped inside. He wore a soft smile that didn’t quite reach his tired eyes. "What, sister? Not even going to invite me in?"
Elara didn’t look up from her book. "I am already a captive, and you are asking for permission? You really are a generous Emperor."
His smile faded just a little, and he shook his head. "Emperor, huh? Yeah, I suppose I am." He gestured toward the empty chair across from her. "Can I sit?"
Elara remained silent, which was as much permission as he was going to get. He sat down slowly, his eyes landing on the book in her lap—the same one she had been reading by candlelight while Mahir was bound to her desk.
"What are you reading?" he asked, trying to find a thread of conversation.
"The Return After Death," Elara replied shortly.
He tilted his head, curious. "How is it? Is it any good?"
Elara finally looked at him, her gaze flat. "It’s garbage. The writing style is all wrong, the tone is far too intense, and the emotions are so prominent they become a distraction."