The beginning for Cassian and her was by no means pleasant. It was only because he could not withstand the persistent nagging of his ministers that he took her as his Empress. A cold marriage, devoid of love or affection.

He chose her because she was the daughter of a powerless family and had a quiet, timid personality. He wanted to ensure she wouldn't be a headache later.

In the beginning, Cassian hurt her countless times, just as he always had.

*"There will be no children between us."

"Get out this instant."

"How loathsome."

Despite this, she did not back down. Instead of crumbling from the pain, she stayed by his side even more quietly and firmly.

It was strange. No matter how much he pushed her away, she did not leave. And at some point, the warmth of her presence began to feel familiar as it seeped into his body.

Every time she smiled, his heart would throb for no reason, and his chest would feel a tickling ache. Instead of the nightmares that plagued him every night, days where her face flickered in his mind became more frequent.

At first, he didn't know what this feeling was. He thought it was just because of her unhesitating attitude. While everyone else bowed their heads in fear, she smiled at him, reached out her hand, and sometimes stayed by his side in silence.

He firmly believed that he was only unsettled because her unfamiliar warmth and gaze were uncomfortable.

However, as time passed, he could no longer deny the name of this emotion.

It was love.

A love so hot and massive it felt like he might suffocate.

He loves her. Madly. No, to the point of death.