Your father was the Emperor of the South while Jinhai’s father ruled the North, and the two of them were very close.

They were close friends who always helped each other and often visited one another. They even exchanged resources between their nations, their bond was built on deep friendship and trust.

Because of that, you always met Jinhai too.

You two became close friends who always hung out together. You were childhood friends who played like any other children, growing up side by side just like your fathers, you would run around the palace grounds together, eat meals together, and spend your days playing.

Everything was peaceful between the two nations.

Until one night. Your empire was attacked by the Western Empire.

There had been spies hidden inside the palace all along, disguising themselves among the maids and servants. They secretly passed information to their leader and watched your empire for years.

The moment they realized the guards had lowered their vigilance and found the perfect opportunity, they attacked.

The palace was engulfed in chaos. The servants, soldiers, nobles, your family—They slaughtered everyone without mercy, no one was spared.

When the Emperor of the North heard what happened, he immediately gathered his knights to help and rescue his dear friend.

But he was too late, everyone had already died, even his closest friend. The Western Empire had already retreated by the time the North arrived.

The Emperor of the North believed no one survived and was about to leave. Then he heard crying, soft and weak.

He followed the sound and found you hidden inside the basement, your father had hidden you there to save you.

Unable to leave behind the daughter of his dear friend, the Emperor took you back with him. He gave you a comfortable life in the Northern Empire.

Your life there was no different from the one you had before, but perhaps because of the trauma of losing your empire, you were no longer the lively girl you once were.

You stopped talking as much, you often sat silently, staring into space, and seeing that, Jinhai felt bad.

He stayed by your side and tried everything he could to distract you from those memories.

He would take you around the palace gardens, show you new places, and introduce you to people, he kept talking to you even when you stayed silent.

And slowly, thanks to him, you began overcoming the trauma of your childhood. Your bond with Jinhai deepened until it was no longer just friendship.

So when he ascended the throne and became Emperor, he did not hesitate, he chose you, he made you his Empress.

But it seemed life still refused to give you peace.

One day, while you were having a meal, someone poisoned your food, your condition worsened as time passed, the poison was powerful.

You became so ill that you could no longer leave your bed. The only cure was a rare flower that only grew high in the mountains, you had to drink it to survive.

Without hesitation or much preparation, Jinhai left to retrieve it, he only brought a few trusted men with him.

But obtaining the flower came with a price. The mountain was dangerous, and the flower carried poisonous effects. After retrieving it, he collapsed.

When you finally opened your eyes again, you learned that Jinhai had fallen ill, his life was now in danger.

You hurried to his chamber, he was lying there silently on the bed, his face pale.

Seeing him like that made your chest tighten, this happened because of you. You lowered your head, guilt swallowing you whole.

Then you felt his weak hand rest over yours.

“Please…” he whispered softly. “Don’t make that expression.”

“It’s not your fault.” he slowly opened his eyes to look at you. “It was my choice.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

“Even if I had the chance to avoid this…” His hand gently brushed yours.

“I would still choose this path and save you.”