As I put Elian to sleep, I walked out of the room only to find one guard posted there. He hadn't been there when I entered earlier. So the maid must have run to her king and tattled about what I said. And to save his precious face, he placed a guard here—to keep his farce going.
"Greetings, your highness the empress," the guard said, bowing his head low.
I studied him. He didn't look tough at all—more like a scaredy-guard who'd trip over his own feet if someone raised their voice even slightly.
"As I've said many times already, I am not the empress," I muttered, rubbing my temple.
"But his highness has sa—"
"I don't need to hear what his highness said," I cut him off sharply. "What you need to know is that I am not the empress. So stop standing here guarding me like I'm someone worthy of it."
"But your high—"
"Do as I say, unless you want me to throw you out of this place myself," I snapped, narrowing my eyes.
It worked. He paled, then bolted down the corridor, clearly running toward his master's chamber.
I couldn't help it—I laughed. The scene was far too funny.
When I returned to Elian's chamber, he was still asleep. I sat beside him, fingers brushing through his soft hair. Blond hair. The same shade as the emperor's. I could never deny it, no matter how much I wanted to. If someone questioned it, what excuse could I give? Everyone knows the truth—the emperor's bloodline is the only one with blond hair.
"Wait a minute…" The thought struck me hard.
If I remember correctly, Aria found Darius at the edge of the village—the starting point. And in my vision, when Aria found him, he was injured. But… he wasn't wearing anything noble. Nothing that could have shown he was of royal blood. And more than that…
I froze, my hand stilling in Elian's hair.
"He didn't even have blond hair back then," I whispered. "When Aria found him… he wasn't blond."
The truth twisted inside me. So what was it? Did he never intend to reveal himself as royal? Was it all his plan—his plot—to hide his identity, ensnare Aria, and tie her to him forever?
The door creaked open.
I snapped out of my thoughts, looking up sharply.
"I suppose your highness knows it's basic courtesy to knock before entering someone's room," I said coldly. "Surely the emperor could have learned that much."
He came stomping in, each step heavy and angry, his eyes burning into me.
"Aria, what the hell do you want me to do?" he growled, his hands gripping my shoulders tightly, his nails digging into my skin. Pain shot through me.
"Why do you get under my skin like this? Why do you make me go insane?"
"Leave," I hissed through clenched teeth.
"What?"
"I said leave!" I shoved him back, my voice rising.
He staggered, fury flashing across his face.
"What rubbish are you spouting? That I drive you crazy? Or is it you who drives me mad, Aria?"
I rubbed my shoulder where his nails had pierced my skin, the sting throbbing. "Your royal highness, if anyone is driving anyone crazy, it's you."
"M-Mom?"
Elian's small voice broke through the storm. He sat up in bed, blinking sleepily.
"Oh, baby!" I rushed to him, pulling him into my lap. "I didn't realize I was loud enough to wake you."
"Mom, were you angry again?" he asked softly.
"No, baby, of course not. Why would you think that?" I stroked his cheek gently.
"Because your voice gets loud and scary only when you're angry," he pouted.
Behind me, the emperor's voice rumbled. "Aria, you're ignoring me."
Elian turned toward him, then back to me. "Oh… his royal highness is here. Is that why Mom is angry?"
"No, sweetheart," I said quickly. "But since you're awake now, how about this—why don't I send you to the gardens? You'll see so many flowers there."
His eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, I love flowers!"
"Yes, yes. Then go. Run along!" I urged, sending him toward the door. I knew the timid guard outside would keep him safe.
When Elian was gone, silence pressed in again.
"Are you still ignoring me because of him?" the emperor asked.
I met his gaze coldly. "I have no reason to ignore you, your highness. But let me remind you—first, you barged into this room without my permission. I didn't call you, nor did I want you here. Second, you woke my son from his sleep with your shouting. Naturally, I will care for my child before paying attention to the culprit who caused it."
I didn't even bother to bow. I didn't even bother to pretend respect. Let him seethe.
"So the kid is more precious than your husband?" he asked, stepping closer, his voice low but cutting.
"Of course," I shot back without hesitation. "But you are not my husband. Even if you were, I would still love my son more than a husband who isn't worthy of it." I turned my face away, refusing to meet his eyes.
"I shouldn't have let him be born," he muttered, but I caught every word.
My blood boiled. "What!!! How could you say that about a child? Are you even human? Or are you just pretending to be one?" My voice cracked with fury.
"Yes, I am human. That's why—if something dares to take my wife from me, I will take that something away too," he said, his voice trembling with dangerous conviction.
"He is not a thing. And I am not your wife." My words came out like fire, each syllable sharp enough to cut.
"You accept or not—you are my wife. You were my wife. You was my wife. And you will always be… my beloved wife." His words twisted, obsessive, dragging me down with them.
"If what you say is true, then let me ask you one more question," I snapped, forcing my voice to stay steady though anger was bubbling inside me.
"What? I'll prove everything," he said quickly, almost too quickly, like he was desperate to cling to the thread.
"Then tell me this—when Aria first met you, why didn't she know you were royal? If blonde hair is the mark of the emperor's blood, then why… why didn't you have it back then?"