The wish

Their hearts pound against their chests terrified that their heads might roll on the ground at any second. Finally, a glimmer of intrigue crosses the emperor's face.

"Interesting," he remarks, "Are you suggesting that you want to become my concubine?"

"No!" Erya and Yetsune exclaim at once.

"Watch your manners," the Head Eunuch hisses, but to everyone's surprise, the Emperor erupts in laughter.

The three stare at him, bewildered. The Head Eunuch furrows his brow, he'd expect punishment for their insolence, not amusement.

As his mirth subsides, the Emperor's expression turns serious. "I doubt you seek the positions of palace maids. You wish to reside here without any formal identity, then?"

Erya glances at Yetsune, expecting her to say someone since she caused this predicament. But Yetsune lowers her head, discreetly signaling Erya for help. Erya suppresses a sigh and steels herself to address the Emperor.

"Just for one month, Your Majesty. We are but lowly commoners, unworthy of your grace. Yet, it has been our lifelong dream to experience the life of splendour within the palace."

The Emperor drums his fingers on the table, seemingly seriously contemplating it, much to the Head Eunuch's surprise. "Your Majesty, you mustn't," he protests.

But the Emperor replies, "I will grant you this wish." He turns to the Head Eunuch, "Arrange suitable quarters for them. They are to be treated as esteemed guests."

"As you command," the Head Eunuch acquiesces, his disapproving gaze lingering on the pair.

Erya and Yetsune gape at the Emperor, stunned by his approval. He rises from the chair and starts to leave but halts at the threshold. "I'll offer you another chance after one month, I trust you will choose more wisely then," he adds.

"We are immensely grateful, Your Majesty!" Erya bows deeply while Yetsune remains frozen in disbelief, scarcely able to believe the Emperor would allow two ladies of dubious background to reside in the palace.

She breaks into a sickly cough as soon as the Emperor leaves the room. Erya quickly pours a cup of water from the tea table and offers it to Yetsune. "Such boldness was reckless, Your Highness," she chides as Yetsune drains the cup.

Wiping her lips with her sleeve, Yetsune responds nonchalantly, "It is just a palace. How offensive can the request be" pretending she wasn't scared for their lives a moment ago.

Erya pours herself a cup, muttering, "I must have taken leave of my senses to accompany you here." She gulps down the tea, shaking her head in regret.

In the Phoenix Palace, the Empress paces anxiously in the main chamber, awaiting her father, the Grand Chancellor.

"Why hasn't he arrived?" she demands of her Head Attendant.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. The Grand Chancellor must still be in court," the attendant replies, silently praying for his swift arrival.

"The Grand Chancellor has arrived," announce the maids, opening the doors.

The Empress rushes forward, grasping her father's hands the moment he enters. "His Majesty, is he…?" Her eyes search his frantically. Sensing the delicate nature of their conversation, the Head Attendant bows out.

Guiding her to a seat, the Grand Chancellor sits opposite. "The Emperor lives and is well," he states calmly.

"He lives," she echoes, anxiously rubbing her hands beneath the billowing sleeves of her trailing phoenix embroidered dress.

The Grand Chancellor's brows knit together as he observes her reaction. "What troubles you?"

"I-I…" The Empress stutters. She suddenly rises from her seat and kneels before him. "Father, please help me," she pleads, clutching his arm.

The Grand Chancellor regards her with a puzzled expression until realisation dawns on his face. "Did you…?"

She shakes her head in denial. "I didn't mean to kill him, I only intended to make him unconscious," she confesses.

He shoves her hand away, sending her sprawling. "Fool!" he thunders, yanking her up by her arms. "What were you thinking?!" He squeezes her arms tightly, making her wince in pain.

"I was foolish, but please, you must help me," she begs, clasping her hands.

He releases her, inhaling deeply to calm himself in consideration of her status. "What trouble have you created? The Emperor survived, there should be no issue."

"I… I hired someone to poison the Emperor's horse. The Bureau of Investigation has him."

"Incompetent wench!" The Grand Chancellor's palm cracks across her face, sending her crashing to the ground once more.

"Do you realize what you've done?!" His fury-filled voice sends the maids outside scurrying away from the room. Witnessing the Empress's humiliation will get them killed.

"The Emperor has been seeking to destroy the Targa family, and you've handed him the perfect weapon!"

The Empress scrambles up, clutching at him. "I did it for our family! He refuses to name a Crown Prince. I thought a brief incapacitation would force the issue of an heir."

The Grand Chancellor wrenches free from her clutches, his hands from her grip, pinching the bridge of his nose as he turns away. "I'll dispatch someone to eliminate the problem at the investigation bureau tonight. Anyone who knows about this must be disposed of, including your maids."

"I knew you wouldn't abandon—"

Her words die as he whirls, seizing her arm and yanking her close. "Commit such foolish acts again, and I won't hesitate to cast you and your incompetent princes aside," he hisses, shoving her back before storming out.

"You can abandon me!" She yells after him, halting him in his tracks. "Nor can you afford to abandon my sons," her tone regains the confidence it lost just a moment ago.

The Grand Chancellor turns halfway, scoffing at her confidence. "You forget that I have a son," he responds coldly, then pushes the doors open to storm out

The Empress gasps, chest heaving with rage at the meaning of his words. Unable to contain the anger that boils within her, she lets out a shrilling scream that sends the Head Attendant rushing in.

"How dare he consider replacing my children with his son?" she shrieks, smashing the vases on the sideboards in her fury.

"Your Majesty, please, calm yourself," the Head Attendant advises.

She sucks in a deep, calming breath, lifting her chin as she regains her composure and regal poise. "Quietly eliminate every maid who has recently served in the Phoenix Palace," the Empress instructs.

"Everyone?"

The Empress turns to her with a sharp glare. "Yes, Your Majesty," the Head Attendant accepts the order without further question.