S1·E3 Princess of the Obelia Empire

Lilian and Athanasia are summoned to an audience with Claude where he informs them that he will oversee Athanasia's wellbeing from now on. The last thing Athanasia wants is to attract his attention, but he insists on having tea together. He's always been so cold toward her. Why is he so interested now? Is it all part of the tragic fate she's trying to escape?