The Breakup Caused By Disloyalty

Outside the Emperor's Palace – Midnight

The flickering torchlight illuminated the cold stone walls as Consort Noor approached the emperor's palace with careful steps. The night air was cool, carrying the scent of sandalwood and the lingering traces of incense. But her heart was anything but calm.

As she reached the entrance, the gate guard stood firm, his expression impassive.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has already retired for the night. You should return to your chambers."

Noor Giza's face remained composed, her lips curling into a soft, understanding smile. "I see. Thank you for informing me."

She turned gracefully, her silk robes swaying with the movement. But the moment her back was to the guard, her expression darkened. Her jaw clenched, and her fingers dug into her palms as she walked away.

"What exactly is going on?" she thought, her mind racing. "For the past few days, something feels… off. The king refuses to see me at night, and now, rumors are stirring within the palace. Could it be…? No. That wretched woman wouldn't dare!"

Her footsteps quickened, her fury simmering beneath the surface. She needed to find out the truth.

---

Inside the King's Palace – A Test of Loyalty

The air in the king's chamber was thick with tension. The scent of spiced wine and burnt wax from the shattered lamp filled the room as the emperor sat rigidly on his throne, his piercing gaze locked onto his kneeling eunuch.

"Tell me everything. The truth. If you dare to lie, I will have your head mounted on the gates of the palace."

The eunuch trembled violently, his forehead pressed against the cold marble floor. His voice wavered as he spoke.

"Consort… Consort Sefa is like the Ninth Duke. She visits often. Sometimes, when she sees Your Majesty talking with Consort Noor, she does not enter. But when she finds you asleep alone… she stays, wipes your sweat away, and watches over you."

The king's brows furrowed slightly.

"And Consort Noor?"

The eunuch's breath hitched. He swallowed hard before continuing.

"Consort Noor… She has cared for Your Majesty well. However, there are times when—when the Ninth Duke arrives, she…"

"She what? Speak!!!" the king thundered, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

The eunuch squeezed his eyes shut, his body trembling.

"She goes outside… and speaks with him for a while. But, but I always stand aside and observe! They never say anything inappropriate—"

The king's patience snapped.

"Heh. Say anything they shouldn't?" His voice dripped with cold fury. "Tell me, what is it that a lone man and a woman shouldn't say to each other?"

With a sudden movement, he reached for a nearby porcelain pot and hurled it against the floor. The crash echoed through the halls, the shards scattering like fallen stars.

Before he could speak further, a commotion erupted outside.

---

Chaos at the Emperor's Door

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I must see you!"

A woman's frantic voice echoed through the grand hallway, followed by the sounds of struggle.

The king strode toward the entrance, his jaw clenched in irritation.

"What is this noise? Who dares make a racket at my door?!"

The guards immediately fell to their knees in submission, but amidst them, a figure stood tall—Consort Yahiya, her hair slightly disheveled, her eyes burning with desperation.

Seizing the moment, she stepped forward and spoke before anyone could silence her.

"Your Majesty, I beg you to listen! Noor Giza has been promiscuous within the palace chambers, engaging in an affair with another man… and she has even given birth to a bastard child!"

Gasps filled the hall. The torches flickered violently, casting eerie shadows on the stunned faces of the surrounding attendants.

The king's expression remained unreadable, but the weight of the accusation hung in the air like a sword poised to strike.

---

Consort Sefa's Palace – A Game of Revenge

A dim lantern flickered in my chamber as I delicately placed my cup of tea on the polished table. The rich aroma of jasmine and honey filled the air.

A guard entered, bowing deeply.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence at the imperial court."

I nodded, dismissing him with a graceful wave of my hand. As the doors shut, I turned to Mousy, who sat on my vanity table, playfully tugging at my earrings.

"It would seem that Consort Yahiya has finally made her move."

Mousy blinked, his tiny paws still gripping the jewelry. "I don't understand. Consort Yahiya fell out of favor long ago. Why did you choose her as your weapon?"

A slow smile curled on my lips as I picked up the earrings and placed them on my ears.

"Because she is useful."

Mousy tilted his head in confusion.

I continued, my voice smooth as silk. "Half a month ago, the eldest prince—who had been locked away—committed suicide. His Majesty intended to bury him with the honor of a Crown Prince, as was his right. But Noor Giza…" I exhaled a slow breath, smoothing my sleeves. "She played her pillow talk well, and it never happened."

Mousy's ears twitched. "That must have made Consort Yahiya furious…"

I chuckled darkly. "Furious? She would gladly eat Noor Giza's flesh and drink her blood if given the chance."

Standing, I adjusted my robes.

"And now, the time has come to let her do exactly that."