The night passed, and eventually, the rain subsided. Before we departed from the village, I left a strict order for them to remove as much of the muddy ash surrounding the area as they could. I instructed them to bury it deep in soil that wasn’t prone to flooding, to prevent it from spreading if the rains came again. The task was urgent, and I could only hope they would complete it with haste.

By the time we returned to the palace, night had already fallen, and the situation I encountered was just as grim as when we had left. The ash still lay thick on the ground, posing a continuous threat. Without delay, I issued another command, insisting that everyone must act swiftly. All hands were required to work together to remove the ash as quickly as possible. If another ash storm came, the remaining layer would be thin enough that the wind could easily blow it away. I made sure they understood the importance of using protection—covering their noses and mouths with cloth, wearing gloves, boots, and thick garments to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the ash.

The following morning, I wasted no time. I immediately made my way to the dungeon, where we had imprisoned the captives from the night before. As I entered the dimly lit cage, the stench of blood and sweat filled the air. The prisoners we had captured were in a pitiful state. Their faces bore the marks of exhaustion and torment. Their clothes were soaked with dried blood, and their bodies trembled from the cruelty they had endured. Fifteen of them knelt inside a large cage, their hands and feet bound by heavy chains that clinked with every slight movement.

"Have they spoken yet?" I asked, my voice cold and authoritative, slicing through the oppressive silence of the dungeon. A knight stepped forward and bowed respectfully before me. "Your Majesty, one of them has spoken. He claims to be the leader of the group." His words made my brow furrow. My eyes scanned the prisoners, one by one. None of them showed fear. Their faces were blank, resigned to whatever fate awaited them. It was clear they had already accepted their deaths.

"Which one?" I asked, my voice growing more severe, demanding answers. The knight stepped away from my side and approached a bearded man kneeling in the middle of the group. Without hesitation, he yanked him to his feet, shoving him roughly, causing the man to fall forward, his face hitting the cold, stone floor.

I clenched my jaw in frustration. This man had no dignity. He couldn’t even stand to face his death like a man. There was no point in dragging them here if we couldn’t get any useful information from them.

I stepped closer to the man who claimed to be the leader. His defiance irked me. As I stood before him, I knelt down and grabbed his hair, yanking his head up to force him to look into my eyes. "So you’re the leader?" I asked, my voice laced with disgust, feeling as though he was playing a game, testing my patience.

I watched as his jaw tightened, a small act of defiance, "I am the leader, and no one else," he replied, his voice rough and hoarse from what I could only assume were the hours of torment he had endured. For a brief moment, I smirked, but my expression quickly turned icy. I pushed his head back to the ground with force, releasing my grip. I stood up, turning my back to them all. As I approached the door to leave, I spoke one final command, "Bury them alive," I ordered, my voice carrying an air of finality that left no room for hesitation.

These men were useless. There was no longer any reason for them to remain in this world, especially when they had already accepted their end. A part of me, in some twisted way, admired their audacity—their loyalty to their leader was so strong that they preferred death over betrayal. But at the same time, they were fools. Loyalty meant nothing when it led to such a pathetic, inevitable demise.

I WAS reviewing the files scattered across the table when Henry entered the room. He approached the front and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, Duke Sebastian is outside, accompanied by someone," he reported, his tone serious.

I immediately glanced towards the door, a smirk forming on my lips. Let's see what truth is to be revealed now.

I looked back at Henry. "Allow them to enter," I commanded. Henry bowed once more before leaving the office. Moments later, the two guests entered—the Duke and another man cloaked from head to toe.

"Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty," they greeted in unison. I smirked, wasting no time. "Let's dispense with the formalities. You know exactly why you’re here," I addressed the cloaked man, my tone sharp and authoritative.

Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees, removing the hood from his head. "Your Majesty! Please, help me!" he began, his voice raspy with age. His face was drawn and desperate, exhaustion clear in his eyes.

"Wala akong kinalaman sa nasunog na sakahan, Your Majesty!" he revealed, his voice trembling. My jaw clenched at his admission. Just as I suspected. My instincts were right.

"Speak," I demanded, my voice firm and commanding.

"Your Majesty," he began, his words rushed, "Pagkatapos ng insidente, agad akong nagtungo sa mga opisyal upang isiwalat ang aking nasaksihan. Marami sila, at lahat ay nakasuot ng mga balabal kaya't hindi ko matukoy kung sino-sino sila. Sinunog nila ang sakahan nang napakabilis," he explained, his voice quickening as he tried to get the information out.

My fists tightened at my sides. I knew it—this wasn’t just an accident, it was a deliberate plot.

I turned to the Duke. "I want the officials involved in imprisoning him to be captured immediately, Duke," I ordered, my voice cold and final.

The Duke smirked, a look of confidence in his eyes. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he replied, as if certain that he could carry out my command with ease.

"Your Majesty, tulungan mo ang pamilya ko. Hindi ko nanaisin na malagay sila sa panganib!" the old man’s voice trembled as he pleaded, his fear palpable. I turned my gaze back to him, taking in his worried expression.

"Do not worry. I will send knights to guard your family. You may return to them, but be cautious," I declared firmly. His eyes widened in disbelief, and I saw tears welling up and spilling down his cheeks. "Thank you! Thank you, Your Majesty!" he repeated over and over, bowing repeatedly, clearly overwhelmed with gratitude.

I nodded, then turned to the Duke once more. "Escort him to his family," I commanded. The Duke grinned, bowing slightly while keeping his eyes locked on mine. "Then, we shall take our leave now, Your Majesty," he said.

As soon as they exited, I rubbed my temples. So many traitors within the government. Their foolishness is astounding.

I glanced at the door as it creaked open, and Henry quietly entered, stopping in front of me. His usually composed demeanor seemed troubled.

"Your Majesty," he called, his voice laced with concern. I furrowed my brows, sensing something serious. "What is it?" I asked, my tone sharp with curiosity.

"The nobles... they’re spreading rumors regarding His Majesty’s negligence," he revealed, his words catching me completely off guard. I was left momentarily stunned, and then a wave of anger surged through me. My fists instinctively clenched as I felt the heat of fury rising inside me.

"The audacity!" I exclaimed, standing abruptly from my seat, the legs of the chair scraping loudly against the floor. A sharp breath escaped my lips as I turned and strode toward the window, my entire body tense with rage. My jaw was so tight, I could feel the pressure building in my temples.

"Tell them," I said coldly, my voice cutting through the air like steel, "Whoever dares to spread such absurd rumors will lose their tongue," I stared out the window, my mind swirling with thoughts of how to silence this insolence.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," I heard Henry reply, his voice steady before he bowed and exited the room. I remained standing, staring blankly at the view outside, my thoughts consumed by anger. They have no idea how much effort the Emperor puts into fulfilling his duties. How dare they question him? The nobles had always been a tricky group, full of whispers and schemes, but this was beyond insulting.

Just as I was beginning to calm down, a soft knock interrupted my thoughts, jolting me back to the present. I flinched slightly, caught off guard. "Come in," I called, taking a deep breath to steady myself before deciding to return to my desk and continue with my work.

"Your Majesty!" Sarah’s voice rang out as she entered the room with urgency. I looked up, noticing the worry in her eyes.

"Your Majesty," she repeated breathlessly, "His Majesty has arrived."

My heart skipped a beat at her words. For a moment, I stood frozen, my mind racing. The Emperor? He’s back? Quickly regaining my composure, I stood, smoothing out my skirt as I prepared myself. Without delay, I made my way out of the office, my footsteps quick and purposeful as I headed down the hallway toward the courtyard.

As I stepped outside, I immediately noticed how pristine everything was. The grounds had been meticulously cleaned, and there was no trace of the ash and mud that had stained the earth earlier.

I glanced toward the palace gates, and from where I stood, I could already see the Emperor’s procession approaching, even though he was still some distance away. Behind me, I could hear the quiet footsteps of the two concubines who had followed me outside. Of course, they wouldn’t miss the Emperor’s return.

I stopped in the middle of the grand pathway, waiting, my eyes fixed on the approaching figure of the Emperor, surrounded by his knights. My heart pounded in my chest, growing louder with every step he took closer. I pressed my lips together, trying to maintain my calm exterior, but inside, I felt a wave of nervous excitement building up. Why am I feeling like this? I wondered, chastising myself. Goodness, am I losing my mind?

I swallowed discreetly as the Emperor and his entourage reached us. I straightened myself, composing my expression into one of calm and grace, before offering a gentle smile. "Welcome back, Your Majesty," I greeted him warmly, bowing my head in respect.

Those behind me followed suit, their voices echoing mine in unison, "Welcome back, Your Imperial Majesty! We are honored by your return and rejoice in your safe arrival!"

The Emperor acknowledged their words with a brief nod before turning his attention fully to me. He took my hand, his touch sending a jolt through me, and pressed his lips against my knuckles in a formal yet intimate gesture. "My Empress seems to be doing well," he remarked, his voice low and smooth.

I smiled softly in response. "Of course, Your Majesty. Please, allow me to escort you inside so you may rest," I said gently, motioning toward the entrance. His eyes lingered on me for a moment, studying me with that unreadable expression of his, before he nodded slightly.

The two concubines, wisely, did not attempt to engage the Emperor in conversation. I was relieved for their silence, as it allowed me to focus solely on escorting him to the entrance of his chambers. I assumed this would be a brief task, but as we reached his door, to my surprise, he pulled me inside with him.

"Your Majes—" I began, but before I could finish, his lips were on mine in a sudden, passionate kiss. My eyes widened in shock, and I felt rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the intensity of his kiss. It was as though time had stopped, and the only sound I could hear was the rapid beating of my heart.

His hands were firm as he pushed me gently against the door, his lips moving expertly against mine. "Open your pretty lips, wife," he whispered against my mouth, his voice low and commanding. Without thinking, my body obeyed, parting my lips as he deepened the kiss.

The heat of his mouth was overwhelming, causing my eyes to flutter shut. His kiss was fierce and demanding, as though he had been longing for this moment. A soft gasp escaped me when he bit my lower lip, and my hands instinctively wrapped around his neck for support. My knees felt weak, and my entire body was flushed with heat. Unable to resist any longer, I kissed him back, matching his intensity.

I heard him groan in satisfaction, and I pressed myself closer to him, feeling utterly lost in the moment. His previously aggressive kiss began to soften, becoming more tender and intimate as we continued. We shared a passionate kiss, both of us breathless by the time he finally pulled away. He rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my face.

"Your lips… they’re just as sweet as I remembered. I’ve been craving them," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing heart.

"How was your mission?" I asked, desperate to change the subject and regain some control of the situation.

The Emperor was silent for a moment, his face buried against my neck. "We managed to secure a supply of goods, but not as much as I had hoped," he muttered, his voice low and thoughtful. I could feel his breath, hot against my skin.

I swallowed nervously, sensing that there was more to the story, "The President gave me a condition," he continued, his words sending a shiver down my spine, "He’ll sell us half of their stockpile of goods… if I agree to marry his daughter."

My heart dropped. Marry his daughter? I felt a cold sweat break out on my skin. Does that mean he wants to replace me?

I gently pushed away from him, searching his eyes for an answer. "And?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. What if he agreed to this proposal? Would he divorce me? After everything I had sacrificed, would it all be for nothing?

Before my thoughts could spiral further, I flinched as his hand gently cupped my cheek, bringing me back to the moment.

He smiled softly at me, his gaze tender. "My wife is irreplaceable," he whispered, and my heart fluttered at his words.

"And in the first place, I have no desire for many women in my life. I only need one," he added, his voice sincere.

I was speechless, my mind struggling to process the meaning behind his words. Why would he say such a thing? I wondered, feeling more confused than ever. He already has two cocunbines... what could he possibly be planning?

A/N: Sorry, medyo natagalan. Nagpahinga lang ako saglit, nagkasakit din kasi baby ko tapos nabinat pa ako shessh! Nastress peslak ko achkkskdmdn