Angels and Devils XXIV

By the end of the month, all those involved in the mob were dead. Several soldiers were executed as well after admitting to conspiring with the citizens.
Neither Eisna nor Temerity attended the executions. Eisna refused to see anyone other than Temerity. It didn't take Steliana long to realize that he wasn't giving the orders anymore. He trusted Temerity's judgement more than his own. The rest of the Order of Brim, however, had no reason to know. They took their orders from Steliana.
"You're good at this," Steliana remarked. She and Temerity were in the otherwise-empty throne room. There hadn't been any sort of riot in months. The empire was quiet.
"I am simply acting in the emperor's interests," Temerity said. "If I couldn't do this much, it would certainly raise questions about my suitability as his partner."
"I doubt there will be any trouble with that. You've been more than capable these past months. You make a good empress."
"I suppose so."
"... May I ask you something?"
Temerity gestured for her to continue.
"You could be the empress already. Eisna could have seen to that. But you insist on staying with the Order of Brim, and I can't help but feel you're hardly in the role of empress. So why do all of this for something you don't want?"
Temerity smiled. "That's simple. Because I love him."
"Enough to sacrifice your ambition for him?" Steliana crossed her arms. "I can tell how strong it is. There is something you want."
"You're right," Temerity murmured. "There is. But I'm not sacrificing it for Eisna. I don't want to be the empress of Brimera, but it's a start. And when I finally get what I want, Eisna will be by my side."
"And what is it you want?"
Temerity turned away. "The world."
Steliana blinked. "That's quite a lot to ask."
"No," Temerity said. "It's my birthright." She looked over at Steliana and smiled. "Does that scare you?"
Steliana laughed. "Scare me? Maybe a little. But my loyalty lies with Eisna, and therefore with you. I will follow you on whatever path you choose."
"Good." Temerity looked away again. "Don't ever let me question your loyalty. If I do, I'll kill you."