┌─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┐

└─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───┘

-

" 𝒪𝑜𝒽, 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒, 𝓁𝒶-𝓁𝒶-𝓁𝒶-𝓁𝒶 "

-

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Navier strode into (m/n)'s hands who gave a kiss on the back of hand and to her forehead, whispering how lovely she looked that night-

"You look amazing, Navier." He spoke next to her ear. The empress didn't reply. Her attire was a white mermaid dress and a translucent fur coat with accessories lining her figure. Of course, this emitted whispers and chats among the attendees. It was rare for a noble to wear such 'daring' clothes and mermaid dresses weren't introduced with the East yet since it was from the North (bs).

A woman with dark hair walked up to the pair and curtsied, wishing her greetings. "Lovely evening, Your Majesty." Duchess Tuania was also wearing a similar dress but with a few changes to its colour scheme and design. A glint shone in her eyes as she observed the emperor behind them who rushed down the stairs.

It was the duchess who sent the mermaid dress to Navier. She also inserted a note in the package about 'gaining a silent revenge'. At first, the empress was confused on what she meant but seeing Sovieshu's reaction to her wearing the dress made her feel satisfied.

The blonde gazed at the duchess with a knowing look and Tuania only gave a close eyed smile. She soon greeted (m/n) as well who greeted her as well. The (h/c) glanced behind him to see the approaching emperor and he quickly excused himself with Navier saying that they needed to talk in private. Navier who caught his sudden act looked behind her as well and coldly gazed at the desperate emperor trying to reach the two but was bombarded by the other nobles and government officials.

Quickly stepping aside, they stopped at the edge of the ballroom near the elevated patios that led outside. The (h/c) eyed the gardens, it was beautiful with the moonlit glow. He remembered how they messed around in a similar garden and felt flustered at the memory. "(m/n)?"

His head snapped at the calling of his name, and he swerved his eyes to the front of him. Navier looked at him with a calculating glint and she wrapped the coat tighter around her figure. "You won't leave me, right?" Her voice was empty. (m/n) couldn't tell what was swirling behind her jade eyes.

"Of course. You're my wife. I won't abandon you..." He answered. Skeptic with her sudden question. The (h/c) stepped closer to her and gazed down at her. She returned his gaze with her own. Their face close together beside the glass door. Shimmering moonlight shade the side of their faces.

Her hand slowly went to cup his cheek. "I'm an empress, (m/n)." He hummed and closed his eyes, suddenly feeling uneasy. "If I ever step down from the throne, we will no longer be wed together and would be forced to divorce." She whispered into her ear.

The consort snapped his eyes open at her and he searched for any signs of a lie in her expression. Navier's face held no emotion. She blankly stared at him, waiting for his reply. (m/n) felt his eyes waver as it shakily fell to the floor. His arm went to wrap around her waist.

The empress felt her heart bloomed at his crest fallen expression. Her lips moved to speak. "Don't worry, my darling. That's all I'll ever be anyways." (m/n) raised his gaze once again. He noticed stagger in her eyes.

"I was raised to be an empress. And that's all I'll ever be. You can even say I was designed to be the perfect empress." Her hand fell down from his face as she hugged herself. Unconsciously taking a step back, she averted her eyes to the scenery outside. "My life would have no meaning otherwise." She didn't dare to peek at his face.

Not wanting to raise her expectations of his lover for her. She was constantly reminded of her cruel tactics to be trap the (h/c) in a wedding bond. Of how she had forced (m/n) to sign a contract with the empire. Of how she had stripped him of his freedom to wander this marvelous world.

The world that had always seemed empty in her view.

As soon as she was able to speak, she was given lessons on etiquette, knowledge and even tactics to prepare her of her duties. Before she even had her first period, she was able to converse maturely with adults and was debuted early into society.

Her parents weren't abusive. They were simply continuing their lineage duties. And Navier had happened to be one of them. But in rare times, she could see hints of guilt behind those proud orbs of her mother. Her father had already confessed to her that he regretted that he was unable to provide her a normal childhood.

Even Kosair was able to live a normal life, albeit he always got into trouble at the borders. Said brother was the only one who objected to her marriage with Sovieshu. Maybe the reason why he was so protective of her was because he had seen her struggling soul.

So when he had heard that she was marrying a consort, he had sent her a letter that he will be visiting in two weeks time.

Now she had achieved her 'dream' that was embedded into her mind even since she started walking, she felt complete. Or rather dull. After all, that's what they always seen of her.

An empress.

Not Navier Ellie Trovi.

But the perfect empress.

The blonde didn't notice that her breathing had become rather heavy. Her heart felt heavier than usual and she suddenly felt her fingers shaking. Was she having a panic attack? She questioned herself and tried to regain her composure especially in front of all these people that was busying themselves with each other.

She suddenly felt warmth. (m/n) had taken off his own jacket and draped it over her figure, overlapping her own coat and covering her curves. His eyes traced over hers sadly and he gently opened his palm. "Can I touch you?" He asked.

Navier glanced to him and hesitantly nodded. The (h/c) slowly traced his fingers over hers. (e/c) eyes carefully examined her body language. "Can I hold you?"

The empress had picked up on what he was trying to do. (m/n) wanted to calm her down. Her lips pressed into a tight frown. Her heart swell at his gesture as she nodded again.

The (h/c) spread his arms in a small loop, Navier gently stepped into his embrace and inhaled his scent. She felt her shivers stop and her breathing steadied into a calm beat. (m/n) guided them behind the pillars and into one of the short hallways leading outside where it was darker and empty so no one else could see Navier's vulnerability. He stroke her back over his thick coat, effectively soothing her.

The empress took in a deep breaths, as she hid her face into the fabric of his cravat. It took a few minutes for her to ground her nerves. "Thank you." She murmured into his attire. (m/n) stroked her head as he planted a chaste kiss into the crown of her hair.

"You're not just an empress to me, Navier."

He mumbled as he pressed his face into her golden tresses. The blonde couldn't see his face but she could tell he was sincere. She was grateful for the decorated walls that was currently separating them from the rest of the guests. Humming mildly, she pressed her cheek into his chest and placed one of her hands onto his suit on top of his beating heart.

The fast heartbeats in his chest made her wonder whether her husband was nervous right now. Probably. "You're much more than that." The (h/c) tightened his grip on her figure as he tensed his own nerves.

"You're the love of my life."

Feeling the heat creeping up his cheeks, (m/n) shyly buried his face further in her hair. Awaiting her response, the (h/c) was a bit scared that she might decipher his thoughts a bit weird. Hearing a chuckle below him, he raised his face and met a smiling Navier.

"Again, thank you darling." There was a tiny quirk in the corner of his lips. The (h/c) was mesmerized at the beauty in his arms. Unconsciously, he slowly leaned down for a kiss.

The empress who was amused at his actions let him lean closer to her. Their lips almost touched until the clicking of heels approached down the short hall with quick steps and the two quickly snapped their heads behind Navier. (m/n) scowled at whoever qas disturbing their time together.

"Oh, there you are!"

The (h/c) scoffed at the familliar annoying voice as he stood up straight and placed a hand on his hip. He let the other arm hang around Navier who also blankly stared down at the woman before them.

"Good evening, Your Majesty." She clumsily bowed and smiled at (m/n). Rashta opened her mouth to speak again. "(m/n)! It's so nice to meet you again." Her voice was sweeter than usual. It was obvious that she still held a grudge against him for locking her in her room. It had been the talk of the town for the past two days.

The male wasn't dumb. He's stupid but he isn't oblivious or anything. Well. Sometimes. But now isn't the case.

"Oh really? I've heard that you were begging to see me and Navier." He grinned but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "By the way, I don't like how you're addressing me so casually."

Rashta was shocked but kept her composure. Tilting her head, she feigned ignorance. "What do you mean, (m/n)? Aren't we on the same rank? We're both spouses to the monarchy." The albino kept in her scowl and unwillingly held back her bite to trash the man. She was still angry over the fact that he had chosen to openly humilliate her in front of others.

The (h/c) tutted and shook his head. "Excuse me, but the last time I heard, there was no such thing as a wedding between you and," (m/n) grimaced. "the emperor." The albino's nostrils flared as she clenched her gloved hand.

"Forgive me then, Your Grace." Rashta smiled as she turned to Navier. "Your Majesty, that's a very lovely dress you have on. I wish I wasn't so shameless to show off like you!"

"It takes elegance and beauty to pull it off. Not like you have any." The empress murmured, blankly staring at Rashta who flinched at the response. (m/n) had already held up his hand ready to punch the albino but the empress stopped him.

"Oh my. Then, do you mind teaching Rashta how? I'm sure someone of your rank have had lots of lessons on decencies!" She cheerily spoke. The (h/c) felt his blood boiled.

By then, the empress had already walked passed her. Bearing no mind to the mistress while pulling (m/n) behind her, the male's coat still on her shoulders. She undid hers and passed it to servant. "You don't want to keep wearing yours?" Her husband asked, he was actually feeling quite chilly but he didn't mention it seeing how Navier seemed comfortable with his cloth.

The blonde shook her head, a few of the officials introduced themselves to the soon-to-be consort. (m/n) bashfully greeted back, feeling overwhelmed by the people that kept complimenting him on his looks and attire despite his missing coat.

"(m/n)!"

He bit his tongue from screaming as he felt someone latched themself onto his arm. Rashta blinked up at him as she gushed. "Let's spend this evening together!" The (h/c) was about to reject and spite her before he noticed the officials in front of him murmuring how the relationships between the Imperial Harem was stable and won't threaten the monarchs orders throughout the empire.

(m/n) didn't understand how it related but he glanced behind him to beg Navier for help but she was nowhere in sight. "Oh! Am I bothering you gentlemen?" The albino timidly asked, her bowing to feign childlike innocence. (m/n) cringed at her manipulative behaviour.

"Not at all dear. Please enjoy your time together." Without even having a say in it, the consort was dragged away with the emperor's mistress. "What do you want from me?" He whispered harshly when they arrived at the buffet table. She rolled her eyes at him before grabbing a martini. "What do you mean? Rashta simply wants to get to know you better." Taking a sip, she breathed out through her nose in delight.

"Since we'll be in the same boat sooner or later."

"Huh?" The male quirked an eyebrow at him. "You're speaking nonsense again. I swear to god, you're a menace infecting everyone around here." She ignored his remark as she looped her arm around his and began to stroll through the numerous people dressed in expensive fabric and beautiful jewellery.

Most of the women were already gushing over Duchess Tuania's dress. Some of them were also mentioning the empress, discussing whether did they planned it together or not. (m/n) searched around for his wife. She was nowhere to be seen. Even the emperor wasn't found on his throne.

He didn't realise they were already at a balcony. The feel of the white cement under the soles of his shoes snapped his mind out of his search. The chilly wind and the cold breeze made him shiver. "(m/n)." Rashta leant her head on his shoulder. "Do you think I'm pretty?"

The consort deadpanned. His upper lip curled in disgust as he glared at the smiling albino. "I mean I can see your twin over there-" He pointed to a guard dog. The mistress suddenly lifted her heel and jammed it into his foot. "BITCH WTF-" He almost screamed as he screeched silently in pain, curled over to hold his foot.

"Why are you being so mean to Rashta? I haven't done anything to insult nor provoke you." She sighed as she tossed away the glass, letting it break over the tall height as it landed on the cement floor. "I only tried talking to you but everytime I made small talk you responded with aggresion." Her purple eyes glanced at him through the corner of her eyelids.

"My attendants kept worrying about my safety."

"Get to the point, bitch." The (h/c) hissed in fury as he peered over the albino who flinched at first but kept her composure. "Alright. I have a goal to achieve here." (m/n) held himself back from punching the woman as he took deep breaths. "Like I give a shit about your dreams."

She ignored him once again. (m/n) was getting sick of it. "Rashta lived a life of poverty. Having to tend to those sickly noblemen. Living under their scrutinising gaze. Waking up every morning thinking that I'll never escape that hell." Rashta sneered at her memories back at the manor. The (h/c) stood holding back his yawn.

"Until I have this." She gestured to her jewelleries and accessories. "I never thought I could achieve this but I did." The glass doors behind them was closed shut. Preventing anyone from hearing her evil monologue. "And I'd do anything to escape that life. Now, the emperor loves me, I could live like this until the day I die..."

The albino crossed her arms as she grinned sweetly at (m/n). "So let's make a deal, consort." The (h/c) quirked an eyebrow at her. "What kind of deal?"

Rashta snapped her fingers. "Simple!" She walked over to the door and beckoned a servant to hand her another drink. Receiving her order, she turned to the impatient (h/c). "If you don't bother Sovieshu, I won't get in your way."

"What does that supposed to mean?" Rashta huffed and pouted. "I meant that you make sure that the emperor doesn't like you and you need to steer away from him as well. I've seen the way he looks at you and I don't like it." She stomped her heel like an overgrown child.

"The way he looks at me?" (m/n) blinked in confusion. "You mean the way he hates me?" She puffed her cheeks in anger and annoyance as she swirled the liquid in the glass. "For someone who's the empress lover, you're quite stupid." The (h/c) scoffed, feeling offended. "As long as I don't need to feel your annoying presence, I'll do anything you want."

"Thank you." She smiled at him. An unpleasant feeling fueled in his stomach. "There's something on your shoe!" The albino exclaimed. (m/n) looked down. "What do you mean? There's nothing there." He kneeled down to get a better look as he felt a wet sensation running through his hair and down his neck.

Rashta had dumped the drink she was holding with a smile in her face. She grinned sweetly. "That's for locking me in my room." A scowl was present on (m/n)'s face as he looked up to her. Jaw clenched and veins popped from his neck as he held himself from mauling the woman. "You fucking bitch..." He muttered.

"Remember this, (m/n)." Rush of pleasure course through her figure. The feeling of stepping on someone's pride heightens her joy. Rashta was malicious when it comes to one who dared to mock her.

"I hate people looking down on me."

The same sweet sicklh grin was still glued on her pale face. She skipped into through the glass door, bidding him goodbye before he even had a chance to retaliate.

"That HARLOT-" He screamed into his sleeve as he now reeked of expensive wine. His hair was drenched and he flicked the droplets of alcohol from his hand. The button up he was wearing was black so it didn't show the stain but the smell, oh god. "I might just steal the eMpErOR out of spite." The (h/c) spat.

Deciding not to embarass himself, he walked down the stone stairs that was attached to the balcony and exited the ball. The lone male didn't bother to fasten his pace, instead he enjoyed the view of the glow(ish) architecture beside him. Stone carvings and hedges were aligned with the stone path leading to another entrance of the palace.

(m/n) had forgot about Navier at this point since he was too busy imagining strangling the fuck out of Rashta while burning Sovieshu alive at the stake. He sighed in annoyance, thinking how his life planning was almost at shambles. "God, I just wanted peace..."

Unbeknownst to him, two figures were stalking him behind the shadows. One of them were unaware of the other. A redhead glared at the person in front, drawing his sword to spill blood if necessary.

-

A resonant slap echoed throughout the hallway. A few maids that had been walking down the same hall quickly shifted their path, not wanting to run into whoever was having an argument but called a knight just in case.

"I despise you."

She seethed, her open hand still in the air after making contact with the emperor's cheek in front of her. Sovieshu glanced at her with guilt as he kept his gaze down. "I loathe you with all my will. I detest you with all my being. I abhor you with all my heart!"

Navier's voice was raising an octave by the second. Her eyebrows pushed down, her lips formed a scowl and her eyes burned with a passion he never knew existed. (m/n)'s coat that was still draped over her shoulders was the only thing giving her comfort at the moment, her husband's scent was still present on the fabric.

"You proclaim that you love me. You declare that you wanted to preserve our marriage. You said that you wouldn't do anything to sabotage my life!" She felt her voice cracking but the sheer fury kept her fierce composure. Her bottled up emotions was now pouring endlessly and it came out in the form of anger. "And you gave me this!"

Navier held up a few documents in her left hand. A few wrinkled was present since she had crumpled the paper when the brunette was talking earlier. "Do you find pleasure in ruining my life?! I don't know what's running through your miniscule monkey brain you possess but I'm certain even a half assed dimwit wouldn't even decide on such a horrendous act!"

Pants breathed through her cherry red lips. The emperor didn't dare speak against her words, him fully knowing what direction he had aimed for the second he wrote the document. However, Sovieshu didn't expect this kind of reaction from the empress.

"After all this time, I left you alone to fulfill your love with your mistress but when it comes to me," A scoff almost escaped her lips. "you come crawling back like a dog losing its owner. Have you seen how pathetic you are?!"

Sovieshu flinched from her screaming. Pure fear was seeping into his mind as he meekly responded. "I did it for us..." Noises of confusion came from her mouth as she rubbed her temple in frustration. "I sincerely cannot read your mind."

A long silence formed between the two. The heavy atmosphere not shifting as the two regained their composure and coolness. A few paladins peeked in from the end of the hall, making sure none of them went too far in their one sided argument.

"I hate you, emperor."

Soviehsu snapped his head forward as he stared wide eyed at the emotionless empress. Navier who was drained of energy and mental strength was fed up from her first husband. "I decided on this day onward," The blonde's eyes were blank, devoid of any feelings. "I will never love someone like you."

She turned to leave but a hand clamped itself around her wrist. "You don't mean that!" Sovieshu desperately shouted. His cape swishing behind him. his face was wrinkled in panic. His bottom lip was trembling, unknown to him and Navier didn't respond. "Don't say things like that. Please! Don't say that your love for me is gone."

His heart was beating in alarm. The emperor never felt this kind of terror before. He was so sure that Navier was deeply in love with him but her words before proved him wrong and he felt his mind breaking into bits and pieces.

"Are you joking, emperor?" His heart wretch at the tone of her voice. "Do you think that after all you had done to me, I would still love you?" She grimaced in disgust. Quickly pulling her hand from his grip, she stepped away.

"I have enough of receiving this type of treatment from you. Don't involve yourself with my personal affairs with this day forward. I never want to see your face unless necessary." Her heels clicked to saunter away from the man only to stop after a few steps.

"Even if I did love you," Sovieshu felt his heart picked its pace. His hopes suddenly rising of Navvier coming back into his arms. "I regret every single moment that I harbour that feeling for you. If I did show any sort of affections for someone like you, know that I hate myself for giving in to you."

"Rot in hell, Sovieshu. Do something to my consort and that will be the last moment you'll ever live."

Navier swiftly left, not caring to see his hurt expression. She made her way to the room quickly, the documents still in her hand, she planned to study it for the rest of the night to find any sorts of loopholes so she can save her dear husband from the clutches of the emperor.

The emperor bit his lower lip, hard enough that it almost broke. His shoulders heavy from the guilt of dragging (m/n) into this mess he made and the sorrow that endowed as soon as Navier spoke ill of their love.

Salty tears dropped down from his eyes as he held in a sob from escaping his lips. His attendant arrived from behind and rubbed his shoulders with the intention of consoling him. He heard the end of their argument, a butler fetching him in the middle of the dance and he quickly made his way out of the ball to see the monarch.

A disapproving glare was directed at the emperor. Sovieshu noticed this and he cried even more. He was escorted to his room to rest for the night. His attendant leaving him space for him to think of his mistakes. The emperor was too busy crying while kneeling in front of a painting of him and Navier together.

He begged that the (h/c) wouldn't react the same way Navier did when he would break the news to him.

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I FEEL SO BAD FOR THIS MAN