We sat on a sofa watching Empress wasting herself with high quality alcohol. It didn't seem like she had some important events like dissolution of a world war threat.
"Emir, please," The Empress looked at Harriette, "Enlighten me about how the Sun of Hargreaves is faring these days."
"He's as busy as ever" Harriette says shortly, " He sends his warm greetings."
"Surely being a newly wed should make Sultan cease being a workaholic for few months," Empress smiled, "People say Lady Razia is the most elegant woman the world has ever seen."
Lady Razia is Harriette's sister in law. She is a princess from Mali Empire far in the south. "My sister in law would be delighted to know the Moon of Bahamut holds her in such high regard," Harriette said, "But I have to side with you. Sister Razia is one of a kind."
"I have heard she had mastered some beautiful dance routines of the old world and she is also researching on lost literature?" Empress asked egarly.
"Sister Razia is a history lover," Harriette nodded, "Had it not been for my brother she would have probably Books and museums."
I, personally hadn't met Lady Razia from Mali before. Before coming to Bahamut my life was majorly limited within the little village at the eastern Surya. So I sat there fiddling with my wine glass trying not to look bored.
"Her parents must be proud to have a daughter like her," Empress said. Surely, she wouldn't insult Hira infront of foreign guests would she? I thought to myself and found Empress observing me carefully.
"What?" She asked, in a rough tone.
"Yes Your Majesty?" I played innocent.
"I know what you're thinking Bale," the Empress sighed, "Spit it out."
"I was thinking we should start heading to the Royale Court," I said. "As cowardice as ever," Empress smiled and then explained to Harriette, "He doesn't have a bone in his body, you see. Where did you find this little boy in Duni again?"
Harriette didn't speak. "What sort of rituals and prayers must I do to obtain a daughter like an elegant and wise Lady Razia and a wealthy strong son in law like the Sultan?" She asked Harriette.
"You're drunk, Your Majesty," scoffed Harriette, "Your daughter and son in law had fought against sixty four FFFs without any backup soldier and survived which is a fit even my brother admires."
"Hira isn't a daughter of mine," Empress said simply gulping the rest of the wine in her glass.
"Your Majesty this is too much," I stood up, "Not before a guest, please."
"No, she really isyn't!" Empress said, "I was there when her mother got slaughtered like a firm animal. That girl didn't shed a single tear!"
For a second I was shocked. Was it the wine speaking? Or were those true words? In both cases I or Harriette should not listen to this without Hira's permission.
''She never told you? Even after three years?" The Empress started giggling like a maniac, "That girl never trusted you!"
I rang the bell sitting on the glassed table before us. Four five attendees ran into the room. "Her Majesty got drunk," I said, "Take her to her room."
"Mark my words Foolish Bale," The Empress hissed, '' She'll abandon you like she abandoned her own mother!"
"I hope so too!" I snapped back, "Once she abandons me and marries a son in law like Sultan of Hargreaves, maybe she can ascend to the Bahan Throne while your son is sent to attend the needs of the Suryan Princess!"
Her smile wavered. She hadn't really thought I'd snap back like this since I'd always spoken to her with grace and patience. "What's wrong with everyone today?" I rubbed my forehead, "Harriette let's go to the conference."
Harriette didn't argue. He silently followed me out of the wine room.