*: .｡. Prologue.｡.:*

Embers of Betrayal.

"Brewed poisoned wine for you, My lady." 

"[disappointedly] You-!..." Xu Yan pointed at him frustratingly. 

"I will be sure to repay you sincerely in our next live. Thank you for looking out for me all these times." The servant said putting the wine on the table as he walked out of the room. 

Xu Yan stared at him blankly as he walked away... "I remember..." She whispered to herself. "I met Yun, who I thought was the love of my life. I've exhausted my entire family's wealth for HIM so he could rise to power and take the throne." She continues, "Yun told me: (flashback) "I shall cherish and care for you all my life." ... and "When I ascend to the throne, the kingdom will be OUR wedding gift! You shall be my queen! [exciting voice]" In less than 5 months after he became the emperor, he cast me aside and started lavishing his attention on the Noble Consort who is my enemy – the one who took part in the murder of my most trusted maid who was like a sister to me. Listened to rumors and vile lies, he repaid my kindness with evil and murdered my whole family. He threw me aside leaving me in the shadows and had the kingdom all to himself." A tear that reflected her sadness came out from her pitiful eyes. "If everything could start anew, I would love to have my revenge and protect my loved ones." Xu Yan picked the poisoned wine and drank it. As she took 4 sips, her body fell to the ground.