Temporary Security.

The baby just kept coming. It crawled steadily towards her, making little curious noises, its eyes fixed right on Amara.

Amara stumbled backward instantly, pressing herself flat against the cold stone of the palace wall. Get away. That was the only thought. No way was she walking towards it, no way was she even trying to talk to it.

"Stay back!" she warned, her voice tight with a fear she rarely allowed. "Or I swear, I'll kill you!" she hissed, the threat sounding sharp in the silent, bloody hall.

But the baby kept its relentless, oblivious crawl. It didn't understand warnings, didn't grasp the concept of danger. It just approached.

Then, just as it drew near, something else caught its eye. Its path shifted. The crying stopped. It was no longer focused on the tall, intimidating figure of Amara, but on the fascinating, silent world around it. It began to wander like a curious kitten, exploring the vast palace floor.

Amara stayed frozen against the wall, every muscle tense. Anxiety, cold and unfamiliar, held her there. She just watched it, wary, observing its every move, just in case this turning away was some bizarre trick, some prelude to an attack she couldn't predict.

"It's so small," she muttered under her breath. "Where did it even come from?"

She frowned, trying to make out any detail. "Can't even tell if it's... male or female," she added, the uncertainty grating on her.

The baby's wandering path took it directly through the gruesome landscape – the piles of Amara's own kind. It crawled right over limbs, through dark pools of blood, utterly unfazed. No reaction, no fuss, just a simple, forward movement.

"Hey! Watch where you're stepping!" Amara snapped, the sight finally jolting her out of her paralysis.

The baby stopped it's crawling and slowly turned its head, its eyes finding her again. Its face remained perfectly blank.

"Have you no respect for the dead?" Amara demanded, the question feeling ridiculous as soon as it left her lips. How could this... creature... possibly understand?

Silence. The baby just stared. It had no words, clearly no understanding. Amara stared back, an awkward tension settling over the scene. She needed to think, needed to figure out her next move, her actual situation.

A slow realization dawned. This thing wasn't going to kill her. The power dynamic here was starkly reversed.

Maybe I'll just leave it be for now, she thought, a measure of calm returning. I have... other things I need to do.

With a final glance at the small, wandering anomaly, Amara turned away. Her face settled back into that familiar empty mask, her focus narrowing back onto her purpose, her grim plan. She walked towards the palace door, leaving the little green baby alone in the silent, blood-soaked hall.

Dawn broke over the palace the following morning, bringing with it a quiet tension. The knowledge of the unknown visitor remained contained, a secret shared only among a select few: the Emperor himself, Princess Delphine, his brother Lucas, Eddie, a handful of trusted royal guards, Mina, Wilbert, and now Barbara.

The Emperor wrestled with the decision of whether to make the news public. Announcing it would undoubtedly cause widespread alarm and unrest, disturbing everyone. Yet, he couldn't pretend this unknown figure wouldn't return; he knew, with a certainty that settled deep in his gut, that they would.

For now, he remained silent. He was alone in his meeting room, a space typically filled with advisors, but currently offering only solitude. He settled into the quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts before planning his next move. Somehow, he knew exactly how to handle this. The moment the initial report had reached him, he had felt a grim readiness settle over him. No matter what transpired, he wasn't simply facing a stranger; he was dealing with a specific individual, someone he knew from a past that felt both distant and uncomfortably close.

A persistent knocking dragged Catherine from the depths of sleep. Knock, knock, knock. She groaned, peeling herself slowly from the covers, each movement a monumental effort. The knocking continued, a relentless rhythm against the door.

Finally giving in, she shuffled across the room, her steps heavy. Her hand fumbled for the doorknob, turning it, and she pulled the door open, just... normally.

Sergei stood in the hallway, looking a little too bright for this hour. "Hey," he said.

"Hi," Catherine croaked back, her voice thick with sleep. Her face felt heavy, still barely registering that she was awake.

"Sleep well?" he asked.

"Yeah, sort of," she mumbled, still half-asleep.

"Good." He gave a quick nod. "Listen, I'm heading out now. Barbara's waiting downstairs. So... yeah. Bye!" He gave a hasty wave and practically bolted before Catherine could even fully process what he'd said.

Catherine watched his retreating back disappear around the corner, the click of the front door a moment later confirming he was gone. She stood there for a second, about to say... something? But decided against it. What was the point? Sighing, she closed her own door and shuffled back to the waiting warmth of her bed, collapsing onto the mattress. Sleep. That's all she had energy for right now. Anything else could wait.

Downstairs, Sergei met Barbara by the entrance. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Morning."

"Morning," she replied, but her brow was slightly furrowed. "Hey, why couldn't we hang out at your place? I thought we were crashing there."

Sergei paused, scrambling for a plausible excuse. "Uh... I actually hired someone to clean it," he blurted out, the words feeling flimsy even to him. "Came home yesterday and realised... well, it's not exactly the abode of a proper gentleman."

Barbara snorted, a sound somewhere between amusement and disbelief. She shook her head. "You hired someone? Sergei, seriously? You've lived in that apartment for years, you could clean it yourself! It's not that hard."

He shifted awkwardly, realizing his excuse had landed with a thud. "Yeah, well..."

"So, who'd you hire anyway?" Barbara pressed, changing tack slightly. "Do I know them?"

Sergei's mind raced. Just a random name. "Nope! Just... someone nearby!" he said, maybe a little too loudly.

Barbara tilted her head, a frown touching her lips. "Why are you shouting? I just asked."

She let his antics slide, her expression suddenly turning serious, the atmosphere shifting. "Anyway," she said, her voice low now, "Let's go. I need to tell you something."

Sergei's casual demeanor vanished. "What? What's wrong?" he asked, immediately picking up on her change.

Barbara glanced around their surroundings, then looked back at him, her face carefully blank. "When we get to your parents' place," she said simply.

"Alright then," Sergei said, forcing a casual tone back, but making a mental note. This was important.

They started walking, Sergei slipping an arm comfortably around Barbara's waist as they set off down the street.

"Oh, by the way," he asked, the conversation turning lighter, "seen Mina? Haven't seen that dumbass anywhere lately."

Barbara hesitated. "She's... uh, she needed some time away. I talked to her yesterday. Said she's taking a week off."

"A week off?" Sergei echoed, a flicker of surprise in his voice as he looked at her. "Did she say why?"

"Personal stuff, she said. But honestly? I think it's got something to do with... well, the day she got poisoned. Something's definitely up." Barbara offered, sharing her hunch.

"You didn't push her on it?" Sergei asked.

"I didn't want to bother her," Barbara replied. "We can always check on her later if we have time, or when she's back."

"Right." Sergei nodded, his gaze settling forward again as they continued their walk.

Alright, let's weave this scene into something that flows a bit more like a novel, keeping it casual and engaging.

Amara moved with a singular focus, the weight of her mission pressing down on her like the humid air. Finding him – whoever had orchestrated the devastation of her people – was the only thing that mattered. The raw edges of her grief were still sharp, fueling a relentless need for answers, for retribution. She was so lost in this internal storm that when a prickling sensation danced on the back of her neck, it took a moment to register. Old instincts, however, were hard to ignore.

A slow, deliberate glance over her shoulder confirmed it. Trailing her, with an almost comical lack of stealth, was the green baby. It toddled along a few paces behind, a wide, innocent smile plastered on its tiny face. Amara halted, a frown creasing her brow. This wasn't an annoyance, not exactly. It was more… utter bewilderment.

"Seriously?" she called out, her voice sharper than intended. "Why are you following me? Just… stop. Go that way," she gestured vaguely, as if the infant understood complex directions.

Undeterred, the little green shadow kept coming, stopping only when it was practically at her heels. The idiotic grin remained. Amara stared down at it, a strange mix of confusion and something akin to exasperation bubbling up.

"Are you even capable of understanding words?" she asked, a hint of mockery lacing her tone. "Or is that little brain of yours lack purpose?"

Predictably, the baby offered no profound insights. Amara sighed, a heavy, world-weary sound that seemed out of place for someone on a quest for vengeance. With a grunt of resignation, she turned her back and started walking again, resolutely ignoring the persistent presence behind her. Her focus needed to be on her plan, on the steps she would take, not on some bizarre, green tagalong.

She walked, and walked some more, the rhythmic slap of her boots against the palace path a counterpoint to the baby's soft, padding footsteps. She was acutely aware of it back there, a silent, green commentary on her grim determination. But today, her inner turmoil was a stronger force, pushing the strange encounter to the periphery of her awareness. They had long since left the familiar grounds of the palace, venturing onto less-trodden paths.

Then, a sudden, high-pitched wail pierced the air.

Instinct took over before thought even had a chance to form. Amara spun around, her hand already moving towards a nonexistent weapon. The sight that greeted her snapped her out of her self-absorption. The green baby was surrounded. Not by guards, not by obstacles, but by a pack of small, vicious-looking mammals. They were low to the ground, all teeth and claws, circling the terrified infant with predatory intent. The baby howled again, a sound of pure, unadulterated fear. The little carnivores mirrored the sound with guttural snarls, their eyes gleaming. They were closing in.

In a heartbeat, Amara was moving. A guttural hiss ripped from her own throat as she lunged forward, scooping up the baby in one swift motion. The sudden, fierce sound and her unexpected intervention startled the creatures. They recoiled, their snarls turning into confused yelps before they scattered and disappeared into the undergrowth.

"Savages," Amara muttered, a curl of disgust in her voice. Then, the reality of what she'd just done hit her. She was holding the green baby. Protecting it. She looked down at the small creature, who was now gurgling softly and reaching out with tiny hands towards her face. A wave of something unreadable washed over Amara. Disgust warred with a flicker of… something else. She sighed, the sound laced with reluctant resignation.

"Don't get any ideas," she warned the baby, her voice gruff. "Misbehave, and I'll leave you right back where those furry little nightmares were." Despite the threat, she didn't put the baby down. Instead, she turned and continued down the path, the small, green weight surprisingly light in her arms. Her quest for vengeance had just acquired a very unexpected, and very green, companion.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Jasper and Lucas ate in comfortable silence across the long dining table, Princess Delphine their sole company for the morning. The table itself was a lavish spread – various meats, vibrant vegetables, different grains, and piles of fresh fruit, more than enough for a small army.

The doors opened then, and Eddie entered, a folded dispatch in hand. Jasper, mid-bite, paused.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Eddie bowed slightly. "A message from the Prime Minister."

Lucas and Princess Delphine looked up from their plates, forks suspended mid-air, awaiting the news.

"He sends word he intends to visit the palace today," Eddie reported formally. "He wishes to discuss the proposed changes to the major laws and policies."

"Alright. Thank you, Eddie," Jasper acknowledged with a simple nod.

Eddie bowed again, turned crisply, and exited the dining hall, his duty done.

"Isn't that... slightly awkward timing?" Delphine mused, frowning slightly. "With that man still potentially lurking around?"

Lucas chuckled, taking a sip of water. "Can't wait to see the old man's face if he bumps into him."

"Precisely," Jasper said, resuming his meal of vegetables and grains. "If the Prime Minister arrives while our... guest... is still present, the meeting will be held in one of the less-used conference rooms in the East Wing."

"You're just going to leave us two with him?" Delphine challenged lightly.

"I will, of course, be close by should the situation require my intervention," Jasper assured formally.

"I'll kick his ass if the idiot tries anything," Lucas boasted, a smirk playing on his lips.

Delphine rolled her eyes at Lucas. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," she deadpanned.

Jasper set down his fork and stood. He looked at Lucas. "Delphine, please excuse us for a moment. Lucas, come with me." He turned and walked towards the dining hall doors, not waiting to see if Lucas followed.

Lucas looked from Delphine to Jasper's retreating back. He let out a long-suffering sigh, shoved his hands in his pockets, and pushed back his chair, following reluctantly.

Outside the dining hall, Jasper stopped and turned.

"Alright, spit it out," Lucas said dryly, stopping a few paces away. "Don't have all day."

Jasper regarded him for a moment, then gave a brief nod. "Yesterday," he began, the formal cadence returning slightly, "you seemed... rather frantic. Spouting off about Catherine's whereabouts..."

Lucas chuckled, remembering the previous day's chaos. "Oh, yeah. Found her, eventually. She's incredibly stubborn, insisted she couldn't stay here, needed to be somewhere else."

"Where is she now?" Jasper cut in, a flicker of impatience showing. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Lucas paused, a smirk spreading across his face. "She ran. Tried to find her, spent ages looking, but honestly? The little fox is good. She somehow managed to completely vanish on me."

Jasper frowned. "Did you do something... to make her run?"

Lucas let out a short laugh and shook his head. "Nope," he said playfully.

Jasper fell silent, turning away to stare out a nearby window, clearly thinking hard, though he said nothing.

"Is that it?" Lucas finally asked after a long pause. "Because if so, I really need to go."

"I'm sure Wilbert—" Jasper started.

"Honestly," Lucas cut in, his tone sharp now, "how much do you actually care about that fox woman?"

Jasper stiffened, remaining silent. He looked like he was searching for an answer himself, and not finding one.

"I'm sure she's fine," Lucas scoffed lightly. "Probably making a dramatic entrance somewhere. Who knows?" He checked his watch, then glanced around. "Anyway, about time I headed out." He brushed past Jasper and strode off down the corridor, clearly heading somewhere specific.

Jasper stood there for another moment, then seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts. Ignoring his brother's parting words, he turned and went back inside.

Princess Delphine was still seated at the table when Jasper re-entered. She looked up. "What did you talk about?"

"It was nothing important," Jasper dismissed formally, taking his seat. "Nothing for you to concern yourself with."

Delphine wasn't entirely convinced, but chose not to press, giving a polite nod.

"Jasper," Delphine began, a slight hesitation in her voice. "Would it be... alright if I stayed here for another day?"

Jasper paused, looking at her for a beat before nodding. "Of course. Stay as long as you wish," he said formally, then added, his voice softening slightly, "And please accept my apology for my behavior during our last conversation."

"Oh, that," Delphine smiled softly, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Please forget it. As long as we're on good terms now, we can both leave it behind."

"Thank you," Jasper nodded, relief visible in his expression.

"Are you busy this morning?" she asked.

"This morning, yes," Jasper replied formally. "I have a rather large stack of official papers to review."

"I know this might be a huge request," she said, her gaze hopeful, "but after that... would you perhaps consider accompanying me for a walk in the garden?"

Jasper gave a small smile. "If I manage to finish everything, I would be happy to keep you company." He stood again. "If you require anything at all before then, please just call for Eddie or any of the staff." He gave her another polite nod and turned, heading off down his chosen path.

"Okay..." Delphine murmured softly, watching his back as he departed.

She watched the Emperor walk away, a quiet admiration swelling in her chest. Her thoughts about him remained... complicated, a tangle she couldn't quite unravel. But one thing she knew for sure was this: despite everything, her feelings hadn't changed. Or maybe, something had changed within her, but it only served to solidify what she already felt.

The moment Sergei and Barbara pulled up to the curb, a wave of familiar warmth washed over them. Sergei's childhood home, a sturdy two-story place with a history etched into its very bones, stood welcomingly. As they stepped out, Sergei's parents were already there, waiting on the porch – his mom, Marina, practically buzzing with excitement, and his dad, Boris, standing beside her with a wide, steady smile.

Marina didn't wait for them to reach the door. She rushed forward, arms open, a genuine smile lighting her face. "It's so good to see you both!" she exclaimed, pulling Barbara into a warm hug first, then embracing Sergei just as tightly.

"Couldn't help but miss being here," Sergei said, leaning back slightly, that casual, easygoing air settling over him the moment he was home.

"Oh, and please apologize," Barbara added quickly, a slight flush on her cheeks, "if we haven't brought anything."

Marina waved a dismissive hand, already taking Barbara's hand. "Don't be silly! It's absolutely alright, you don't have to bring a thing. We've got more than enough food inside. Come, come." Barbara smiled, squeezed Marina's hand in return, and followed her towards the front door.

Sergei, meanwhile, closed the distance to his father, wrapping him in a solid hug. Boris clapped him on the back. "How are you doing, son?"

"Alright, Dad. Nothing much new," Sergei replied, pulling back.

Boris chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "Your mother and I have a little something prepared for you inside."

"Exciting," Sergei said, the word perhaps more genuinely curious than he let on.

Inside, the house felt just as he remembered – a comfortable mix of modernized classic design, warm neutral colours on the walls, and little splashes of green from potted plants scattered around. Portraits adorned the walls: his parents, looking youthful and smiling, and a few of Sergei himself – awkward childhood photos next to more recent, formal ones. It felt like stepping back in time, but a time that had evolved gently with its inhabitants.

Marina led them into the dining area, indicating their seats at the table. "Now, wait here," she said, already heading towards the kitchen. "I'll go get the food."

Boris sat down next to Sergei, his gaze settling on the couple. "So," he began, a hint of amusement in his voice. "How's His Majesty? And how are the palace duties treating you both?"

"He's... the same as always," Barbara replied, sharing a quick, knowing glance with Sergei. "And the duties are bearable, for the most part."

"Yeah, honestly, everything's been pretty normal lately. No major dramas," Sergei added.

"Ah, that's comforting to hear," Boris said, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Though... I have been hearing some rather peculiar rumours lately."

"Honey, honestly, don't scare the kids with your nonsense," Marina's voice cut in from the kitchen doorway, though she was smiling as she carried a steaming bowl of soup, fragrant with meat and vegetables. She placed it carefully on the table. "I'll get the plates."

"No, Mom, I got it," Sergei said, standing up quickly. "Just sit and relax." He gave her a playfully stern look.

Barbara smiled at his gesture as Marina settled back into her chair near Boris.

"It's true, though!" Boris insisted, turning back to Sergei and Barbara. "Heard it somewhere... the rumour is there's a mysterious creature lurking around here."

"Rumours aren't facts, Boris," Marina countered good-naturedly.

"Um, does it say what it looks like?" Barbara mused, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes.

"Just that it's... not like us," Boris said, lowering his voice slightly. "Something completely different."

Barbara paused then, a thoughtful silence falling over her for a moment, as if sifting through possibilities in her mind.

"Seriously, Boris, stop it," Marina interjected firmly, cutting through the brief tension. "Let's just eat and chat about something else."

A minute later, Sergei returned, juggling stacks of plates and small bowls for the soup, along with bundles of utensils. He set everything down, distributing plates and forks for everyone before taking his own and settling back into his seat. As they all got comfortable, Marina took the ladle, carefully and slowly pouring the rich soup into each bowl, avoiding any spills.

"Now this is what I miss," Sergei said, inhaling the steam from his bowl.

"I know, right?" Marina beamed. "And I'm truly glad you like it."

"It smells amazing," Barbara complimented.

"Thank you, dear," Marina replied, her smile widening. "But the real magic is when you taste it."

With their bowls filled, Barbara and Sergei were the first to cautiously dip their spoons in, taking a slow sip.

"This is really nice, Marina," Barbara said, her eyes closing for a brief moment of appreciation before taking another spoonful.

"I'm so happy you kids like it," Marina said, looking pleased. "I'll make it every day you're here."

Marina and Boris began to eat as well, and for a few quiet moments, the only sounds were the gentle clinking of spoons against ceramic and contented sips.

Boris broke the silence, his tone shifting subtly. "So," he began, looking between them. "Do you two have any plans for marriage yet?"

Sergei and Barbara both paused mid-sip, their heads snapping towards Boris. The sudden question seemed to hang in the air.

"Also, Sergei," Marina added, jumping in on the future-planning train. "Are you sure you want to find another job? Other than being a royal guard?"

"Woah, woah, one thing at a time!" Sergei laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sergei and I aren't quite ready for marriage just yet," Barbara answered honestly, though she glanced at Sergei as she spoke. "But we're definitely open to it changing when the time is right."

"And about the job," Sergei said, a touch of vulnerability entering his voice. "Being a royal guard is... fine, but I feel a bit lost in it lately. I think I need something different."

"Is the captain giving you a hard time? Or the commanding chief?" Boris pressed, concern etched on his face.

"Nah, it's nothing like that," Sergei said, his gaze drifting slightly as he thought about it. It was more internal than external.

"Alright, well," Boris said, softening his tone. "If you two ever do decide to settle down, let us know first, okay? Before anyone else?" He added the last part with a friendly, mock-serious air.

"Of course, Dad," Sergei chuckled, a genuine smile returning. "You'd be our best man, after all."

"And Barb..." Marina interjected gently, turning to Barbara.

"Yes?" Barbara replied, meeting her gaze.

"Don't feel pressured to get pregnant right away when you do get married," Marina said, her tone kind and understanding. "It might be too soon for all that."

Barbara and Sergei exchanged a look, a shared smile passing between them before they both chuckled.

"Of course," Barbara said, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I know having a child is a huge responsibility, and I'm definitely not prepared for motherhood myself just yet."

"Well," Marina said, her smile warm. "If you two ever do have a child, don't be shy about coming to us for advice, okay? We're here for you."

"Of course, Mom," Sergei said, his voice full of affection. "You're the best at it."

"Honey, could you fetch the present we prepared?" Marina asked, glancing at Boris.

"Oh, right. Just a moment," Boris replied, setting down his fork and rising to retrieve it.

"What is it, Mom?" Sergei asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You'll see, dear," Marina said, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Sergei and Barbara exchanged a quick glance.

"Here it is!" Boris announced, holding out a small blue box tied with a white ribbon. He handed it to Sergei, who accepted it with a touch of shyness.

"Wow, I didn't even realize it was my birthday," Sergei joked lightly.

"Open it," Barbara urged, a little thrill in her voice.

Sergei carefully unwrapped the present, his curiosity growing with each tug of the ribbon. He lifted the lid and placed it on the table. Inside lay something he hadn't expected.

It was a picture book, one Sergei had adored as a child. It was the very book he and Mina used to read together, a source of so many cherished memories before it was lost.

"We found it in the backyard, all covered in mud, but we cleaned it up nicely for you," Marina explained.

"You treasured it so much," Boris added, "that when we found it, it immediately reminded me of you and Mina."

"Mina?" Barbara repeated, her smile remaining but losing some of its warmth.

"Yes, dear, you know her, right? Sergei and Mina were such close friends for ages. He even saved her from getting hurt once when they were little and carried her home when he got a scrape himself," Marina recounted.

Sergei paused, a forced smile playing on his lips. He slowly looked at Barbara, who smiled naturally, seemingly oblivious to the subtle shift in the atmosphere. Then, Sergei's gaze returned to the picture book in his hands, the familiar images stirring long-ago memories.

"Thanks, Mom and Dad," Sergei said, his voice sincere.

Here is the passage rewritten with a structure and tone suitable for a novel, blending formality and casualness where appropriate, and aiming for engagement:

An hour and a half had passed, the morning giving way to the cusp of lunchtime. Yet, Jasper remained anchored to his desk, absorbed in the relentless tide of his duties. He scanned page after page, reviewing, studying, the rustle of paper the only sound in the quiet room. Lunch was a forgotten notion, lost in the landscape of official documents spread before him.

A soft knock broke the stillness. The door swung open slowly, revealing Princess Delphine. She entered with a casual grace, offering a relaxed smile in his direction. Jasper returned a polite smile, but his eyes, almost immediately, drifted back to the imposing stacks of paper demanding his attention.

"Do you need anything?" Jasper asked, his voice formal, his focus already elsewhere.

"Nothing in particular," Delphine chatted, strolling further into the room. "Just heard the Prime Minister is due to arrive soon."

"Right. Thank you for letting me know."

"Aside from that," she continued, moving to a nearby chair, positioning it directly facing his desk. "I just wanted to sit here and watch you work."

Jasper offered no objection, simply allowing her presence, his concentration fixed on the task at hand.

A moment of comfortable silence passed before a thought seemed to strike Delphine. "It just occurred to me, do you still remember that woman, Sandra?"

Jasper paused, his hand hovering over a document. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to meet hers. The name, spoken so casually, instantly conjured an image, perhaps one he had deliberately filed away.

"Where do you think she is now?" Delphine mused aloud, oblivious to the shift in the air. "I mean, she came from nowhere and then simply vanished. She was... entertaining. Partially good, I suppose."

Jasper remained silent for a beat longer than necessary, a brief, unreadable expression crossing his face before he composed himself. He chose his words carefully. "I am confident she returned to her home." His tone was perhaps a touch dry.

"True, but you'd think she'd send a letter," Delphine scoffed lightly. "After all, we kept her company here when she was all lost and everything." She sighed dramatically. "She probably has four children and a husband by now, given how long it's been."

"How are the King and Queen?" Jasper smoothly redirected, picking up a fresh document.

"Oh, umm..." Delphine paused, considering. "Papa's been a bit unwell lately, so his doctor advised rest. Mama's stepped in to handle things for now."

"Please send the King my regards and hopes for a swift recovery," Jasper said, his gaze already back on the page.

"I will," Delphine nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched him. "It's amusing how Lucas never changes, while the other one..." She trailed off, the thought left unfinished as she smoothly pivoted to another topic.

Just then, the door opened again. Eddie stood there, a figure behind him.

"The Prime Minister, Sir Dmitri Orlov, Your Majesty," Eddie announced formally.

Jasper and Delphine rose in unison. Jasper regarded the Prime Minister with a steady look, while Delphine offered him a quick, appraising glance from head to toe.

"It is good to see you again, Your Majesty. It has been some time," the Prime Minister greeted, stepping forward.

Jasper moved from behind his desk, approaching Dmitri. They clasped hands in a formal handshake, Jasper acknowledging his presence with a measured nod. "Indeed."

"And of course, Your Royal Highness, Princess Delphine. It is a pleasure to see you again as well." Dmitri turned to Delphine, taking her hand in a brief, customary gesture, lifting it to his lips before releasing it.

"Good to see you, Prime Minister," Delphine replied in a polite tone. "Judging by your visit, I'm sure His Majesty and you have much delightful conversation ahead." Her voice held a hint of cheerful formality.

"Yes, I am here to discuss official matters with His Majesty," Dmitri confirmed. "I've also come with a few announcements to make."

"In that case, I shall leave you gentlemen to it," Delphine said with a polite smile and nod. She departed swiftly, accompanied by Eddie, who closed the door behind them.

"Your fiancée is as beautiful as ever, the last time I recall seeing her," Dmitri remarked, his gaze lingering on the closed door for a moment before turning back to Jasper.

"Former," Jasper corrected coolly.

Dmitri's amiable expression shifted, replaced by a flicker of intrigued amusement. "A new woman, I see." He leaned forward slightly. "Does she have a name, Your Majesty?"

"You are here to discuss the proposed policy changes," Jasper stated, redirecting the conversation firmly. "Let us focus on that."

"Yes, of course." Dmitri chuckled formally and moved to a nearby chair, taking a seat. Jasper did the same.

"The ministers and I have been in extensive talks regarding the law concerning the southern and northern borders," Dmitri began. "We have reached a decision. We propose removing them entirely, rather than merely modifying the law."

"Removing them?" Jasper questioned, his voice sharpening slightly. "They were deliberately placed there as a safety precaution for the people."

"Indeed," Dmitri conceded. "However, the ministers have raised valid concerns. Some argue the borders are now an obstacle to constructing vital infrastructure for important departments. I myself believe those borders have served their purpose admirably, especially considering the war they were linked to ended a thousand years ago." He added, "The parliament has already shared its approval of this proposal."

"It is true the war is long past," Jasper countered, his tone measured and formal. "But those barriers were not built solely out of fear of that conflict. They were erected as a crucial safeguard between our kind and external uncertainties, stemming from incidents that occurred long before the war—incidents where many, such as wolf children, were slaughtered outside the cities due to a lack of adequate safety barriers against indecent beings."

"Times have changed significantly, Your Majesty," Dmitri argued smoothly. "Whoever those beings were, they no longer pose a threat to these lands. We have adapted in every aspect of our nature, and our abilities have advanced considerably." He leaned back slightly. "The former Emperor, Nikolai Alekseyev, your father, also steadfastly refused to entertain this subject for reasons unknown. But I believe you, Your Majesty, may hold a different, more progressive opinion."

Jasper remained silent for a moment, considering. "While my father and I certainly possess differing perspectives and approaches to leading this land," he finally replied, his voice steady and firm, "practicality cannot be sacrificed for the sake of perceived progress or changed times. What has allowed this land to survive for such a long time must be respected. If I were to agree to your request to dismantle the borders, the percentage of guarantee we have for continued survival would, I fear, drop to zero."

An hour had passed. Catherine stirred awake from what felt like a blessedly short nap. Pushing herself upright, she stretched languidly, taking a moment to orient herself in the quiet room before swinging her legs over the side of the bed and standing.

"Damn, that was a good nap," she muttered to herself, feeling the pleasant haze of sleep beginning to dissipate.

Heading for the door, she slipped out of the room and made her way to the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she decided a quick wash was in order, maybe even a proper bath to shake off the last vestiges of sleep. After a few minutes spent splashing water on her face and running a comb through her hair, she emerged, noting with mild irritation that her clothes hadn't changed – a stark reminder she was still in the same attire she'd had before, lacking any alternative.

A new urge surfaced, stronger than sleep – hunger. "Might as well check the fridge for something," she murmured. She padded towards where the fridge hummed quietly, reached for the handle, and pulled the door open casually.

Her heart sank slightly. To her dismay, the contents were utterly lacking in anything resembling a meal. It was a desolate landscape of mostly drinks, a solitary container of dried garlic, and a few withered herbs.

Her stomach answered the disappointment with a loud, unmistakable rumble. She pressed a hand to her middle. "Seriously," she sighed. "Where am I going to eat? I'm starving."

A sigh escaped her. "Alright," she decided aloud, the necessity clear. "Looks like I have no choice. I'll have to go out myself." She couldn't afford to wait for Sergei any longer.