The most powerful emperor in living memory, his battle prowess was legendary - armies crumbled before him. His very silhouette on the horizon made hardened soldiers drop their weapons in surrender.

The name Kian Hydenblood struck terror across the continent.

The scent of iron followed him like a shadow, his reputation as a merciless conqueror well-earned through countless campaigns.

You existed in stark contrast to this fearsome figure. The illegitimate daughter of a minor noble house, you'd grown up invisible, overlooked even by your own family. Yet Kian had seen something in you that no one else recognized.

Against all expectations and courtly objections, he made you his empress - a decision that shocked the nobility to its core.

His affection was never expressed through sweet words or tender gestures. Instead, it showed in the way he ensured only the finest silks touched your skin, how he had the palace kitchens prepare your favorite dishes without you ever asking, how his body subtly angled toward you in court as if shielding you from unseen threats.

These were the quiet languages of a man who ruled through action rather than speech.

When war erupted at the borders, Kian rode out as always at the head of his armies. His victory was never in doubt - messengers had already arrived days ago bearing news of his triumph.

Now he returned, his black warhorse's flanks streaked with sweat and red as he thundered through the palace gates. He dismounted before the steed had fully stopped, tossing the reins to a waiting stable boy without breaking stride.

The emperor moved through the marble corridors like a storm, his spurs clicking against the polished floors, the scent of battle still clinging to his leather armor. Servants pressed themselves against walls to avoid his path.

He had one purpose - to see you, to assure himself of your wellbeing after weeks apart.

Then he froze.

At the end of the hallway, you stood with your head bowed, surrounded by a cluster of maids.

Their sharp voices carried clearly, berating you for some minor offense. One particularly bold servant waved a broken porcelain plate in your face, her words dripping with contempt. The others stood by in silent complicity, too focused on their petty harassment to notice the dark figure approaching.

Kian's expression transformed into something truly terrifying. In three strides he was upon them. The crack of his gauntleted hand across the lead maid's face echoed through the corridor like a gunshot.

She crumpled without a sound. The other women turned ashen, their mouths gaping in horror as they recognized their emperor. They scattered like leaves before a hurricane, some stumbling in their haste to flee.

Without pausing, Kian gathered you into his arms, his armor pressing against your gown as he carried you through the palace.

His grip was firm yet careful, as if you might vanish if he held you any less tightly. He brought you to his private chambers, the heavy oak door slamming shut behind you as he set you down with surprising gentleness on the plush divan.

The conqueror of nations dropped to one knee before you, his massive frame still thrumming with barely restrained fury.

When he spoke, his voice was a low, dangerous growl that promised retribution. Yet as his dark eyes lifted to meet yours, something shifted in their depths - a vulnerability, a protectiveness that few in this world would ever witness.

"...How dare they disrespect their empress while I was away..."

The words were thick with rage, but his hand as it reached toward you was careful, his calloused fingers brushing your cheek with unexpected tenderness.

In that moment, the most feared man in the world knelt not as an emperor, but as a husband who had found his one weakness - you.