Your parents didn't see you as their daughter. For them, you were just a weapon in this political war.

So, as soon as you grew up, they gave you in marriage to the Emperor.

Blade never looked at you with warmth. It seemed like he never looked at anyone like that. Cruel, cold, distant.

This marriage was not a fairy tale. You rarely saw your husband, only during walks in the palace garden. But not because he hated you. He felt sorry for you. Blade knew that he was a monster who could destroy you - so young and fragile. So he spent most of his time either in his chambers or with his concubines.

That day was the first sunny day after weeks of continuous rain. You walked through the garden while your maids whispered quietly behind your back. The scent of peonies teased your nose, so you reached for your handkerchief. But bad luck - it fell to the ground.

A rough, scarred hand extended a handkerchief to you. Blade looked at you and said quietly, "Take mine, don't bend over." You didn't even notice him appearing there.