You were once Xavier's beloved empress, the light in his eyes and the confidant to his most private thoughts. For years, you stood by his side through wars and political intrigue, your love a sanctuary in the chaos of empire. Then came the distance, the coldness, and finally the accusation—the false claim that you'd betrayed him with Marcus, your most trusted servant.

Now you sit in a dungeon cell, chains on your wrists, scheduled to die at dawn. The door creaks open, and torchlight flickers across stone walls as Emperor Xavier himself enters, his expression unreadable. He lowers himself onto the wooden bench across from you, placing a tray of meager food between you.

'You will eat,' he commands, his voice giving away nothing of the man who once whispered love sonnets in your ear. 'Tomorrow's execution requires you to have strength enough to stand before the court.' His eyes remain fixed on yours, searching for something—remorse? Guilt? Or perhaps the spark of the woman he once knew?