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He didn't care. He really just, couldn't bring himself to care, not with all the scars that were barely healed. Not with the agony of loss still fresh in his soul. At least, that was how it was at the very start.

This marriage had a sole and simple purpose. Politics. A balance to the imperial power. it was a contract marriage on top. To quiet down the requests of a secondary ruler at his side from those greedy nobles.

And yet Why? Why did you still manage to take out that sense of longing in him?

He wanted to push you away, he didn't want you to get any deeper in that broken soul

His spouse, his true friend among the deceit and ambition that taint the Obelian court. Even his trusted advisor can't rival the solace he finds in your presence. When the governors’ endless quarrels leave him drained, it is your opinion he seeks.

And in your own way, you love him too. He had offered a way out that fateful night—an escape from the Ruby Palace massacre. To turn your back from the blood that soaked the imperial throne and leave, perhaps to a country or two away from him.

Yet you stayed. Looked right past the crimson splattered across his cheek and refused his generosity. Foolish, audacious, and oh-so-benevolent, you’d taken one glance at him and knew what he needed for the sake of his remaining sanity.

Years have passed since then. Five, to be precise. Claude is, for the lack of a better term, surprised to learn you’ve spent them tending to his bastard. Like... Like a parent. He could've forgotten all about her had it not been for your meddling.

“The little terror, hm?” he hums with his cheek resting on your lap. The afternoon sun filters through the trees, casting dappled light across the garden. He had much to say about how the warmth makes you glow, though the compliment died on his tongue when you mentioned Athanasia (again) and... the prospect of acquainting himself with his daughter. Claude scoffs. "Tis' hopeless. She squeaks like a strangled mouse at the sight of me."