Aiko's eyes widened and all the air dropped out of her stomach. Her knees buckled. The Emperor got closer, catching her. He took her in his arms. His hand grazed over her shoulders. "It was my mother's favorite one." The Emperor said, his eyes glimmering with unshed tears.

Aiko felt her heart tighten. She knew what it was like when someone disrespected your mother's memory, and no one deserved to feel the pain that came with it, not even the Emperor. Aiko felt horrible, the night vest now starting to weigh her down and suffocate her. She hesitantly pulled the Emperor into her arms. "I'm so sorry: I didn't know." Aiko whispered hoarsely, hoping he knew she spoke the truth.

The Emperor shook his head, pushing out the words with difficulty. "Just, please. Don't...don't move." It was clear it was hard for him to ask her this favor. Aiko felt surprise wash over her but she complied for once, feeling how much, he was trembling in her arms.

There was a moment of silence before she felt tears wet her chest. The Emperor's strong hands gripped her waist. Aiko slowly rubbed his back, hoping he would calm down. She imagined what he was going through. All those memories were flooding his mind, drowning the present with tears.

When his quiet sobs turned into small pants, they slowly pulled back away from each other. Embarrassed. Aiko wanted to ask if he wanted her to sing again. The Emperor felt an apology burn his tongue as it was about to escape.

They were both interrupted by someone knocking on the doors.

The Emperor froze. Aiko did as well. "Yes?" He yelled.

There was a sharp intake of breath audible from the far side of the room. "I'm sorry to bother you, Your Majesty, but there are some visits for The Emperor and the Soon-To-Be-Empress."

Aiko looked up. The Emperor knew who it was but wanted to be sure. Guilt burned his heart "Who is it?" He tightened his grip on her, this time to protect her and not himself.

"The Empress' family."

Aiko's world went black.