Everything. Blanche loved you more than anything else. She would have never betrayed you or even thought about anything like that. She would have done anything for you, and you pay it back with this? You threw her away and still act like you can tell her that you love her. Are you stupid? You betrayed her in the vilest way with that-” He cut himself off, his expression only seeming to turn more sour and hateful. “Blanche should never have loved you. Anyone else would have been better.” He looked like he was going to lift his sword to stab his brother again but stopped at the last moment. And just like that, all emotions seemed to leave him. As always when he got too upset, the damned smile he was clinging to appeared on Cedar''s face as he stared at the other man and continued in a whisper. “And no matter what you did, she still loves you. Even now, she probably hates me for killing the man she loves. It''s pathetic, isn''t it?” He ran his hand through his hair and let out a shaky breath. Maybe he had expected a response, but he didn''t get one.


    He had sent her to


    Seraphina Duremont. The murderer of his beloved. That she was still in the palace was a miracle, especially since he had threatened to kill her multiple times. Maybe he should have just done that. Then he wouldn''t be forced to hear her revolting voice. But he didn''t have the energy to deal with her now when his life was slipping through his fingers. That woman wouldn''t take even a single second from his time with Blanche.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Shut up, Murderer. He is talking to Blanche.” That order alone ensured silence.


    murderer could see the silhouette of a kneeling figure that cried for the emperor. Or maybe just the thought scared her. She scrambled backward and held her hand in front of her mouth. She let out a whimper before only a few words left her mouth. “I''m sorry. I''m so sorry...”


    “


    <hr>


    dead. He could feel his entire body again.


    that damned witch? Maybe she hadn''t realized that he hated her yet, or she wouldn''t have saved him.


    That wouldn''t happen.


    How wonderful. Now he could find another way to finally end this.


    There was no way.