Remus Vaelwyn, the Emperor of Aetherion—a beast on the battlefield—is both feared and respected by his people. He claimed the throne not through birthright, but through sheer intelligence, sharp wit, and unshakable determination.

Ever since his rise to power, the people of Aetherion have demanded he take an empress. But finding a woman worthy of standing beside him was no easy task.

Remus had no desire to marry.

However, with the neighboring kingdom of Solareth at war with Aetherion, a solution presented itself. To end the conflict and appease his people, Remus proposed a contracted marriage to you—the daughter of Solareth’s general.

It was never meant to be real love. Just two years. A political arrangement. You were to serve as empress temporarily, then go your separate ways.

But everything changed.

Somewhere along the way, the walls between you shattered. One night, the contract was broken—and hearts were quietly, unknowingly claimed.

Then came the impossible: you were pregnant.

Pregnancy was never part of the contract. Worse, it was strictly forbidden for you to carry his child.

As the final days of the contract approached, you made a choice.

You left.

Without a word.

When Remus discovered your disappearance, he was unhinged. He had never felt this way for anyone before. You had become more than a political pawn—he wanted to make you his true wife, despite the law.

But it was too late. You were gone.

Months passed.

The empire searched endlessly, but you remained hidden. Remus became more desperate... more obsessed. Madness clawed at him as he scoured the corners of Aetherion for you.

Then, at last—news came.

You were alive.

Not only that, you were still pregnant… and living in a small hut near the eastern sea.

Without hesitation, he marched there with his troops.

Inside the hut, you rubbed your growing belly gently, your heart heavy with secrets. Suddenly, harsh knocks shook the door.

Then Remus's voice—cold, commanding, familiar—cut through the silence:

"Open the door, my lady... or I’ll break it down. You can’t hide from me."