The guard who was just inside the dungeon that Keira was currently residing in, walked out with an annoyed expression. The other guard who was also on standby outside the dungeon asked him why he was showing a scrunched-up face.

The guard only replied, “I now have to do something bothersome because I actually got provoked by the nonsense of an inmate who has a death sentence.”

The other guard patted his shoulder, “You don’t need to do anything for an already dead person.”

The guard replied “I know, but I still wanna see her reaction when I tell her that His Majesty didn’t react to anything she said. Nothing beats killing the last hope of an inmate who dares to act all smug.”

The other guard just shrugged his shoulder in response, “You do you. But If I were you, I would just leave that criminal to rot, while that person would continue on hoping that it had a chance to escape.”

The guard smirked, “You speak for yourself, you’re even grosser than I am.”

The other guard also grinned, “Go back and report to the superiors.”

The guard waved goodbye to his subordinate as he walk to the office to his superiors to not only report back but also try and relay that pathetic criminal’s last words. The guard snickered, replaying the words Keira said earlier. The guard thought to itself, ‘Hah! Me? Would be asked to serve her with courtesy? I would never be able to understand how those criminals' minds run.’

…

Adage was sitting on the window sill with one leg raised and one hand resting on his raised knee, a leather journal in his hand whilst looking through the scenery outside as his mind wandered with various thoughts that accompanied profound emotions.

He was wearing an imposing black robe that was laced with a golden intricate design, showing its grandiosity despite it looking simple. His chest was barely covered as the splendid robe was loose yet securely tied, showing a peek at Adage’s magnificent body.

The outfit well-matched Adage’s jet-black hair, which blew from the small breeze that managed to seep into the narrow opening of the window. His eyes had the same gleam as the amethyst crystals. His brows were dark and his lashes were long which made his eyes stern but also alluring. From the long nose to the perfect pump lips, he was like a painting made by god’s own hands.

By now, it was already afternoon. Adage had spent the entire morning just gazing outside his window. He did not even eat lunch as his mind was too preoccupied. Despite his chaotic thoughts, the place was peaceful… until a knock resounded in the room, breaking the serene silence.

“I told you not to disturb me unless it’s important.” His deep voice reverberated.

The person behind the door sounded, “Your Majesty, this concerns the respected commander—”

The attendant could not even finish his words when the door burst open.

“What.about.her.” Adage enunciated each word menacingly.

The attendant was apprehensive by its master’s gaze. Although it had served the emperor for a long time, this was the first he had seen such profound emotions brewing behind the purple eyes of Adage. The first time the attendant witnessed it was when the emperor heard someone speaking ill about the respected commander, saying how could the palace waste resources, celebrating the birthday of a person who had already long kicked the bucket.

It was understandable as the respected commander was already dead, well over 7 years at that time. Now, 10 years had already passed since the new dynasty was established, and the emperor still hold the respected commander dear to his heart that he had even rejected any marriage proposal. Not only from respectable and powerful families would come and ask for his hand in marriage but also nobles and royalty from other countries, offering their most beautiful princess, in hopes that the emperor who possessed the most powerful military force would be swayed and secure a connection to their respective family and countries.

What really puzzled the attendant was that recently, the emperor started to act weird. His Majesty often spent his time dazing off when he wasn’t dealing with anything important. And what was even weirder was that His Majesty told him to bring any news relating to ‘Keira’, the respected commander who had already died 10 years ago, and the attendant was even more confused when the emperor added, ‘to keep an eye out for any suspicious woman’, like hell there wasn’t any suspicious woman every day!

But now that he had heard the name ‘Keira’, instead of ‘respected commander’ popped out again after 10 years from some woman who tried to assassinate His Majesty, rendered him baffled. ‘It’s like His Majesty anticipated this from the very beginning.’

The attendant did not understand anything that was happening as His Majesty would always leave things like this hidden. The attendant was already used to the emperor’s attitude so it could do nothing but do as told.

“Your Majesty, the assassin that was previously thrown to the deepest part of the dungeon had relayed to the guard that was doing its round check that she needed to speak to you and even went on her way to tell the guard to tell you that, ‘Keira is here’.”

Adage’s eyes showed brilliance as if they could not contain their excitement.

Adage hurriedly asked his attendant, “Bring her to me and make sure to watch her carefully as that person would most likely try to escape with everything she got, but treat her with the utmost respect. Don’t let anyone lay a scratch on her.”

‘But she was already badly beaten up and was even starved in there.’ The attendant indignantly stated in his mind.

The attendant only showed a deep bow before leaving.

Adage looked at the attendant that was already partially running to do his errand. He could fetch that person in the dungeon and check if it was Keira himself, but somehow… he felt afraid.

He was ecstatic about meeting Keira again but he was also scared… scared that Keira would look at him with hatred and that she would show the resolute expression of her leaving him. But Adage knows he still couldn’t let her go…

Adage raised his hand and directed his gaze at it, letting his mind wander. He could still feel the cold metal of the gun. Adage closed his eyes and clenched his hands. The scene was still vivid in his mind.

Adage opened his eyes and saw that blood had already started to spurt out from his hand. The crimson color reminded him each time Keira died in his arms, and the times she had left him, be it voluntarily or not.

Adage stared at the blood dripping from his hand. He murmured to himself in the quiet hallway.

“Is your identity this time the person who tried to kill me?… I wonder what will be your expression this time when you see me again…”

There was a hint of sadness present on his face.

‘And I wonder if you would leave me again and… truly kill me this time…’