The council chamber was packed. Ministers filled every seat, noble families lined the walls, and even foreign envoys had been invited to witness. A trial—not of crime, but of worth.
At the center of the hall stood Himeka.
She clasped her trembling hands together, standing tall despite the storm inside her chest.
Lady Serenya's voice rang out, dripping with honeyed venom. "For more than a year, His Majesty has shown no affection, no acknowledgment, no heirs. The Empire whispers—can such a woman truly be called Empress?"
Murmurs filled the air. Some sympathetic, most cold.
"Remove her."
"She has failed her duty."
"A bride of convenience, nothing more."
Himeka bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.
Failed…? Was that what I am?
Chancellor Roderich slammed his cane. "This is outrageous! The Empress has stood by the Emperor faithfully—"
"Faith is not enough," Serenya cut in smoothly. "An empire requires proof. Blood. Heirs. If the Emperor will not act… then it is our duty to guide him."
Her words drew nods, whispers, agreement.
Finally, General Kael rose, arms folded. His voice was blunt. "Enough talk. Let His Majesty speak for himself. If he wishes to keep the Empress, he need only say so."
The chamber turned silent.
All eyes went to the throne.
The Moonlit Emperor sat there—white hair cascading like snow, crimson eyes unblinking, expression carved from ice.
And he said nothing.
Not a word.
Not a movement.
Himeka's heart shattered.
Her knees trembled. Her vision blurred. She felt the weight of a thousand gazes, the judgment, the whispers.
So this is it… He won't save me. He won't even look at me.
Her lips quivered, her breath shallow. I've loved him with everything… and I was nothing more than a pawn.
Lady Serenya stepped forward, smiling sweetly. "Then it is decided. The Empress shall be released from her post. A more suitable bride shall take her place."
The words cut deeper than any blade.
Himeka's tears spilled freely now. She bowed her head, choking on her own breath. "…So this is… my end."
Ministers began to rise, papers of dismissal drawn, already preparing the declaration.
Lira cried out from the sidelines, rushing forward, only to be restrained by guards. "No! You can't do this! She's the Empress! She—"
"Silence," Serenya snapped, her smile triumphant.
Himeka's legs gave way. She sank to her knees, broken, her tears dripping onto the cold marble floor.
The chamber moved forward without hesitation. The dismissal was being sealed.
The Emperor still sat frozen, a statue of indifference.
And in that silence—
Himeka's heart screamed one last desperate thought:
If you won't choose me… then please, let me forget you.
---
The chamber doors closed with a heavy boom.
The Empress was being erased.
And the Moonlit Emperor had not moved.
End of Chapter 16