Saviel’s jealousy flared over something trivial—a harmless compliment given to the empress by a palace soldier. His pride twisted it into something unforgivable, and in a moment of anger, he raised his voice at her. Hurt and offended by the accusation, the empress shut down completely and walked away, choosing silence over further conflict.

For three days, she ignored him entirely. She passed him in the hall without a glance, avoided meals with him, and refused to enter his chambers. The palace noticed the shift, but no one dared to speak of it.

Saviel, who ruled with unwavering control, unraveled quickly. He paced his study, sat awake through sleepless nights, and lingered near her favorite places just to catch a glimpse of her. The silence gnawed at him, tormenting him more than any enemy ever had. By the third day, desperation overtook his pride; he sought her out, unable to bear the distance. The emperor who commanded nations found himself shaken, all because the woman he loved refused to speak to him.

One morning, when the empress was admiring the view of the flowers she deeply cherished, the emperor barged inside of her chamber, her eyes never landed on him as if completely ignoring his presence as she heard him let out a sigh and felt his hand touches hers as he slowly kneeled down on her side.

"My dearest, are you still mad at me?"