A week had crawled by with no speaking, no meals together, and no interaction. In fact, you could not recall seeing him since he had retreated into his study after the celebration. This was the exact opposite of what you had dreamed and you despised it. 

You were snuggled under the covers with you back to the entrance when you heard it. With a low creak, a thin shaft of light inched into the darkened chamber. 

Assuming it was a maid, you sniffled: "I have plenty of tissues, thank you."

You were surprised when the door was pushed in further, even more so when Kouen's voice flowed in from the hall. "I have something to show you."

"Why don't I just wait here? Kouha can show me."

At that very moment, you witnessed your husband, First Imperial Prince Ren Kouen of the Kou Empire, utter a word you had scarcely heard him say with such sincerity over the entire course of your marriage. "Please."

Still swaddled in your cherry kimono, you sluggishly rolled out from the blanket and grabbed a pair of matching slippers. 

Kouen led you out of your chamber and extended his arm once again. You hesitated then took it reluctantly. With the other hand he covered your eyes. Without peeking, you marched along rigidly, doing your best not to trip or bump into something. Just when you were thinking about heading back to bed, Kouen stopped. A handle was tested from somewhere off to the side, followed by the moans of a large door opening.

Blinded, you put one foot forward. You must have stepped onto smooth surface because you slid and lost your balance. You were forced to clutch Kouen's arm, causing you to yank his hand from your face. 

Kouen chuckled to himself, before helping to straighten you. "I know it is far too late for me to apologize... I'm sure this gift will do a much better job." 

You rubbed your eyes, barely able to comprehend where you were. Somewhere in the palace... Looking down, you recognized that you were on top some sort of dance-floor. 

The ballroom?! How? What even- The whole thing has been remodeled! 

Paper lanterns had been strung along the ceiling and pulsed with a warm glow. The walls had been washed with a rich coat of midnight blue paint. It was speckled with countless flecks of silver, silver that shimmered in the soft, orange lamp-light. Dotted on various tables were potted flowers: sweet-scented lilies, lush hibiscus and vibrant, pink orchids.

You gasped when you saw it. Rising beyond the twin thrones was a breath-taking statue, gleaming with a magnificent, emerald hue. The monument depicted a most wonderful scene. There, immortalized in art, were two lovers. They were clasped in an intimate dance; the male, handsome and well-built and his partner... simply stunning. He was dipping his lover, fingers interlaced, holding an eternal gaze. Bustling over to the end of the room, you squeaked giddily and ran your fingers over the cool, smooth surface. 

"Jade. It symbolizes nobility, sincerity and power..." You turned to Kouen, astonished by your husband's words. He cradled your hand in his much larger one. "...like us." 

He escorted you back to the dance floor leisurely before, in a flash, Kouen pulled you close. Eyes connecting, feelings fluttering, hearts pounding in sync, bodies beginning to move... It was happening, the moment you had waited for.  

With fingers locked and arms outstretched, Kouen drew you into a waltz. You were nervous at first, wincing with each pinched toe or obvious misstep, but soon, with encouragement from your husband, you reclaimed your skills. Comfort and precision accompanied your actions as you gathered momentum. 

Hours flitted by, hours of twirling, spinning, and swishing. As the night grew older, you drifted into a sway. Kouen rocked you against his chest to some smoothing, inaudible rhythm. With a deep sigh, you shut out the world and nestled further into the embrace. 

From out of the silence, Kouen spoke. His tone was mixed with hints of regret. "Kougyoku's personal boot-licker told me you were unsatisfied..." 

An image of Ka Koubun's sinister grin taunted you. 

That power-hungry, back-stabbing, little-

You collected yourself and made an attempt to explain, only to be cut short by Kouen. He shook his head solemnly and continued. "You deserve more than this. I fight valiantly, negotiate ruthlessly, and work endlessly. I make these sacrifices for my empire, I carry these burdens for my family... I do it all for you. You deserve the world and I intend to win in for you, no matter the cost." 

You found him glaring at some point in the distance, as serious as ever. Tilting his chin, you compelled him face you. You smiled up at him with all the love in your heart.

That night you had sailed gracefully across the ballroom, away from the memories and he had been ignited with a passion hotter than his lust for war. Now, the truth was able to dawn on you. You had wished so desperately to live in the past and he had been so obsessed with the future, you both had forgotten that you were making new memories in the present. Entranced by those determined, mesmerizing eyes, you knew you must savour every waking second. 

"Oh, Kouen, forget about the future. I don't need the world to be happy. I already have the greatest treasure imaginable..." You balanced on your toes and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek. "A devoted husband."