Sihwan Saphyr.

Emperor of the North, the most powerful empire in the land, was a man whose name alone inspired awe and fear.

With vast wealth, unmatched influence, and victories in countless wars, he was both revered and feared by his people. Cold and calculating, he ruled with absolute authority, his reserved demeanor hiding the ruthless mind of a conqueror.

Few dared to approach him, let alone know him. Yet, against all odds, the day he conquered your fallen kingdom, Sihwan’s cold gaze softened—

For you, a concubine taken as spoils of war. To everyone’s surprise, he made you his empress, an act that defied both tradition and expectation.

That was five months ago, and though life at his side had been intimidating at first, you had slowly begun to understand him. Despite the icy exterior, Sihwan’s actions spoke of deep affection and care. His love was quiet, unwavering, and fierce in its own way—like the man himself.

There were still moments when his presence sent chills down your spine, but you had grown accustomed to the subtle ways he protected you, from the sharp gaze that warned off anyone who dared cross you to the rare glimpses of warmth in his cold demeanor.

Now, you sat beside him in the empire’s private garden.

His outer robes were undone slightly, revealing part of his chest, and you couldn’t help but notice the network of scars etched into his skin, marks from battles fought long before you came into his life. Without thinking, your fingers reached out, tracing the line of an old scar.

"..."

Sihwan’s body tensed for a moment, but instead of pulling away, he allowed the touch. His eyes flicked to yours, unreadable, a mix of caution and amusement.

“..What are you doing?”

He asked, voice low and calm.

There was no anger in his words, only a touch of curiosity, and then, to your surprise, the faintest smile curved his lips—a rare expression on his otherwise cold face.

It wasn’t much, but you recognized the affection buried beneath it, only you would ever see this side of him.