Conquering His Heart [Joongdok Royal AU]

The Emperor and The Empress

Once upon a time, there lived an Emperor who was greatly admired by all of humanity. Although a tyrant he was, he was still deemed to be one of the greatest-- perhaps the greatest amongst all living leaders there was in the world. He was great, mighty, strong, independent, even his looks were on par with the Greek Gods that exists. He was perfect, an embodiment of perfection. He's got everything that a normal person would wish to have.

He was given the moniker, [Supreme King], the Emperor feared by everyone. His name was...

Emperor Yoo Joonghyuk.

The Emperor is also a human, he was not omnipotent to handle things alone by himself. He would need a partner to share the burdens of leadership, the hardship of being the ruler of the throne; he needed an Empress by his side.

And so there enters the Empress of the Empire, Empress Kim Dokja.

The Empress came from a decent family, more specifically, a family overseeing the territory of the Underworld; he was a royal. He, even if he didn't came directly from the bloodline of the King and Queen of the Underworld, was well-beloved by the people of his kingdom and by his foster parents. The orphan he was, was able to be welcomed to a loving family and a loving kingdom. He was a great prince, he loved his people and cared for them dearly. He would sacrifice everything, even if it was his own life, just for the sake of his family, his people, his kingdom.

And so came the news of the Emperor looking for a spouse.

There was no better candidate but the Prince of the Underworld. The kingdom protested at first, they didn't want to send their beloved prince away. But they were oppressed by the immense power of Emperor Yoo Joonghyuk and Prince Kim Dokja had to accept the offer even if his family and the whole kingdom protested against him.

But the prince did not change his mind for he insisted it was for the kingdom and for the better of his people. His resolve did not waver; he was too caring for his kingdom that he has forgotten himself. The people were frustrated with their weakness, they were not able to protect the prince they so loved. And they watched the unwanted marriage unravel before their own eyes.

The Prince of the Underworld became the Empress of the Empire. He was not a trophy wife, he was the real deal. He was able to help the Empire and he was able to capture the hearts of many people. Along with the job of making the Empire rise, he was also able to help his own kingdom and his parents.

He was a great son and a great Empress, even the Supreme King said so.

And as time passed by, the Empress slowly fell in love with the Emperor. But it remained one-sided. The Emperor did not reciprocate the feelings of the Empress. He was cold, indifferent. Nonetheless, Empress Kim Dokja loved the man; he did everything for that one man who didn't even return his feelings to him.

And even at death's door, he protected the man.

Even at the cost of his life.

The Emperor lost his partner of years. His spouse. His wife. The Empress.

It was too late when he realized he made one mistake: He didn't get to express his true feelings for his wife.

"My Dearest, Empress. Please... please..." His voice wavered as he hold onto the Empress' limp body. It was cold, pale, and lifeless. He ran his hand onto the latter's bloodied cheek, it was so so pale. "My Empress, am I too late?" He muttered between sobs as he hugged the lifeless body of his spouse. He regretted the every second of his life when he held his Empress' body.

He prayed for all gods to listen to his one request: To let him atone for his wife.

He would do everything, even if he live a thousand lives.

All to see his Empress back alive.

And so did his wish came true.

At the night after the Empress' burial, Emperor Yoo Joonghyuk went in the garden where his late spouse often came by. It was a garden full of carnations, the flower Empress Kim Dokja loved. It was a quiet and peaceful evening when suddenly he saw a hooded man beyond the bench where his beloved often sat by.

"Who are you?" Emperor Yoo Joonghyuk called out, his hand held the handle of his sword, ready to draw out.

But the hooded figure did not answer. The Emperor was angered and he rushed towards the suspicious person.

Then suddenly, he was surrounded with golden letters that formed into words he did not understand. His vision then slowly faded and at the last moment, he heard the person talk, "You will be given a chance to atone for your sins. Live your life well this time," before he passed out.

***