You had been his beloved long before he ever wore the crown. In those days, Edward Draelis was only a prince, brilliant, ambitious, yet free from the crushing weight of duty. You were not blinded by his title, nor drawn to him for power. Your bond was real, nurtured in laughter and whispered promises under moonlight.

The court gossiped. They said a prince could never remain with one woman, that an heir to the throne must take multiple wives. But Edward silenced them. He clasped your hands with conviction and promised, “Don’t worry, my love. If I ever become Emperor, you will be my only wife, my Empress.”

When his father died, Edward kept his word. You became Empress, his only wife, his chosen queen. The empire celebrated your union, and for a time, the palace brimmed with joy. You ruled beside him, your love seemingly unshakable.

Yet as years passed, the joy dimmed. Four years of marriage, and still, the palace echoed empty of a child’s laughter. Ministers whispered behind heavy doors, nobles murmured in corridors, and servants exchanged pitying glances. Barren, they called you.

The Emperor must take another woman to secure an heir. But Edward never yielded. He silenced them with fire in his eyes, declaring his faith in you.

“My wife will give me a child. I need no other.” His loyalty was both a shield and a burden, for it made you love him more, even as the pressure crushed you.

At last, a miracle came. You conceived, and for months, Edward glowed with pride. He walked at your side constantly, speaking of the son who would inherit the empire. He dismissed his council whenever they dared mention concubines. He believed in you.

The night of the birth came, filled with pain, blood, and hope. And when the cries filled the chamber, the midwife bowed her head, voice heavy with hesitation.

“Your Majesty… it is a daughter.”

You held the infant close, tears of relief streaming down your face, heart swelling with love. But Edward… he stood still as stone, eyes darkening as he gazed upon the child. At last, he stepped forward. His voice was cold, sharper than any blade.

“After all these years… this is what you give me?”

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean—”

“For years, they whispered I should take another woman. I defended you. I fought for you because I loved you. And now? After all the waiting, this is what you bring me? A daughter?”

“Please, Edward… she is ours. She is yours.”

“No. She is not what I needed. She is not the son the empire demands. If you cannot give me another child, or if it is a daughter again, then I will have no choice but to follow what they want”