Chapter 123: Chapter-123

Larus’s smile brightened. “Why is it unusual for someone to want to marry Her Majesty? She’s brilliant, accomplished, powerful, beautiful—honestly, I would think the unusual thing would be ’not’ wanting to marry her.”

The logic was so straightforward and innocent that it took them a moment to process.

“That’s not the point—” Raphael started.

“Isn’t it?” Larus asked, tilting his head. “Because it seems like you’re suggesting there’s something wrong with wanting to be her partner. But I can’t imagine what that would be.”

Damien’s eyes narrowed. “The point, Prince Larus, is that most men of pride and status wouldn’t be so eager to become part of such a… complicated arrangement.”

“Oh!” Larus said, as if suddenly understanding. “You mean because there are already five of you?”

“Precisely,” Adrian said coldly.

Larus nodded slowly, then smiled even brighter. “Well, that’s actually what makes it easier for me.”

They all stared at him.

“Easier?” Kieran repeated.

“Of course,” Larus said cheerfully. “You see, I was worried at first—what if I wasn’t enough? What if I couldn’t provide everything an empress needs? But then Her Majesty explained that she already has five brilliant husbands helping her. So the pressure is off! I can just focus on being useful in whatever way I can, without worrying that I’m her only support.”

The innocent explanation hung in the air.

“That’s… not quite how that works,” Raphael said slowly.

“Isn’t it?” Larus asked, looking genuinely confused. “Oh dear. Have I misunderstood something? I thought the whole point of having multiple consorts was that everyone contributes their strengths. Like a team.”

He looked at each of them with those warm, puppy-like eyes.

“Isn’t that what you five do? Work together as a team to support Her Majesty?”

The silence was deafening.

“It’s more complicated than that,” Adrian said finally.

“Oh, I’m sure it is,” Larus agreed readily. “I’m still learning about imperial politics. It must be incredibly complex. That’s why I’m so grateful Her Majesty is willing to teach me.”

He smiled warmly.

“She’s been so patient. Spending time explaining things, working with me on documents, helping me understand the empire. She’s really an amazing teacher, isn’t she?”

The reminder that Heena was spending so much time with Larus landed like a stone.

“How… dedicated of her,” Damien said, his voice tight.

“I know!” Larus said enthusiastically. “I feel so lucky. Just the other night we worked together until dawn. She’s so passionate about good governance—it’s really inspiring.”

Kieran’s jaw clenched. “The other night?”

“Oh yes,” Larus said innocently. “Some nobles had sent over documents to review. Her Majesty asked if I’d help, and of course I said yes. We went through everything together. It was actually really interesting—I learned so much about tax structures and trade regulations.”

He beamed at them.

“Do you often work through the night with Her Majesty? It must be wonderful, having that kind of partnership.”

The question was so innocent, so genuinely curious, that it took them a moment to realize what he’d just done.

He’d reminded them that he’d spent an entire night alone with Heena. Working on documents. Documents she apparently didn’t trust to them.

“We have our own responsibilities,” Adrian said stiffly.

“Of course, of course,” Larus agreed quickly. “Everyone’s so busy. Though I have to say, I was surprised Her Majesty hadn’t asked you five to help with those particular documents. They seemed important.”

“What documents?” Damien asked sharply.

“Oh, just some tax records and property transfers,” Larus said casually. “She found all sorts of interesting discrepancies. Seventeen cases of fraud, I think? And twelve property manipulations? I might have the numbers wrong—it was quite late.”

He smiled brightly.

“But she said it was important to review everything personally rather than delegating. She’s very thorough, isn’t she?”

The five consorts exchanged glances. Those were the revenge documents the nobles had dumped. Heena had actually gone through all of them?

“That must have been… tedious,” Raphael said carefully.

“Oh no, not at all!” Larus said with genuine enthusiasm. “It was actually fascinating. Her Majesty explained how to cross-reference different records, how to spot inconsistencies in handwriting, how to trace money flows through shell companies—she’s absolutely brilliant at this kind of analysis.”

He looked at them with admiration shining in his eyes.

“You must all learn so much from her. Being married to someone that intelligent and capable—it must be incredible.”

The innocent statement somehow made them all feel inadequate.

“Prince Larus,” Kieran said, his voice controlled but cold. “You seem remarkably… comfortable here. For someone who’s only been in the empire for two weeks.”

“Oh, do I?” Larus looked pleased. “That’s so kind of you to say. Her Majesty has made me feel very welcome.”

“Has she,” Adrian said flatly.

“Yes,” Larus said, his smile softening into something gentler. “She’s been wonderful. Very kind, very considerate. She always makes sure I have everything I need, that I’m comfortable, that I’m not overwhelmed by all the new customs and protocols.”

He looked down, almost shy.

“Honestly, I was nervous at first. Coming to a foreign empire, meeting all these important people, trying to learn everything. But she’s made it so easy. She actually… cares. About how I’m doing, what I think, whether I’m happy.”

The soft, genuine emotion in his voice was impossible to fake.

“It’s nice,” he continued quietly. “Being with someone who actually wants to know you. Who asks questions and listens to the answers. Who values your opinions even when you’re still learning.”

He looked back up at them, his eyes warm.

“I imagine you all know what that’s like. Having that kind of connection with her.”

The implication was clear: ’Do you?’

Lucian spoke for the first time, his voice quiet. “You seem quite taken with Her Majesty.”

“I am,” Larus admitted readily, his smile genuine and unguarded. “How could I not be? She’s extraordinary. And she chose ’me’. Out of all the possible alliances she could have made, all the political arrangements she could have pursued—she wanted me.”

His voice softened further.

“Do you know how rare that is? To be actually wanted? Not needed for political reasons, not tolerated out of duty, but actually ’chosen’ because someone sees value in you specifically?”

The question hung in the air, and none of the five consorts could answer it.

Because the truth was, they didn’t know. They’d been married for political reasons, maintained for political reasons. None of them had been ’chosen’ the way Larus was describing.

“Anyway,” Larus said, his bright smile returning, “I really should go. Her Majesty is waiting, and I don’t want to be late for our dinner.”

“Dinner?” Damien repeated.

“Mm-hmm,” Larus said cheerfully. “We’re having a proper date tonight. No work, no politics—just the two of us spending time together. I’m really looking forward to it.”

He started to walk past them, then paused.

“Oh! I almost forgot. Her Majesty mentioned something about a week? Some kind of decision you all need to make?”

Five pairs of eyes turned cold.

“She mentioned that?” Kieran asked, voice dangerous.

“Just in passing,” Larus said easily. “I didn’t pry—it seemed private. But whatever it is, I hope it works out well for everyone.”

He smiled at them with genuine warmth.

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