Wicked Reign

Of Love & Reality

The moonlight poured through the grand windows of the imperial chamber, casting silver threads across the lavish silk sheets and the marble floor. The palace was quiet at this hour, save for the occasional crackle of torches and the distant echo of the guards' footsteps patrolling the corridors. It was a silence Victoria enjoyed—a moment of stillness after the political chaos of the day.

She stood near the window, a goblet of deep crimson wine in her hand, gazing at the imperial gardens below. Behind her, she could hear the rustle of fabric as Corean, the mighty emperor, approached her. Unlike his usual regal demeanor in court, here he was different—less of an untouchable monarch and more of a man hopelessly enchanted by his wife.

"Why don't you ever ask me if I'm jealous?" Victoria asked, not turning to face him. Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of amusement in it. She had been expecting Corean to bring up Lucia's humiliating defeat in court, but instead, he had remained quiet, watching her with unreadable eyes.

Corean came up behind her, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist. His warmth seeped through the fabric of her gown as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Because," he murmured, his voice like velvet, "I have never given you a reason to be."

Victoria chuckled softly, swirling the wine in her goblet. "Oh? Not even a little bit? Even after all the noble ladies throwing themselves at you?"

She felt him smile against her skin. "No. Because you know better. You know me better."

She turned to face him then, her flame-red ruby eyes searching his face. He was beautiful, even in the dim light—the hue of his hair, the sharp angles of his jaw, the deep devotion burning in his eyes. There was no hesitation in his gaze, only absolute certainty.

Corean took the goblet from her and placed it aside. Then, to her surprise, he dropped to his knees before her, wrapping his arms around her legs as if she were a goddess he worshipped. His head rested against her stomach, his breath warm against her gown.

"I would burn the entire world down if that's what you needed," he whispered, his voice fervent. "If anyone dares to make you doubt me, I will erase them from existence. If you command it, I will make rivers run red and skies turn black."

Victoria tilted her head, watching him with a smirk. "So dramatic," she mused, trailing her fingers through his golden locks. "And what if I simply asked for patience?"

Corean lifted his gaze, eyes dark with adoration. "Then patience is what I will give. But make no mistake, my love, my patience is only for you. I let those nobles plot because I know you enjoy watching them struggle. It amuses you, and I would never take away your entertainment."

Victoria laughed, a rare, genuine sound. "So, this is all just a game for you?"

"No." His grip on her tightened. "This is a game for you. I am simply making sure you never get bored."

She studied him for a long moment, the power of his devotion settling in her chest like a weight she wasn't sure she wanted to acknowledge.

Love, in its purest form, was dangerous.

It could consume. It could destroy. And Corean... he was already consumed. Willing to destroy everything for her.

"You truly are mad," she whispered.

His lips curved into a slow, wicked smile. "Only for you."

She let out a soft sigh before leaning down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Then be a good emperor and continue playing this game with me."

Corean let out a low chuckle, his grip never loosening. "Until my last breath."

...

The room was steeped in the velvety darkness of midnight, save for the faint glow of embers smoldering in the fireplace. The air carried the scent of lavender and sandalwood, mingling with the residual heat of passion. Emperor Corean Shuia Eckrett lay awake, his golden eyes tracing the delicate rise and fall of his wife's bare back as she lay against him, her body half-draped in the silk sheets. The world outside the chamber was one of political intrigue, deception, and war, but here, in this sacred space, time seemed to halt.