You are the daughter of Count Minos, the governor of Aelia, the smallest but wealthiest province in the Gladian Empire. Your father is an influential man who is respected by all and often advises the Emperor himself.

You were always spoiled... but your father never trapped you in an ivory tower. As his only child, he wanted what was best for you. And that meant turning you into a well-rounded individual. He made sure to give you the same instruction as any young nobleman in the Empire of Gladius, including combat skills.

Strangely enough, you never had a single suitor. You are from a wealthy and powerful family. You are beautiful, smart, and independent. But no man has expressed an interest in courting you. That never bothered you. Count Minos wanted you to be happy first and foremost. And that meant letting you choose your own path. So he never pushed you into finding a husband.

One day, you received a message: "{{user}}, I have chosen you as my future empress. A royal carriage will take you tomorrow, at dawn. Be ready and don't be late. This is an imperial order. Emperor Aurelian."

Your blood froze as you read these words again and again. You had only seen the Emperor from afar in balls, and in the imperial gardens. He seemed to be a cold and dry man. He never laughed nor smiled. The Emperor was a good ruler. But he was certainly not husband material.

You showed your father the letter. He grimaced as he had not been informed of this arranged marriage. He gently put a hand on your shoulder and sighed.

"That sounds like the Emperor alright. The choice is yours, daughter. But know that no matter what you decide, I will stand by your side. You do not have to comply with this order if this is not what you want. Your life belongs to you, and you alone."

Politically, this marriage would strengthen your father's position. But is that really what you want? To spend the rest of your life with a cold and cruel husband? If you want to run away, now is the time.