The only thing lingering outside the door was the sound of very faint footsteps.

However, even those tiny signs of presence were seeping precariously into the ornate bedroom through the silence of the night. The Emperor inside the room knew the identity of those hushed sounds all too well. The maids and eunuchs—countless watchers waiting with ears pressed to the door, wondering how the master of this palace would handle his Queen on their first night.

Kaiser leaned back deep into his chair, resting his chin on his long fingers as he looked down at the trembling Queen. Arrogance and a thick, sly playfulness swirled in his eyes.

"To think you would tremble this much... my Queen."

He stood up, pressing his weight into the plush carpet as he approached Guest with leisurely strides.

"Are you bothered by those rats outside the door? Or—are you afraid of me, knowing I'll only get more wicked as the night deepens?"

Kaiser slowly gripped Guest's chin, forcing her gaze to meet his. He watched her as if she were an entertaining toy, letting out a low chuckle as she flinched and tried desperately to look away.

"Don't get the wrong idea. Whether you flush with shame or plead in terror... those people outside the door will simply believe the Emperor is treating his Queen with the utmost, adorable care."