His Beloved Wife

The day he lost her.

AGE: 53 (deceased)

When he saw her on the floor, barely breathing, he rushed to her side. Her delicate body was in his arms as he watched in horror how she coughed up more blood.

"M-my love? What is happening to you?"

Varin chuckled as she gently caressed his cheek. "It's alright. I am... just in slight pain. Lay me on the bed, will you?"

Derek nodded and carried her, bridal style, before laying her on the bed gently. He pulled the blanket over her body and laid beside her. He stroked her hair as he pulled her close. He whispered, "My love... why must you grow old?"

Varin let out a shaky chuckled. "I am no immortal like you. Oh my love, you are... everything to me." She said in a hushed tone.

Derek couldn't stop that singular tear from streaming down his cheeks. Their foreheads connected as he whispered. "Do not leave me... Please."

He always reminded himself that even though his advisors and comrades literally objected full heartedly at his will when he married her. How they reminded him as an Emperor that he could only procreate with a chosen mate. But he ignored their words as he will always continue to love and protect his beloved wife.

But the day he lost her, his beloved wife, he had completely forgotten about everything. His eyes widened as the wind blew his hair. It was a bright day... A peaceful day. But it was not peaceful for him.

His heart ached as he silently cried over her grave. His knees buckled and he fell down to his knees as he clenched his shirt tightly. No one was by his side, but the Grave Master. That human was the only one who had seen Derek in his worse state.

The Grave Master watched from afar and only lowered his straw hat before turning his back on Derek.

He wasn't sure how long time had passed but the skies were already orange. When he arrived, it was bright blue, and the skies were clear. But now, the sun was soon to set.

He reluctantly got up from the ground and walked away from her grave. Oh, the pain in his heart was too much to bear. How could he continue to live like this? How could he continue his life without... her?

His shoulders were slumped as he walked into his palace just to be greeted by a party. His eyes widened in confusion as he looked around, expecting someone to come out and explain the situation. 

While he was wishing she never died of old age while he was still youthful. He wished they could have died together, side by side, wished she was his mate instead of a mere human that he fell in love with, his people... were rejoicing her death!

Mikael happily wrapped his hands around Derek's neck and threw the cup in the air. "Come, Derek! Let us rejoice! She is gone and you are finally free!"

His fists clenched hard and the next thing he knew...

The banquet was completely destroyed. His colleagues, including Mikael, tried to stop him but they were groaning in pain on the ground. Bleeding and injured badly. Mikael had blood running out of his mouth as he choked out the words.

"My Emperor... what are-" His words died when Derek plunged his sword into his heart.

"Did I allow to open that filthy mouth?"

 He gritted his teeth and pulled out his sword from Mikael's chest and kicked him to the ground. Mikael's lifeless body fell to the ground helplessly. His mother looked at him in horror. She looked at his face and her eyes slowly trailing down to his hands. He was holding his sword in one hand and... a head on the other.

Council Jackman's head. The organizer of this bloody party.