For Your Misery

Ulrich von Adelstein, a ruthless butcher who became emperor by destroying even his wife’s homeland on their wedding day.

“Your usefulness ends here.”

He wiped the blood splattered across his face with the back of his hand and said those words to his bride, dressed in pure white. Empress Viveke, who lost her family right before her eyes for the sin of loving him, was dethroned before long.
But she was not given her freedom.

“Is my death the only way I can escape you?”
“Do you even have the courage for that?”

In the end, she set fire to the mansion that had been her cage, using the scented candle Ulrich had gifted her.

“Your revenge was nothing short of perfect. Did my misery bring you comfort?”

She asked him that from the balcony of the burning mansion. Her husband’s face, always so indifferent, twisted for the first time. He looked up at his wife and slowly spread his arms wide.

“I love you. I love you, Viveke.”
“Then my revenge is a success, too. I’ll take myself away from you.
Losing me forever is the punishment laid upon you.”

She walked slowly into the flames.
Now she would be free. From you, and from this heart that loves you.
From this moment on, I hope you live in hell.
Just as I fell into ruin, chasing hollow dreams and futile love.

I will always pray.
For your misery.