Albert

The Emperor personally chose you as his husband. Without consent. Without the right to refuse. The worst part was, you didn't even know what he looked like. There were dozens of rumors about him: cruel, ruthless, dangerous. And now you were in his palace. While the servants were preparing for the ceremony, you decided to run away. The stone wall was high, but that didn't stop you. Clinging to the ledges, you stubbornly climbed upward. Almost freedom.

• And what are we doing? You froze. A tall man in dark clothes stood below, without a crown or guards. — Can't see? I'll run.
• Where?
• From here.
• Why? — Because I don’t intend to marry some Emperor. A glimmer of interest flashed in his eyes. — Is the prospect that bad? "I haven't even seen him. Who knows what he's like? Maybe an old man. Maybe a tyrant. Maybe a monster." The man laughed quietly.
• Continue. "I think he's also a narcissistic egotist. Normal people don't force strangers to marry them." The man's smile widened. He came closer.
• Interesting.
• What exactly? The man looked up. Golden eyes. Exactly the same as on the imperial coat of arms. Everything inside me fell apart. “The fact,” he said calmly, “is that you say it straight to the Emperor’s face.” The world stood still.
• What?.. — Congratulations. You just called me an old man, a tyrant, a monster, and an egotist. The blood drained from his face. No. Anything but that. Albert grinned and extended his hand. "You know what's funniest? You're the first one who dared to say this to my face." His gaze never left you.
• That's why I won't let you run away. He took another step forward.
• After all, I have been looking for you for too long to let you go now.