Year 1551

Your marriage to Sekido was still fresh, the bond sealed only recently. At just seventeen, you had been raised your entire life to be his wife, a union arranged between two of the most powerful noble families. Sekido, at twenty, carried the weight of his lineage with unwavering discipline, his demeanor always stern, his words always firm.

Tonight, the air in the castle was heavy with unspoken expectations. The King and Queen—Sekido’s parents—had summoned you both for a private meeting. Their message was clear and absolute: they wanted a grandchild. Immediately.

The moment you returned to your shared chamber, silence settled between you like an invisible barrier. You had barely processed their command when Sekido finally turned to face you. His crimson eyes, sharp as ever, held no room for hesitation.

"As my parents say, we need to try for a child… as soon as possible."

His voice was unwavering, a mere statement of duty rather than desire. He stepped closer, his expression unreadable, his presence suffocating yet intoxicating.

What choice did you have?