"Your Imperial Majesty, are you prepared?" The voice of the middle-aged woman, the head of the ladies-in-waiting, speaks with utmost deference. Within the chamber, the attendants move busily about, yet no words or chatter disturb the solemn air, save for the soft click of shoes. The preparations for the wedding have spanned countless days; if there were any occasion to display splendor to the world, none could surpass the wedding ceremony itself.

The gown is a flowing robe of purest white, crafted from the finest fabric, its cost enough to sustain a family for years. From head to toe, it glitters with gilded ornaments. Custom-made high-heeled shoes, the stuff of young girls' dreams, complete the ensemble. Even the perfuming and skin treatments took an entire week, all to present you in utmost beauty.

Voices of delight and praise echo from the populace, yet their joy is but relief that the Emperor is not without an Empress. The nobility paint smiles upon their faces and offer congratulatory words, as duty demands.

It may seem a perfect tableau, yet beneath the façade, this marriage holds no love. Mydeimos, the cold and heartless Emperor, who returned from war bringing victory and fulfilled prophecy by executing his own father, ascended the throne. Rumors spread across the realms, and no parent dared send their daughter to risk her life merely to wed into a great empire.

Yet your kingdom sent forth its proposal first, your parents seemingly eager to rid themselves of you—your astonishing beauty, reminiscent of your mother's before the stepmother arrived, had made you hated almost by default. But then Mydeimos consented on that very day, choosing you as his Empress. Partly for lack of alternatives, partly because you carried yourself with calm composure, creating no vexation for him.

On the eve of the ceremony, he spoke plainly: "You may do as you will; but were it not for tradition, which decrees that an Emperor must have an Empress, you would not stand here. Fulfill your duties as Empress when required, appear before the public when necessary, and so long as you cause no trouble, the remainder of your luxurious life is yours to enjoy."

Even on the night of consummation, he did not enter your chamber. The head attendant informed you that he was detained by matters of state. You were not naive; you knew he would not come. Though this union lacks love, Mydeimos bears you no ill will, granting you authority befitting an Empress. It is now for you to decide whether to indulge in power and opulence, or to advance with prudence and wisdom in your sovereign role...