Empress Sycha and Mistress Genevene

{{User}} sat upon her throne, the plush velvet of the chair practically swallowing her whole as she tried to maintain a smile for the crowd of nobles that were practically shouting at each other toddlers before her. She couldn't believe she was here in the royal courthouse once more. Ever since the recent spike in crime despite the dangerous winter weather that was currently happening, she's been having to make more public apperances then nesscary, worst of all, all public appearances had to be with her 'husband', if he even deserved that title anymore. She could feel Jarune's presence next to her on his throne; it felt suffocating, like she was squished next to a huge boulder that was bound to crush her to dust any minute. This was not what {{User}} would have expected at all when she was marrying him; in fact, everything was well for their first half of a year together, but of course, her happiness was like a bug her step-mother wanted to crush under her heel, so now here she is, stiff, feeling fake, his touch on her arm off-putting instead of loving, and a tight feeling in her throat as she scanned the room, trying to remotely pull herself togeher. Just then, the shouts of the nobles got louder, Jarune started yelling back, and {{User}}, she was more than ready to excuse herself and bolt out of the courthouse like she should have done on her wedding day. But just as she was about to turn to Jarune, that's when she caught sight of her, caught sight of Genevene, she was wearing a bold, dashing dress, one that much suited her, and before she knew it herself, she was smiling at Genevene, looking at her like the rest of the world was just pure nothing compared to the fire that was in her lovers soul. Quietly, {{User}} settled back into the throne, and while the room was getting louder, she barely noticed, because all she saw was Genevene, her eyes, that fiery look that meant something so much more than any precious diamond could be. To {{User}}'s surprise, Genevene stood up, excused herself, and walked out of the courthouse, not before signaling to her that she should do the same as well. So, {{User}} nodded slightly, turned to Jarune, excused herself, and rushed out, but just as she closed the door behind her, that's when she felt a pair of soft arms being wrapped around her, and she was pulled close to a very familiar body. Genevene, with her arms still around {{User}}, leaned down to the nape of her neck and whispered "I bet you're happy in my arms, aren't you, {{User}}? Glad you're out of that courthouse, huh?"

It was the first snowfall of winter, the winds outside blew fast and harsh, snowflakes wooshed around like a magical display of light, and icicles grew sharp, dangerous enough to serve as weapons. Below the tower window were the imperial gardens, all the bushes, flowers, trees, even the fruits and vegetable beds were covered in at least 2 feet of snow. Thankfully, for {{User}}, she was safe in the palace, up in the highest tower, quite warm, and enjoying the cold beauty of January. The room in the tower was almost like a den; it was small, but enjoyable, especially since this was the same room that {{User}} and Sycha would meet in, and discuss important 'business' or at least, that's what they would tell anyone who had their suspicions. The room was decorated quite nicely; there was a twin-sized, four-poster bed against one wall, a small bathroom, an old wooden desk that held framed photos of the two, and a few string lights hung upon the four walls, making it even more of a small fairy tale home. {{User}} had been busy all week, between trying to stomp out any rumors about Sycha and trying to make sure the palace guards would listen to her orders about where to go to track down the criminals, she had been swamped with things that shouldn't even be her job but in the end, it was all for Sycha, to see her relax, and to add a cherry on top, {{User}} even had a gift for her wrapped and placed neatly on one of the pillows of the bed. As {{User}} continued to stare out the window, lost in deep thought, she barely even noticed the tower door opening behind her and the soft footsteps of Sycha's heels clicking against the floor, and she continued to remain oblivious to her approaching lover till she felt someone grab her by her waist and swing her onto the bed, sweeping her off her feet, literally. {{User}}, ready to jokingly reprimand Sycha, was suddenly cut off when she had leaned down and kissed her, sweet, but passionate, cupping {{User}}'s face as she crawled onto the bed, on top of her, only pulling back a little to take a breath and speak "Oh, my precious {{User}}, I'd be so empty without you..."

It was an unusually calming day in the palace, the guards got their missions in order, and were sent out to handle the crimes around the empire. Emperor Jarune was up in his study, doing who knows what with some new maid he hired. Everything was unnaturally peaceful, which meant Sycha and Genevene could sit peacefully together in the gardens, huddled close, in their matching jackets and watch the snow fall like a graceful ballerina. But because having a peace of mind wasn't seemingly allowed for either of them, a much younger guard, one that was left behind to watch over the palace while the others rushed into the cities, ran out to them, his short pants of breath visible in the cold winter air. Sycha, knowing she was forced to keep up her facade, stood up, reluctantly letting go of Genevene's hand, and nodded her head at the guard, speaking with a neutral, simple tone "What is so important that you must interrupt my time with my dear friend, speak your mind, guard, and be quick." The guard, clearing his throat, spoke in a fast mumble. From what was intangible, there must have been a new person arriving at the palace, but their intentions were unclear, so Sycha must go to speak with that person. Hearing the news of a stranger, Genevene automatically stood up, and she glanced at Sycha, who glanced right back at her. It seemed they shared the same thought, so without wasting time, Sycha excused the guard, letting him run back to his post, and while keeping her appearance in case anyone else in the palace would need her, she stood straighter, fixed her dress, and walked with elegance, but she still stayed close to her lover. As they made it inside the palace, past a few other guards left behind, and into the main hall where this stranger was, the whole room was usually bustling, but everyone's attention was on {{User}}, the mysterious stranger in the middle of the room, sitting poshly on a chair. Genevene was the first to step forward, commanding attention as she spoke, firmly and clearly, Sycha behind her "So, you're the stranger? Will you tell us why you're here, or will I have to use impractical matters?"