Episode Prologue
It was a beautiful spring day, just like the day of their wedding one year ago.
Splash.
Without even the faintest hesitation, Lanael threw herself into the lake. The noise of the crowd, stirred by her final cry, faded the instant she slipped beneath the waterās surface.
There was peace.
There was nothing left she longed for.
Only sorrow.
Ernaās face rose in her mind.
Because of her foolishness, she had lost her beloved younger sister.
She had known she should not trust people, should not trust love. She had known how deeply she despised that man.
Yet his gentle kindness had shaken her. And she had been shaken helplessly.
Lanael slowly closed her eyes. That day resurfaced with painful clarity.
You promised meā¦ You said you would grant me a wish. If you want me gone, I will disappear. So pleaseā¦
She had knelt before him and begged with every ounce of desperation she possessed. His red eyes, staring down at her, overflowed with contempt. His voice, cold as falling frost, rang in her ears.
Do you realize you look like a common woman demanding payment right now?
She had vowed that she would help him become Emperor, and once his true first love returned as the rightful Crown Princess, she would quietly step aside. In return, the Crown Prince had agreed to fulfill a single wish for her.
She had kept her half of the promise. She had placed him upon the throne. But she could not return his first love to him. Perhaps that was whyā¦
Why he crushed her wish without mercy.
Still, the fake woman he despised so deeply was now disappearing. Perhaps that alone would bring him a little happiness.
As that thought settled, she opened her eyes again. Her blue eyes widened in astonishment.
Through the blue, rippling water, she saw something she had never once imagined.
Karsian.
The man she had loved.
The man who had never loved her.
Karsian had dived into the lake, following her, trying to save her.
Whyā¦
His red eyes seemed filled with aching sorrow, and she almost laughed. She knew too well that such a thing could never be real.
Farewellā¦ my dear.
Karsianās hand never reached her.
She smiled at him one last time.
And finally, every part of their long-lasting play came to an end.
One Year Ago
Everyone who witnessed it said they had never seen such a sight in all their lives. And they believed they would never see anything like it again before they died.
It looked as if every precious and beautiful thing in the world had been gathered in one place.
The high walls of the palace hall were covered with flowers of every color, paired with lace decorations so exquisite they looked unreal.
Look at those flowers.
My goodnessā¦ fully blooming lisianthus in spring? Did they summon an earth spirit mage?
Flowers of every season blossomed as if they ignored the passage of time. A cool breeze drifted through the crowded hall, refreshing as if it came from the open air. The wind spirit mage standing quietly in the corner smiled faintly as he watched people delight in the moment.
The white silk carpet embroidered with gold and the beautiful ornaments throughout the hall announced just how noble and sacred this union was.
The bride entered, holding the hand of her father, Zeinen Nahar Irbeth, one of the Empireās three Grand Dukes. The countless jewels sewn into her white gown caught the light with every graceful step.
Her dazzling golden hair and deep blue eyes, like a serene summer lake, were beautiful even behind the veil.
Crown Prince Karsian Epert of the Ersen Empire, who had been standing before the High Priest, received her hand from the Grand Duke. He gently held her trembling fingers, as if assuring her that she would be safe with him.
Side by side, the two slowly knelt before the altar.
Heavenās light binds these two souls as one. From this moment on, you are joined. No one shall be able to divide you.
As the High Priest completed the solemn proclamation, the two lifted their heads from prayer.
A soft gasp escaped the nobles.
There was something sacred, almost divine, about the sight before them.
Truly, the two were breathtaking together.
It was the wedding of Crown Prince Karsian Epert and the sole daughter of the Irbeth Duchy, the noble lady who held a contract with the Water Spirit King.
Lanael sat quietly on the bed. She had not been given a moment to rest after the ceremony. The maids had bathed her, rubbed fragrant oils onto her skin, brushed her golden hair, and dressed her in a thin silk gown. When she finally became aware of herself again, she saw that the enormous bed had been sprinkled with red petals.
She lifted the hem of her pale pink silk gown for a moment. The fabric was so thin she wondered if it even counted as clothing. Most of her pale, delicate body was almost fully revealed.
She remembered the things the maids at the Irbeth townhouse whispered about the wedding night. Their tales were quite different from what the Duchess had taught her. She tried to force a smile, but the corners of her lips refused to move.
Unconsciously, she bit her red lips. The sound of her own heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears. Footsteps approached with slow, steady weight. The door creaked open. The candle flames flickered.
When she saw her husband entering the room, her breath caught. His neatly brushed black hair and the immaculate white uniform suited him so well, giving him an almost severe beauty. Yet his red eyes burned like flames.
She had seen such eyes before.
Maybe that was whyā¦
When he smiled faintly at her, her heart fluttered for a brief, foolish moment. She forgot her fear, forgot everything.
A man she had met only a few hours ago was now her husband.
She raised her head. He now wore a robe instead of the formal uniform. His midnight-black hair fell loosely over his forehead, and through the slightly open robe, she glimpsed his bare chest, which felt almost indecent.
Unsure whether she should still maintain etiquette dressed so scandalously, she nevertheless rose from the bed.
I greet the small sun of the Empire.
He walked toward her, slowly but unrelentingly. The distance closed until he stood directly in front of her, blocking her view entirely. She was not a short woman, yet from that angle, all she could see was his exposed chest through the loose robe.
His red eyes swept over her slowly, like a predator examining a sacrifice laid upon an altar.
What was she supposed to do?
The Duchess had told her something, she was sure.
But now it felt as if she had forgotten even how to breathe.
A large hand reached out and gently lifted her chin. Standing before her, he looked down at her with the calm authority of a ruler.
His lips parted slightly. A soft sigh escaped.
Haā¦
That sound reminded her of the Duchessās words.
Just close your eyes and stay still. The restā¦ your husband will know what to do.
So Lanael obediently closed her eyes. But the moment she did, her thoughts grew louder, swirling chaotically. She felt his breath drawing closer.
Suddenly, Karsian shoved her shoulder sharply, pushing her onto the bed. His large hand immediately closed around her slender, pale neck.
Who are you?
Where is my wife?
Pain struck her so suddenly she gasped, coughing as she forced her eyes open. His red eyes burned with fury, staring down at her like consuming fire.
Ahā¦ I have been found out.
