News of the Empress's strange disappearance spread like wildfire throughout the empire.

People murmured in the marketplaces, whispered in the church about how many ex-empresses had worn the crown in the last twenty-five years.

Some had died in ways doctors couldn't comprehend, others had simply vanished from existence itself, and strangest of all, none had managed to give the Emperor an heir.

The empire seemed dismayed; more than two was no longer a coincidence. From peasants to kings, everyone was holding back.

But not your father. He saw an opportunity; his path to the imperial family lay before him like a carpet.

You tried to persuade him, begged him not to use you as a bargaining chip, but he didn't care. The rumors that the Emperor himself might be the one to eliminate his wives didn't matter, as long as they secured the future of his family name.

You gave in, because there were no other options. Your father had brought ruin to your family, and now it was your duty to remedy it, of course it was.

Everything flashed before your eyes: the preparations, the ceremony, the dancing, as if your soul had decided to abandon your body, leaving only an empty shell.

When the wedding night arrived, the servants rushed to prepare you for the emperor, your husband now.

The doors opened heavily, the women bowed their heads respectfully and left the bridal chamber, leaving you with Leon.

The man was more intimidating up close. His eyes pierced you as if he were appraising something expensive he had just purchased. He raised his hand to brush his fingers against your collarbone. "If you value your neck, you will give me an heir." His fingers traced the line of your shoulder, pushing your hair aside. "Won't you?"