[Emperor's Chamber—The Day of the Wedding—Emperor Cassius Pov]
Dawn arrived without asking permission.
Pale light slipped through the tall windows, brushing the silk curtains in hues of pearl and gold, as though even the sun wished to bear witness to this day. The imperial palace was already awake—servants moving like disciplined shadows through marble corridors, footsteps softened, voices hushed, and excitement wrapped carefully in obedience.
And every single sound grated on my nerves.
Everything about this day pissed me off.
I stood by the window, staring at the sky, jaw tight.
Strange… truly strange how a man branded a tyrant by history—a man whose life revolved around killing before he could be killed—a man who had never expected warmth, mercy, or attachment—Found life in a child.
I was never meant to protect anything.
