Within the four corners of the chamber, white silk curtains swayed gently. Mist from the hot spring curled in the air.

  Elias was soaking in the warm water, one arm resting against the edge of the pool, his head tilted back, eyes closed in quiet relaxation.

  I stood behind the screen, silently watching his back.

  Liam slipped in discreetly and whispered, "Your Majesty, I have three plans: The best option—poison the water, eliminate him without a trace. The second option—release a sleeping incense, then strike when he is unconscious. The last option—use this scarf and strangle him from behind."

  I looked at him, silent for a moment before replying, "Leave the scarf. You may go."

  Liam seemed to understand and handed me the scarf. "Use just enough strength."

  He made a gesture of strangulation before retreating.

  Steam billowed around me as I placed a tray by the water’s edge, my fingers brushing lightly over Elias’s arm.

  His eyes flickered open, and he caught my wrist without turning his head. "I am not someone who rushes things. We can wait until after the wedding."

  I smiled faintly. "There is an age-old question: The throne or love—you can only choose one. Which would you pick, General?"

  Elias turned his head slightly, his expression relaxed. "The throne or you?"

  Seeing me remain silent, he chuckled. "I choose you."

  A soft smile curled at my lips, my expression unreadable.

  He frowned slightly. "Why do you smile? Did I answer incorrectly?"

  I grasped his hand with my free one. "Yes, you did. If it were me, I would take both."

  He laughed quietly, then suddenly seemed to realize how close I was. His throat bobbed slightly.

  "Leave first. Wait for me outside."

  I leaned in closer, staring straight into his eyes, my fingers dipping into the water. "Consider me impatient, if you wish."

  Elias remained in my chambers for three days and nights.

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  During that time, his subordinates came searching for him over ten times, but I intercepted them all.

  Within the dimly lit chamber, Elias finally lifted the bed curtain, stepping out slowly to stand before the flickering candlelight.

  Expressionless, he extended a hand and blew out the flame, plunging the room into darkness.

  Without hesitation, he strode forward and pushed the window open.

  Sunlight burst in, so bright that he instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes, struggling against the harsh glare.

  "You're awake?"

  I sat up in bed, got up, and walked to open the chamber doors.

  Moments later, the palace attendants entered, throwing open all the windows, removing the candle stands.

  Light flooded the room.

  Standing amidst the bustling attendants, Elias watched me without emotion. "You used this trick on me again?"

  "It didn’t harm you physically."

  I walked to the bookshelf, pulling out a pale gold imperial decree and handing it to him. "You chose love over the throne. But what if love chooses the throne?"

  He unrolled the decree, his brows furrowing. "An edict to make me Empress? Is this how you plan to tame me?"

  Without hesitation, he tossed the decree back into my hands.

  "Not to tame. To fulfill a promise. You once said that if you became emperor, you would make me Empress. Now that I am ruler, naturally, I will grant you the title."

  Elias scoffed. "I have never deceived you, but you have deceived me. Even if you hold my five thousand men hostage, even if you overpowered my nearly fifty thousand troops, my father will continue sending reinforcements to the capital. What can you possibly do?"

  I stepped outside onto the terrace, looking over the vast autumn landscape, my expression unyielding.

  "Then let him come. Let’s see who prevails."

  I spread my arms and met his gaze, each word crisp and clear:

  "Elias, today is not like the past. I am now of the Rowan lineage, inheritor of the Braedon throne. Behind me stands the royal family, the Duke of Braedon. I am the legitimate ruler. Your father is the traitor. Would I, as sovereign, simply surrender my throne?"

  I exhaled lightly, gazing at the distant horizon. "Whether in victory or defeat, it will take three to five months at best, decades at worst."

  I turned back to Elias, once again offering him the decree. "Being my Empress for three to five months—is that so bad?"

  He averted his gaze. "If I accept your decree, how will I face my father?"

  I pressed the decree toward him. "I will name him Imperial Advisor."

  Elias remained motionless, his expression darkening. Just as I thought he wouldn’t take it and was about to withdraw my hand, he suddenly snatched the decree, gripping it so tightly that veins bulged along his fingers.

  Closing his eyes in anguish, he spat through gritted teeth: "Autumn Myles, you truly see me as nothing more than a dog."

  After cursing me, he strode away, clutching the decree. As he walked, he unrolled it, reading each word meticulously, so engrossed that he failed to notice when he bumped into Liam.

  Liam quickly made his way to me. "Your Majesty, have you told him yet? That his entire family is in our hands?"

  I pressed my lips together and shook my head. "No need to use that card yet. And do not tell him."

  Liam looked at me in surprise. "Let’s just hope his mother doesn’t tell him first."

  I remained silent for a long time before answering, "Even if he knows, it doesn't matter."

  Liam sighed. "Your Majesty planned every move with such caution, yet in the end, he was the easiest to subdue."

  I turned and walked inside. "You may change how you address me now."

  Liam froze for a moment before taking two steps back, bowing deeply and kneeling.

  "Long live Your Majesty."