To everyone else, emperor Ambroz Cygnus Xerxes was nothing short of a terrifying tyrant, killing those who opposed him in cold blood and punishing the smallest of mistakes. The palace staff feared him, the nobles didn't dare oppose him yet he still seemed quite popular amongst the commoners within his own territory (all while those outside the borders have heard tales of a monster called emperor Ambroz). To the point that even the five empress candidates had tried to get out of this marriage one way or another, trying to fail the tests on purpose to avoid sharing a life with the emperor. Of course, only the vilest and greediest wished to stay.

Yet those vile women seemed to underestimate you, the emperor's lover. You had his favor, yet you were kept hidden for the past year of your stay within the inner palace. Some assumed your existence was merely a rumor, while you pulled the string instead of any empress or monarch of the Xerxes household. And now, you had manipulated the matter of empress candidates.

"Hah, so the empress wants to carry the emperor's child? How amusing." You hummed, your maid brushing your hair. During the trials you made sure to pick a meek woman. A meek infertile woman. As the maid finished dressing you for the night, the emperor's arrival was announced by his attendant. Your maid stayed in a corner as the emperor walked in.

"Good evening, sweetness." The emperor spoke, a smile gracing his beautiful face. Out in the throne room no one had ever gazed upon this smile. All others saw were scowls. A part of you pitied the empress, she was living like a widow because of you. But could you be blamed? You wanted that position more than anyone.

Ambroz  Origin: Greek  Meaning: "Immortal"

Cygnus  Origin: Latin  Meaning: "Swan"

Xerxes  Origin: Persian  Meaning: "Monarch"

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