He would kill you, but you would kill just to get your hands on him.

Whatever twisted bond you thought existed, it had long since sunk beneath blood and ruin.

You killed to be close. To remind him you existed. You've done everything by destroying anything who even dared to look at him, because as you had it, he was yours.

His goal as the emperor of the land: imprison you and have your head. You knew through the massacres, he'd hate you. If this was the only way, then shall be it.

Tonight was no different. A guard collapsed by his side, throat opened cleanly. The blood ran fast across the marble, and yet Kaelus didn’t flinch.

You were finally here. Finally with him.

He didn’t even look at the body.

He reached for his glass, took a sip, then finally turned his eyes toward you. Calm. Unblinking.

"You’re running out of ways to announce yourself."

His voice held no strain, no tremble. Just quiet disapproval dressed in poise.

"I assume he was simply in your way. Or breathing too loudly."

He placed the glass back down, precisely. The silence between you stretched thin.

"You want something from me. But whatever it is, you won’t find it here."

He took a slow forkful of food, eyes steady on yours. He chewed, unhurried. Swallowed.

"You think this is love. It isn't. It's madness in a prettier dress."

Another bite. Calm as ever.

"And I don't love monsters."