Everything for the throne

Lingering past as a dream

The bright, dazzling sun illuminated the barren ground, dotted with small camps, where sweaty soldiers trained with determination. It was evident that the location was a training camp.

Inside a tent, the Emperor sat casually dressed, reviewing papers on the table. Standing beside him was a well-trained man, one of his Majesty's royal knights, always positioned to his left. He was also a close friend of the Emperor.

Emperor Alexandr: Where is my beloved knight?

Royal Knight Michael: Lady Alexandria is currently with her squad on the training grounds.

Emperor Alexandr: Is she training them again?

He inquired, noting that it was already time for his beloved knight to return.

Royal Knight Michael: Training them? No your majesty. She is subjecting them to torture.

Alexandr chuckled at the comment...

Royal Knight Michael: I'm not exaggerating. Her training methods are so intense that merely observing them would exhaust people. She's quite ruthless. Such a devil

Michael explained, gesturing in a way that amused the Emperor and elicited laughter. However, the Emperor abruptly ceased his hearty laughter.
Michael, initially puzzled, comprehended when he sensed a formidable presence before him.

Alexandria: Sir Michael, For you to have time to call me devil, you must have found yourself with plenty of free time now that the war has concluded.

Royal Knight Michael: You are a goddess Lady Alexandria. Without your blessing, we wouldn't have won the war, and I wouldn't have found time to have insignificant small talk with his majesty.

The Emperor burst out laughing at the situation, while Alexandria ignored the poor knight and greeted her King.

Emperor Alexandr: He isn't entirely wrong. Could you perhaps be a bit more lenient with your squad members?

Alexandria: Your Majesty, once they've sworn their vows as knights, they must fulfill them. As the commander of my squad, I'll certainly ensure they're trained to be capable knights of the kingdom.

Emperor Alexandr: *Sigh* I can't disagree with you on this issue.

The Emperor continued to inspect the papers he held, while Royal Knight Michael glanced at the Emperor and the commander, feeling puzzled.

Royal Knight Michael: Respectfully I'm just putting my genuine concern on the table, but I don't understand where you found this wild animal, ur majesty?

Emperor Alexandr: She's certainly wild, but she's my most precious treasure.

This caused the knight, who typically wore a blank expression, to blush slightly. As Michael observed the affectionate couple before him, he commented with disgust.

Royal Knight Michael: Did the stone just blush?

Alexandria glared at the man, causing him avert his gaze bowing to the Emperor, excusing himself to check on the soldiers who were training, leaving the two alone in the tent.

Alexandria sat in the chair beside the Emperor, resting her legs on the table. She leaned back, loosening her shirt, while the Emperor turned his head toward her, gazing at her affectionately.

Emperor Alexandr: I still recall the time you danced with your sword, just for me. I pondered how a woman with such graceful curves could ruthlessly take lives.

Alexandria: And I ponder how a sly man like you can speak so charmingly.

Emperor Alexandr: You are incredibly precious to me, Andria. I can't envision my life without you. If the worst punishment the gods could inflict is to take you away from me.

The Emperor's desperate feelings toward Alexandria left her sitting still, like a statue.

Christian opened his eyes to find himself under an unfamiliar ceiling adorned with golden floral designs. He glanced to his right and smiled at Alice, who sat reading a book.

Alice: When does the prince intend to depart?

Alice remarked as she watched Christian awaken from his dream. He sat up and gazed at the balcony where the setting sun was visible.
After taking a few minutes to rise from the couch, he approached Alice, who didn't glance in his direction. Leaning in, he whispered.

Christian: I will come back, dear wife.

He walked to the balcony and departed in the same manner as he arrived. Alice placed the book on the table and pondered.

Alice: I believe it's time to dismantle the balcony as monkeys have been frequent climbers lately.

Alice glanced at the book she was reading, with Christian's words lingering in her thoughts.