The Emperor's obsession

Zareth stepped into his chambers, the tall obsidian doors groaning shut behind him. The air was scented with sandalwood and the lingering trace of blood, carried by the soft velvet curtains that stirred with the wind. As he approached the balcony, a sharp, familiar screech cut through the night. His crimson gaze flickered to the window.

Sliding it open, a glossy black raven fluttered inside, wings spread with ominous grace before perching neatly on his outstretched arm.

"You did well, Elca," Zareth murmured, his voice low, calculated, each word soaked in lethal pride. He brushed his knuckles along the raven's sleek feathers. "My little eyes in the dark."

Elca gave a final, proud squeak before flying off into the silvery night. Zareth lingered on the balcony, watching the moon's pale light cut across the distant horizon. A cool breeze ruffled through his inky black hair as he ran a hand through it, the dark strands falling back into place with elegance. It was Elca that had told him about the princess escape with that damn prince.

---

Dawn broke with soft golden hues slipping past the lattice windows of Serenya's chambers. She groaned faintly, her body sore from the previous day's fall. Pain laced her limbs as she stirred, every small movement reminding her of the strain. She sat up, the satin sheets slipping down her body, revealing faint bruises along her shoulder.

A knock echoed on the door.

"Come in," she murmured, her voice raspy from sleep.

Her three ever present servants entered, silent as shadows, their heads bowed. None spoke a word as they helped her into a delicate gown of lavender and cream, woven in silk and threaded with pearls. Serenya said nothing, her mind already drifting toward her family. Today would be the last chance to see them before their departure and she hoped for a miracle.

She left her room with quiet determination, only to be stopped by two guards at the corridor's end.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her soft features hardened by the sting of annoyance.

"Forgive us, Your Highness," one of the guards said, bowing low. "But we are under strict orders from His Imperial Majesty. You are not to leave this wing."

Her fists clenched, knuckles turning white before she turned storming back to the Emperor's chamber. This man was really overdoing it!.

Moments later, she shoved open the double doors of the Emperor's chamber without warning.

Zareth stood in the center of the room, water dripping from his hair as he adjusted the black silk bathrobe clinging to his toned frame. The robe was lazily tied, revealing a chiseled chest and sharp collarbones. Drops of water glided down the curve of his throat to his muscular torso, his skin pale like polished marble.

He didn't flinch.

Instead, his red eyes locked on her, slow amusement curving his lips.

"My, my. What's got you storming in like an angry kitten so early in the morning?" he drawled, tilting his head.

Serenya's face flushed scarlet at the sight of him. But she pushed aside the heat crawling up her neck. "Why am I being held in my chambers?"

He turned away, stepping toward a tall mirror where two attendants rushed to dry his hair. "Because I won't tolerate another scene like yesterday," he replied smoothly, his reflection capturing the smirk on his lips.

"You promised I could see my family before they leave," she insisted.

Zareth chuckled, low and sharp. "Might. That's the word I used. I never affirmed anything."

Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Please... let me see them. Today is their last day."

He tilted his head, amused by her desperation. "You should have considered that before fleeing like a mouse."

Unable to reason with him, Serenya dropped to her knees, bowing her head low. "Please, Your Imperial Majesty… please."

The room fell into silence.

The servants froze in place, wide-eyed feeling the shift in the Emperor's mood. Zareth's red eyes narrowed before he raised a hand. The servants backed away quickly, eyes averted.

He moved toward her, his steps slow, commanding.

He knelt on one knee before her, fingers lifting her chin gently. "Don't ever do that again," he said, his voice quieter now, though no less powerful.

She stared up at him, startled. "I… I don't understand."

"You don't bow to me, little dove," he whispered, his fingers brushing her lips. "You sit beside me. You're my Empress."Her breath caught, heart slamming against her chest.

The Emperor leaned in, lips just beside her ear. "Very well. You may see them."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. She pulled away slightly wanting to create some space, but he remained close, his aura intoxicating, suffocating.

"But—" he added, standing and retreating to the lounge. "On one condition."

Serenya's brows furrowed. "What condition?"

"You will dance for me."

Her face contorted in confusion. "What? But there's no music…"

He stepped forward. Serenya instinctively stepped back. He moved faster, one hand wrapping around her waist.

"Why are you always running from me?" he whispered, lips brushing the shell of her ear.

"Y-Your Imperial Majesty—" she stammered.

"Zareth," he corrected, smiling darkly. "I told you to call me Zareth."

She bit her lip, refusing.He leaned back. "No music? Don't worry. I'll replay the one from the ceremony in my head."

Serenya looked at him as if he has lost his mind and maybe the Emperor has .He lounged back on the velvet couch, elbow resting on the arm, eyes never leaving her.

He motioned for the servants to leave and they bowed getting out of the room.

Serenya wanted to scream at him, but instead she lifted her chin and began to move. Each step was elegant, fluid. She twirled lightly, her gown swirling around her ankles.

It was awkward—silent. But Zareth watched, expression full of amusement as if he was enjoying himself, his eyes following every curve, every flick of her wrist. His damp hair clung to his cheekbones, making him look devastatingly beautiful.

When she finished, he stood slowly and clapped once.

"Aren't you a dove indeed?" he said, voice filled with amusement.

"Can I go now?" she asked, clearly irritated and breathless.

"No," he said smoothly. Then added, "I'll be going with you."

---

They exited the chamber together. Moving towards the entrance of the palace. Serenya's eyes welled as she saw her family's royal carriage at the edge of the courtyard She had come in this very carriage but it was leaving without her . Her legs moved faster until she reached them.

Queen Ishara engulfed her in a tight embrace. "I'll try to come back for you, I promise" she whispered, voice thick with guilt. Zareth, standing nearby, heard every word. His sharp ears taking it all in .

Thirena and Nearya clung to her. Elarynth too hugged her briefly, then leaned close.

"I'll never forgive you for taking the Emperor from me," she hissed bitterly before pulling back.Serenya's lips parted to respond, but Elarynth was already entering the carriage.

Her father, King Rajan, hugged her last.

"The council will be arriving soon," he encouraged softly.

As if summoned by fate, the rumble of carriage wheels filled the courtyard. A black and white imperial council carriage arrived, gilded and ominous.

Zareth's lips twisted into a crooked smile.

Three figures stepped out. Two men in black suits, one with glasses. A woman followed, her gray hair pulled into a bun, dull red eyes sharp and observant. Last was Prince Kael.

"Your Imperial Majesty," the head councilwoman greeted, bowing.

Zareth arched a brow. "What a pleasant surprise."

She stepped forward. "May we have an audience?"He glanced at Serenya and smiled. "Of course." He held her hand dragging her along with him .

They entered the throne room.

Zareth took his seat, Cassian appearing silently behind him. Serenya stood by his side.

The head councilwoman began, "It's been reported that the betrothed Princess to Thamur is being held here as your bride. Is that correct?"

Zareth's smile widened. "Yes. My little dove has caught my eye. She will be my Empress."

The councilwoman faltered. "But she is already promised—"

"Says who?" Zareth interrupted coldly. "I want her. I'll have her."

The hall fell into silence and Serenya clenched her fist stepping forward. "I'm being held against my will. I want to return to my family."

The head council too added , " You can't keep someone here against their will your imperial majesty it's against the laws that you'd set ".

Zareth's gaze never faltered. "Fine. You may come for her," he said casually.

She looked at him, confused, just like that?. She has known this Emperor a little and knew it wouldn't be that easy . He arched a brow. "What? You don't want to go anymore?"

One of the councilmen stepped forward deciding to be the brave man that would help the princess, offering his hand. Serenya hesitated but placed her fingers in his. He had been eyeing the woman beside the Emperor since he entered and couldn't miss an opportunity to hold her. He held her wrist too long, thumb stroking the skin and Serenya flinched.

Zareth's eyes narrowed.

Slice!

Blood sprayed. The man's hand hit the marble floor with a sickening thud.A strangled scream erupted. Zareth stood, sword dripping crimson.

He pulled Serenya to his side, hand possessive on her waist.

"Anyone else?" he asked coldly.

When no one moved, he turned to the screaming man and, with one swift motion, slit his throat.

The hall went dead silent as Serenya stood frozen, her eyes wide in horror. Zareth's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile.

"Nobody ," he muttered to her, " touches what is mine."