Three and a half years ago
Winter had settled quietly over the Imperial Palace.
Empress Selene sat beside a frozen pond with General Lunara discussing military matters.
Servants stood nearby with charcoal braziers and warm tea, ensuring the winter cold never touched their ruler.
A white fur robe rested around Selene’s shoulders.
A gift from Leorin.
Father of her child.
Prince Philip had been born six months earlier.
Her first child.
Her heir.
And the child she treasured dearly.
“Elene, you are here?
I searched for you in the study.”
That familiar voice again.
Elyas hurried toward her.
Selene glanced at General Lunara.
“We shall continue tomorrow.”
The General nodded immediately and departed.
It was rarely pleasant to remain in the same space as Elyas and the Empress.
One never knew when peace would disappear.
“What are you doing here?” Selene asked, already displeased.
“You did not come for dinner the other day.” Elyas pouted.
Her gaze drifted toward his lips.
That dark stain only worsened the expression.
“I was occupied.”
Short.
Cold.
Elyas knelt beside her chair and rested his hands lightly upon her forearm.
Clinging again.
“But I waited for you.”
Selene looked at him.
“That could not be helped.”
“I was disappointed.”
Her voice remained even.
“I was busy.”
“Can you visit tonight then?” Elyas asked hopefully.
“Just dinner…
or a walk?”
“Tonight I am with Consort Leorin.”
His smile weakened.
“Then tomorrow?”
“I will be with Cassian.”
His brows furrowed.
“Then after Cassian?”
“Leorin.”
“You accompany Leorin tonight and again two days later.
Why can it not be me?”
“You were removed from nightly duties.”
A headache was already forming behind Selene’s eyes.
“A simple meal or garden walk is still allowed.” Elyas tugged gently at her sleeve.
“I do not even leave the palace.”
“You received an invitation from Lady Elira.”
Selene spoke calmly.
“You may visit your family.”
“No.”
Elyas shook his head.
“I want to go with you.”
“Take me to the market.
Or the temple.
Or gardens.”
“I shall order guards to accompany you.”
“No.”
His grip tightened slightly.
“I want to be with you.”
His voice lowered.
“You have time for Leorin and Cassian…
but never for me.”
“They are my consorts.”
Selene pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I am fulfilling my duty toward them.”
“I am also your consort.”
His throat tightened.
“First consort.”
“You spend four nights with Leorin and two with Cassian.
What little time remains goes to your concubines.”
His eyes moistened.
“What about me?”
“Philip requires me.”
Her patience thinned.
“And Cassian understands his place.”
She looked directly at him.
“Why is that so difficult for you?”
“Because Cassian still gets time with you.
You spend time with Philip”
He lowered his gaze.
“I do not receive even one night.”
” Are you now Jealous of a kid now?
You are serving a decree.
”
Selene withdrew her arm from his grasp.
Silence lingered.
Then softly-
“I am not Jealous of Philip but am I not part of your family?”
“I want to leave the palace.”
Selene looked mildly surprised.
“Then visit your family.”
Her voice remained practical.
“Stay there for a week or longer.
I will not object.”
But Elyas immediately shook his head.
“I do not wish to be away from you, and you are my family now”
His voice carried quiet desperation.
“If I leave, your other consorts will have all your attention.”
“You wished to leave.”
“You are bored.”
“Then go.”
“Elene…” He hesitated.
His fingers tightened over his robes.
“You can stay away from me.”
“Your consorts can stay away from you.”
A tear gathered quietly.
Invisible to Selene.
Visible only to those who cared enough to look.
“But I cannot.”
His voice trembled.
“Not for a day.”
“Not an hour.”
“Not even a minute.”
Selene stood abruptly.
Her chair scraped lightly against stone.
“I would never leave your side,” Elyas whispered.
She began walking away.
“Elene.”
His voice softened.
Selene stopped.
Her back remained toward him.
“Then you are choosing misery over peace.”
She left without turning.
Silence settled over the frozen pond.
Elyas lowered his head.
One tear escaped fully.
“Without you…
there would never be peace.”
His voice barely reached the winter air.
“It is better to live in misery.”