Delo Empire’s young emperor, Karzen, was a blood-crazed tyrannical emperor. He’d usurp, kill, trample, and destroy countless kingdoms in his wake. Among the royal families and nobles brought in as loot, men with exceptionally beautiful appearance were gifted as the princess’ bedroom slave. 

The princess’ beautiful palace had become the object of envy for some and a symbol of corruption to others.

Conservative age old aristocrats would whisper among themselves that Raha should hang herself after giving birth. She’s too wanton and wild, they would say. 

Such words made their way around, but Raha maintained a dignified smile that suited her beauty and noble status.

Karzen sat on the throne and said, “I have one more present for you, Raha. He helped me in the subjugation of the 13th Kingdom.”

As if on cue, the man who helped Karzen stepped out of the blood-colored pedestal and walked forward.

He had a terrifying cold, burning blue eyes. It was beautiful, though.

“King Shedd Hildes,” Karzen said, looking down at the man.

For a moment, Raha’s fingertips hardened coldly. The pale white hair, which was no different from the subjects that had been dragged in earlier, cluttered her vision. Despite their distance, the man’s eyes were fixed on Raha, his gaze piercing her.

At the same time, a rumble filled the banquet hall.

“Hildes? Aren’t you the king of the Hilosd Kingdom?”

“Shedd Hildes… he’s a member of a royal family shrouded in a veil. A complete mystery.”

“He chose not to stay in the spotlight…”

“Why’d you come here?” Karzen asked Shedd Hildes.

“I told you. I wanted something in return for my cooperation working with Dello Empire. I did have fun though.”

Karzen turned to Raha. He donned a strange smile. “Speak your needs to this emperor.”

The white-haired man’s expressionless face turned towards Raha.

“Raha del Harsa.” A raw, unintelligible voice resounded in Raha's ears. “I want her, Your Majesty.”

A commotion broke out amongst the noble. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing. The boldness to utter such words in front of the emperor. It was the first time and will be the last.

“…”

Karzen blinked. He glanced down at Raha with a curious expression. Within the pools of his gray eyes were subtle glimmers of malice mixed with curiosity.

“My precious twin sister isn’t something that can be given away.”

A clear smile permeated Karzen’s lips as he chuckled. His laugh wasn’t pleasant by any means. The emperor, whose hands were soaked in countless blood, couldn’t hide the cruelty in his eyes.

“Raha.”

“Yes, Karzen.”

“If the King of Hildes manages to live as your slave until winter, I will officially engage you to him.”

The nobles quaked. They couldn’t believe it. Slave? He means to make the king of a wealthy kingdom someone’s bedroom slave? It was as if their world had been turned upside down. However, Shedd Hildes did not react.

Everyone soon took notice. It looked like the condition had already been agreed upon prior to their arrival. It would seem that Shedd Hildes was willing to submit himself as someone’s slave. Many thoughts whirled in their head, but their lips kept quiet.

They waited bated breath for the princess’ answer.

“What do you think, Raha?”

His voice was soft and caring, but behind it contained poison and inability to refuse. 

Raha knew what to do.

“Yes, Karzen.”

“Then that settles it. You now have a wonderful slave, Raha.”

The hearts of the nobles shook, but it soon calmed down. Orchestra began playing and the sumptuous triumphal banquet resumed without a hitch. The beautiful Shedd Hildes, who had caused a stir, had long left the banquet hall under the chieftain’s guidance.

Karzen turned his gaze to Raha. “You’ll have fun nights in the coming days, Raha.”

The nobles near the emperor were startled and pretended not to hear. 

Raha put a smile of acceptance.

“Thank you, Karzen.”

Her smile never faded. 

It had always been like this.

It won’t change now and it won’t ever.

She had to smile to please her tyrannical twin brother.