“FINAL last words before I end your pain here?” Matilda said sharply as she slowly dug the sharp edge of her sword into Julius' throat who was on his knees, trying to fight for his last breath.

For the past 10 years, Matilda, the evil empress of the 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦, has been plotting to take over the 𝘌𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 which was led by Emperor Julius. 

Julius never expected that Matilda had been secretly plotting something. After all, they have been best friends since they were young just like their late parents. 

And they were not just best friends. They were lovers, who were supposed to be married. 

Although they were lovers, Julius was the only one who genuinely loved while Matilda only had an inner selfish desire — to claim more power by taking away other kingdoms’ peace and happiness. She chose to be consumed with such things instead of choosing to love Julius full-heartedly and live in peace. 

None of what Matilda showed was true. The affection she gave Julius was nothing but an act.

Matilda’s betrayal broke Julius’ heart and soul. Julius didn’t want to fight, but Matilda left him no choice. After all, Julius is a ruler and wants to protect his kingdom even though it may cost her life and even though he might need to fight the woman he deeply loved.

Matilda took advantage of Julius’ genuine emotions and used them against him when Julius was about to defeat Matilda and put her into her place. 

Julius’ strength and skills are undeniably great. 

But Matilda was an evil genius strategist who would do anything to get what she wanted even if it may cost sacrificing other people’s happiness. Julius was strong but was weak emotionally. 

His weakness caused his downfall. 

Julius could feel the cold sword on his throat as Matilda continued to dig even further, making thick blood drip down. 

“Speak your last words, Julius,” Matilda repeated, showing no emotions in her crystal blue eyes staring directly at Julius’ deep brown eyes.

“You’re going to be a great leader at hell, Matilda,” At Julius’ response, Matilda let out a chuckle. “You’re evil. You betrayed me,” Julius continued in almost a whisper tone. “and yet, I’m still in love with you and I will never stop loving you even when I’m already dead.” 

Julius forced a gentle and genuine smile. A smile that he always showed to Matilda. And the smile that will be gone soon. Matilda’s eyes soften for a while before returning their cold look.

Those were Julius’ last words before Matilda dug in deeper and completely slit his throat. Matilda watched Julius’ dead body as it fell to the ground, lying in his pool of blood.

Matilda won. She claimed the Eternia Empire that she’s been leading for the past 20 years since that war. She was now married to Emperor Kin, the emperor of 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 — the most prosperous empire.

And yet, there’s still a part of her that felt empty.