What Shaugn didn't know was that the prince was warning the factions against the emperor and empress. Should malicious rumors start not only would they have to deal with the emperor, but Prince Etan and his people would also not let them go.

Shaugn was busy admiring the architecture and comparing it to history of his time. The court was a mash of Greek and Asian with tall, marble columns framing the front entrance. Large, carved Foo Dogs stood on either side of the entrance. A red runner lead from the bottom of the steps into the hall.

They walked up the stone steps of the court with more than a dozen guards surrounding them on all sides. The two spoke quietly amongst themselves as they made their way inside. Etan informed him of various things going on in the court during his absence. Shaugn's brows furrowed in thought. Xoan hadn't told him anything of the court's affairs.

Was he trying to protect Shaugn by keeping him in the dark?

Shaugn shook his head. He'd been injured and Xoan probably didn't want to stress him. In that regard, Xoan was only too considerate. Shaugn felt he needed to do something to express his gratitude.

As they neared the entrance to the main chamber, the two separated. Shaugn had been told by Akechi and Kazim the design of the court was second in excellence only to the throne room in the palace. He had been to many museums and seen extravagant ancient rooms on tv but nothing prepared him for the grandeur of the court chamber.

Most courts were dark and dull but this one was filled with bright, natural light pouring in from its many windows. The walls were painted with rich, colorful murals that told the story of the kingdom's founding. The four entrances were surrounded by wood carvings depicting deities of the four directions. From the ceiling hung luxurious brocades with the imperial family tree embroidered on them. Marble pillars rose from the floor to the ceiling to the sides of the dais. A dozen guards stood in front of the steps providing a barrier between the emperor and others. There were two small tables on either side for the opposing speakers. Behind those was a u-shaped table where the ministers, generals, and nobility sat. Beyond that was the spectators area. Shaugn had to admit it was almost similar to a modern court room.

On a dais centered at the front wall was a mahogany carved throne in which Xoan sat. On the back of the chair was a carving of a dragon head. At the bottom of the carved armrests were a dragon and phoenix. There were gemstones embedded in the eyes of both. The whole thing looked majestic and awe-inspiring save for the fact that the noble, benevolent emperor was slouched in the chair with his chin on his fist looking like a hooligan.

The kings of the different kingdoms that made up the empire, ministers, and generals were discussing something with great passion. Xoan's eyes were narrowed and his posture made it look like he was bored to death. Shaugn was trying to get a good look at the other side of the room when someone announced his presence.

"His majesty the empress has arrived!"

Xoan's head whipped around and his eyes lit up. The ministers and generals stood and saluted him. Shaugn shook his head and walked further inside.

The further he walked in, the more the hairs on the back of his neck stood. Beneath the shows of respect was an undercurrent of hate. He secretly eyed those present to see if he could feel where it was coming from. Several faces flashed through his mind and Shaugn sought them out in the crowd before him.

"Why am I not surprised," he thought to himself.

Shaugn's lax and playful personality was buried beneath an indifferent and aloof expression. He tucked his hands into his sleeves and strode towards Xoan, ignoring the not-so-subtle whispers of the court. They were shocked and confused as to why the empress was here at this time.

Xoan stood and the corner of his lips lifted as his empress stood before him. He walked down the stairs of the dais and stood before his empress.

"Your majesty," Shaugn put his hand over his heart and bowed at the waist.

Xoan reached out to stop him. He placed a soft kiss on the back of Shaugn's hand and lead him up the steps to the seat beside him. "We've missed your presence in court, dear empress."

Shaugn sat upright in his seat with his arms resting on the armrest and his hands curved over the carved ends. His chair had a carving of a snake and a poppy both signs of healing and medicine. The padded seat cushion and back were covered in brocade fabric. Shaugn sighed as he leaned back. It was sturdy yet comfortable. The people of this time had remarkable craftsmanship.

It gave him a feeling of superiority looking down on the ministers and generals present. From his seat on the dais, he was able to see everytone in the chamberl without turning his head too far. He kept a straight face as he scanned the room. Some of these men were related to the consorts in the harem. The same people who harmed OG. Since they liked to play games in the dark, Shaugn would play with them too only out in the open for all to see.

A smirk curled the corner of his lips. He condensed all his 21st-century knowledge of history and movies and played his role.

"I apologize to the kings, ministers, generals, and advisors. I was not well. I hope my absence wasn't too much trouble for you all." Shaugn's voice was strong and authoritative reaching every corner of the chamber. His eyes swept across the room. Memories drifted through his mind as his eyes landed on the faces of the men there. Those simpering for favor were quick to answer.

"It was no trouble at all, your majesty."

"Some of us worked harder to prove how capable we were in your absence, your majesty."

"It is good to have you back, your majesty."

What a bunch of kiss-ups. Shaugn leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Someone care to recap what I've missed?"

"We were just discussing relief efforts for the southern city of Edgemon."

Shaugn raised a brow. Edgemon was full of egotistical and proud leaders. They prided themselves on self-sufficiency. "What has happened that they need relief aid from us at this time?"

"Heavy rains caused flooding and a mudslide. Hundreds are dead or missing. Thousands are displaced."

"What do they request?"

"Food, medicine, money to rebuild, and hands to assist with clean up and rebuilding."

Shaugn stroked his chin and went through his memories. King Twaar who ruled over Edgemon and several other states, was a vain playboy. He liked to spend on the brightest and shiniest objects. His palace reminded Shaugn of something out of Trump tower. They made a lot of money from exports so there was no reason they needed help from the capital. Not to mention, one of the ministers had been humiliated by King Twaar's people.

Not sure if he should respond, Shaugn looked over at Xoan. He gave him a nod to continue. Shaugn gave the minister and dull look. "If memory serves, almost two years ago the interior minister, Lord Ernesh went to their town and did a survey. At that time he suggested they build walls to shore up the area at the bottom of the hill and at the top to prevent mudslides and flooding. He also suggested they plant a cover crop to prevent erosion of the soil between harvests."

The minister pursed his lips together.

Shaugn continued. "His proposal was rejected and King Twaar's wife publicly ridiculed him."

"That-"

Lord Ernesh stood and nodded. "That is true your majesty."

Shaugn nodded and turned back to the other minister who looked like he'd eaten a lemon. "So why should we do something now when you rejected our help back then? What makes this our problem?"

"They are our loyal subjects."

"Loyal?" Shaugn chuckled. "The baron ruling that area hijacked a caravan of supplies passing through his town headed for another and the king," Shaugn's eyes flashed to a man wearing black and gold robes. The man glared at him as if he wanted to drag him off his chair and beat him up.

Shaugn raised a brow. I wish a bitch would. "The king let him off with a mere wage withholding of a month. If it wasn't for his majesty sending out a decoy, the town it was meant for might have died of illness. Where is the loyalty in stealing from your emperor and the people?"

Xoan's lips curled up. "I've missed you so much," he whispered so only Shaugn could hear.

Shaugn let out a snort.

"Your majesty, we can't just let the people suffer."

"What will it cost us? We can't just keep handing out money. You're robbing us." Shaugn's eyes landed on a man near the back in a powder blue robe. "Lord Athos."

Said Lord stood and saluted. "Yes, your majesty?"

"What will it cost us to shore up the walls, build a dam, clean up the mess, and provide food and shelter for the people?"

Lord Athos frowned a moment and didn't say anything. Shaugn didn't rush him. This Lord Athos was a mathematical genius and could do complex computations in his head faster than most. Like Etan, he was an oddball and many of the other ministers didn't care for him. The king of Bierlien was whispering with a man Shaugn recognized as the minister of civil affairs.

Shaugn narrowed his eyes. The king's daughter was part of the harem. He hadn't seen her yet. She was often with the others when it came to tormenting OG.

Lord Athos spoke at this time. "I have an answer, your majesty." He held up a folded piece of paper.

The minister interjected. "Your majesty, I have already-"

Why so anxious? Shaugn held out his hand. "Show me."

A guard approached Lord Athos and took the piece of paper from him. The others began whispering amongst themselves as Shaugn waited for the paper. Xoan leaned closer as the guard handed the paper to Shaugn. Shaugn opened the folded paper and sucked his teeth. Xoan merely raised a brow.

"What say you, empress?"

Shaugn held the paper up so no one could hear what they were saying. "I say I'm not paying one copper penny until I have it verified that this amount is necessary."

"Do you suspect the king is not being truthful about their needs?"

"I do suspect fraud but I'm not sure if it's the king or those under him. Who is to say what the minister asked for is the truth?"

"The empress is wise." Xoan smiled before turning to the ministers. The smile disappeared as if it never existed. "Lord Athos, General Zayle."

Both men saluted the emperor. "Your majesty."

"Take seventy soldiers and go to King Twaar's kingdom. Assess the damage and send me an estimate of damages. Upon confirmation, I will send a team out with the funds."

Both men bowed. "Yes, your majesty."

Several of the minister's faces showed their dissatisfaction. Shaugn made a mental note to check up on them. He flinched and glanced over as a warm hand covered his. Xoan's eyes twinkled with a smile. He pulled Shaugn from his seat and faced the men before them.

"In these days that I am gone, the empress will sit in and conduct court. His decisions will have the same weight as my own. Anyone disrespecting or disobeying will be removed from his post and face the whip."

Everyone stood and saluted. "Yes, your majesty."

Xoan laced their fingers together and lead him from the dais. "Come, my wife. Let us go for a meal."

Was this a date? Shaugn couldn't help the butterflies in his stomach. Their first real date outside of the palace. Xoan lead them to a covered carriage that just screamed 'I'm someone important.' Shaugn's rickshav was rather shabby in comparison. A middle-aged man set down a stool for him to step on,

"Where are we going?" he asked his emperor husband.

Xoan smirked and helped him into the carriage. "You'll just have to wait and see."