Maybe this was a bad idea. She is obviously not going to marry me. I'm just bored. Maybe I should just start another war? Or just die and end this boredom.

"You! King! I accept your proposal!" She barged into the throne room.

I straighten up honestly taken a little off guard, "Its emperor, not king"

"Whatever you are" she scoffed

"Then I'll arrange the wedding" I really didn't think this far ahead

"And you'll be following a few of my rules" she smirked

Now this had my intrigue, what could she want? To free the people? Lower taxes? Or something outrageous like wealth?, "And what are those?"

"The garden is now under my direction, I get to-"

"Wait wait, for every rule you impose I get to impose one of my own, this is a marriage of equals" I smile

She is a bit boring for asking the gardens rule but if she wishes to start small she can. Though I will still press whatever buttons I can to get on her nerves.

She huffed crossing her arms before gesturing me to speak.

"If you must claim the gardens for your jurisdiction then you must sleep each night in my bed after we wed"

"In that case, I am not required to perform any 'marital duties'"

Not like that was the goal anyway, "Fine"

"Good" she smirked looking quite proud of herself.

It was almost cute seeing her confidence walking back out. My advisor leaned in looking slightly confused, "A wedding?"

"To be arranged. I want it done sooner rather than later, invite all the neighboring countries and allies. I want this to be a big celebration. Keep security tight though"

"With invites, I can have everything done by next month"

"Sounds good" I wave him off.

This is all going surprisingly well.

Readers POV

This is all going terribly. A royal wedding is a bitch and it seems he has no interest in its planning. I would have been fine with this except that means any decor decisions were left to me.

The only good thing is the gardener now listens to me. I have taken the gardens as my passion project. Though the time I get to work in there is limited.

The wedding became a chore. I need to pick food and colors, the flowers need to match and I still need to get a gown.

Honestly this whole ordeal is insane. While he is off playing 'emperor' I feel like I'm the one actually hearing the kingdom.

Only issue is without the marriage I still have no real power. I spend my days just trying to organize the chaos only to have a fresh batch the next day.

I had finally had enough when I burst into the throne room, "Hawks!"

The man flinched looking particularly startled, "Ah, my darl-"

"Don't you dare darling me! Where the hell have you been to make these fucking wedding plans!"

Hawks looked beyond taken off guard quickly shooing the staff out of the room. Once the doors shut behind me he opened his trap, "Well I had emp-"

"And i have a fucking life" I glare

"Its not ladylike to curse" he smiled weakly

"Not ladylike?" I stomped up to his throne as he figited in place, "Not fucking ladylike? I'm a mother fucking empress-to-be thanks to you so I'll curse when I God damn want!"

He looked speechless just staring up at me.

Hawks POV

My heart is hammering. Is this arousal or fear? I honestly can't tell. I don't think I've had someone stand up to me like that in...years! We aren't even married yet and this is going great!

"Don't just sit there and Gawk! I don't want your pitiful excuses either. You are helping for the rest of this planning"

"And why should I handle such matters? You are the incoming queen. You should show your leadership and planning with this" I relax into my throne

She looked pissed but that look melted into something more sly. Her anger faded...and that was truly terrifying.

She slowly perched herself on the arm of my throne with claws to my neck, "An emperor doesn't need the ability to speak"

"How can I help you make wedding decisions without though?" I raise a brow

Her hand ran up to my cheek patting it condescendingly, "glad you see it my way"

"Whats this? An affectionate gesture from my wife-to-be?" I tease

"You must think you're funny or something" she scoffed

"Oh I'm hilarious" I grab her hand laying a kiss to her palm.

She ripped her hand away looking less than pleased with my affection, "I'll send you half the work tonight"

"Fine" I roll my eyes. There is only 2 weeks left.

By that evening I was pleasantly surprised with the stack of parchment in my room. Not only did she split the work but left me handwritten notes on different things.

Time escaped me though and I found myself in the early morning without a wink of shut eye. More work still needing done.

By the time of the wedding I had finally had enough sleep before the ceremony I didn't look terrible. I was quite surprised by her though. The wedding was like something from a fairy tale. Trees and leaves, fresh flowers. Instead of throwing rice cut leaves in different shapes was even used. Wisteria was hung from the ceiling adding such elegance.

I hadn't been to a wedding here but they weren't too much different. The ceremony used more silk ribbon and candles than I realized but it was a success.

Once the reception started I watched her practically float about in her gown as officials spoke to her.

"The man of the hour" one of the officials from a neighboring country spoke up.

"Greetings" I smile giving him my full attention

"Since you are officially wed I guess we can expect a court heir" 

I chuckle, "That is for the future. Currently, I am much too busy handling other things"

"Of course but that is why you have your advisors. With her beauty she may be with child by the end of the week"

"No actually" I sip my drink

"No?" He looked confused

"You see I'm...quite possessive of my things you see?" I word carefully

"I see. Though I have heard rumors?"

"What foul word has traveled?"

"She's a witch"

I smirk to myself, "Indeed she is"

The man looked slightly taken aback, "She possesses you"

I flash my wedding band, "We possess each other"

"Why would you bring such misfortune to your kingdom? You are a man of men. A woman like her will poison your kingdom"

"How many have I killed?" I swirl my wine absently

The man grew stiff, "Thousands. Easily"

"Are you afraid I will grow soft?"

"I simply ask who is ruling now"

"I am still in charge" I shrug taking a long sip, "I simply grew bored without a struggle"

The man coward, "good to know we have nothing to fear" he excused himself. I could still hear him as he spit under his breath 'the tyrant is a mad man'

I find a waiter to take my now empty glass and tell him to have that guest escorted out, if met with any retaliation, then simply kill him. I'm not afraid of a war.

Readers POV

All these stuffy aristocrats make me want to vomit. I can hear the whispers. They know I'm a magic user. I find my now husband who appears to be quite enjoying himself.

"When does this event end?" I mutter

"When everyone leaves but we are free to leave whenever you wish" he had a smile that spelled trouble

"I think I will leave, alone thanks"

"Alone? But I'm your husband. It would look bad if I weren't to accompany you"

He makes a good point but I hate the idea, "Fine but we separate after"

"Fine" he hummed

We left together before going our separate ways through the castle. I finally found a maid to help me get this blasted dress off. I only want to take a refreshing bath.

Once able I finally get myself to the baths and sink into the warm water. This is one luxury of the castle I have to admit. Instead of bathing in a cold river this warm pond was much better.

"That good huh?"

I about jump out of my skin seeing someone sitting on the far side. Through the steam I finally realise who it is, "Keigo, get the fuck out"

"I was here first, you are the one who disturbed MY bath"

"You can't be that great if you only have 1 royal bath house"

"The term bath house infers that it is communal" he shrugged

"You mean anyone can just walk in here!?" I gasp

He laughed at that, "No, this is the royal bathhouse. All the guests go to the guest one. This is only for the two of us" he moved closer to me. Standing in the waist-high water.

I quickly cover myself noticing he was fortunate enough to have a towel. I panicked when he got closer. He was practically infront of me when I realized just how bad my situation is. I didn't have my nail caps for protection! He will-

He reached behind me and held a fresh towel infront of me, "For your comfort"

I take it quickly wrapping myself in it as he sat down on the bench next to me, "scare the life out of me" i grumble

He looked over once I was properly secured until he nodded his head, "I see, you're not wearing your claws. Tell me, what are they for?"

"Defense"

"You say that but I've been at the sharp end of those many times and I have yet to try to kill you" he hummed

"You're a murderous tyrant" I spit

"My reputation I know, but I am now your husband" he shrugged, "I mean if I wanted you dead I would have let you die to the lions. If I wanted your body do you think I would give you a towel?"

"I just don't see what you gain from this"

"Nothing I guess. Maybe I'm just looking for some change"

"You confuse me" I sigh getting out of the bath

"Not even going to wash your hair?" He raised a brow

"I tire of your company" I huff

"Then stay, I will leave. Ill see you again in our shared room" He left without another word.

Left me to think. How the hell is this man considerate despite being a monster of a human being. I don't understand him at all.

Years ago I remember trying to figure him out. The strange man in the woods with crimson wings. I researched fae and distant lands. No people resembled him.

At one point I figured him a God until I remembered how disconnected and straight up idiotic he was in some regards. He knows nothing of this lands culture.

Even now he wonders LITERALLY owning the place and knowing almost nothing. He amazes me at his accomplishments and brutality as if nothing really matters. He's killed so many. I could only follow the news I got as he took down the late king and killed the entire royal family himself followed by his close allies in the rebellion.

Yet now meeting him he is far too kind. Whatever tricks he has I refuse to fall for.