The empire had seen war, destruction, and rebirth. Now, it would witness something entirely new—the marriage of its ruler.
The Grand Ceremony
The imperial palace was transformed into a paradise of golden lanterns and flowing silk banners. The streets were alive with music, feasts, and celebrations, marking the first festival under the rule of the Red Emperor. The people, once fearful of their ruler, now looked upon him with a mixture of awe and respect.
At the center of it all, standing before the grand altar, was him—the Red Emperor, dressed in black and crimson robes, his presence as commanding as ever. And beside him was her, the woman who had once been a betrayer, then a slave, and now, an Empress.
Dressed in a magnificent red and gold gown, she looked more like a goddess than a mortal. Yet, despite the splendor of the moment, there was no love in the Emperor's eyes.
A Promise Unlike Any Other
As the ceremony began, the palace priest recited the traditional vows, but when it came time for the Red Emperor to speak, he changed them.
"I do not believe in love," he stated coldly, his voice echoing across the silent hall. "But if you are to stand beside me, you must swear on more than mere words."
The Empress looked up at him, unwavering. She had known this moment would come.
"You will never betray me. You will never leave my side. You will never allow another man close to you. You will love me, and you will forgive me for all that I have done and all that I will do."
The court held its breath, waiting for her response.
"I swear it," she said softly, but her voice carried the weight of absolute devotion.
And with that, the vows were sealed.
A Night of Silence
The celebrations continued throughout the city, but in the Emperor's private chambers, there was only silence. The Red Emperor sat alone, a goblet of wine in his hand, staring at the flickering candlelight.
His Empress sat beside him, watching him carefully.
"You are the most powerful man in the world," she said finally. "But are you happy?"
He chuckled, a bitter sound. "Happiness is a fool's dream."
She did not argue. Instead, she simply placed her hand over his.
For the first time in years, he did not pull away.
The empire had been rebuilt. The throne was his. The war was over.
But peace did not mean fulfillment.
And though he had gained everything, the Red Emperor still felt as if he had nothing at all.
___________________________________