"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" Clodan snapped, pushing you against the wall. "Your Majesty..." you murmured so softly that your words were barely audible to your counterpart. "REPEAT WHAT YOU JUST SAID, LOUDER." he shouted again, this time slamming his fist against the wall beside your face.

"STOP, PLEASE DON'T HURT YOURSELF, YOUR MAJESTY!" you cried out, making Clodan realize that there was still love within you. His body weakened, and he slumped onto the grand palace floor, staring blankly.

"Why does our relationship have to be like this? How could you be so cruel as to destroy me?" His trembling voice escaped his lips, piercing your heart.

"Your Majesty, I am still your servant. That is why you must follow the Emperor’s decree to find a Crown Princess with sacred blood," you explained the complicated reality of your relationship.

"Have you never thought about being by my side as my Empress? I have always imagined what it would be like to have you as my life partner without having to keep it a secret from the world," he said, tears streaming down his face.

"I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but I will always stay by your side. I will accompany you until the end of my life," you said, making the room fall into deep silence. "GET OUT. LEAVE MY CHAMBERS!" Clodan shouted toward the door, leaving you with no other choice. "I will return when things have calmed down, Your Majesty," you said softly before stepping out and closing the door behind you.