Volume 4

"Your Majesty?" I heard Sarah's voice from outside my room. I was in the middle of reading books, having just finished training earlier with Edward. It has been two days since I met the Duke's son, the latter of whom has been sending me random messages. I have no idea what his true intentions are. I haven't replied to any of them, yet he continues to send more. That man must be going mad.

Edward mentioned that the Emperor is supposed to return today. I have no clue what business he's been attending to, and frankly, I have no desire to ask. It would make me seem as if I were chasing after him, as if I were desperate for his attention.

"Come in," I called out. Sarah quietly entered the room, accompanied by two maidservants. Behind them, three knights followed, each carrying a large box.

"Here are your new garments, Your Majesty," Sarah said, smiling. I immediately stood up and walked over to the boxes, eager to inspect their contents. My smile grew wider as I opened them and saw the dresses inside. They were exquisite—exactly how I had envisioned them. After all, I had designed these myself. Sketching had always been a passion of mine.

"Perfect! Now, put these inside my wardrobe," I ordered, and the two maidservants quickly followed my instructions, carefully handling each dress.

"Your Majesty," a voice interrupted, and I turned to see Edward standing at the entrance. "What is it, Edward?" I asked, sensing an unease in his usually composed demeanor.

"His Majesty has returned. The Emperor is here," he informed me, his tone steady, but there was something in his expression that seemed troubled.

I glanced over at Sarah, who was now busy assisting the maidservants with the dresses. The knights had already exited moments ago, "Sarah, continue what you're doing. I will go and greet His Majesty," I said. The expected visitor wasn't just the Emperor, though. There was another person— a woman, of course—likely in his company.

I left the room, with Edward trailing behind me. Each step I took was measured, my posture composed and regal. I had to project confidence, even if there was an uneasiness stirring inside. The halls seemed quieter than usual, and I braced myself for whatever awaited in the Emperor's presence.

As we finally stepping outside, my expression grew more serious as I caught sight of the Emperor walking alongside a strikingly beautiful woman. A few knights trailed behind them, their armor gleaming under the light. I paused in my tracks, waiting patiently until they reached me. Bowing my head with modesty, I greeted him. "Greetings, my beloved husband. Welcome back." I smiled sweetly, my voice laced with warmth. "How are you, Your Majesty?" I inquired, maintaining my gentle and caring demeanor.

Instead of answering my question, he studied me with a keen eye and remarked, "You look well... different, unlike before," his words hung in the air, their weight pressing down on me. I steadied myself inwardly, suppressing any sign of discomfort, and then let out a soft, graceful chuckle. "Don't flatter me, Your Majesty," I responded lightly, though I couldn't ignore how his expression turned more serious, as if he was scrutinizing me.

My gaze then shifted to the woman standing beside him. Her presence was hard to miss—so quiet, yet so captivating, "Who is this lady with you? She's so quiet," I inquired, my voice laced with feigned surprise as I delicately covered my mouth with a hand. "Are you perhaps mute?" my tone was pure and innocent, as if I were genuinely concerned for her well-being. Before she could respond, she bowed her head gracefully.

"Greetings to the moon of the Empire, Your Imperial Majesty, the Empress. I apologize for not greeting you first," she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle, melodic quality. Then, she flashed me the sweetest smile, a smile that seemed to conceal something beneath its surface.

I chuckled lightly, brushing off her words. "Of course! Pardon me for spouting nonsense," I said, though I knew all too well that the Emperor would never keep someone useless by his side. My earlier remark had been nothing more than mockery, a subtle jab veiled in politeness.

"She is Anastasia, the daughter of Count and countess." I turned my attention to my husband. "And?" I asked, as if I don't have idea at all, "She will be my first concubine," he declared. I stopped for a moment, then I smiled genuinely. "Of course! She will be your concubine." And I gave a glimpse to Anastasia.

"So, you are expecting this?" my husband asked with serious tone. I chuckled. "Oh not really, Your Majesty. It was just my instinct," of course, I knew.

"You must be exhausted, Your Majesty. Let's get inside so you can rest." I offered him a warm smile, stepping aside to allow him to pass.

I let them enter first before following behind. "Sarah, inform the cook to prepare a meal for His Majesty and Lady Anastasia," I ordered, my voice firm yet composed. Maybe I'll start addressing her as Consort. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and headed straight to my chamber.

Once inside, I forcefully shut the door behind me, the sound echoing through the room. My back pressed against the cold wood as I slid down, the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. I clenched my fists tightly, feeling my nails dig into my palms. Now that there is a concubine, the true threats will begin. I must prepare for what's to come.

I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to take a deep breath, striving to regain my composure before the storm truly begins.

I walked towards the balcony, and as soon as I stepped out, the sunlight greeted me warmly. Its golden rays wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, as if whispering encouragement to keep going, to keep myself alive and resilient. The warmth was soothing, a reminder of the world beyond the walls that sometimes felt so confining. For a moment, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to breathe deeply, savoring the quiet peace of this fleeting moment under the sun.

An hour passed before Sarah returned, breaking the stillness, "Your Majesty, the meal is ready," she informed me politely, her voice calm and respectful as always. I turned my attention to her, studying her face for a brief second before nodding in acknowledgment.

"Alright," I responded, my voice steady, "I will be the one to bring the meal to His Majesty," I declared, making my way out of the chamber. There was no hesitation in my steps. Although the task of delivering the meal was something usually left to the servants, I felt a strong need to do it myself. There was an undeniable urge within me, a desire to speak with him, a conversation I had been holding. Earlier, the words had been on the tip of my tongue, ready to spill out, but I restrained myself, unsure of the right moment.

I took the tray, laden with food, from a maidservant and decided to deliver it myself to the Emperor's chamber. As I walked through the corridors, the soft echoes of my footsteps filled the air, reminding me of the quiet power I still held in this vast palace.

As I approached the door, I paused, taking a deep breath before knocking lightly. "Your Majesty, I have brought you a meal," I announced softly. After a brief moment, the door creaked open, and I stepped inside.

The Emperor was seated at the edge of his bed, wearing only a thin long-sleeved shirt. The garment hung loosely, the top buttons undone, exposing his chest. His eyes, sharp and piercing, followed my every move, as if scrutinizing me. I walked over to the study table and carefully set the tray down before turning to face him.

"I wasn't aware that the Empress had such a caring side," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone. I smiled lightly, letting out a soft chuckle. "Your Majesty, I wouldn't say I'm caring. In fact, I could have easily slipped poison into your meal," I teased, watching as his expression shifted to one of seriousness. I laughed again, more softly this time, and plucked a grape from the tray, popping it into my mouth. "Are you planning to have many concubines, Your Majesty?" I asked with a sweet smile, my eyes locking onto his.

A smirk played on his lips. "So, you do have an agenda," he replied, rising from the bed with a calm demeanor, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Hmmm, about your concern, yes. I am considering three concubines," he stated, casually walking towards me. I tilted my head slightly, as if contemplating something. "Only three? Why not more? It could be more thrilling, and imagine the number of children you could have," I suggested, covering my lips as if I was envisioning a delightful scene. "Oh! I'm quite eager to see them all... fighting for the throne. How fascinating!" I added, my voice dripping with mock excitement. I maintained my sweet smile as he stopped just inches away from me.

His hand reached up, gently brushing a strand of my hair aside, causing a nervous gulp to escape me. Our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, "You have quite the imagination, but tell me, where do you see yourself in this story, wife?" he asked in a husky voice, his fingers trailing down my arm. A shiver ran down my spine, and I instinctively stepped back, but he swiftly caught my wrist, pulling me closer and pinning me against the edge of the table.

I chuckled softly, trying to mask my growing nervousness. "Well, I don't see myself standing beside you for long. I've been thinking, perhaps His Majesty doesn't need an Empress at all," I replied, meeting his gaze as I placed a hand on his broad chest. I saw his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed, and I fought the urge to laugh. So, I do have an effect on him.

"Why do you say that?" he asked, curiosity lacing his words as he leaned in closer, placing his hands on either side of the table, effectively trapping me. I could feel his warm breath against my skin, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

"How about I ask you something instead, Your Majesty?" I paused, my tone turning serious, "What am I to you?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Are you asking if I love you?" he said, almost mockingly. I couldn't help but laugh at his words. "You're being ridiculous, Your Majesty," I replied, gently pushing him away, relieved when he didn't resist.

"I was simply asking what I mean to you, nothing more," I clarified, my voice steady, "But if I'm being honest, I was a little disappointed when you left the palace so soon after our wedding. You didn't even give me a chance to… fulfill my duties as your wife," I said, watching as his expression grew serious. "What do you think of me ? A lecher?" he retorted, his eyes narrowing at me.

I laughed again, biting my lip to stifle the sound. "Well, given your eagerness to acquire concubines, I assumed you had a… strong appetite in bed, so much so that one wife wouldn't suffice," I said, turning away from him. "Enjoy your meal, Your Majesty. You'll need your strength for the night ahead," I added, beginning to walk towards the door. But his words halted me in my tracks.

"You have quite the sharp tongue. I wonder how it would feel to cut it out?" he warned, his tone dark.

I smirked, glancing back at him. "Feel free to try, Your Majesty. My tongue is merely my most common weapon," I replied, before finally leaving his chamber.

Catching his attention was almost too easy, I mused inwardly as I walked away.