"Uhm…brother? What do you mean as your Chief of Staff?" Christina chuckled shyly, taken aback by his brother's sudden proposal.

"It's simple, you become my secretary," Alexander repeated his intention. "You see, you have been groomed since birth, on how to become a proper Queen should you get married in another country. The lessons that you were taught were history, politics, theoretical and applied sciences, economics, and a lot that I could barely remember. What I am saying is you are the perfect candidate for the position."

"But brother…Even though it is true that I took them all while I'm getting tutored, I haven't had any real-life experience when it comes to applying what I have learned."

"Give me your hand," Alexander ordered.

"Eh?"

"I said give me your hand," Alexander repeated gently.

"Okay..." Christina then placed her right hand on the table. Alexander reached for her hand and placed his own on hers.

"Christina, with that thinking, you are not going to grow. You, being tutored, is like getting yourselves prepared for a war against the real world. The things that you learned during those times are your weapon. It is what makes you secure in the war, and fight your enemy. If you are not going to use your weapon then you'll only grow dependent on others, who are fighting alongside you in the war. Do you want that? I'm sorry, that's the only analogy that I could think of," Alexander chuckled and continued. "Besides, you are still young, and due to the circumstances, you are still single. Perhaps I could use your ability that will allow you to serve your country as my Chief of Staff."

"What would be my responsibilities if I accepted your proposal?" Christina asked gradually growing interested in the offer Alexander is offering.

"Well for starters, as my Chief of Staff, you will be responsible for directing, managing, and overseeing all policy development, daily operations, and staff activities for the Emperor. This office coordinates and communicates with all ministries and agencies of the administration, which is my reign."

"So I'm in charge of making sure everything goes smoothly," she pondered, slowly processing the new assignment presented before her. "No, it sounded more like a secretary to me."

Alexander nodded his head in affirmation. "That's quite the correct term to describe it. It's like Sevastian's job when he was working for me," he said somberly. "But after learning that he is a traitor, I had no choice but to do what is right."

"I still can't believe that he'd do that for power," Christina said, her gaze cast down. "Well, I understand your decision brother. If he is the one who killed mama and papa or the one who helped the criminals, I won't be able to forgive him. What he had done to us, to our family, is unforgivable. He didn't even have an ounce of remorse. How can someone as despicable as him be forgiven?"

There was silence between the siblings until Alexander decided to break it. "He did betray me too, and I would like nothing more than to make sure he wouldn't be able to do it again."

"Before I take this job, brother. Have you already looked at another candidate? Or am I your first option?" Christina asked.

Alexander smiled fondly at his younger sister. Christina says that means she is going to accept the job he is giving to her. Now his job is to make her feel that she is the right one for the job.

"I did ask for a file of potential candidates and read through them. All of them have the knowledge and skill to become my Chief of Staff. However, something is missing in them that only I can find in you," Alexander paused for dramatic suspense, and then continued. "I don't know them."

"You don't know them?" Christina arched her brow. "What do you mean?"

"I simply don't know who they are, Christina. And how can I trust someone whom I don't even know? Sevastian, we barely know him but he's a cousin so I trusted him. He had done well for the country until his dark past was unveiled. As for you, well, I trust you, Christina. I know you. Your loyalty is towards the Ruthenia Empire and to your emperor. You see where I am going with this right? That I'm keeping close to those who are loyal to me."

"I see it, brother," Christina nodded and smiled slightly. "If that's the case, then yes I am going to accept your proposition. Thank you for the opportunity, brother." She stood up from the chair and extended her hand, offering a handshake."Thank you, Christina," Alexander firmly shook her hand. "I will send you all the necessary files that will help you get to know about your position. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office."

"I'll take that in my mind then," Christina bowed her head before leaving Alexander's office.

Outside the office, Christina closed the door behind her. Rolan, who was standing by the door, spoke.

"Your Imperial Highness, I know I'm stepping out of the line here but may I ask what you two discussed?"

"Why do you need to know that?" Christina arched her brow.

"I'm curious, Your Imperial Highness," Rolan said.

Christina hummed as she thought over whether to answer her or not. Usually, she is not obliged to tell everything to Rolan as he is just the head of security to Alexander. However, his being in that position seemed like he also has the right to know. After all, Rolan is the Chief of Staff of the Imperial Guard and worked closely with her brother. And since she took the job her brother is offering her, that means Rolan would have to protect her also, now that she and her brother would be close together from now on.

"Fine," she turned and faced Rolan. "My brother offered me a job, a secretarial position. I'll be his Chief of Staff."

"Then that means you are working closely together with His Majesty?" Rolan said.

"That's true," Christina confirmed.

"Well, it looks like another job for me," Rolan chuckled. "That means I'll have to protect you as well. Though I have been protecting everyone since I took this job, you working directly with His Majesty changes things."

"And don't call me Her Imperial Highness. I thought I said that to you when we were in Moskva," Christina reminded him.

"Sorry, it was a habit that was formed as I was working here…Christina," Rolan said.

"That's good," Christina smiled. "So, do you have anything more to say?"

"I was wondering, Christina. We should celebrate you getting a job. I know a place," Rolan suggested. "We'll ask permission from your brother."

"Sounds fine to me," Christina agreed.

"Alright, I'll speak with your brother later."

***

When Christina walked down the hallway as she left, Rolan entered Alexander's office."What is Rolan?" Alexander simply asked, not glancing in his direction.

"Well, Sir, I heard from Christina that you have given her a job as your Chief of Staff? Is that true?" Rolan asked.

"Yeah, it's true. How did you know about it? Did she tell you?"

"No, I asked her," Rolan said. "The curiosity got the best of me so I ended up asking her."

"Well that makes sense because she won't say anything unless asked," Alexander said. "Did you really enter my room to ask that question, Rolan? You know that I'm busy here."

"Ah…I was hoping if I could get your permission, Your Majesty…"

Alexander stopped scribbling on his notes and raised his head to look at Rolan.

"Hoh," he mused. "You're quite being formal, Rolan. Permission about what?"

"I would like to celebrate Christina's landing her first job with me in the mall. I have been eyeing this store since we visited the mall. I figured I could take her there? She agreed and now I only need your permission."

Alexander rose to his feet and walked up to Rolan to face him squarely and to look straight into his eyes. The latter was staring back at him expectantly, looking a bit worried.

"You know how much I appreciate you for doing this for Christina," Alexander said while putting his hand on Rolan's shoulder. Tell me, Rolan. Do you like my sister? As I recall, you were about to kiss her in Moskva."

"Ahh…that, it was a spur at the moment. I meant no offense…" Rolan blushed. "It was an impulse."

"Just answer my question, do you like her or not?" Alexander narrowed his eyes and glared deeply at him.

Rolan gulped as he tried to compose himself. "Yes, sir. I like your sister."

"You do realize that she is Grand Duchess, and you are of a lower rank?"

"I thought ranks didn't matter to you, Your Majesty?"

"It mattered to the society," Alexander corrected him.

"Well, you also said that Ruthenia must break the old cycle and be progressive and radical."

"I did mention that. You are good at remembering what I've told," Alexander praised.

"How could I? Your Majesty."

"It can't be helped. If you like my sister then who am I to get in between such matters?" Alexander sighed heavily as he rubbed his forehead. "And I believe she has feelings for you as well. This is my only wish, Rolan. Protect her and don't make her cry. You sure are aware of how I'm treating my family right?"

"Of course Your Majesty, I'll protect her as much as I protect you from threats."

"Very well, you have my blessings. But should you make her cry or hurt her, or abuse her? Even if you are a super soldier capable of taking down hundreds of soldiers alone, remember that I have a million of them coming for you."

"I will take that into consideration, Your Majesty," Rolan promised.

"Good," Alexander grinned.