Warning! This chapter contains sexual conversation in a part of the chapter. I will put a [❣] at the beginning

and the end of this part of the chapter in case anybody wishes to skip past it.

I'd like to thank NoviArt on Quotev for making this week's beautiful fan art of Octavi and for always leaving interesting comments and theories in the comment section. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

The sun slowly set in the kingdom of Intuuin as you sat at the peaceful window sill of the Emperor's room. He had demanded it of you to share a room with him - especially since you were now his beloved consort. You sighed at the orange skies melting into a dark blue hue as the day gradually faded away from your sight. The sun was leaving through the faraway horizons, leaving you once again. The lockdown was over, yet freedom was still out of your reach.

Your hands gripped tightly onto the clothing of your dress, desperate for some sort of consolation. You had to admit that you had a crush on the Emperor ever since you first laid eyes on him but then again, just about any woman who saw him did as well. The young Emperor had grown through his years into a handsome man; he had aged like fine wine.

The view from the window was breathtaking. The white beaches were not too far from the palace, and a part of the kingdom could be seen. You looked at the lively town of light outside the dark palace walls of which you were now encapsulated in.

You had treated the Emperor poorly, and you could not deny that fact. He had rescued your life twice and risked his own to save Octavi. If anything, you were greatly indebted to him, and the least you could do was be obedient for once in your life. He had said it through his pink lips himself that you were not going to leave.

You had to accept the fact that the palace was now your residence. If anything, it nearly felt like a prison. Your reflection in the window stared back at you questioning whether or not this was the life God had promised you. Was this what the great gods decided as your fate? Was there really no more escape available to you?

You looked away from the window, not wanting to miss your stolen freedom any longer. Surely living in the palace wouldn't be so bad. There were countless rooms to explore, beautiful imports of all sorts of products from every nation in the world, and you knew for a fact that the Emperor was going to spoil you rotten with gifts. You were not the type to fawn over materialistic riches, but perhaps it was time to sell yourself away.

Your [E/C] orbs wandered towards the black telephone placed on a small table near the door of the Emperor's chambers. Perhaps it was time to inform Kai about your engagement to the Emperor. You had put off calling him for a while since things had got so hectic and you didn't want to worry him any more than you already had before.

You took grave footsteps to the telephone, your shaky and resentful hand reaching for the polished phone. Gripping the cold surface of the phone, you raised it to your ear to hear a blank and repetitive 'beep' every second or two.

Inserting Kai's phone number, you heard the repetitive 'beep' change into the usual dialling tone as you contacted your brother.

Several moments later of holding your breath, the phone picked up.

"[Name]? My beloved sister, I haven't heard from you in quite a while." Kai greeted you through the phone, giving you the fraudulent comfort of him being by your side.

"Indeed brother. I apologise for taking my time to contact you." You apologised to him.

Before you could talk any more Kai interrupted you, "Could you perhaps write me a letter or call me at a better time? I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment. I have a customer over informing me about what they wish to commission. Business has been going so well recently! In fact, this customer said he knows you from the palace and that you recommended me to him yourself. Thanks for that, [Name]. I'll catch up with you soon. You know I love you a ton!"

Before you could even respond or question whom it was, the blinding 'beep' repeated into your left ear, leaving you with questions and prayers unanswered.

You had recommended Kai to any servant you came into contact with in hopes of helping his business grow, and you were glad to see that some of the servants were taking your advice.

Meanwhile, the Emperor sat upon his large and luxurious chair, hunched over listlessly as his fiery orbs focused upon the lady before him. Odette Kirayo sat on her knees, bowed over with her forehead pressing against the floor. She pleaded for mercy from the Emperor, not wanting to be in the black snake group any longer.

"Odette Kirayo.. why in the world should I accept your apology? I should just lock you up right this instant. You are an accomplice to the murder of Octavi Kirayo, are you not? Look at all the mess you and Eugene have caused me. If anything, I don't want to let any of your kind walk free in this land. Not to mention, you've definitely given your little brother Oriin some childhood trauma. You truly never let anybody around you catch a break, don't you?" The Emperor refused her apology.

He let out a disgusted scoff as she shuffled forward to his feet to grab onto the tips of his shoes, her head placed upon his toes.

"Your... Your Majesty... I beg of you; please forgive me-"

"Why are you even here? For all I know, you could be willing to fulfil Eugene's pleasures so desperately that you would risk your life by showing your mere presence in front of me. I don't want another word out of you. You are wasting precious time that is meant to be spent with my empress. Guards, lock this fool up and have her interrogated." The Emperor ordered.

His eyes stared down at her mercilessly as he used her position to his advantage. He kicked her in the forehead, sending her falling backwards and hitting the back of her head against the hard floor.

"Eu-Eugene left me! He cheated on me-! He already had a fucking wife-!" Odette struggled to blurt out or even form sentences as the guards dragged her away. The Emperor chuckled at her pitiful behaviour before rising from his seat.

"Your majesty, what has gotten into you?" Eli questioned him, a concerned expression on his face. Eli had been standing by the Emperor's side, as usual, ready to protect him from harm and assist him in the blink of an eye.

"What ever do you mean, Eli?" The Emperor asked his first assistant.

"Well.. you've been fairly violent and a tad darker recently. Ah, what am I saying? You're normally like this. I did notice that your behaviour was a bit more easygoing and soft, however. It is nothing to fuss over, though." Eli pointed out before deciding to keep his mouth zipped shut.

The Emperor sighed and shook off Eli's comment, "I'm not sure I get what you're trying to say. It does not matter either way. I shall be off now; I have wedding matters to discuss with my future empress. Get all the paperwork and bills prepared for the wedding. We'll be having a party after our marriage in order to celebrate with our guests. Ultimately, I shall also discuss with [Name] where she would desire to go for our honeymoon since I don't mind where we go as long as she's by my side. See you in the morning, Eli."

Eli couldn't even muster up a response, for the Emperor had already drifted away from his sights. He returned to his private living quarters which were now being shared with the aforementioned tailor. It was still difficult to process what was happening. Not to mention, everything had grown hectic as the Emperor pressed the date of the wedding to only be a month away. Under the enormous stress of an added workload, Eli had barely any time to question the Emperor on the engagement.

The Emperor approached his bedroom with a chipper expression on his face and a small kick in his step, practically bursting with joy. Everything was going swimmingly for him and just the way he wanted, and he had nothing to complain about. He decided to question you on what you would like for the wedding, after all, he wanted you to feel welcomed and comfortable. Things were going to be grand at the wedding. His intentions to make it one of the grandest and most memorable weddings in the history of Intuuin in such a short amount of time put a considerable amount of stress on the palace staff but he believed it was all worth it if you would be pleased.

The Emperor didn't spare anybody who bowed to him on the way to you a glance, only you on his mind. Before he had been sure about everything but love had given him an open weakness and a strength. Now that you were to be married, he could protect his weak spot while thriving in delight by your presence.

The guards proceeded to open the door for the Emperor and allow him to enter his bedroom. He felt the warm air, and the scent of your skin hit his senses as his hawk-like eyes twitched around the room for your figure. His muscles eased up, and his broad shoulders lowered ever so slightly with relief. His most precious treasure was safe and sound.

"[Name], I have returned. I have several matters to discuss with you regarding our wedding, which is only a month away. I hope you don't mind if I bombard you with questions, it's all plainly to make sure our wedding is the best to be." He approached your frame which had returned to gazing wishfully at the window.

Your train of thought was quickly interrupted by the familiar touch of Takahiro's hands on your shoulders, gently relaxing them to ease up your stiff posture.

"Ah! Ah, yes, yes, of course." You mumbled out, finally processing what Takahiro had said just several moments ago.

"Look at you daydreaming about our wedding. I'm simply overjoyed, [Name]." The Emperor whispered into your ear as his arms melted off your shoulders. They slithered around your waist, pulling your back close to his torso.

"Well- What can I say? I simply can't wait."

You responded nervously. If you wanted to survive without having your 'legs cut off' or broken by the Emperor at the very least, you had to obey. You owed it to him, so you had decided to stay put and fulfil the Emperor's wishes - even if your freedom was an expensive price to pay.

"Me neither!" Exclaimed the Emperor as he lifted you by your waist to twirl you around the room with him before falling onto the bed with you trapped within his lengthy and muscular arms. He caressed you close to him, seemingly afraid to let you go and eventually lose you.

"So, [Name], you must tell me. What venue do you believe is best for our wedding? The priestess has agreed to bless our marriage and be the one to connect us until 'death do us part'. It could be anything you please, my love. A vineyard, the beach - oh! I'd prefer a religious location. That way, nothing can separate us. If we are joined with one another in the eyes of the gods themselves," His hand snuck down your arm and smoothly clutched your palm within his own, "Then truly nothing can separate us. Don't you think? Let's be honest; I'll be with you even after death. When we leave this world to enter the kingdom of the dead, I will have you by my side." He murmured hoarsely into your ear; his voice laced with a deep and tranquil tone.

You paused and thought - the Emperor and you? For the rest of your life and afterlife at that? You had to admit you felt attracted to him, but it was most likely due to his physical features. You had not got to learn much about the Emperor just yet, and your blossoming crush from long ago was now left to wilt away with uncertainty.

"[Name]? What do you think?" The Emperor quoted himself, snapping you out of your thoughts. You had found yourself repeatedly stuck in trains of thought in your head, travelling round and round with new questions each time.

"Ah, I'd enjoy a religious venue as well. I.. you... I'm up for whichever one you choose, as long as there's a beautiful view." You replied to the Emperor's question. You felt as though you were suffocating in his entrapping grip around your body - hauling you closer and closer. Yet you couldn't help but enjoy the attention. You enjoyed the feeling of his warm breath against your neck and the sweet nothings he would whisper into your ears time and time again. Your emotions were in a mix.

"A religious venue indeed! I know a certain one that has the most exquisite view with flower fields as far as the eye can see. It is where the great god Ezio had sacrificed himself for his first and last love, don't you know? It has such a strong connection to love as well as religion. It is perfect, no?" Takahiro nuzzled into your neck, giving your shoulder Eskimo kisses before pressing small pecks with his soft rosy lips against your [S/C] skin.

"It is indeed." You said. Were you frightened of that bloodthirsty look he had in his eyes when something set him off?

❣

Takahiro pulled away and gazed at your shoulder, sparing a glance at your bra strap. His hands drifted away from yours and climbed up your back. You felt shivers go up your spine with the electric sensation of his cold fingertips hitting the warm skin on your back. He paused at your bra strap and swiftly unhooked it, freeing you of the underwire's uncomfortable position.

"Takahiro- what- what are you doing?" You asked, astonished at his sudden behaviour, a flustered blush spreading across your cheeks.

"Aren't you uncomfortable sleeping in a bra, [Name]? I heard that it feels like a nightmare. I only wish for my empress to have a peaceful beauty sleep. Unless of course, you were hoping for more than just a touch on your back." The Emperor susurrated into your ear.

You flinched at the ticklish sensation of his breath and remained unsure of how to respond to his statements.

"I am somewhat uncomfortable-"

"Are you afraid of me seeing your teat through the thin fabric of your nightgown?" He interrupted your answer with a confident and bold inquiry that made you jump in his grasp.

"No! No, I-"

"I am going to be your husband soon. I hope you are aware that if not on our wedding night, we will perform intercourse during our honeymoon. It is tradition, after all, to do so. Or is that something you do not want?"

"Well, I-"

"Are you a virgin, [Name]?" The Emperor interrogated you with his hand still placed on your back.

"Yes, I didn't have time-"

"You must feel nervous then, yes? I usually prefer to be quite rough in bed, but I can be gentle on you if you'd prefer that." Takahiro repeatedly cut off your answers as his questions kept coming from left and right. You could soon feel his hand leave your back and slide down to your thigh where he gripped onto tightly yet tenderly.

"I must admit that I am nervous for such a thing. I don't think I'm quite ready yet." You told the Emperor, regretfully looking over your shoulder and meeting his gaze. He had been staring at you the whole time. You winced in surprise, your orbs now locked with one another's.

"I guess I will just have to wait until my empress is ready, as long as I don't have to wait forever. I'd like to have an heir to the throne." The Emperor responded.

Much to your surprise, he was not pushy or desperate towards popping your cherry and was willing to wait. You had expected to see that still unfamiliar bloodthirsty glare that you could not get used to even if you tried. Instead, you were met with the glaze of love blinding his eyes.

"You.. you'll wait?" You repeated his words.

"Indeed. I'm not desperate to do it with you even if I can't deny my attraction to you in that sexual manner." He affirmed with you what he had said.

"I appreciate you being patient with me." You replied gratefully, a sigh of relief escaping your lips.

"In return though," He grabbed your arm and turned your body to face him, "I ask you not to make me hold back."

Your heart skipped a beat as the Emperor flashed you a devouring smile.

❣

"[Name], my dear. I still have many more questions about our wedding, but first - do you have any questions you'd like to ask me regarding it? It's best to get them out of the way now rather than later." He questioned you as he sat up to pull the duvet cover over your bodies as shield from the cold night air.

"Is it alright if my brother comes to our wedding and designs my wedding dress - or if not, at least helps in some sort of way to make it?" You asked the Emperor, hopeful.

"[Name], I hope you understand that the members of the upper-class will not want to meddle with him if it's not on business terms. I don't think it'll be wise to have him at our wedding; he may not have the right etiquette or diminish your image." The Emperor said truthfully.

You sighed, suppressing your anger. You felt as though he were only trying to appease those with high status around him. You threw the blanket off your body and moved yourself to the opposite edge of the bed, straying as far away from the Emperor's frame as you could get.

"Don't be difficult with me, [Name]." The Emperor stated as he watched your figure quiver from the cold. His touch was the one thing keeping you warm as Intuuin became frigid during the night time. It was surely not possible to freeze to death, but the cold was quite unbearable, especially in such a thin ivory nightgown.

The Emperor's wine red eyes watched as your [S/C] skin became paler and shivered in the cold. He sighed and raised his arm with the duvet, welcoming you to a warm burrow in his grasp and the duvet as well.

"My empress, come sleep next to me." The Emperor called to you in a light and welcoming tone.

You ignored his calls. You wanted Kai to be there at the very least. You already felt like you didn't fit in after all. Kai being there would make it a little bit better. And he would most likely walk you down the aisle since he was your only known living family member.

"Very well, I'll make sure your brother comes to our wedding on two conditions."

You shifted to peek over your shoulder, curiously, "What are your conditions?"

"He agrees to take etiquette lessons until the wedding comes around. I know an etiquette tutor whom I can send over to him several times a week. That is my first condition. My second condition is that you come here now." He ordered of you, a passive look on his face.

"F.. Fine." You responded, scooting back over to the Emperor who wrapped you in his warm embrace once again. The cold air was like hell against your skin; the warmth you now experienced was heavenly.

❣

Takahiro looked down at your cleavage, noticing that your bra was still loosely on your torso. You blushed, taking notice of where his eyes had diverted to. The Emperor proceeded to remove the bra straps from your arms gently. As you reached to remove it from under your nightgown, you let out an audible gasp as the Emperor's hand shot up your