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Matthew stared at the sky, pondering at how it's blue instead of pink-

The drugs he had consumed still had its effects, his mind in a daze as he was still adorned in white garbs. All the servants moved pass him, readying to lineup to bid the consort goodbye. His stuff already arranged in his own carriage.

Children awed from inside the building, their faces pressed up against the windows at the sight of large black carriages. Those were the guards Sovieshu had sent to escort (m/n) back to the palace. There were three in total. One at the front and two at the back and the consort's golden carriage positioned in the middle.

Tayler wanted to sit with the coachman again. He enjoyed having the wind blew past his face while reading a book. The coachman didn't care as long as he gets that coin, he's alright.

The knight felt someone pulled his arm. "Come on, Matthew. You're sitting with me." Marquess Karl yanked on his arm, dragging him to the second black carriage.

The consort who had already been ushered into the carriage, glanced at the knight being pulled by the marquess. He sighed as he pushed his carriage door open. "Marquess Karl!"

The butlers lined up beside his door still had their heads bowed. The brunette bowed to the consort. "You called, Your Grace." "Let him sit with me." (m/n) gestured as he reached to pull Matthew's sleeve. The marquess frowned as he pulled the drugged retainer back. "By all means, Your Grace. He has troubled you enough. He'll be coming with me."

The (h/c) pouted as he leaned forward, his hand reaching the knight. "Please. Just this one time." The marquess wasn't very adamant on this idea. (m/n) noticed this.

"I need to talk things out with him." The consort pleaded as Karl stared at him, gears turning in his head. He sighed as he gently pushed the knight to the consort's carriage. "Just this once." (m/n) smiled as he pulled Matthew in. "Thank you, Karl."

"As you wish, Your Grace."

Immediately shutting the door, (m/n) placed Matthew on the leather seat opposite of him as he took some pillows and placed it around him. "This'll make you feel more comfortable." The redhead stared at the man he adores.

"Thank you..." The consort hummed as he sat in his own seat, looking through the window. He noticed Baron Maverick gazing down at them from the terrace of the upper floors. "I didn't know you were acquainted with Maverick."

Matthew dazedly glanced out as he mumbled his answer. "He's one of the guards that save me from the syndicate. Mavey took me in and raised me for four years." "Mavey?" The redhead nodded as he leaned back in his seat.

"He left me with his friend to fight the attack in Ghornea." A district close to the East that sat in between the borders. A rebellion army plotted against the East Empire and the previous emperor had sent soldiers to fight for the empire. Maverick was one of generals sent there.

"Hmm. He saved me from that war though." (m/n) spoke. The tone Matthew used to speak of Maverick leaving him for Ghornea was obviously upset although (m/n)'s life was spared due to his presence. "He found me under a burning building. Took me in and built an orphanage." The consort couldn't read what Matthew was expressing.

"If he hadn't left you, I wouldn't be here right now."

The redhead didn't say anything. He was processing that info. All his life, he felt despair when Maverick left him for the war, he didn't know that same man he looked up to had saved another who he had come to love.

"I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have worded it like that."

"...Maverick...means a lot to me. When I found out he built an orphanage, I wanted to visit and meet the first child he brought in."

"Me?" (m/n) pointed to himself. "You're the first?" "I mean, yeah. Maverick decided to raise me and build an orphanage on his given land." "..." (e/c) eyes strayed to the window once again.

"Even if I hadn't married the empress, I would've met you either way huh."

"...most probably."

Silence grew afterwards as Matthew closed his eyes to calm the throbbing headache forming in his mind. (m/n) sighed as he leaned on his palm. "What's taking so long...?" He mumbled. The carriage hadn't moved and there seemed to be some servants discussing with one another regarding his cargo boxes. Solid ten minutes passed and they all began their return to the palace.

They still hadn't spoken. Matthew was forming some thoughts and (m/n) was just enjoying the view outside. He closed the curtains after a while since the sun started to feel a bit hot that afternoon.

"Do you believe in love at first sight, Master?"

The consort looked to the redhead who was staring deeply at him. His answer was immediate. "No. Love is way too complex to develop just at first glance." "I used to think so too. I didn't believe in ethereal beings as well but here you are."

Okay that caught (m/n) off guard as he suddenly felt flustered. He coughed out loud to remain his composure as he crossed his legs. "I didn't mean it like that." His eyes traveled to Matthew and was shocked to see a smirk on his handsome face.

"You jest!" He slapped the knight's thigh as the redhead laughed at the consort's reaction. Matthew smiled gently at him. Black eyes curving into crescents as he chuckled under his breath. His face turned into one of sadness as he pursed his lips.

"Have we met before?"

(m/n) tilted his head. "I don't think so." "Not here. I meant from before." The consort was confused. It was obvious Matthew was trying to tell him something but he didn't know what. Perhaps even the knight didn't know what he was trying to say. "When we were children?"

"I meant from before we were born."

A mixture shock and confusion brewed in (m/n)'s expression. He sat straight, now fully immersed of Matthew's words. "I don't understand." "...me too. I'm sorry, Your Grace. The illness is talking." The knight seems defeated as he closed his eyes once again. (m/n) swore he could see a shimmer behind those fluttering eyelashes. The consort tried to form words to spoke but was at loss. He wasn't sure of his own feelings for the knight.

"I..." The (h/c) snapped his head to the knight, awaiting his next words. "I think I need to lay down..." "Oh. Please do so." (m/n) didn't want to say he was disappointed. Heavy silence hung the air as Matthew lied on the pillows, his back at the consort. It wasn't awkward, it was just...sad.

Matthew himself felt heavy to speak. "Engkau...tak suka aku sangat ke...?" His tone was only above a whisper and (m/n) could barely catch it. "What?" The knight wanted to say more. He wanted to pour his heart out to the consort, to offer his pure affection to the man behind him but he couldn't say more. "Nothing..."

Again, (m/n) was disappointed. But he knew he couldn't just let this kind of convo brush off every time Matthew tried to speak this kind of matter between them. "Just talk to me. Please." There wasn't any response at first. Only silent breathing and internal pleading from the consort. "I won't touch you after this, Your Grace." "Excuse me?"

He took a deep breath and exhaled. Marquess Karl was right. "I won't cross the line of a knight again after this. You are right. You're the husband of both monarchs of the empire. I am a simple retainer tasked to you to delay my retirement. I won't exceed past more than I am ordered to. I apologise for all my past actions before this, Your Grace." The knight couldn't properly hear a response from the consort.

"...of course..."

-

As soon as they arrived, his door was thrown open as Marquess Karl escorted him out of the carriage. The brunette gently holding his hand as he brought (m/n) to the entrance of the palace. The (h/c) glanced behind to see Matthew being checked by a physician and was brought to the officers' block.

His eyes drooped down, remembering of their past conversation. "Good evening, Your Majesties." (m/n) looked up to see Navier and Sovieshu walking down a flight of stairs together. More like Navier strotting quickly while Sovieshu was trying to catch up to her.

The consort bowed as well, paying respects to the monarchs. "Are you alright, darling?" Navier gently asked as she cupped both of his cheeks, turning his head side to side, examining his health. (m/n) chuckled as he grasped her hand. "I'm well, dear."

Sovieshu spoke a few words to his attendant and Marquess Karl was dismissed, the emperor turning to the consort. "(m/n). I hope you are well after all that has happened." The (h/c) hummed as he leaned into Navier. "I feel tired however. I hope I get to sleep early tonight." He was tired after all had happened.

Sovieshu glanced at Navier nervously. The woman calmly gazed into his eyes and spoke. "I assure you, you can rest all you want tonight but someone has a surprise to show you." "A surprise?" (m/n) tilted his head in confusion.

"Consider it a wedding gift. Although it is rather late." Sovieshu intercepted, his hands behind his body as if he was trying to hide something. The consort noticed as he peered behind the emperor. "What is it that you're trying to hide?" Navier's head snapped to Sovieshu and she glared at him. How did you spoil it already? The emperor gulped and looked elsewhere. I'm sorry my hot wife. It's just (m/n) looked quite ravishi-

"Is that a key?"

Navier groaned as she snatched the item behind Sovieshu's back and displayed it in front of the (h/c). "You guessed it. Or rather someone is not good at hiding it." Her eyes glanced at Sovieshu. The emperor only mumbled under his breath but (m/n) couldn't hear what he had said.

"Everything's ready, Your Majesty." Marquess Falhan, Navier's attendant bowed as he gestured to the hall that connects the Imperial Palace to the Diamond Palace which was (m/n)'s own personal palace since there weren't any other consorts to share with hopefully. An arm looped around his as Navier began her steps to the Diamond Palace. "Come on, love. It's this way." They left Sovieshu in the dust who had talked to Marquess Falhan when he noticed he immediately ran after them.

-

"It's in here?"

Large wooden doors that was carved stood tall, the golden and green handle resting near his waistc, waiting for someone to twist and open it. A keyhole sitting below the handle. (m/n) stared curiously at it as he grabbed the handle and twisted it.

"It's locked for now. I had this area clear of staffs including servants. This place is only for you, (m/n)." Navier spoke as she stared at the door, handing the carved key with a chain connected to him. "It's all yours."

The consort examined the key, it was made out of jade and had a certain aura to it. Clearly, it was magical and (m/n) didn't want to question it for now. He pushed the key into the keyhole and twisted it, pulling it out after hearing a click.

Gently, he pushed the doors open. The loud creaking noise appearing as a he gasped at the interior of the room. "Woah..." He awed at the decoration. It was a kitchen. A lovely kitchen however.

A full sets of stove and lots of moving space, dark green cabinets with racks of spices. A chandelier hung in the middle of the room and across the kitchen was an area to lounge in with beanbags and couches. The walls were coated with cream wallpaper, gleaming golden carvings could be seen with the shimmer of light.

Fluffy carpets were placed all over the lounging area, a complete tea set was placed in a glass cabinet. (m/n) took one of the cups out awing at the design. "Awww there's a koi fish in here." He cooed at the koi cup. There was a fish resin in every cup. It was lovely.

He placed it gently and continued to look all over the room. The lounge had high ceilings that were painted with stars and clouds all over. A sight to see. The kitchen even had a storage at the back. A few coolers to store meat and drinks were even prepared and full to the brim.

"This- it is so lovely." (m/n) couldn't contain his smile as he turned to Navier giddily. "I love it!" Navier smiled as she sat on one of the couches. "I'm not the giver." "What? Then who?"

"It was me."

Sovieshu awkwardly rubbed his neck as he stepped in the room. "I had the contracters and interior designers prepare the early image and built it when you were gone. Just a little something so you can relax when you're alone." To be a spouse of a ruler was not fun. Chances to see them were very sparse since they were busy with ruling their subject.

Sovieshu knew this very well and he planned this room the moment he married the consort.

Navier gazed at their interaction as (m/n) ran to the emperor. He hugged the ravenette abruptly and Sovieshu grunted from the impact. "Thank you, Sovieshu. This means a lot to me." The consort rarely receives gifts as a child and he starting to get used to it as a consort now but for someone to dedicate this much effort to him, well it'd be hard to not appreciate it.

Sovieshu felt his heart flutter. The way (m/n) willingly embraced him with such a cute smile made him feel shy. "Y-you're welcome." He stuttered as he basked in the consort's hold.

"(m/n). I can do better."

Navier felt competitive all of a sudden. (m/n) was her husband. Not Sovieshu's. And he's supposed to be intimate with her. The woman stood, her arms crossed as she glared at the emperor.

(m/n) laughed at her reaction. "There's no need, Navier. You've done so much for me already." He backed away from Sovieshu as he grasped the empress' hand. "You know I love you and you only." He mumbled as he kissed her cheek.

The empress pouted to the side, frustrated slightly that she had lost her composure over Sovieshu. Said emperor only chuckled as he stepped closer to the two. "Don't worry, empress. I won't steal him away from you."

(•_•)

The two stared at him weirdly, as if he was talking out of his own arse. "What?" (m/n) squinted his eyes and puckered his lips. "I think that you need to have a few flashbacks before saying that." Navier blinked as she pulled Sovieshu out of the room.

"We'll leave you to yourself, (m/n). This room can only be unlocked by you despite anyone else having the key." So that's what the aura was. (m/n) thought as he twirled the key. "If anything happens, blame the emperor. He made this room hence he's responsible for it." Navier quickly threw Sovieshu under the bus, silently hoping that their relationship could be ruined so she could have (m/n) to himself.

Sovieshu was about to retort but had his mouth clamped shut by the empress. "We'll take our leave. Goodbye." And with that, Navier closed the doors leaving the consort to his own devices. The (h/c) hummed as he began to go through the spices, reading the labels.

-

"Well that was quite abrupt."

"I didn't want you any longer around him."

Navier deadpanned as she walked away from the emperor. Said emperor quickly matched her pace and strolled beside her. "Navier. I wanted to have a word with you." "I don't and I have no intention of hearing you out. Leave."

Her response was merciless, true to her words before that she didn't want to interact with the emperor unless necessary. Sovieshu frowned at her statement. "You have been giving me the cold shoulder for the past week." "So you're saying you deserve my attention," She paused and glanced at him, her face blank of emotions.

"After all that you did."

The emperor faltered at this as he struggled to provide an appropriate answer. "No. I've been-" "No? I didn't realise you had an awakening recently. Where has it been for the past three months where you've treated me like dirt?"

Sovieshu pursed his lips as he stopped in front of her, blocking her path. "Please hear me out. I've been doing a lot of thinking-" "You can think? To be honest, I've thought your head was empty for the past few months but then again I did marry you." She sighed. Every word struck his heart more and more. Not like she cared, she no longer held love for him anyway.

"Navier." His hand was on her shoulders, preventing her from pulling away from him. "Please. I want to make up." "Make up what?" "Make up for everything." She scoffed. "Isn't it a bit too late for that?" Navier couldn't believe that Sovieshu had a change of heart. Not that easily and the emperor knew this. That's why he was trying so hard.

"I want another chance."

She was getting tired of this. It's already past dawn and she only wanted to take a bath after the exhausting workload today. "Shouldn't you be begging for that chance?" In an instant, the emperor was on his knees. The blonde looked around for any unwanted individuals watching their interaction. "What are you doing?" She whispered harshly as she tried to pull him up. "Anyone can see this, get up this instant-" "I rather burn my reputation to the ground if it meant that you'll talk to me again."

A flash of annoyance went through her face as she huffed. "Are you trying to guilt trip me?" "I am not. Navier, I am seriously begging you to listen to my words." "Do you want to know why I do not intend to listen to you? You only started looking for me when I'm happy with another man! Are you not in the slightest embarassed at yourself?!"

"I am."

She was taken aback by this response. "I am ashamed at my whole existence. I am not worthy to even apologise to you but here I am, on my knees, begging to give you another chance." His face was firm, full of anxiety and seriousness. His eyes seem to be searching for something or rather he was too nervous to look at her in the eyes. "I want to start over. With you and (m/n)."

She sighed in frustration. "Don't. Just don't bring him into this." "Please Navier. I'm begging you. Give me another chance." Her eyes started to glisten. All those memories of him favouring Rashta over her started to reappear. Her chest felt heavy.

"But you still have her." Her voice broke along with his heart.

"I don't love her like you." "And?! Does that change the fact that you get to have another opportunity to ruin my life?!" She started shouting. "Just because you realised that you suddenly love me you get to have it all back?!! You made me afraid to fall in love again!"

That was the first time Sovieshu ever saw her cry.

He immediately stood up and embraced her, carefully cradling her head into her chest. All of those stuffed up emotions she held in her gut suddenly burst through as tears fell mercilessly from her eyes. Her cheeks wet with tears. "You promised me that you'll never be the same like your father...you promised me and you broke that promise." He could hear those small sniffles that she tried to hide.

The empress' cries were muffled by his shirt, she embarassingly tried to hide her vulnerability, not wanting anyone to think she was weak. "If you broke that one trust we formed throughout our lives, then how am I supposed to give you another chance..."

Sovieshu closed his eyes, gently cooing into her ear. He never saw his wife like this. He never thought that her emotions could explode at any moment and when he saw that beautiful face full of anguish.

He's adamant to not wanting to see it again.

"I...I don't know, Navier." She was still crying as she held her hand on his chest. He could feel it shaking on his pec. "I fucked up. Terribly. And I just realised how horrible I have treated you, Navier and you didn't deserve any of it." Sovieshu's eyes wavered as it dropped to the floor.

"You didn't deserve me."

Navier's breath was shaky, she didn't expect to cry this much. "But I didn't want us to end. Not like this. Once again...I beg of you." He slowly pulled back and looked into her teary half lidded eyes. "At least on my birthday, let me try again."

This wasn't an easy choice. Whether to let the man who cheated on her grasp her heart again or suffer the pesterings of an emperor who might get closer to her consort. Thoughts mashed into her head as she carefully choose her decision. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she pushed him away.

"One try. If you fuck this one up, I'm divorcing you."

Sovieshu knew she was serious, even though she didn't have the power to divorce him he knew she could find a way. He nodded as his gaze trailed to her leaving figure.

Unfortunately despite his tries, the gods above had already decided that their love had to come to an end.

-

"Is it not here?"

"Unfortunately...I couldn't find it anywhere."

(m/n) hummed as he went through his stuff, gifts from his friends that was hastily placed in suitcases. The other servants offered to clear it up for him but he said he wanted to go through it himself. Everything was going fine until he noticed one of the big green cargo boxes was empty and it was poked with lots of holes.

He asked Tayler where the items were and he said he didn't know. "I apologise for my incompetence, Master." "It's alright, Tayler. As long as there isn't anything important there, then I'm not mad. Besides it's not like you're the one who threw it away." (m/n) shrugged. Tayler seemed apalled however.

"You're not going to punish me?" The brunette asked, his scarred hands cupped out to the kneeling consort. (m/n) tilted his head in confusion. "Of course not. Why would I?" "My previous masters would scar my hand every time I make a mistake. Thank you for not doing the same."

The consort silently gazed at the brunette's palms. It was scarred and ugly despite it being small. Some part of it were visibly red so (m/n) stood and reached into his vanity, pulling out hand lotion. "Here. You can have this." The lotion was gently placed in Tayler's hold. "It's good for the scarring."

"Thank you, master...You're really unlike the others." "Hey hey. I'm not the one who is nice, they're the one who's mean and ruthless. No one deserves these type of treatment." (m/n) placed his hand on Tayler's shoulder. The puppy-like man gazed at him with sincerity as he smiled. "I cannot express my gratitude enough, Your Grace." "It's alright. You can do it by taking a day off tomorrow." "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." (m/n) shrugged as he flipped through recipe books the chef back at Avery estate had given him. "Take a day off or two. You need it." Tayler felt his eyes pricked with tears out of happiness as he wailed hugging the consort's legs. "You'resuchadivinebeingIdon'tdeservetohaveyouasmyemployerIloveyousomuchMaster-" "You're welcome." The (h/c) pushed him off as Tayler landed on his back with an 'oomf'.

The consort continued to sort his things as he noticed a gleam in his pile of clothing. Carefully reaching in, he took a chain of necklace. Urgh. He internally groaned as he remembered the cursed item. He probably should have given it to Navier or at least reported it Marquess Falhan but another thought came to mind as he glanced at his squealing butler.

"Hey Tayler." "Yes, Master?" He perked up. A smirk stretched on his face as (m/n) turned to the brunette. "Can you visit your previous employer for a while?"

-

"It has been an unreasonably long day..."

Turns out, he was called to the physician and was checked for his health for any mana sprouts. Thankfully, he was cleared and was escorted back to his own palace but (m/n) shooed the other guards off saying that he wanted some time alone. Not really, he just didn't like unfamiliar people tailing his ass.

Usually, Matthew would be guarding him but said redhead currently has a fever so most probably he would be unavailable for a few days. It was probably midnight by now as he strolled down the hall. The corridor had long carpets lining up the floors, vases and paintings to the side and large window panes to the right of (m/n), allowing the light from the moon illuminating the dark hall. It was quite chilly as he hugged himself, suddenly remembering the past night of Renesha's spell.

I wonder what he's up to...

Probably (m/n) himself but he's in denial that Matthew was crushing on him. He couldn't quite hear the footsteps that was behind him hence why he was so unfocused but he felt his heart dropped when a hand tugged his arm roughly. "What the-"

A man in a fine suit smiled at him, he was eerily tall and lean, his moss green hair that rather messy shimmered against his face frame. His cornea was oddly small, but the terrifying grin that came up next scared the consort out of his wits. "Good night, Your Grace." The mysterious man spoke, placing a kiss on the back of (m/n)'s and while not breaking eye contact.

"G-Good night. What are you doing here?" No guests were allowed to roam the palace after dark hours but here he was grabbing (m/n) slowly creeping the shit out of him. "Why I came to visit you, Your Grace. I have terribly missed you out these long days.." Now who the hell is he, (m/n) wondered.

"Have we met before?" As soon as he popped the question, the expression on the stranger's face turned dark. His face fell and his grip on the consort loosened. "...what do you mean by that?" All of a sudden, the man clenched his hand making (m/n) hiss in pain at the strength.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten me?"

"Y-You're hurting me." (m/n)'s voice trembled as he tried to pull his arm away but almost shrieked as both of his arms were suddenly pulled together as his body collided with the stranger. He could feel his nails digging in his skin through his nightwear. "I am incredibly fond of you, (m/n). We met on that day and I believe it was meant to be." He whispered in his ear. The consort tried to escape his hold but his lips trembled every time he tried to speak. He was so afraid of this man and he didn't know why.

"Le-Let go of me." His pleas went unheard as the stranger gazed into his (e/c) eyes, his face void of feeling as he trailed his fingers on the consort's face. "Perhaps it was because there was too many people that you had forgotten me." He mumbled, not caring of the visible fear on (m/n)'s face. "You bitch, stop touching me-"

"It's Gillian, sweetheart. Gillian Hayford. Be sure to remember that."

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anyways wdy think about navier pegging mn?

Btw kosairs smut is only a couple of chapters away PEOPLE🗣🗣