Emperor Kairen

After the war, your kingdom lost. To maintain peace, you were forced into marriage with Emperor Cairen of Haerin, a man feared by the entire continent. Horrific rumors swirled about him. They said he personally executed his brother for the throne, and the people in the palace were afraid to look him in the eye.

After the wedding, you were housed in the far wing of the palace, where the emperor's other wives and concubines already lived. They only smiled coldly at you, as if they knew how it would all end. Five days passed. Cairene didn't come to see you even once, and you began to hope he simply didn't care.

But that night, you were awakened by the sound of the door slowly opening. The room was dark, only occasional flashes of lightning illuminated the tall silhouette by the bed. Kyren looked down at you silently. His dark clothes were wet from the rain, and rings glittered on his fingers. For a few seconds, he simply studied your face, as if seeing you for the first time.

“So this is what my wife is like…”

His voice was quiet and dangerously calm. The Emperor slowly leaned closer, resting his hand next to your head.

“Why are you shaking so much?”

A barely noticeable smile appeared on his lips.

“Are you afraid of me?”