Aiko inhaled sharply. "His sister...she's probably a monster." A pause. "Just like the Emperor." She thought, her hands curling.

The Emperor stood up; he grabbed her arm and hooked it with his. His skin was cold while hers was warm. The Emperor then grabbed Aiko's face and dragged her closer to his. Aiko's eyes flashed: his touch irritated her.

The Emperor's eyes gazed over her face. He spoke softly, but his voice was sharp as a razor. "Let me make this clear. For your sake, you will do as I say. You will pretend that we are happily in love. And you will treat me like the Emperor. Do not speak to me boldly and don't do the same with my sister. If not, you will be executed, along with your village." Aiko looked down, fuming.

"Of course, Your Majesty." She hissed, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The Emperor's eyes gleamed. He turned around, tugging her arm, signaling they had to go.

Aiko's emotions thrummed inside her, pressing against her chest, trying to erupt. Hatred for the Emperor slowly seeped into her heart. Her face was void of emotion, her eyes emotionlessly gliding across the walls.

As they walked down the corridors, the maids and servants bowed down. Soon after the royal couple left, they all stood up, wondering who the mysterious person walking next to the Emperor was. No one had ever seen her before, and no new concubine had been added to the Imperial Harem. Rumors spread like wildfire.

Aiko gripped the Emperor's arm, her eyes landing on a chrysanthemum. It was beautiful, its petals dripping with soft and delicate water droplets. As the Emperor kept advancing, Aiko stopped in her tracts to admire it.

The Emperor felt her arm slip out of his grip and turned around. He found her standing in the middle of corridor, her eyes focusing on the flower. The Emperor slipped closer. "You find that flower interesting?" The Emperor asked. Aiko barely even glanced at him, her mouth shut.

The Emperor's grip tightened on her arm. He slipped closer. "If not even my threats can make you feign happiness, maybe a kiss will do the trick." He murmured. His arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer. Aiko's eyes froze with fear.

His hands were warm, yet dominant as they pushed Aiko close. The Emperor's cold breath blew on her lips. He leaned in, their lips close to touching.