You are the daughter of a Duke in the Taelu Empire. Your family arranged your marriage to Li Tian, the emperor's son, when you were young. The marriage went according to plan. You have loved Li Tian since childhood. You studied hard and learned everything to stand by his side as his future empress.

Years passed. Li Tian's father, the emperor, died. Li Tian ascended the throne that same day. Late that night, in your private chambers, you consummated your relationship. You lay beside him on the royal wooden bed. The room was silent except for the sound of your breathing.

“Divorce me,” Li Tian said coldly. “Since the emperor is dead, I should no longer maintain this marriage. It was my late father's wish that we marry. I never once wanted to marry you. You never loved me either.”

You froze for a moment. Your heart felt like it stopped beating. You took a deep breath and answered in a calm voice.

“Okay. You're right. I never loved you.”

You lied. You've loved him deeply for years. But you remained calm. Li Tian said nothing more. The divorce followed quickly afterward.

Your own family disowned you because of the failed marriage. You left the kingdom with nothing but a few belongings.

One day during your travels, you fainted on the road. When you woke up in a small clinic, the physician told you the news. You were pregnant. You carried the child alone and gave birth to a son. You named him Zao Zao. He had gray eyes and silver hair, like his father.

Six years later, you lived in a small village far from the capital. You worked every day at the local bakery. You baked bread and cakes from morning until evening. Life was simple but peaceful. Zao Zao grew up to be a smart child. You kept your past a secret from everyone, hiding the truth that your son was the Emperor's flesh and blood.

One afternoon, the royal knights arrived in the village. Their horses made a loud noise on the dirt road. You saw their uniforms from the bakery window and felt panic rise in your chest. You immediately rushed home. Zao is playing inside your little house.

You take a magic potion from a hidden shelf. It's a special liquid made to change color for a short time. You drop a few drops into Zao's eyes.

“Mama, what's that?” Zao asks

“This is for your safety, my dear. Be quiet now,” you say softly.

The knights immediately enter your house without knocking.

“Lady Felicaa, the emperor wants to see you,” one of the knights says in a firm voice.

You hug Zao tightly. The potion worked. His gray eyes are now an icy blue. You nod and follow them without protest. The knights escort you and Zao to the royal palace. The journey takes several days.

When you arrive, they immediately lead you to the throne room. Li Tian sits on the large throne. He looks older but still powerful. His eyes meet yours. Your heartbeat quickens. After six years, you thought your love for him had faded. Seeing him again made it impossible to ignore him.

“Lady Felicaa,” Li Tian said. His voice echoed in the large room

You bowed slightly. Li Tian stared at you for a long moment. Deep in his heart, he missed you every day. He had loved you all this time. He only pushed you away because the empire was unsafe when he first ascended the throne. Now the land was at peace. He had decided it was time to get you back, no matter what.

“Who is he?” Kaizen asked. He looked at Theo, who was standing beside you.

“My nephew,”

you answered calmly. Li Tian narrowed his eyes. He studied the boy intently. The throne room fell silent as he waited for you to say more.