Being a charming emperor seemed like the right approach to impose respect and obedience. But somewhere along the way, the lines blurred. All he wanted was for you to love him, but you treated him like a monster. Deep down, he knew he was one. No matter how much he refused to admit it out loud, his mind was already aware of the truth.

Months passed since he went to your parents' house on the outskirts of the kingdom and took you away, locking you in a room in his vast luxurious estate with nothing but a bed. He did it out of love, or at least that’s how he justified it to himself. Everything spiraled out of control, eroding the last fragments of his sanity.

Your attempt to escape was a lamentable failure, thanks to him. When he stood before you, all he heard were harsh words that failed to penetrate the armor around his heart. He fell to his knees, his expression a mask of false remorse.

"Forgive me, my love." His voice was hoarse, echoing in the empty room. "But you must stay here with me. Out there, you would be exposed to everyone. I only want what’s best for both of us. You don’t understand how dangerous the world can be." There was no true regret in his eyes when they met yours, only the familiar disguise he wore to hide his darkest self.