Royal Blood Test

Noor Giza, her face streaked with tears, crawled toward the emperor on her knees. Her trembling fingers gently grasped his hand as she gazed up at him, her eyes glistening with desperation.

"Your Majesty…" her voice quivered, "others may doubt me, but do you? Don't you believe in how genuine my love for you is? I swear on my life!"

The entire court held its breath, watching as the beautiful consort pleaded for mercy, her sorrow painting a tragic picture.

Meanwhile, I, Sefa Yilmaz, had found a tray of delicate peach pastries nearby and picked one up, casually taking a bite. The sweet filling melted in my mouth as I leaned back into my seat, utterly enjoying the unfolding drama.

"Ah, my dear readers, the theater mode is officially on." I mused internally.

Noor Giza's voice rang through the chamber once again, full of sorrow.

"There is absolutely no affection of that kind between me and the Ninth Duke!" she cried, shaking her head. "He only acted out of our childhood friendship, fearing that my days in the palace would be hard. So, he asked a few people to help me…

She lifted her tear-filled gaze to the emperor, her voice turning soft and pleading.

"Your Majesty, you are the only person in my heart. Two ribbons adorn my waist, becoming a lover's knot in my dreams… That was a poem you wrote for me. Have you forgotten?"

The emperor's hardened expression faltered. A flicker of sentiment crossed his face as her words tugged at something deep within him.

Slowly, he reached out and wiped her tears away, his fingers gentle against her damp cheek.

"Jeez… I never doubted you," he murmured, his voice laced with affection. "But I must give Consort Yahiya an explanation."

Noor Giza bowed her head submissively, her lashes fluttering as she whispered, "Yes… I understand."

That was it.

I couldn't hold it in anymore.

I choked on my pastry and burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the solemn chamber. The moment was simply too ridiculous! The emperor was swayed by mere poetry while the witnesses still lay prostrate on the floor? This was the grand resolution to the scandal?

The emperor's expression darkened as he slammed his palm onto the golden table before him.

"Sefa Yilmaz!" he barked. "What are you laughing at?"

I licked the crumbs from my lips, still grinning.

"I was laughing because the witnesses are still prostrate on the floor, yet Your Majesty is about to settle this dispute already."

Gasps filled the chamber. Ministers exchanged nervous glances, while a few consorts stifled their giggles behind silk sleeves.

The emperor's face flushed with anger as he thwacked the table a second time.

"Sefa Yilmaz!!! You have gone too far!"

Before he could continue, Consort Yahiya suddenly prostrated herself on the floor, her forehead pressing against the cold marble.

"Consort Sefa is right!" she declared, her voice resolute. "No one will believe this. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!"

The emperor narrowed his eyes.

"What do you want?" he asked coldly. "After a few servants' words, do you want me to condemn Noor?"

I smirked, folding my hands in my lap.

"No. Servants cannot be trusted." I let my words hang in the air before tilting my head toward Noor Giza. "But what about the prince?"

Noor Giza visibly stiffened.

I continued, my tone casual, yet every syllable dripping with hidden intent.

"Didn't Consort Noor just give birth to His Majesty's heir? How about a blood test?"

The chamber fell into silence.

Noor Giza exhaled slowly, relief washing over her face. "So that's what she was getting at," she must have thought. "The prince is indeed His Majesty's son, so there is nothing to fear."

She straightened her posture and spoke confidently.

"I will do as His Majesty commands."

The emperor nodded.

"Men, bring the young prince here and prepare for the blood test!"

Just as the guards turned to obey, Noor Giza suddenly raised her hand.

"Wait!" she called out.

The emperor frowned.

"What now?"

Noor Giza lowered her gaze, her voice soft but firm.

"In the name of fairness, let His Majesty's manservant make the preparations."

A flicker of suspicion crossed my mind. Clever.

She was ensuring that none of us could tamper with the results. If we were to oversee the test, we could manipulate it—but by having the emperor's trusted manservant handle it, she thought she had safeguarded herself.

The emperor hesitated before nodding.

"Fine. My manservant will oversee it."

Minutes later, the young prince was carried into the hall, swaddled in luxurious silk. His small face was peaceful, unaware of the storm surrounding him.

A bowl was brought forth, and the emperor's manservant prepared the traditional blood test.