In the grand halls of his palace, Emperor Geta had always been astute in matters of both politics and people. But there was one thing even his sharp mind hadn't anticipated - the strange change in the behavior of his closest confidante and companion, Y/n. Lately, he'd noticed her becoming more fatigued, her appetite fluctuating, and a certain softness to her demeanor that hadn't been there before. Though she tried to hide it, her discomfort was evident.

What Geta didn't know was that Y/n, was unaware of the truth herself - she was pregnant. And it was starting to show.

One evening, as they sat in the palace garden, the Emperor couldn't help but observe her more closely. She looked pale, her usual energy replaced with an almost fragile silence. His concern grew, and he decided to take matters into his own hands, even if that meant being more protective than he'd ever been before.

---

The Emperor sat across from Y/n, the quiet hum of the palace courtyard surrounding them. The delicate scent of jasmine drifted through the air, but it did little to ease the tension he felt in his chest.

"Y/n," Geta's voice was soft, but carried a weight that made her look up. Her eyes, usually sharp and confident, were dull with fatigue. He reached out and took her hand gently in his, his fingers warm and steady.

"You haven't been yourself lately. Is something bothering you?" His gaze searched her face, a mixture of concern and authority in his eyes. His protective instinct had already kicked in, but he tried to mask it with calm composure.

She tried to smile, but it was weak, fleeting. "I'm just tired, Geta," she replied, though the words lacked conviction. "I've been running myself thin with all the responsibilities here."

He didn't believe her. He never did when it came to her.

"You've always been strong, but something is different." His thumb traced circles on her hand as he leaned closer, studying her. "You've barely eaten today, and you're pale. I won't let you continue to push yourself if it's harming you."

Her heart fluttered with the warmth of his words, but she couldn't shake the strange feeling of unease, a sensation she'd chalked up to stress. She shook her head, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine, truly."

But Geta wasn't convinced. "You're not," he insisted, his tone now a little firmer. "I can have the palace doctors see you. If not for your own health, then for mine - I cannot have my most trusted ally in pain without understanding why."

Y/n froze at his words. The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable, but there was something else there. Something deeper, more protective.

"Geta..." she whispered, feeling her stomach churn a little at the mounting pressure. "I don't want to bother you with-"

"You are never a bother," he interrupted, his tone gentle yet firm. "And if something is wrong, I want to know. Do you understand me?"

Y/n hesitated for a moment before nodding. A sense of gratitude washed over her, mixed with the warmth of his concern.

That night, when they visited the healer together, the truth came to light - much to Y/n's surprise, and even more so to Geta's when he learned she was carrying his child.

--

Geta's protective instincts intensified, but now they were coupled with a new sense of pride and responsibility. He insisted on accompanying her everywhere, ensuring she rested, ate, and was taken care of.

"You must not push yourself," he would say, his gaze soft yet commanding. "You carry something precious now, and I will not let anything happen to you or our child."

The Emperor was no longer just a ruler - he was a devoted partner, and his determination to protect Y/n only grew stronger. He stayed by her side through every moment, treating her with both reverence and tenderness as they embarked on this new journey together.

And while Y/n had once felt alone in the palace, with Geta's unwavering care and attention, she realized she had never been more cherished in her life.