When Choso would come home he would usually greet you with a smile on his face and a kiss on your lips. Now he just kisses you on the cheek and goes about his business. He doesn’t seem angry or upset but it felt weird that he doesn’t look at you when he kisses you. Weird? Maybe something is going on? You waited at the dining table for him to come out from his shower and watch him sit across from you. Just like normal but usually he would be talking about his day even if it were bad he would tell you about. Only the sounds of him cutting and picking up his food from the dinner you made reached your ears.

“Soooo how was your day babe? Anything happened today?” He looked up with his mouth still chewing and shook his head. “Really? Must’ve been pretty boring today.” You laughed softly but when you looked at him he didn’t reply. There wasn’t tension in the room, but the air was thick. It was making you uncomfortable with how he is acting, and you haven’t done anything. “Choso is something wrong?” “Nothing is wrong.” He answered you that time, but his tone wasn’t exactly comforting. “I’m just tired.” He took the last bite, and he began to get up from his seat. “Thanks for dinner but you could’ve eased up on the seasonings.”

He didn’t utter anything else as he walked away and down the hall to the shared bedroom. Now this was weird. He loves the way you make dinner so flavorful, and you didn’t use too much tonight. So, what is this change all of sudden. With a heavy sigh you ignored it and cleared the table. That didn’t stop there. When you got into bed and tried to cuddle him he shook you off. Then proceeded to scoot away from you. At the point you are confused tremendously. Once again you ignored it and turned your back towards him.

Time flies and it was only getting worse. No more morning kisses, no more cuddles, no more dates and the sex were all one sided. He doesn’t give that extra effort and after a while you would fake your orgasm to get it over with. It seems he was fine with it since afterwards he fixes himself and does as he pleases. At first you tried to change it up and make it different.

Dressing up in different lingerie or going the extra mile to create a sensual atmosphere to get the mood right. Nothing worked. It was all the same. Soon he doesn’t even fuck you anymore but instead gives you oral. Of course, you would cum from his wet pierced tongue and fingers, but it wasn’t the same. The feeling of ecstasy was replaced with emptiness, and it was beginning to take its toll.

The next morning when you woke up and felt the other side of the bed. All the pent of frustrations flowed onto your pillow. What have I done? Is there something wrong with me? No nothing is wrong maybe Choso is going through something, and he doesn’t know how to tell you yet. Yeah that must be it, so you need to relax and let him come to you. You waited and waited day by day for him to talk to you, but that day never seems to happened. School was out and Yuuji asked if he could stay with you and Choso for the summer. That should brighten things up so of course you said yes. Once Yuuji was settled into the guestroom now the waiting game begins again.

A few days in Choso seemed to lighten up but not towards you. He was still cold and picky with everything you do. Then one night you made dinner again and Choso decided to bring a guest over. He picked at his food and barely ate it. His attention was on Yuki a friend from his job. The way his eyes were enchanted as he and Yuki spoke to each other. When you would try to get in on the conversation Yuki would give you the side eye. It was disheartening that he barely talked to you but at this point you were used to it.

After a while Choso got up from announced he was going to take Yuki home. “Dinner was alright as usual. Nothing special but it’s fine.” You didn’t utter anything when you began to clear the table and walk into the kitchen. Choso rolled his eyes and brushed it off while he apologized to Yuki for your behavior. She didn’t mind it and ignored it. Yuuji felt something was off between you and Choso.

Then of all things he was paying more attention to Yuki than you which was not normal. So, what was up with his brother and why was he like this? As the night grew darker he was in his room watching tv when he heard soft sobs. Peeking out of his room he saw you on the couch with your hands covering your eyes.

“Y/N? What’s wrong?” he asked as he sat next to you. You sniffled and wiped away your tears as new ones slid down your face. “I can’t take it anymore Yuuji. I need to get out of here and clear my head.” He was confused. “Why? Is something bothering you?” You looked at Yuuji with your bloodshot eyes. “Yeah but I think I’m the problem, so I think I’m just gonna go.” You bit your lip trying to hold back more tears as Yuuji rubbed your back. “Y/N don’t say stuff like that.” He pulled some tissue out of the box and handed them to you. “Thanks, but there has to be something wrong. For now, I need some time to clear my head. Yuuji I need you to promise me something.” Yuuji nodded his head.

“Promise me to not tell Choso where I went.” Yuuji sighed as he knew your mind wasn’t changing. “I promise but can I call you because I want to make sure you are okay.” More tears fell from your eyes as Yuuji hugged you tightly. You giggled softly as you hugged him back. “Or course you can. Just don’t do it around him though.” When you let go you ruffled his haor making him laugh. “So, when you are going to leave?”

“Early in the morning. I already have some of my bags packed and in my car. If you get hungry I made your favorite. It’s in the bowl with the pink top and there is more food to cook for yourself in the fridge. I have a feeling Choso isn’t much of cook because you see how I cooked most of the time.” Yuuji chuckled knowing you are right about that. “Now go and get some rest. I’ll be sure to text you when I make it to my destination.” With one last hug he went back into the room and closed the door. The clock read twelve forty-five and Choso still wasn’t home. You felt bad for lying to Yuuji because you weren’t leaving in the morning. You are leaving right now.

The next several hours into the morning Yuuji was awake warming up the food you made for him. Even though you left earlier than you told him you texted him around eleven letting him know you made it despite being at your current location for several hours. The sun was glistening across the ocean water as you stood out on the patio of the beach house. The waves splashing against the rocks and a few seagulls flying overhead as you took a breath of the air. The time to be by yourself starts now and you don’t have anyone bringing down your mood now.

Day after day you enjoyed the warm sunny weather and walking along the sandy beach. On days it was rainy you decided to write in a journal you bought before coming here. You could write about anything on your mind. The passing days turned into almost a month and tomorrow afternoon is the day you have to go back. As much as it pains you to leave you can’t run and hide forever.

That night before you went to bed you decided to enjoy a nice fire from the fire pit. The red, orange, and yellow glow compared to blue and white from the night was a wonderful way to end your last evening here. You decided to write one last time in your journal and you couldn’t help but laugh that it was the last page of it too. Looking at the fire and back at the journal you tossed it in.

There you sat watching it burn with the sounds of little crackling coming the fire. Little pieces of the pages flew up into the sky and disappeared into the sky. You could feel weight being lifted off your shoulders and after spending nearly a month away you can say you are sane enough to return back. You got up to put out the fire making sure the blaze was no longer lit and then you went inside. Taking a relaxing shower before getting into bed. Your body eased into the mattress and your eyes didn’t have a chance to stay open. Letting yourself go into a deep sleep with a smile on your face.

It's the next day and now it’s time to load your bags into the trunk and make your way back home. It was beautiful and peaceful, and it was nice to have Yuuji checking in with you. You even had text and phone calls from Gojo and Nanami. It warmed your heart to have others who cared enough to check on you. Unlike a certain someone. He hasn’t called or even texted you once since you’ve been gone. No use letting it get to you, so you let it go. If you could’ve bought this beach house you would but maybe that’ll be a future goal.

The drive back was about maybe an hour and half or two but from the traffic being light this time around it shouldn’t take you long. Listening to your favorite songs and paying attention to the road ahead you were enjoying it. As you got closer all of sudden something didn’t feel right. Your eye was twitching like crazy, and the feeling of uneasiness gradually got worse.

Before you turned off the exit your Bluetooth was ringing, and you saw Yuuji’s name on the radio. You quickly answered it hoping nothing happened while you were gone. “He-Heyyy are you on your way back?” In his voice you could hear he was anxious when he asked the question. “Yeah Yuuji I’m about another thirty minutes out. Is something wrong?” “Oh no” he said softly. Even when he whispered you still heard him and now you were getting worried. “Yuuji what’s going on? Something happened to Choso?” Coming to a stop at the traffic light you asked. “Yuuji if something is wrong please tell me.” The next thing you heard wasn’t his voice. It sounded like laughter and moaning.

“Yuuji? How long has this been going on?” Your grip on the steering wheel got tighter as you couldn’t believe what was going on. “I don’t know exactly but I woke up about an hour ago. I thought it was you and Choso, but the other voice didn’t sound like yours.” It was silent and your mind was blanking out. “Yuuji do me a favor and wait for me outside. Don’t tell him I’m coming and keep the phone on until you get outside.” Yuuji understood as he got dressed to walk out of the guestroom.

The light still hasn’t changed as you revved your engine. You could hear Yuuji putting his phone into his pocket and then you heard a woman’s voice. “Well look who it is. Finally came out of that stuffy room to chat with me and your big brother.” Yuki? “Oh no I’m just going out to get some fresh air.” If you could see through Yuuji’s eyes what he was seeing. Yuki sitting on Choso’s lap, and his arm wrapped around her. He felt disgusted deep down to see his brother touching another woman who isn’t you.

“Yuuji have you heard from her lately? When is she coming back?” Choso voiced sounded so dry and the nerve of him to not say your name was disrespectful. “Oh, baby why is you worrying about her. She probably left for good meaning it’s only you and me now.” You heard the sound of kissing in the background and that was enough to make Yuuji walk towards the door.

“Wait Yuuji we were thinking of having pizza for dinner since you know I don’t do the whole cooking thing.” Yuuji could just puke at the word. Almost every day it was the same thing. He missed how you would cook different things for him and Choso. “That’s fine I guess.” He opened the door and didn’t look back.

“Huh I wonder what’s going on with him.” Yuki looked at Choso and shook her head. “I’m sure he is fine but now that he is out. We can continue what we started.” She leaned down to kiss his lips and then to his neck. Yuuji heard everything through the door, and he was appalled. He walked towards the sidewalk to make sure they didn’t hear him talking to you. “Hey, are you still there? Y/N? Y/N?” You didn’t mean to hang up on him, but this was too much. The light in front of you turned green and you didn’t waste a second hitting the gas. Those thirty minutes turned into ten as it was a straight shot to get there.

You couldn’t bear to listen to music as you drove your car. The thought of him having another woman in the place you called home. Of all things to be as sneaky as this to do this to you. You have done nothing but be faithful to him. Cook his meals, clean his clothes, love him with every atom in your body. If he thinks you are going to sit back and let him have his way he is sadly mistaken.

Yuuji could hear a loud roar coming from down the road and when the car got closer he knew it was you. You decided to slow down a bit, so no one tries to hide anything. Quickly parking your car Yuuji walked towards you. “They still in there?” you questioned as you shut your car door. “Yeah.” “How long has she been here?” Yuuji gulped as his answer was not going to be a good one. “How long have you been gone?” You nodded your head as you looked towards the front door.

He could see a certain look in your eyes. The way you walked past him and the aura you were carrying was strong, which concerned him. As you walked towards the door you could hear laughter and kissing noises coming from the other side. “That bastard” you yelled softly. Before Yuuji could stop you the door was forcefully opened and the two of them stared at you in shock.

“So, this what you were doing while I was away. Messing around and sleeping with Ms. Blondie. Seriously!?! You are just pathetic Choso.”  All you could see was red and your face was full of disgust. The girl that was almost half-naked with only her bra on didn’t take what you spewed lightly and stood up. She scoffed as she looked you up and down. “I don’t blame you for getting tired of her. I would have done the same thing. Good thing is you have me now and you can dump this bitch for good.” You blinked a few times before looking at Choso who was speechless.

“Excuse me but dump this what?” On the inside you were fuming and before you made any rash decision you wanted to be sure you heard her right. She turned around with a full smirk on her face as she walked closer to you. “I said you…can...dump…this…bitch…for… good” When she emphasized that certain word she here finger was almost touching your chest. “Understand me now? Sheesh she a slow one too.” She snickered.

Choso could see from your face the gears harshly grinding in your brain from the rage that was going to be unleashed. Yuuji was standing to the side, and he had a feeling the next thing that was going to happen was not going to be pretty. She opened her eyes and saw you had a smile on your face.

“What are you smiling for? Got something to say to me?” “No but someone else has something to say.” She scoffed as she flung her hair out of her face. “Oh yeah wh—” The whole room went silent as the sound of knuckles collided with her jaw. Both boys eyes went wide from the scene but then it turned even more ugly.

You jumped on Yuki to give her another lick to the face, but she managed to get a good hit on you. Everything was happening at lightning speed before the situation registered in the boy’s minds. A lot of yelling, screaming, and profanity rang through the room. Two women rolling and tossing each other onto the floor. Yuuji was doing his best to separate the two of you while Choso was trying his hardest to pull you off. “Get the fuck off me Choso!” you yelled as you pinned Yuki to the floor. You shoved him away and processed to punch Yuki square in the face.

Your shove wasn’t enough to keep him at bay when he finally got a hold of you and pulled you off. It caught you off guard when he didn’t gently toss you to the side and you bumped into the bookcase. It was enough force to make it shake and something fell from the top shelf and onto the floor. It hurt since you landed on your leg the wrong way. A quick glance at the object on the ground you realized it was a picture. A picture of you and Choso together smiling. Once you looked up you watched Yuuji walk towards you, but Choso was helping Yuki off the floor.

That was the final straw as a burst of energy helped you swiftly get off the floor to lunge at Choso moving pass Yuuji. He didn’t see you as his attention was on Yuki who was bruised and bleeding. One minute he was helping her up and then the next he was pushed into a wall dropping Yuki in the process. So hard that he knocked a hole in it and hit his head in the process. He groaned in pain as he felt the back of his head being warm and wet. When he looked up fear consumed him. Your eyes weren’t the sparkling gems they once were but of a dark abyss that would consume him whole. His head was spinning but he could still hear your voice.

“I hate how you treated me these last few months. I hate how you ignored my feelings and brushed me off. I hate how you made me feel less than a person. All I did was love you with all my heart.” The hot tears were starting to flow down your lightly bruised cheeks, and you held up the picture to him. “Why Choso? Everything was perfect. We were a couple that vowed to be there for each other. What happened to us?” Choso used some of his strength to get up off the hard floor and stood up. Your mind was telling you to charge him again and pin him to the wall, but your rage was quickly coming down.

There he stood speechless as he looked at you and looked at Yuki just breathing on the floor. You couldn’t believe it after all you asked and the tears you are crying he is not speaking to you. You looked at the picture again and then him. “Choso if you don’t want to answer those questions then answer this one. Do you love me anymore?” That did it. His eyes met yours once again but this time he was keeping eye contact. “I…don’t…know” he muttered softly.

With a roll of your eyes, you shook your head. “You don’t have to lie of course you don’t. The way you tossed me into the shelf earlier and went to her aid is enough said. Plus, that look in your eyes you used to have for me was in your eyes when you looked at her.” Those words falling from your mouth hurt his soul to core and left him mute. Why? Because it was true. The love he had for you died down for the past few months and the spark fizzled out. In his mind he thought if he kept it up maybe you would call quits but now he sees that was the wrong thing to do.

With the picture in your hand, you began to rip it slowly so Choso can hear it. “No need for this because it’s irrelevant now. Yuuji?” He came by your side as he saw you starting to slouch. “Help me get the rest of things into my car. I think it’s time for me to leave. Permanently.” Choso was shocked to hear those words. He began to hold onto to the wall as he stepped over the now sleeping Yuki. “No please. Please don’t go” he went to grab your hand, but you instantly moved it away. He was hurt when he looked at you. “No need to be all touchy now” you said coldly. You could see a little blood on his hand from where he touched his head.

You aren’t a heartless person, but you aren’t going to put up with him any longer. “Actually, Yuuji help your brother out and get Shoko on the line. I don’t have much to move out, so I’ll be fine.” “Are you sure you don’t look good yourself.” “Don’t worry I’ll let Shoko give me a look over before I leave.” You gave Yuuji a reassuring smile, but it quickly dropped when you looked at Choso. Leaving him stunned as you limped towards his bedroom. When Yuuji called Shoko and explained everything it wasn’t long before she got there. Yuki was in pretty bad shape, but it wasn’t critical. Choso had a minor concussion and a small scar, but it didn’t require any stitches.

As for you, she made sure you didn’t have any broken bones or sprains since you were limping. A few small bruises that will clear in a few days and for you to stay off your leg as much as you can. That started right away as Yuuji and Shoko helped with the last few bags and boxes into your car. Organizing them amongst the bags from the trip you got back from. The sun was setting with a beautiful orange hue going across the sky.

Not a word was said to him as you walked towards the door with Yuuji and Shoko helping you walk. You didn’t expect him to say anything because at this point you are done listening to anything he has to say. As you got settled into your car Shoko left and Yuuji was talking to you through the passenger side window.

“Is it okay if you give me a ride to Gojo’s?” “Of course I was heading there anyway.” Yuuji smiled brightly as he was glad to leave from here and you were too. With the engine purring once again, you looked out the passenger window to see him standing in the doorway. One hand was holding an ice bag to his head and the other was holding onto the small pieces of the ripped picture. His eyes were red, and his lower eyelids were darker.

You didn’t spare another minute as you rolled the window up and drove off. Months of the cold shoulder and emotional invalidation yeah that’s over now. You should’ve beat his ass for treating you this way, but you took all your anger out on Yuki. In the end it was okay because karma was going to come back and bite him back ten times harder.

That it did. Yuki left him and the steady job he had was no more. Come to find out he skipped days with you know who. A whole five days without reason and Choso couldn’t bring you into it because one he couldn’t get in contact with you and two he doesn’t have any proof. So, his job is now gone, and he has to get a job somewhere else.

From the time you left and the weeks that passed he regretted the way he treated you. How can he do this to you, but he has no one to blame but himself. Giving up the one and only person that he could call his own. His other half, partner in crime, lovers to the very end. Nope he had to fuck it all up.

His home was in shambles but not in a physical aspect. Yuuji was still there but time quickly passed, and he was back in school again. So back to being alone once again. Choso was used to you being home waiting for you to jump into his arms and kiss him like you’ll never see him again. Meals that were to die for were so delicious, flavorful, and full of love.

The sex oh how could he forget about the sex. Into some freaky things you were but that’s what he loved about you. You were one in a million and special. He couldn’t drown in his sorrows for long since the bills don’t pay themselves, so he got another job at a park. It didn’t much as much as his last job, but it was enough to get things done. He wishes he could talk to you and apologize for what he did.

One morning when he was walking down the stoned pathway collecting litter when he smelt something sweet and familiar. He smelt this scent before, and it reminded him of...you. Look across the way his eyes landed on a woman on a park bench. It’s you. It’s really you. He doesn’t know if it’s his lucky day or just a coincidence but it’s you. He quickly made his way towards you. A few people were in his way, but he did his best not to bump into them. As he got close he could feel his emotions getting the best of him. Finally, this is his chance to make it up.

“Hi” he spoke softly. When you turned your head you couldn’t believe it. All you could do was smirk and shake your head. “What is it Choso? You followed me here or someone told you where I was?” This was going to be difficult, but this could be his only chance. He has to see it through. “N-no I work here.” “Oh, that explains the weird uniform with the trash bag and pick up stick. Got fired from your other job?” Choso was surprised because how did you know. “With that look on your face I bet you are wondering how I know. Let’s just say news travels fast.” You shook your head again as you looked at the time on your phone.

“Look at the time I have to go. I have things to do and now I know not to come to this park again. It’s beautiful but it’s filled with trash. Someone needs to take of that.” You got up from the bench preparing to walk away but Choso was quick to grab your wrist. “Wait please.” You quickly snatched it away and turned to face him. “What is it Choso? I got to go.” He stood up and turned in your direction. “I’m… I’m sorry Y/N. I’m sorry for treating you the way I did. I know I messed up and I deserve all the karma that is still to come. You did nothing wrong and all you did was try to help us stay together but I ruined that. I don’t expect forgiveness right away, but I was hoping will there ever be a chance for us?”

He is sorry. After all these months, even before things got worse he is finally sorry. You began to snicker and then you laughed. “Choso isn’t it way past the due date for an apology? I applaud you for even having the guts to but why now.” All you could do was sigh and shake your head. “Choso I will say these few things and after that I’m leaving. One, the person I’m going to forgive first is myself. I let this drag on long enough and I should’ve found a solution before it came to this. Two, I will forgive but don’t take it to heart. I’m only forgiving you so I can be at peace with myself and let go. Three to answer your question about us there is no more of us.” He heart dropped into his stomach and shattered. “Wha-what do you mean? Come on Y/N I apologize, and we can start over.”

“Oh really?! Start over? Choso you have to be a damn fool right now. You think I’ll get back with you and let this happen all over again. No, I’m taking that chance. Besides there are some things you need to work on for yourself before even thinking about another relationship.” You looked at your phone. “Now I definitely have to go now. So Choso if that’s all I’ll take my leave and remember there is nothing between us. I mean nothing. Also don’t you dare try to find me or contact me.” With that you were done talking and walked away. Choso stood there heartbroken and speechless. He had to sit down on the bench and take it all in. The way you spoke sounded so serious. You meant everything you said. You are officially out of his life…forever.

Your boldness once again stirred a wave of clamor among the crowd, and even Naoya was glaring at you in disbelief now. “A remarriage…? How dare you—!”

“Well... is it the time for my grand entrance?”

Deep from behind the curtains, suddenly he emerged, dressed in the most lavish robes befitting his own throne, outshining everyone in the room as if he was the one owning the place.

“Heh.” His low chuckle stunned even the mass as he took big strides towards where you were.

This would seal your fate. From now onwards, you would no longer be the perfect empress. Your messy divorce and remarriage will relegate that image to history.

“My goodness, that’s…” the woman in the front gasped. “Western Empire’s…”

“Gojo… Satoru?” Naoya's eyes lit with genuine fury as the other man took his place by your side. “You couldn't possibly mean…!”

You interrupted him regally. “Yes, he is the man I wish to remarry.”

This event was going to blow up tomorrow, with scandalous titles no less than The Deposed Empress Remarries! And there was no going back, ever.

How did your pristine life turn into such a shameful debacle? None of these turn of events would be imaginable for you several years prior...

SATORU, THE CROWN PRINCE OF WESTERN EMPIRE

To Satoru, you were more than just the east’s breathtaking empress—you had captured his attention long before you ascended to that role.

Seven years ago, you were the renowned noble lady, the paragon of perfection sought after by many lords and monarchs alike.

You were both cunning and fair, pretty in the face, came from an illustrious family known for birthing famous empresses in either western and eastern empires. You were the quintessential template that mothers advised their sons to seek in a wife.

The fairest in the land—that was how people called you. And Gojo Satoru is always and only interested in the best.

“Suguru... look at her.” His eyes would soften at the sight of you as he nudged at his closest ally and confidant, the duke. “She is so... pretty, isn’t she?”

Unfortunately, you had been promised to the Eastern Empire’s crown prince from a long time ago too. There was little that the outsiders, including himself—even if he was the heir apparent to his own throne—could do to sway your heart.

“There's more to women than their faces, Satoru,” Suguru sighed, thinking that what he had was a mere lust. “Moreover, she’s engaged to the Zen’in... and they have a very good relationship. Nothing you can do about that.”

“Hmph.”

To be honest, he couldn’t fathom what you could possibly like about that murderous Zen’in spawn. He was a pompous human being, no less.

How on earth could you stand someone like that? Satoru had always wondered… especially when it was well-known to the land that you and him were on good terms despite your arranged marriage.

—and once, he thought he knew who you are…

. . .

Satoru swallowed the bitterness rising in his throat as he attended the royal wedding of you and Zen’in Naoya. Despite hating the circumstances, he had to admit it was a fairytale wedding—albeit with the wrong groom.

You were the epitome of picture book princess. In his eyes, and in the eyes of the attendees of your wedding.

Oh, and he made headlines too, that day—

“My princess, may I have this dance?”

Two hours hadn’t even passed by after you swore your vows as Naoya’s bride, and there he was, asking for your first dance, in your own wedding ball, right in front of your newly wedded husband.

Everyone bet on you turning him down and making a fool of himself, but instead, to spare his feelings, you put your delicate hand in his, and with a wide, shy smile, you said, “Yes.”

Satoru thought it was his greatest achievement then. To have made Naoya red-faced, to have made him watch as he put his hands on your waist, twirl you around— and come one breath away from your face.

“Princess, you’re…” his breath caught as he pulled you close, staring straight at your face—and suddenly he felt like life was so unfair to him as the slow melody of waltz was all he could hear.

How could you be this close... and yet so far by being somebody else’s wife?

And yet he forced the words out, with sincerity he had never showed anyone else before, even as his heart bled and shattered. “You’re so incredibly beautiful.”

Your eyes widened, sparkling with wonder, before you thanked him with the loveliest of smiles. “Thank you. You’re too kind.”

Satoru was certain... you had ruined him, because no one else would ever be able to turn his world with just a smile like you did, even as you broke his heart too into a million pieces.

. . .

Ever since that day, everyone had branded him as a prince in search of scandal—coveting the princess married to Zen’in clan.

What everyone didn’t know was that it went beyond that. His obsession of you went beyond your beauty and charms and wits. Rather, it goes a long way back.

YOU, THE CROWN PRINCESS OF EASTERN EMPIRE

As inconceivable as it was, once upon a time, you and Naoya were a truly, happy couple.

Handpicked by the late emperor to become his son’s wife, you couldn’t be more proud. With you being the next empress of the Eastern Empire, your clan once again proved itself that it was always worthy of a seat in the monarchy.

But beyond that, you were elated that it was Naoya that you ended up marrying. Your own childhood friend, who often led you around his palace by hand and filled your days with many joy and laughs.

“One day soon, when we are the emperor and the empress—” younger Naoya was always someone who had big dreams about ruling his nation. “We will create a nation in which no one can do anything as they please! We’ll establish order, and anyone who goes against it will be punished! That way, it’ll encourage fairness!”

Not knowing it yourself, you had given your heart wholly to him. You had agreed to all his dreams and visions. You devoted yourself to them all, even more so after your marriage and coronation, as he promised you an ever after.

“From now on, it’s going to be me and you, Empress.”

YOU, THE EMPRESS OF EASTERN EMPIRE

“Your role is to give an heir to the throne, Empress.”

Your title had never sounded so heavy to you before now, especially when Naoya was the one saying it.

You sighed, gathering your wits and scattered feelings before levelling your calm gaze on your husband. “I understand that, Your Majesty. But it is not something that I can do on my own.”

This year would mark the fifth year of your marriage to Naoya. You understood that the fact you still weren’t able to be with his child would raise questions from the court, but still, must you be reminded of this fact over and over?

Your husband—no, the emperor—barked a satire laugh.

“Oh, really? As I understand it, being infertile is not something I can help you with.”

That hurt. It was a searing pain, like being branded with a red-hot iron. And it felt as if he had torn through your chest with his fist alone.

“I’m not infertile.” Your eyes gleamed with pure defiance as you lifted your chin, facing him in his audience chamber.

It dawned on you that lately, one of the few ways you could speak to him was by requesting an audience as opposed to your usual midnight talks in your private chambers.

When did it start to change? Or was Naoya this kind of person right from the very beginning and you were just blinded by love back then?

"Oh? And what would you call being childless for five years then?" Naoya sneered at you from his dais, placing one hand on his jaw. "Bad luck? You must be terribly cursed with misfortune then."

You fisted your dress, summoning all your strength to hold back tears. Don't you dare cry. Not in front of him.

It wasn't as if you didn't want to carry his heir. For many women, holding their baby in their arms is a cherished dream, and when they hold a position of power like yours, it becomes not just a desire but a duty.

You tried everything—calling in the best doctors, consuming horrible potions, even consulting with the oracle. And they all said you were perfectly healthy and fine. You were at your wits end too.

The irony. You were celebrated in public for your competence, while privately, you suffered your husband's cold detachment and cruel remarks.

. . .

"Empress, where should we put the welcome gifts?"

You studied the floor plan of the banquet hall for your annual New Year's ball with a thoughtful hum before pointing at the entrance.

"Place it here. We want our guests to know that we are generous, and it's easily accessible since the parlor is the first area they reach after arriving."

You loved planning festivities. It was therapeutic in a way, and it gave you little time to think of anything else.

"Oh, and I want to have a welcome arch and flowers placed at the entrance too. This is the grandest event of the year, second only to the Emperor's birthday... we must display the grandeur that befits such an occasion."

Your head maidservant, Hanabi, placed a hand on her abdomen and nodded with a warm smile. "That's a very clever suggestion, Your Majesty! I'll ensure they arrange everything just as you wish!"

As she scurried away, you watched her with an assessing gaze. Hanabi had been with you throughout the five years of your marriage, always at your side, assisting with day-to-day matters and serving as your confidant. She was a great aide.

And you were observant by nature... so of course you noticed things.

...and if you were correct, then she was most definitely with a child.

The thing is... she is unmarried. You hesitated to jump to conclusions without evidence, yet the timing struck you as more than coincidental—it nagged at you for weeks now, suggesting a connection you hoped did not exist.

Because if they really did... then...

You didn't dare to think, because it would be more than a nightmare. But you weren't able to let this go either, so you did what was necessary.

You planted a note in Hanabi's chamber, and then you waited in the gardens, the chilly midnight air wrapping around you like a shroud.

You had done everything you could. Five years ago, you let go of everything and had decided to spend your life with your first love—Naoya.

Because you truly and devotedly love him. You give your all for him—for your life together.

"Ooh, Your Majesty~! It's so cold out here, why not in our usual—"

Hanabi's voice faltered as soon as she saw your crimson gown, feeling like the world had collapsed on her. And you rigidly turned towards her, feeling more or less the same.

And yet, what you had received from him is the greatest betrayal.

SATORU, THE EMPEROR OF THE WESTERN EMPIRE

He first realized something was clearly wrong with you during the New Year’s ball that you hosted.

Satoru had just been crowned emperor during this time, and though rulers typically sent envoys to such grand celebrations due to concurrent festivities in their own lands, it had been several months since he last saw you. He wants to see you.

A meritless action, but he wanted to, regardless.

But that day, you were a fantastic actress in this stage called banquet hall and nobody was the wiser… but he would know, because you mattered a lot to him.

"Your Majesty, you don't seem well." He approached you with a glass of champagne, affixing a friendly smile. "Is there anything amiss?"

Taken aback, you didn't expect such close proximity that you took a step back. His smile almost faltered, but he kept it up.

"Emperor Satoru—"

"Ah, none of that, no. Address me just as you usually do, hmm?"

A smile finally tugged at your lips. "How is that fair, when you address me so formally?"

Satoru chuckled. "You, my queen, deserve all the finery and grandeur there is. And I will see to it that you do."

That was his nickname for you ever since you ascended the throne. Both of your countries refer you as “empress”, but he loves addressing you as “queen” instead.

There was a shift in your expression, and he thought you looked melancholic. It bothered him, stirring a desire to erase that somber look from you. Because above anything and everything, you had to be happy and smiling.

"You're still a flirt, I see, Satoru," you remarked, throwing him a soft smile. "It won't do you good if you're seen with me most of the time, you know."

No, I’m doing this just for you. He wanted to tell you that, but he sighed instead. "You've got it wrong. When I'm in the company of the most beautiful woman in the lands, what's there to be ashamed of?"

Perhaps hearing that finally melted you a bit as you freely giggled this time, and Satoru was glad that he made you laugh even a little.

"You would think that, huh..." you fondly mumbled. And then your expression crumbled, and he could've sworn something painful flashed in your eyes—

What happened to you? He so desperately wanted to ask, but then he saw that preying gaze on both of you. Zen’in Naoya. Satoru clicked his tongue as he watched him weave through the crowd, his gaze locked ominously on both of you.

“Seems like we don’t have much time, after all,” he began, urgency sharpening his words. “But rest assured, whenever you want to talk to me, just send a little birdie my way and I shall answer.”

“Huh?” you blinked at him questioningly, totally not getting what he meant.

He winked, then took your hand and placed a kiss on it, eliciting murmurs of surprise from the crowd at his bold gesture. “And chin up, my queen. You have nothing to fear, and if it makes you feel better...”

He leaned in to whisper in your ear, “To me, a diamond is most beautiful. And you… are one that sparkles above all.”

“Naoya, unhand me this instant!”

You were tired of this shit, of Naoya always manhandling you—of him always having a total control over you.

After seeing how close you got to Satoru, Naoya practically saw red. Still, in the prying eyes of public, he remained unperturbed, but his vice-like grip on your arm was sure to leave bruise as he unkindly led you out of the ballroom.

"Naoya!" you raised your voice this time, even louder than before, uncaring even when the wandering eyes of the servants curiously followed the two of you.

You were not made an empress just to follow him. And with that conviction, you forcibly pulled your arm away from his grip right after he shut the door to the drawing room close, not even wincing at the stinging feeling.

His eyes shone with anger. “You insolent—!”

“No—” You stood your ground, and suddenly you got very irate and burst out, “How dare you, Zen’in Naoya!”

He looked at you with equal surprise and mortification, clearly unprepared for your righteous tirade.

"You have made a mockery of our marriage! You have insulted me and your own throne by carrying on with— with the help! My maid!" you screamed at his face, pure anger coursing through your veins. "How could you!?"

Naoya took in your outburst with eerie silence, a sneer slowly forming on his lips. "You get riled up over that? Have you forgotten emperors are free to take mistresses, especially when the empress isn't capable to bear any heirs?"

A burning arrow shot straight to your heart at his response but you willed yourself not to show it. "Regardless, you could've done better and not put our throne to shame by fucking a servant."

"I've told you time and time again. A woman's duty is to bear children, and since you've proven yourself beyond barren, I did you a favor."

"A favor...?"

"As soon as Hanabi births that child, you can raise him as your own," Naoya frankly stated unabashedly, as if proud with his idea. "Saves you the trouble and I get my heir, a win-win solution, no?"

Raise him as my own...? Saves the trouble? You could've sworn that throughout your entire life, you had never been so insulted before now, right in this moment.

"What I do, I always have my throne in mind. And yet you..." his eyes narrowed into unsatisfied slits. "What are you trying to achieve by whoring yourself to that rake, Gojo Satoru? Are you telling people of the ton that you're having an affair?"

His voice made you want to throw up. The realization that everything you thought you had together might have meant nothing to him at all made you feel sick.

And so, hiding your trembling hands and swallowing you unshed tears, you responded to him with a clipped tone—

"You're most despicable, Naoya. And you are a complete fool if you think even for a second that I'd want to raise your bastard!"

He seemed taken aback by your rejection, but you didn't falter. "And oh, since you want to make use of that lowly maid so much, feel free to take her back and track her down yourself, because I've sent that wench away."

With that, you turned your back on him, striding out with your head held high, even as your life crumbled into dust.

Days after your full-blown argument with Naoya, your situation only worsened. By now, even the palace servants knew you had incurred his wrath, while Hanabi had won his favor by carrying his child—possibly the heir to the throne.

The child she was carrying was no threat to your position. After all, you were the empress. A child of your blood would trample over any bastard.

However, you'd be damned if you shared a bed with him again, and Naoya made it clear that his mistress would be elevated to the rank of royal consort. Given the current trajectory—and history's tendency to repeat itself—emperors often divorced or banished their empresses in favor of their mistresses.

Bah. You could only scoff at your laughable predicament. You came from a prestigious clan and were revered, yet now you were no more than a scorned woman.

Dark thoughts consumed your mind for a time—you couldn't deny that you had considered leaving the palace for self-imposed exile or even ending your life. However, reason always prevailed.

You wouldn't give Naoya what he wanted most: your compliance. And around the time when you resolved to do that, a finely decorated envelope arrived at your study, with no signature whatsoever.

Intrigued, you opened it to find an intricate dried rose bookmark and a folded letter nestled inside.

Greetings to you, my queen. Yeah, it's me. Hope you won't be too surprised. But if you do, know that I always mean well.

Satoru. You weren't expecting this. A small smile tugged at your lips. How long had it been since you last smiled so freely?

I've heard you love reading, hence the bookmark. Fun fact: I made it myself, with Shoko's help. She is sooo bad at explaining though so if the flower is wrinkled... please blame her.

This time, you giggled. He was an emperor, for god's sake. Should someone of his station write so informally like this?

Now... I'm no oracle, but even I know that you must be having bad days. And so, let me entertain you with several tales from my kingdom. So, the other day, my good friend Suguru, the duke—you must've heard of him surely (they said he is the most handsome bachelor in the West but they must be missing an eye for saying so because clearly I'm more!)—just fired a pair of his servants because he caught them in a thirst! He is so uptight! Why can't he let two people in love be!?

Before you knew it, you found yourself chuckling at the lines upon lines of anecdotes Satoru had penned in the letter. The way he wrote, it was as if he was right here, saying all of this to you in real-time. For a while, you were completely absorbed in the world of the Western Empire he described, and all your worries and anxieties seemed to fade away.

Okay, that's it for now. This is just a teaser actually, so if you want to subscribe to more tales of my humble little country, you can always be my empress reply to this letter! :D Look out for a white cat near your windowsill during the hour of snake—he is my trained pet, and put your message in his little backpack. Don't worry, he's cute and doesn't bite!

You were so giddy by the end. His message warmed your heart so much that your eyes grew misty. In the aftermath of Naoya's betrayal, you were certain your life would be filled with much sadness to come.

Yet, your friendship with Satoru might just be the thing that would save you.

No matter how much his friends Duke Geto and Countess Shoko urged him to see reason—that you were no longer available and occupied with your duties as the empress of your own empire—Satoru couldn't help but still cast an eye your way.

You were clearly unhappy, and to him, someone as radiant as you should be happy.

And so, that was why he took his quill and started writing that letter to be sent to your place, along with a rose strapped inside.

He knew that, being the kind person you were, you would most likely respond, but still, the moment his cat arrived back with your reply, he was elated beyond measure.

Of course I knew it right away! I omitted your name because who knows who might catch your cat on the way. Anyway, I hope Mr. Cat will arrive back to you safe and sound. Firstly, thank you for your letter. I must say I'm so happy to receive it :) I haven't had best days so reading it made me smile. And secondly, of course I'll subscribe to your stories of Western Empire. I've been wanting to visit it myself but just haven't gotten the chance to... so if you will continue it, I shall be happy to read :D

If anything he wrote brought you joy, then Satoru was content. He had achieved his goal then.

And it was his own little secret that... by corresponding with you, it allowed him to savor the feeling of having you as his own, if only through words.

Mr. Cat's name is Sugu-chan after Suguru but you can call him whatever you wish. And don't worry, he is strong and can fight if necessary! And don't be too formal with me, my queen. We have known each other forever. Anyway do tell me, what is your favorite color now? Let me guess, is it still that specific shade of crimson?

You name your cat after your best friend...? And you're making it hard for me to be less formal when you always address me as queen! Hmm, I suppose so. I love burgundy. I've even had my study designed with that exact color scheme. It just gives me the confidence I need, you know.

So you still love burgundy... I'll keep that in mind ;) Frankly, any shade of crimson suits you—you're always a vision in them. Back then and especially during your coronation. I love blue, so I think we're a match? :D

Back then...? Hmm, surprisingly yes, red and blue would make a good match... Anyway, I believe you promised me unusual tales from your 'humble little country', so please indulge me!

You've forgotten it already? Around the time we first met, back when I was still known as "the cursed prince"? It holds such importance for me but sadly it seems like it was just a passing moment to you :( Oh, yeah, I haven't forgotten about it! So, this time let me tell you about the time when Earl Nanami got wasted . . .

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Amidst the turmoil of your marriage, exchanging letters with Satoru became your sole respite. His stories regarding his own empire amused you, and sometimes it got you to wonder what it was like to live there.

However, running away from your problems would never solve them. Writing to Satoru may have helped you to cope, but still, your real issue with Naoya wouldn't vanish simply just by ignoring him.

. . .

"Your Majesty..."

For a good one minute, you stood still. Your lady-in-waiting had delivered an earth-shattering news—but admittedly, a possibility you thought was in the cards the moment you went against Naoya.

"His majesty has summoned the high priest to his study," the elderly woman added, close to tears. "But it is very likely that he has submitted the petition for—" her voice faltered when she caught sight of the emptiness in your eyes, unable to continue.

A divorce. Naoya had been considering a divorce. And by now, he was set on it.

"I'm so, so sorry..." she choked out, her voice breaking with sorrow to mourn you, but you remained expressionless, lost in your thoughts.

The last time an empress of Eastern Empire was divorced was more or less a century ago, because she had committed a grave treachery against a royal consort by poisoning her. She was sentenced to death by hanging afterwards.

The irony. You were in similar situation, only that you weren't vengeful enough to resort to poisoning Hanabi. Speaking of her, her baby was due in another four months, and now she was living happily in Naoya's quarters.

"Don't be. I'm perfectly fine."

To consolidate his illegitimate child's position, Naoya used the most effective way. Since you wouldn't listen to him, and Hanabi must be a far delightful companion rather than you, he was more than willing to cast you aside in favor of making her his empress instead.

You thought it would hurt more, and yet what you felt the most right in this moment was white-hot anger. This is unacceptable. It was the greatest insult to you both as a woman and as the empress.

Now, all you could think of was how to uphold your dignity and plot your exit from this palace with your head still held high.

If I can't be the empress here...

And after a sleepless night, you came to a daring solution. And your plan—

...I'll be one somewhere else.

It was an invitation, Satoru thought, almost in disbelief. Or it sounded a lot like one, didn't it?

Heart beating a little faster and blushing, he reread the latest letter you had sent him.

It's only the beginning of summer, and the heat is sweltering... I'm considering treating myself to a trip to the winery village on the border between the east and west. I think it'll be nice if I have a companion...

Winery village was right in the middle of the western and eastern empires, and it was a safe zone. Vineyards were vast and thick, but it wasn't exactly a popular vacation spot. So, it intrigued him why you would want to go there.

Just as he was about to reply to you that it was a very good coincidence that he too wanted to pay a visit to the said village, suddenly—

"Gojo! Gojoooo!" Shoko suddenly burst into his study, startling him.

"Shoko! What the heck?!"

Lady Shoko might be a countess, but she, Satoru, and Suguru all attended the same royal academy. Despite their prestigious titles now, Satoru insisted that in private, both Suguru and Shoko address him just as they did before he ascended the throne.

Still, she was ruder than Suguru in many ways. Satoru gave her a stink eye, but his confusion grew as she seemed to be delivering momentous news.

"Gojo, have you heard that Naoya will divorce Y/N?!"

"Wha?" it felt like a ton of bricks suddenly fell down on his head. And then his friend proceeded to tell him everything she knew.

"It wasn't made official yet, but even the townsfolk have been talking about it. They also said that Naoya have taken a mistress, and that she was formerly the empress' maid."

Satoru listened to her in silence, but the moment he heard that the Zen'in spawn planned to divorce you, anger flared within him. And to add insult to injury, he two-timed you with a servant?

The fucking bastard. He never deserved you at all. How crushed must you have been, enduring all this shit?

"Now, I wouldn't normally encourage you this," Shoko took out the cigarette she stashed in the folds of her dress and sighed. "But since you never let go of that weird fixation on her, should the royal divorce happen..." she shrugged as she took a seat in front of him.

"No matter how laughable it is, you might have a chance."

She is so right. These long years of longing for your affections and dreaming of having even a minute more of your time... there was now chance to turn it to reality.

When you arrived at the winery village for your vacation to breathe in some fresh air, honestly, everything was still in shambles.

You couldn't forget the horrified looks from the court when Naoya announced the divorce. Most were shocked and pleaded with him to reconsider. Some from your circle of ladies even sobbed, openly stating that you didn't deserve this fate.

“Empress... His Majesty shouldn't be that harsh...” Hanabi had said to you afterwards, seemingly concerned for you. “Your legacy here… I’ll make sure to carry them on.”

Sometimes you didn’t know whether Hanabi was pretending to be dumb or indeed she was. One thing you knew though...

“I wish you luck on that, Hanabi.” You looked down at her with eyes as cold as ice. “Beware, the Emperor is fickle, be sure to not run out of entertainments.”

You knew you deserved a better fate than being the empress of the Eastern Empire, but seeing those who still cared for you made you solemn. Your loyal maids, those who supported you... and what about organizations you've spent time and energy to?

“My queen, ah, there you are.”

Satoru's voice from behind startled you, interrupting your daydreams. He quickly came beside you and extended his hand, asking for yours.

You offered him your right hand, and he promptly pressed a kiss on it, his bright blue eyes gazing up at you.

It wasn't as if you just noticed how pretty his eyes were, but now that there was no ballroom and scrutinizing eyes around you, you couldn't deny that the way his eyes sparkled as he gazed at you—solely and purely on you—made you breathless.

What... would it be like to have this man... to be your husband instead?

"I missed you. I know we talk daily through letters, but seeing your beauty firsthand is always a sight for sore eyes," he cheekily commented as he let go of your hand. "Now, I get to see you without your pesky husband around, and yeah, you never fail to make my silly heart race."

You chuckled. "You always flatter me..."

He only gave you a toothy smile, and you two strolled the vineyard. For a while, you talked about nothing of importance, like where your ladies-in-waiting were, how things were from his side.

"How do you find being the emperor?"

"It's tiring! It's boring too to look through accounts and oversee those trivial state affairs! And not to mention how many people have been nagging me to take a wife soon!"

"Oh? You haven't been on the lookout already?"

"Nah. No one is good enough, I need someone already familiar with state affairs and such," he said, wrinkling his nose sourly at the thought. But then he cast his eyes on you.

"And frankly, you are my standard," he fixed you a meaningful smile. "No one comes close. If you weren't betrothed to the Zen'in back then, I'd have proposed you in a heartbeat."

Thump. Thump. Thump. Your dead heart suddenly came to life. Gojo Satoru had just confessed his affections for you so candidly, and it got you thinking how much easier your life would be with him. He would love you, take care of you...

And beguile you.

His eyes fondly crinkled at you. "You are everything I desire in a woman to be my wife."

He adores you so easily, so fluidly... and yet, Naoya, who has you fully, is throwing you away.

Satoru observed how your face fell once again, just as it had during the New Year's ball. And now he knew, it was because you were facing your impending divorce.

But he wasn't going to tell you that, instead, he would willingly be your confidant and offer you his very being. He was about to crack a joke to lift your spirits, when you blurted—

"What if I said... I want to be your empress?" you kept your pace, not looking at him at all. "What if I said... I'll leave everything and come to you?"

Huh? What…?

That was loaded. Have you entertained the thought too? Satoru had craved the very idea for so long he didn’t even miss a beat—

“Then I’d marry you.” His voice was straight and true, shooting straight to the most tender part of you that Naoya had torn to shreds. “If you become my empress… that will make me the happiest man alive.”

No hesitation. It almost reduced you to tears. You stopped where you stood, willing yourself not to tremble. There is still one person who sees this much value in you.

“Then I’ll be yours,” you breathed out. “I’ll be your empress, Satoru.”

Satoru could've sworn time had stopped. If one moment ago, you looked like you were about to shatter, now you were a vision of the dignified and perfect queen he had always known you were.

“I’ll be your queen— your everything.” You declared, locking eyes with him, the intensity of your gaze not escaping him.

How many years had he dreamed of this moment? How many long nights had he endured, yearning for you, knowing you were beyond his reach?

Finally, finally... Satoru grinned, swearing to all the divine beings out there that he had never known how liberating it was to finally have what he wanted. “That would be my greatest honor.”

He drew you close—you let him—and after one second of taking in your enchanting eyes, he crashed his lips against yours.

His lips started soft and gentle, then became fiery as his tongue met yours. He pulled you closer, one arm around your waist and the other holding the back of your head. You responded eagerly, pressing against him, fingers tracing his neck and feeling the lines of his undercut.

One is finally having the woman he had wanted for so long, and the other was plotting her escape from her misery.

You were using him. He knew it. Yet, he didn't care. Hidden behind bushes and vines, you shared your very first heated kiss, aware that this moment would leave its mark as both the greatest stain and triumph in your lives.

And when he finally pulled away, lips swollen and wet, with a wolfish grin, he promised you once again—

“Give me everything that is yours... and I swear on my life, I will do everything to turn your life into a living dream.”

“Empress, your husband His Majesty the Emperor, has requested a divorce.”

It was how your once pristine life transformed into the scandal of the century inside the courthouse.

"If you accept this petition, then you will no longer be the Empress of Eastern Empire. You will lose all the rights you have as a senior member of the imperial family..."

You donned your finest attire—the intricate crimson and black dress you had designed and commissioned the dressmaker to create. Today, faced with Naoya's divorce decree, it would be the last time you adorned the colors of his empire.

"The ties that bound you together as husband and wife would be severed—"

Good riddance, you thought.

"If this is not what you want, you have the right to—"

"I accept the divorce."

Your voice cut through the heavy solemness of the witnesses and turned them into a mass of disbelief. You disregarded Naoya's smirk and held the priest's gaze. "And I demand an immediate approval for my remarriage."

The crowd was in for a second wave of uproar when you boldly stood your ground, and they erupted into clamors once again when Satoru made his grand entrance and took his place beside you.

"You—!" Naoya was so furious that he roared. "This is my empire!"

"And?" Satoru challenged with a dauntless smile. "I'm here to propose, and since she accepts your divorce request, I believe she has no relations with you any longer and is free to marry someone else."

You remained motionless, until your cold fingers met warmth when Satoru linked his hand with yours reassuringly.

"This is treachery! I won't fucking permit it!" Naoya hollered as he faced the high priest, who had a grim face while observing this three-way headlock between the three of you.

"Emperor Naoya, that matter falls into the jurisdiction of the church." The high priest let out a sigh and then turned to you, assessing your calm gaze.

Regardless, Naoya paid him no mind. "I refuse to grant you any permission to remarry! You will be banished to the cold palace until the rest of your pitiful days! Not only do you fail miserably by being barren beyond help, you also dare to whore yourself—" he was now rambling curses at you before everyone in the court, and it pierced you deeply—

Until Satoru tugged you behind him, so that you wouldn't have to see his face any longer.

"High priest!" Satoru's voice blared as he clenched his jaw, irate at the string of profanities directed at you. "Do you still truly believe that the deposed empress can't remarry? When she has suffered through this man's downright betrayal?"

Your head was spinning. You wanted this whole ordeal to be over already.

And thankfully, even the high priest saw reason, that you were undeserving of this debacle. In the end, his words held more weight than anyone else's, even Naoya's.

"I accept Empress Y/N petition to marry Emperor Satoru!"

In the chaos of the courthouse after the high priest granted your wish, Naoya shook his head in disbelief, looking at both of you with intense disdain.

"You've always wanted that wench, haven't you, Gojo?" Naoya cackled with a malice you would never have expected from someone who had been your husband for ten years.

You had tuned out all the noise. This dumpster fire was too much even for you. But then, you felt a strong arm enveloping you, sealing your fate as the match made in this courtroom—

"I have, yeah," Satoru replied with a smug grin. "And now that she is mine... it's just the beginning of your downfall, Zen'in."

Your wedding banquet in Western Empire lasted a week long.

True to his promise, Satoru spared no effort to make you happy. The moment he brought you to his palace, he ordered immediate plans for wedding celebrations. Make it grand, make it unforgettable... he took charge himself.

And on the final, seventh day, as you were about to be formally crowned as the empress of the western lands, you were stunned.

"This is your coronation dress, Empress," your new lady-in-waiting, Shoko, said with pride. "Gojo— I mean, His Majesty, specifically has his late mother's dress altered to suit you."

You promised yourself that you would no longer wear any shades of crimson. As much as you loved the color, it reminded you too much of your homeland and Naoya. No matter how much you despised him now, once upon a time, he was everything you loved and more.

And you thought you couldn't possibly love another color until you saw the extravagant navy dress in your chamber. Made of luxurious satin and adorned with literal diamonds, it shimmered under the light and flowed gracefully with layers of brocade cascading to the floor.

To give you something so valuable... You had expected to enter into a marriage out of necessity, but your new husband had no intention of ceasing his ways to win your heart.

If it's with him, maybe... just maybe...

Today is the day.

Satoru sat on his throne before his court in the grand hall of his audience chamber. His hair was pulled back, and he was dressed in his official attire, robe of silk and a crown made of pure gold.

Next to him, another resplendent crown adorned with jewels and diamonds shimmered in the light—the empress' crown. Your crown.

Today was the day this empire would truly acknowledge his queen. He stole a glance at you on his other side, and his breath was taken away.

With your hair tucked into an elegant updo, you were the very vision of a fairytale queen. You were incredibly stunning, almost otherworldly— shade of blue suited you as much as crimson did, just as he thought.

This day would go down in history. But before that, he would ensure that the news would reach Zen'in Naoya. He would spite him so hard.

"Today marks a momentous occasion. We gather here to celebrate not only my marriage and my new wife's coronation," Satoru glanced at his audience with a smirk, his expression widening as he spotted his best friends Suguru and Shoko. "But also the start of her reign... and as we know it already, her fame and beauty are second to none."

The crowd burst into giggles, clearly aware of his scandal at the Eastern Empire's courthouse. And even you smiled.

Satoru shrugged, playfully rolling his eyes. "Spare me, I'm a newlywed, after all. Anyway..." His gaze shifted to the intricate crown, a relic of his late mother's, and then back to you. "Come."

You knelt before your new husband, bowing your head. The whirlwind journey from the East, your remarriage to Satoru... It had all felt surreal until this moment. Now, the weight of reality settled upon you, almost shaking your very core—

But just as the thought crossed your mind, Satoru placed the crown upon your head. As the jewels settled into place and you rose to face the crowd, his voice cut through the air:

"And here I present to you, your new empress!"

The room erupted in applause, the cheers echoing around you. Everyone congratulated you without fail, and your breath was taken away.

It was a sight beyond belief, as they chanted your name, over and over again—

“ALL HAIL THE EMPRESS!”

"I have something for you!"

You wouldn't expect that you would ditch your last night of wedding celebrations along with your husband, and yet here you were, led by the hand by a very giddy Satoru.

"Where are we going?" you questioned him, your pretty dress sweeping the halls in a rush.

He turned to you to send you a wink. "Trust me, sweetheart. You'll love it."

Somehow the way he called you made your heart thump a little faster inside your ribcage. This man is really, truly, your husband now.

He was such a refreshing person, it almost made you let go of everything that molded you into the perfect empress in the east, and be just... you.

"Here." Both of you stopped in front of a grand door, and he ushered you inside. "Come, come~"

A study, you realized as you stepped inside, but then a gasp left your lips—

"How do you find it, hmm?" Satoru put an arm around your waist, proud of how the burgundy walls and mats enveloped the entire space, creating a tranquil sight that perfectly matched your taste.

It was so much like your private study in the Eastern Empire's palace. You might now hate that place, but your private study was filled with the memories of smiles while writing back to Satoru's letters and waiting for his cat to come. And to have this now in your new home...

"You remembered..." you looked up to him, almost tearing up.

"Of course I do," he pressed a kiss on your temple. "I said that so long as you're with me, I'll turn your dream into reality, didn't I?"

This man really treasures you, or at least that was what his actions had proven so far.

"You're everything I've ever wanted and more," Satoru said, wrapping his arms around you from behind in a warm embrace. "You might not realize it, but I've been in love with you since you first visited western lands."

"What?" you turned to him with genuine confusion. "How?"

"That blind boy who you led by the hand... he had no friends," Satoru sighed against you. "The first and only person who asked him if he was lost... is you."

Suddenly, you were thrown back in time to your first encounter with Satoru many years ago. He was known as "cursed" for being born with peculiar eyes, had been blind for a period of his childhood, before he awakened the true extent of those brilliant blue eyes and brought his clan to power by wielding them.

Back then, you thought it was wrong for him to be left alone, so you took him by the hand and escorted him back to the palace, unaware that he was the infamously cursed crown prince.

"You made me feel less lonely. And I thought then... someday, somehow... through some sort of miracle in which I regained my eyesight and could see you... I'd immediately ask for your hand."

But you were named the crown princess of the Eastern Empire. The thought of how crushed Satoru must have felt upon hearing the news pricked at your heart.

You felt soft, you felt loved, and most of all, you felt an overwhelming certainty that with this man by your side, you would finally experience the genuine love that had been missing from your life for so long.

"You have me now," you whispered in response.

Unlike your first kiss in the winery village, this time, you were the one who faced him and pulled him into a searing kiss.

Be it impulse, overwhelming feelings or something else... you didn't care. You just want him.

And wouldn't you know, your new husband... is also a wonderful, dashing lover.

"You're so... fucking beautiful..." Satoru's lips were on yours, claiming them with a fierce passion that left you breathless. His hands roamed your body, tracing each curves and lines.

You moaned into his mouth, clutching his robes. He captured your wrists with one hand, using the other to tilt your head back so he could leave bruises on your neck in the process, making you moan.

"Keep making that sound, yeah?" Satoru rasped, his hot breath giving you goosebumps. "Keep me going with your voice."

As he gripped your waist, it dawned to him once again that you were here, with him.

Seeing his colors on you ignited desire straight to his cock. His empress was stunning, more so now than ever, more than any woman Satoru had ever seen.

He led you to the bed, his movements urgent yet tender. The air was thick with desire as you lay back, pulling him down with you. You arched your back, pressing yourself closer to him, craving more.

This wasn't your first time, yet you had never been this excited before. From heated kisses until somehow managing to get rid of your underwear and left you in your dress... your body nearly thrashed in response.

"Look at you... An queen of two empires, yet rendered putty in my hands," Satoru wickedly grinned as he slipped a hand under your dress, rubbing his thumb teasingly over your clit. You let out a soft sigh at the prodding. You were getting wetter by each second... and Satoru felt his cock straining against the tight material of his dress pants.

"More..." you pleaded, arching your hips. "More...!"

Any of your wishes would be his command, so he pushed two fingers inside you at once, and you let out an erotic gasp. Satoru was so close to tearing his pants off by seeing how tight you clenched around his digits.

Breathy moans fell from your lips with each harsh brush of his thumb over your clit, his fingers fucking you fast—

"Satoru...!" you shuddered, gripping his shoulders as you became limp and came into his hands in spurts.

"My queen..." he then captured your lips in a brash kiss, and you reciprocated it. He pulled away only to press his forehead against yours in an attempt to calm his raging heart. "No matter what."

His watery, sparkling eyes was mesmerizing to you, and you took one breath before you crashed your lips into his, tangling your fingers in his hair, pulling him closer.

"As pretty as you look in this, I'm going to take it off," Satoru murmured with a meaningful smirk, slowly undoing the laces of your dress. "I want to see you completely naked... just for me."

Soon, you laid bare, and the cold air made your body shiver. Satoru clenched his jaw tightly at the scrumptious sight.

It was almost difficult for him to take in all of you at once—your flushed cheeks, swollen lips, erect nipples, and legs spread wantonly for him. Satoru had been here so many times in his dreams, and to see it becoming reality...

"If back then, you had chosen me instead—" he sounded almost heartbroken, which startled you. "I would have treated you right from the start—"

You looked up to him. "You would..."

"Don't you know how many years... I've been just there— watching you and that bastard? Knowing I can do even more than him?"

"Mhm..."

You rose, tugging him closer, before you unclasped his robe, letting it fall to the floor. "Satoru... right now... I'm yours."

He allowed you to undress him and soon he too was out of his stuffy royal attire. Your eyes wandered on each part of his body you touched. His chiseled body, snow-like skin, and then the hardened bulge that sprung out the moment you undid his pants—

The sight of his cock alone only turned you on even more. You gently gripped the glistening head, running a thumb over the tip before gliding your hand towards the base of his length. With a gentle rhythm, your hand moved from base to tip in a slow, teasing motion... before pecking his head.

"Yeah... you're right." His eyes never left yours, admiring you as if you were the most precious gemstone, before catching you off guard. While you rubbed him, he snaked a hand around your waist, pulling you so that you tumbled on top of him.

You moaned loudly as his cock—big, both in length and width—entered you, his hands gripping your thighs to spread them apart so he can shove himself deeper.

You felt so, so full, as you pulled Satoru to you tightly, groaning into his shoulder. And he started to set the pace, moving against you.

"Ahh," you moaned out shakily, fingers clawing into his back. To him, the sounds you made drew him in like a siren's song, it made him throb inside you. "Ahh—hngh!"

"Feel good?" he asked, voice sultry and deep, as he thrusted into you particularly harder, causing you to stifle a moan. "Let it out—hah—sweetheart... I want to hear you, hmm?"

And you did. You felt hot. Your unabashed, nasty sounds with each thrust drove him to the edge. With every lift of your hips, you squeezed him so tightly it almost made his head spin. His breaths came in short pants too.

"You fit me so damn well," he groaned, holding your hips hard enough to leave imprints of his fingers. "So fine..."

One woman. It took just one woman—you—to unravel him like this.

"Satoru, harder—" You commanded, wrapping your arms around his neck even as you trembled. "N-not enough... harder!"

He actually had to swallow, because you and your pussy felt so damn tantalizing. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

He slammed his hips against yours twice—no, thrice the previous speed, and you incoherently squealed. The squelching sound of your hips slamming against each other, and the immense wetness coming out where you two were joined... it was clear: you were addicted.

"Did Naoya ever make you feel as good as I do you now?" he drawled, sinking into you impossibly deeper, squeezing your left mound and flicking your right nipple at the same time. "Did he... ever make you ride him like this?" And then he instantly regretted his words.

Because the moment he said that, you felt cold, reminded of nights in which Zen'in Naoya grabbed you just to forcefully breed you. You winced, and Satoru caught it.

"I..." you shifted your gaze away from him, and he could've sworn that it was sorrow he saw flashing in your pretty eyes. "I-I... don't want to talk about him..."

Feeling remorseful, Satoru reached for the back of your neck and pulled you to him, kissing your lips softly. "I'm sorry—"

"You don't have to—"

"Tonight, I'll make you scream my name so hard you'll forget him," he promised as he pulled away from you, his eyes darkening. "Tonight, give me everything and I'll show you how a man truly loves his woman."

And he followed through. He worshipped you meticulously, treating your body with the reverence one might bestow upon delicate glass. He peppered kisses on every inch of your skin he could reach, lips and tongue trailing down, his relentless thrusts so well-paced and brutal at the same time.

"I'm— close!" You whimpered, and yet still grinding your hips against him. He was watching your every move, every wave of pleasure that was evident on your face— committing it to memory for those moments when he couldn't hold you close.

You gasped—as a mind-blowing orgasm then ripped out of your very being, your hips faltering as you surrendered to ecstasy with a cry of his name, coming all over him. "Satoru... Satoru! Ahhh!"

And Satoru kept his gaze on your face as he too busted inside of you hard, feeling himself filling your womb with his essence, his hands kept your waist steady, memorizing the way your lips part and the way your body went limp into him with satisfaction.

Dear heavens, I love you. The sight of you was nothing but perfection, and with everything he had, he was very sincere when he said—

"You're flawless, sweetheart."

2 MONTHS LATER

"If you give me a son, I'll throne you as the empress right on that very day."

The Eastern Empire's palace was bustling as the royal consort's screams echoed through the halls. The day Naoya had been eagerly awaiting had arrived—his mistress was delivering his heir.

Yet unbeknownst to him, whispers in the dark suggested the royal baby was arriving suspiciously early. Many, still mourning the previous empress who had been dethroned so abruptly, were not exactly thrilled with this turn of events.

"My lady, just a little bit more!" the maid encouraged. Hanabi strained once again as the pain peaked and her body spasmed, letting out the loudest wail as the baby finally slid out of her.

"W-what... is it?" on the brink of passing out, Hanabi asked anyone who might hear her. She had to know, for she was so close to obtaining her throne—

"It's a girl, my lady!" the midwife announced.

What?

Her world crumbled at that very moment. A girl? A girl can't be the heir!

She wanted to sob, to utterly mourn, and right at this moment she was full of fear, because if Naoya knew—!

Like a curse, he suddenly made his presence known in the birthing chamber. His face scrunched in distaste at the scent of blood filling the air. He took one look at Hanabi, tearful and frazzled after the ordeal, then turned to the midwife, who was trembling at his presence.

"A baby girl, Your Majesty."

In that instant, fury flashed through him. He shot everyone in the room a glare before his eyes settled on his consort, full of spite.

"You useless tramp."

Your life with Satoru in Western Empire was wonderful.

He was everything Naoya was not. Satoru adored you, prioritized your well-being and happiness, often humored you, and made your days an endless delight.

And dare you say... you had begun to return his affections as well.

How could you not? Everything he did, he did with you in mind. He eased you into your position so seamlessly, and soon you found your place comfortably at court.

"He is mixing pleasure with his kingly duties," Suguru grumbled, watching his best friend order the gardeners to plant more blue roses simply because you mentioned finding them beautiful earlier. "Empress, you have to keep a tight grip on his leash."

"Well, at least he's happy." Shoko shrugged and nudged you. "Can't you see by now? How much of a loser he is for you?"

You did see him—a man who showed you everything he had. He had given you everything you unknowingly needed.

And you just wished... you could return the same for him. It still made you bitter, knowing you might never be able to give him heirs due to your condition.

. . .

"Sweetheart... what's on your mind, hmm?"

You looked up to him as he pressed a kiss on your cheek, an arm securely around you, sweaty and panting after your steamy session.

With his hair down and messy after you yanked him earlier, your lips curved into a genuine smile. "You look hot like this, you know?"

He clicked his tongue. "Hmm, I am, of course. But no use in changing topics, I know you well enough now."

Your bare body was pressed against his chest, fingertips tracing gentle lines on his skin.

"There's a possibility that... I can't give you any children." You almost felt ashamed saying this to him, unable to look at him in the eye. "I-I... I've failed for many years—"

"Hush," he silenced you with a finger to your lips, his expression firm. "No thinking that, yeah? I don't care."

"But—"

"Children are gifts," he said then, caressing your face tenderly. "It's not up to us to control how it'll take or not. And I married you not because I want heirs or such—I love you, you know?"

Your glassy eyes met his, and you willed yourself not to shed a tear.

He grinned cheekily. "Besides, you've felt it yourself—my sexual potency is undeniable. And I don't believe for a second, that you're what that bastard claimed you to be. I bet he's the one who is impotent—"

"Satoru! You're so obscene—!" you giggled freely and poked his chest.

At that time, you were just relieved that he didn't mind. Though it was still weighing in your mind on some days, you felt a newfound sense of liberation compared to when you were still in the Eastern Empire.

But you were in for another plot twist. Perhaps Satoru is correct, and your doubts are unfounded...

"Ugh..."

Your stomach churned in discomfort, a sickening nausea that seemed to twist your insides and threaten to force its way up. This had happened for days now.

You wanted to find a physician before Satoru was aware of your state. You didn't dare to hope or speculate, because you were tired of it by this point. You just wanted clarity.

Yet, the physician's words left you speechless.

"Your Majesty... it seems that you are with child," he remarked in wonder as he assessed your vein. "Yes, definitely. You are with child."

It was a revelation you hadn't expected. For years, you had been convinced that you were unable to conceive, but now...

You were carrying a new life. Yours and Satoru's.

You felt like bursting with joy as you made your way to his study. Your heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of happiness. Above anything else, you were eager to share this news with him—

...until everything you had known turned on its axis once again.

Right before you went past the ajar door, you saw a glimpse of your husband and his most trusted confidant, overhearing snippets of their conversation:

"Satoru, however you look at it, this is tantamount to declaring war," Suguru sighed, clearly at odds with his perspective. "It's not wise."

"We can finally put an end to them this way," Satoru's tone was steely as he moved a chess piece across the map, positioning it on the border between east and west. "No better time than now."

"The Empress will face the greatest backlash from this. They'll accuse her of being vengeful enough to provoke an attack on her home country—"

"On the contrary, her presence will encourage those still loyal to her to defect. That's why I have her here. We need defectors—"

You let out a choked gasp, backing away from the door in shock. For one good minute, you refused to comprehend what Satoru was implying.

. . .

. . .