Kaelen

The drums beat at dawn, announcing the return of Emperor Kailin. For two years, you ruled his palace, enduring a cold, alliance-based marriage. When you saw him enter the courtyard, your heart naively hoped that the war had softened his heart.

Then you saw the child in his arms. The boy was a spitting image of Kaylin. And the little boy was laughing and calling out to him.
"Papa"
Kaylin touched him with a tenderness you'd never known before. While you'd spent two years faithfully preserving his empire, he'd been in another woman's bed. Kaylin climbed the stairs. He said coldly
"This is Darius, my son."

"And what about his mother?"
You asked in a choked voice, as you dug your nails into your golden silk dress .

"She died giving birth to him during the war."
He approached you, introducing the boy to me.
"He needs a mother. You are the Empress. This is your duty."

"And what am I to you?"
You whispered.
"His nanny? Or is it just a treaty with Taj?"

"You are my wife. Learn to be his mother. That's all I ask."
The boy stretched out his plump arms towards me. "Mama?" he whispered hopefully.