Lila's voice, steady despite the whirlwind of emotions raging inside her, broke the tension in the room. "Then I'll become your wife again," she said, her gaze unflinching as she met Axel's eyes. "In return, give me the Northern and the Southern Empire. Give me power."
Axel's response came immediately, a deep, resonating laugh that filled the space between them. It wasn't a mocking laugh—it was a laugh of amusement, of satisfaction, as though he had anticipated this exact moment. He leaned back slightly, his eyes glinting with something dark and triumphant.
"I could even give you the Western Empire, if that's what you want," he said, his voice smooth, rich with the power he wielded so effortlessly. He watched her closely, enjoying the negotiation, knowing that despite the gravity of her request, the terms were nothing compared to what he was willing to do for her.
Lila's heart raced, but her expression remained calm. She knew Axel's power, knew that his offer wasn't an exaggeration. The weight of his influence stretched far beyond any singular empire, and he had the means to grant her everything she asked for—and more.
Axel leaned forward again, his hand reaching out to touch her chin, lifting her face so their eyes locked once more. "Power, territory… all of it. If that's what you desire, Lila, then I'll give it to you. But remember," his voice dropped lower, more intense, "once you take this, there's no going back."
Lila's pulse quickened, but she held his gaze without flinching. She had asked for power, for control, and Axel—true to his nature—was offering her a world she could command. She could feel the weight of his promise settling over her, a heavy cloak of responsibility and dominance.
"I don't plan on going back," Lila replied, her voice as unwavering as her decision. "I'll take what's mine."
Axel's smirk deepened, his grip on her chin tightening just slightly. "Good," he murmured, his tone filled with approval.
In that moment, the power dynamic between them shifted once more, a careful balance of desire and ambition that neither was willing to relinquish. Axel would give her what she asked for, and in return, she would be his—by title, by power, by his side as the Empress once more.
As Lila attempted to rise from the bed, a wave of discomfort washed over her. The events of the night before weighed heavily on her, making every step feel like a challenge. She paused, taking a steadying breath as she tried to shake off the lingering effects, but the memory of Axel's touch still pulsed through her.
Axel, watching her with a mix of concern and admiration, moved closer. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with worry. He could see the hesitation in her movements, the way she braced herself against the bed to steady her balance.
"I'm fine," Lila insisted, though the slight tremor in her legs betrayed her. She was determined to appear strong, to show Axel that she could handle whatever lay ahead. She straightened her posture, smoothing down her clothes as she prepared for the audience that awaited her.
Meanwhile, Axel had already arranged for a meeting with Kairos, the Emperor of the Southern Empire. He felt a tension building in his chest as he anticipated the confrontation.
When they finally stood before Kairos, the atmosphere was charged with unspoken words. Kairos regarded Lila with a detached coolness, his eyes devoid of the affection he had once shown her. "I want nothing to do with this," he stated plainly, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair, his demeanor unyielding.
Axel was taken aback by Kairos's coldness. "I thought I'd have to threaten you with invading the Southern Empire to get your attention," he remarked, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice.
Kairos shrugged, maintaining his calm composure. "You're her real husband anyway. All I want is the promise she gave me—that's all." His words hung in the air, heavy with implications.
Lila felt a surge of determination. She stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she faced Kairos. "Don't worry, I'll keep you as the Emperor, Kairos. And I'll bring Theo, Axel's twin brother, to be your advisor," she declared, her voice steady and resolute.
The room fell silent, the weight of her declaration settling among them. Kairos looked at her, his expression shifting as he assessed her sincerity. He nodded slowly, understanding the seriousness of her commitment.
"Very well," he replied, a hint of acceptance in his tone. "But remember, Lila, this decision is yours to bear. The path you choose will shape our empires for years to come."
"Very well then, I'll go take some rest." Lila's voice was firm as she exited the room, leaving Axel and Kairos alone. The door clicked shut behind her, and an awkward silence enveloped the two men.
Axel broke the tension first, his curiosity piqued. "You knew? That she's my wife?" His tone was serious, a hint of accusation mingled with the need for clarity.
Kairos met Axel's gaze steadily. "Your father told me. I didn't know when, but I figured it out."
Axel's brow furrowed as he considered this revelation. "Did you like my wife?" he probed, the question coming out sharper than he intended.
Kairos paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "She's extremely pretty," he admitted, a touch of admiration slipping through. "But after everything I've been through, I doubt I'd ever let anyone touch me. Besides," he continued, leaning back in his chair, "both of you clearly love each other, so who am I to step in?"
Axel couldn't help but chuckle at that. "You're a good guy," he said, shaking his head. "It's kind of strange."
Kairos laughed, a genuine sound that lightened the air between them. "I may be the Emperor of the Southern Empire, but I'm not a monster. Lila deserves happiness, and if that's with you, then I'm happy for her. Just… be good to her."
Axel nodded, the weight of Kairos's words settling in. "I intend to. I made a promise to her," he replied, his tone serious. "And I won't let her down again."
Their eyes met, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. It was a strange bond forged in the complexities of love, loyalty, and shared history.
"Now," Kairos said, breaking the tension with a smirk, "what do we do about the future? I doubt Lila wants to be caught in the middle of a power struggle between her two husbands."
Axel shrugged, a grin creeping onto his face. "Guess we'll have to work together, then. At least until she figures things out."
"Sounds like a plan," Kairos replied, his demeanor shifting to a more collaborative stance. "For her sake, I think we can manage that."