EMPRESS SCHEME
The Empress sat before her dressing table, her face serene as her attendants carefully pinned her hair into an intricate style. Beneath her calm exterior, her mind was anything but still. Her eyes glimmered with quiet determination as she considered the alliances she could form through the First Prince's marriage.
"The First Prince is of age," she mused aloud to her chief attendant, maria. "It's time we secure a marriage that strengthens the imperial family's position."
Maria nodded. "Your Majesty, there are several noble families with eligible daughters. The House of rapheal, for instance, has strong military connections. Or the House of ezi, known for their immense wealth."
The Empress's lips curled into a smile. "The House of rapheal is too aligned with the Grand Duke, and the House of ezi is too ambitious. We need someone influential but pliable. Reach out to the House of james . Their daughter is cultured, obedient, and comes from a family that values stability over power,and i learnt she us very talented too and beautiful, i think she is suitable for the first prince. "
Maria bowed. "I will arrange a meeting."
Satisfied, the Empress dismissed her attendants and prepared for her nightly visit to the emperor. Tonight, she would sow the seeds of her plan.
---
The emperor reclined on a chaise in his private chambers, a goblet of wine in hand. He had summoned the Empress, seeking solace from his growing paranoia. The shadow of rebellion, whispers of dissent, and the lingering specter of the Grand Duke haunted him.
When the Empress entered, she knelt gracefully before him, her every movement deliberate and refined.
"Your Majesty," she said softly, "you look troubled. May I ease your burdens?"
The emperor gestured for her to rise and sit beside him. "The court is filled with schemers and vipers. Trust is a rare luxury."
The Empress poured him more wine, her touch gentle. "Perhaps it is time to strengthen the imperial family through marriage. The First Prince is of age. A strong alliance could serve as a reminder of the dynasty's power."
The emperor considered her words, his brows furrowing. "You think a marriage would quell the whispers?"
"Not entirely," the Empress replied, her voice measured. "But it will show the court and the people that the imperial family remains unshaken. Besides, the First Prince must begin to fulfill his duties."
After a moment of silence, the emperor nodded. "You may proceed. Choose a suitable match and arrange the engagement."
The Empress bowed, hiding her triumphant smile.
The emperor glanced at the empress who has meticulously dressed herself and said"you may sleep with me tonight"
The Empress understood what he meant as her lips widened with grin,her response was her cloth falling on her feet.
The night is long.
---
The news of the First Prince's impending engagement spread through the harem like wildfire. Lady Yvonne, still reeling from her recent disgrace, seethed in her chambers.
"The Empress seeks to tighten her grip on the throne," she hissed to her maid. "But she underestimates the rest of us."
Lady liz, another concubine with ambitions for her son, gathered her attendants. "Find out which family the Empress is courting for this engagement," she commanded. "If I cannot block her choice, I will ensure my son is next in line for an alliance."
Meanwhile, whispers filled the palace corridors. Servants spoke in hushed tones about the Empress's growing influence, while the other concubines scrambled to position themselves and their children favorably.
---
The Empress received the matron of the House of james in her private pavilion, a serene garden adorned with blooming orchids. Over tea, the two women discussed the virtues of Lady james eldest daughter.
"She is well-versed in poetry and music," the matron said. "And her temperament is gentle. She would make a fine addition to the imperial family."
The Empress smiled. "Such qualities are indeed admirable. I believe she will suit the First Prince perfectly."
As the meeting concluded, the Empress felt a sense of satisfaction. The pieces were falling into place.
--
The first prince suddenly barged into the Empress chambers,the Empress who is sitting in front of the mirror with her attendant combing her hair was startled she glanced slightly at her son and asked
"What Is bothering you,my son"
The first prince bowed slightly at her and said
"What bother me is you mother, how can you choose a fiance for me without informing me,look I have someone I like and wish to get engaged to"
The Empress eyes darkened she waved at her attendants to disperse,she stood up and snorted " a courtesan is who you wish to marry,look I am only doing all this for you ,marrying a courtesan will not only bring shame but also brings no profit...no alliances"...the Empress lifted the face of the first prince who was bowing down sharply and her face twisted in a malicious smile"first prince when will you learn to be as wise as your mother,you don't want the death of your little lover right tsk..or you don't desire the throne"
The first prince who is very scared of his mother could not help but reply shakily "I desire the throne"
The Empress face bloomed into a smile "good,let the engagement proceed normally,I am not against keep a little toy outside"
First Prince of course understood what his mother meant and bowed gratefully"thank you mother"
The Empress smiled and waved him off after seeing him subdued.
First Prince left leaving only the back of his silk robe.
-----
The palace prepared for the official announcement of the engagement, the undercurrents of discontent grow,concubines schemed and minister whispers.
Sigh,they seem to be alot in store for this couples engaging.
note
Hii hii ,darling and awesome readers,I am taking a break from this novel because of some circumstances please support my new novel the Reborn detective instead