Two

It was my 57th day in captivity when I received a knock on my door by a soldier. This was peculiar, because the last time I had seen a soldier was when I was brought here by them. Since then, the only person who has entered the room is my maid. She would help me dress, help me with the bath, or bring me food, but that was the extent of her visits. Today, however, it was a soldier. As his tall figure entered the room, I ran immediately to my desk and grabbed a letter opener. I heard him chuckle. " Don't worry girl. I'm not here to hurt you."

" Well then, sir, please state your reason for coming into my room."

" The emperor has requested your presence at dinner."

" Please send him my sincerest apologies. I won't be able to attend."

He scoffed as he raised an eyebrow. " And why not?"

" It's rather simple. I wouldn't like to have dinner with him."

" It is an honor to have dinner with the emperor's sun."

" And for that, I'm apologizing. You may now leave." I nodded.

He nodded and left the room.

There was another knock. I ignored it, after that scare, I didn't want to see anyone. A wave of fear hit me when the door opened anyway, and I was met with a cold blue. The same blue eyes responsible for my family's death. I immediately bowed.

" There's no need to bow. I came to speak with you. Let's walk in the garden. I believe you need the fresh air."

My heart ached. Oh, how I longed to have a walk outside, to breathe in the fresh air and the smell of the blossoming flowers.My ego wanted me to reject the offer, but I've felt suffocated for so long. I simply nodded and followed behind the usurper as he walked through the hallways towards the garden.

My tears began to fall as I stared at the roses my mother and I had planted; they were in full blossom. I could feel the emperor linger next to me. He coughed. " I wanted to say I'm sorry."

I looked at him instantly. Did I hear him correctly? Was this me hallucinating? " I didn't quite hear what you said."

His eyes never met mine, and as I searched his face for remorse or even a thread of guilt, the usurper fixed his gaze towards the distance. " I said I'm sorry for um- killing your family."

I could feel my eyes start to fill with tears, and now the emperor was staring at me. " Youre sorry?"

He was unbelievable.

He nodded. I shook my head, anger began to fill me. I continued to stare blankly at the flowers, remembering how mother and I decided on where to grow them. I thought this would help calm me down but it didn't. I needed to be away from him.

" I'm sorry your majesty, but I'd like to return to my room now."

" Was my apology not suffice?"

I remained silent, my eyes focused on the roses.

" Well. Answer me!" He said as he grabbed my face and turned it towards him. I stared into his eyes. Mine burning with anger.

" Tell me your majesty. Did you kill the rest of my family? The ones who don't live in the palace?"

His hard glare never wavered. " I feel as though you already know the answer."

I scoffed. "Say it. Your majesty."I spat.

" Yes, they are all dead but a few esc–"

I immediately covered my mouth.

"WHO?"

" It was 3 of your cousins from the Xorid area."

I gasped. Baozhai and her brothers could be alive. I fell to the ground and his eyes widened. Here I was begging.

" Please don't hurt them. If you um find them, I mean. Please don't hurt them. I know you may think they'll be part of a re–"

" Alright. I won't hurt them. I promise."

"Really? Please don't give me fal-"

" No harm will come to them, now stand up."

" Thank you."

I stood up. He gestured me towards a bench in the center of the garden and we sat there together.

"You're welcome. There are actually other things I would like to discuss with you. I had originally planned for us to have this talk over dinner, but I hear you don't have much of an appetite."

I nodded, not knowing what to say.

" Well, I'd like for us to start over. As you know, I'm not from an aristocratic background, and since your father never had a son, my counsel presumed that you were to marry the ruler of a neighboring empire and have received the preparation and studies to become a valuable asset to any kingdom. To ask you to marry me would be cruel, I know, so I simply ask for an alliance or a truce, if you will. I'd like for you to help me rule the empire. I need to learn the ropes. In exchange, in a year's time, I'll allow you to grant you your freedom along with any resources you may need. It's your life. Since you don't have any responsibilities to the empire, you may choose how to live."

I nodded. My head felt light. This this was everything I wanted, but everything I hated wrapped in one.

" In addition, you may have your freedom within the palace. You may even return to your original room. However, I have taken the emperor's wing, you must keep that in mind."

I nodded again. I really was speechless. I took a deep breath and began weighing the pros and cons of the situation. If I helped him for a year, I'd be free. I could live however I liked and could do whatever I wanted, but I'd help the man who killed my family rule the empire he stole. It felt like I was choosing him over them. My heart ached a little, but I knew they would've wanted me to live happily. This seemed like the best option I had right now.

"Your majesty. I'd like to form an alliance with you."