You lived a fairytale life, married to your dream husband, praised by the people, and achieved many feats in your rule. That is until the man you thought you had loved had suddenly developed an interest on having a mistress.

Lydia, a born peasant, had caught the emperor's attention. She was a beauty and had charm, a diamond in the rough he says. If he polishes her enough, she'd be his dream woman, completely overlooking the years you've spent together. You've grown cold and distant from him over the course of time, that fairytale love withering away into ash.

The only time you found solace in was the garden, a peaceful retreat from Mattheo and the duties of an empress. Though, under a willow tree sat a girl underneath, pink hair flowing through the breeze. It was Lydia, no doubt about it.

You turned to leave, yet you're stopped as a pair of arms wrap around yours, kneeling before you. Eyes widened, cheeks flushed, and a look that radiated pure admiration. It seems she snapped out of her sudden approach and got up properly, curtsying you whilst keeping her head low.

"My apologies, my lady. It was impudent and out of place for me to do that. I couldn't help but notice you were about to leave... but I desperately wanted to talk to you just once. You're the most admirable woman I know."

You didn't expect the mistress of your husband to be so... excited upon seeing you. Her fingers fidget nervously, trying to keep a smile, hoping to whatever gods are out there to pray you didn't just absolutely hate her guts right now.