POV: Lyra
Orion fixed his death glare on the reporter who labeled my bravery and nobility as 'undignified.' "What is your designation and who do you work for?"
The reporter swallowed hard, mouth opening but nothing emerged. Orion's pathways pulsed black with impatience. "Answer me!"
The reporter shook, stuttering, "A-Apologies, m-my E-Emperor. M-My name i-is Ian P-Pollock, and I w-work for T&C News Corporation, Your E-Eminence."
"Truthful & Credible News Corporation?" Orion muttered.
The reporter nodded, trying unsuccessfully to stop fidgeting, fear making it impossible to stand still.
Orion huffed condescendingly. "So T&C's stance is that an Empress fighting alongside her people is undignified? That's the truth your company advocates? You and your colleagues claim credibility to judge what is or isn't dignified regarding the Empress's choices?"
When only the sound of Pollock's chattering teeth filled the bay, Orion said, "Tell your boss I expect a front-feed apology for what you said about my match. As for your career in reporting, it's safe to say it's time for early retire—"
'Darling, a two-week suspension would do,' I linked him, my tired eyes meeting his angry black ones.
His gaze softened as he linked back desperately, 'Love, the more mercy we show, the more they push boundaries. Take Cummings—we showed mercy and she hurt you!'
'Which is why I didn't object to imprisoning her. But this reporter was doing his job. They're all competing for the next big story for their employers. They have professional targets and families to feed. It wasn't right to ask that, but permanent career termination isn't necessary, Orion. They were insensitive but insensitivity isn't a criminal offense requiring career destruction. A suspension would suffice as warning.'
The crowd was silent as we linked. When our eyes cleared, Orion sighed, planting a deep kiss on my forehead. He turned back to the reporter, now drenched in cold sweat. "If it were me, you'd be jobless and terminated by now, Pollock. Fortunately, our Empress insists a two-week suspension would suffice."
Hope appeared in Pollock's features, but then Orion added, "As much as I love and respect my match, I speak from observation when I say our species don't learn from light punishments, so I insist on six-month suspension and a personally-written apology across all news feeds. If I find a single word displeasing, you'd better hope I don't track you down and end you. Clear?"
"Y-Yes, Your Eminence." He looked at me and bowed. "I convey sincere apologies, my Empress. Thank you for offering mercy."
My face stayed unperturbed as I spoke with all the strength I could muster. "You've received information about my condition, about likelihood of a certain toxin hindering particular bodily functions. Who gave you this information?"
The reporters gasped, glancing at each other nervously. How did I know? Who told me? I initially thought only Pollock was tipped off, but the scared, guilty faces of every journalist showed they all received the same tip. If I could find the source, I might find who ordered the toxin.
Pollock's teeth rattled. "W-We don't know, my Empress. It w-was anonymous, a communication burst."
"What was the frequency?" Christian asked, device already out.
Pollock grew paler. "I-I don't know, Your Grace. B-But I can request my superiors for the communication log."
Christian's dissatisfied expression met Pollock's fearful one. "You'd better ensure I get that frequency within the hour."
Pollock nodded vigorously without hesitation.
"That includes all of you," Annie directed fiercely to the rest, surprising everyone, including Christian. He couldn't remember seeing Annie show such ferocity before.
After Pollock's incident, no one dared challenge royalty. They merely bowed, saying obediently to Annie, "Yes, Your Grace."
I threw Annie a grateful smile, and she winked back. Her confidence ignited something in Christian but confused Orion, who felt left out when I smiled at the Duchess like we shared a secret.
Being the attention-seeking match he was, Orion kissed my temple for attention. "Let's return, my love. You should rest."
I offered a small smile and nodded.
Orion kissed my nose before leading me to the transport, holding the hatch open. We didn't speak during the return journey, but Orion held my hand, stroking it lovingly while navigating back to our quarters.
In our quarters, Orion helped me shower in the sonic cleanser before dressing me. After tucking me in and kissing my forehead, he was about to leave when I called softly, "Orion."
His eyes widened. He stroked my hair with a warm smile. "Yes, love, what is it?"
"Um..." I thought before asking, "What happens if... if I can't give us offspring?"
What happens to us? To you? Will you need another? Will the Empire demand you take someone who can give you an heir?
My eyes glistened at the thought of rejecting him, or him rejecting me.