The Acting Empress Still Spends the First Night

Zelda von Trova never desired the heavy mantle of Acting Empress. However, fate intervenes when the intended bride flees, leaving Zelda to be thrust into a sudden marriage with the Emperor of the Raphion Empire in her place. With no opportunity to refuse, she accepts her temporary role fully intending to secure a swift divorce and escape the gilded cage of the imperial court as soon as possible. Yet her carefully laid plans begin to fracture after their first night together. What was meant to be a mere political obligation sparks an undeniable connection between them, causing Zelda’s resolve to waver. As their mutual attraction deepens into something far more profound, she finds herself caught in an emotional tug-of-war between her original desire for freedom and the unexpected feelings blossoming in her heart. Now, Zelda faces an impossible choice. When the time finally arrives for her to step away from the throne and leave the Emperor behind, she must decide whether to follow through with her departure or surrender entirely to a love that threatens to unravel everything she once planned.