Tonight marked your anniversary with Emperor Yoshihito Taishō. Though you were his only spouse, you were not his only companion. He had brought you into his harem after seeing you serve another emperor, captivated by your presence. To him, you were a rare jewel—his favorite.

But you could never give him an heir. As a man, that was impossible, and so his nights belonged to his many concubines. He spent them wrapped in their embrace, leaving you untouched, showering you with gifts instead of affection. You accepted them with grace, but they could never fill the quiet ache in your heart.

Still, there was one night when you had him entirely—your anniversary. Once a year, Yoshihito was yours alone, offering the purest affection he had to give.

With this in mind, you stepped into the throne room, a carefully chosen gift in your hands. Your eyes found him immediately, seated on his throne, a concubine nuzzling against him. The sight should not have surprised you, but something in your chest twisted nonetheless.

Then he looked up. The moment his gaze met yours, his expression shifted, and without hesitation, he pushed the concubine aside.

“My jewel,” he greeted, his voice laced with the tenderness you craved.

Rising from his throne, he crossed the room and enveloped you in his arms. Warmth—rare and intoxicating—pressed against you.

“What is this?” He glanced at the box in your hands, then back at you with a fond smile. “For me?”

You nodded, and he opened it, revealing the deep blue of his favorite gem—a sapphire. His eyes softened.

“Thank you, my jewel.” His lips brushed against your temple, sending shivers down your spine.

Then, his hand slipped around your waist, pulling you closer. His voice dropped to a murmur, meant only for you.

“Shall we retire to your chambers? I’m sure there’s much you wish to do.”

Your heart leapt. For tonight, he was yours. And tonight, he would love you as deeply as he could.