After a year of being the new empress of Verticulas, Earlena conceived a child. Earlena and Zeddrick's joy was priceless, and the Empire of Verticulas extravagantly celebrated their unborn child for three days. But the blessedness turned into a horrendous nightmare.
In the 6th month of Earlena's pregnancy, she was discreetly poisoned by dark magic. Zeddrick found his beloved lifeless on her bed, her skin shrunken and its tone turned plum. The evidence of a forced miscarriage was seen blood-soaked on her white satin bed sheets.
In his eyes, a blast of rage burst out. The flame of azure and carmine fumes from his flesh as his power rages in a fury. His hysteria turned the Empress Palace into ashes, killing everyone in it and leaving no remains.
And once again, Zeddrick’s heart turned into a frozen golden crystal.
TWO YEARS LATER
The Empire of Verticulas partly changed its rules. The former Empress Robina Verticulas is now acting as regent beside Zeddrick, who appointed concubines to strengthen and stabilize the Golden Empire.
The chosen concubines needed to sign and adhere to the Emperor’s Treaty of Concubines. Disobeying the treaty was a treacherous act that would sentence you to death.
Regent Robina oversaw the concubines' lectures in etiquette, literature, music, history, and important aspects of the Golden Empire. The concubines are forbidden to use their magic and weapons unless an emergency arises within the palace.
The Emperor’s Treaty of Concubines
Dianthus “Dianne” Aechmā, 20 years old, daughter of the Aechmā Empire of the West with healing powers, and who discreetly practices dark magic. She is the first concubine of the emperor. She manipulates other concubines’ minds, causing them to favour her to become the Empress—a sophisticated beauty with a dark aura.
Yzabelle Erealus, 21 years old, daughter of the Erealus Empire of the East. The second concubine of the emperor. She never wished to become an Empress, only wanting to protect the name and credibility of the Erealus empire. Her beauty has been compared to that of a saintess. She was a bit of a pacifist and shared her opinion based on her standards.
She was also capable of fighting on the battlefield with the sword given to her by her brother, Isaac Erealus. However, her swordsmanship became rusty when she became the second concubine.
Erielle Apparus, 19 years old, daughter of Albert Apparus. The third concubine and third cousin of Dianthus Aechmā of the West. Their family was well-known for their architectural spells, which were used to build and repair palaces, including those out of the country. She was known for her natural charm in convincing aristocrats to invest in their businesses.
Lily Matteus, 18 years old, daughter of Estefan Matteus of the North. The fourth concubine and fourth cousin of Castaeus Coldēus. She was offered as a concubine to strengthen the relationship between the North and the Golden Empire. She was a materialistic lady who liked shopping but was also a muttonhead. Her family had the biggest ownership of copper mines in the Eastern part of the North. Her eyes glowed when holding a peculiar gemstone.
Samantha Galuz, 20 years old, daughter of Genovio Galuz of the West. The fifth concubine. Their family had the biggest factory in producing luxurious apparel and jewels. She became the fifth concubine to get away from her arranged marriage to a Duke’s son from Helleus.
Amelia Fritzky, 19 years old, daughter of Viscount Leonfold Fritzky of the West. The sixth concubine. Their family was well-known for producing masses of magical stones with unique healing powers that they supplied to the central empire, including the East, South, and North. She idolized Dianthus Aechmā more than her parents.
Luciana Aidene, 20 years old, daughter of Antonio Aidene of the East. The seventh concubine and fourth cousin of Yzabelle Erealus, although they didn’t get along. Luciana was known for her modesty and family-oriented upbringing. Her family was the biggest source of bronze, and her father was the best friend of Yzabelle’s father. She decided to become a concubine because she wanted to establish independence without being controlled by her parents. She loved sweets and was difficult to control.
Natalia Aldric, 18 years old, daughter of Aldrich Aldric of the South. The eighth concubine. Their family was the biggest contributor of fuel production and had a great relationship with the Vincentus family. She had natural beauty and loved playing music; she was a well-known orchestra singer in Hēnte. She became the eighth Concubine to further her dream of becoming close to the emperor, not as an empress but as a confidant.
Unfortunately, none of them had been able to captivate Zeddrick’s heart. Regardless of their beauty, personality differences, and power in the public eye, they could not tame him. Their effort to gain the emperor’s heart seemed hopeless. Zeddrick merely spent the night with them for governance reasons but never for affection.
The concubines only desired to be appreciated and loved, but not for Dianthus Aechmā. She was a voracious woman. However, things were about to change when a new concubine entered the Golden Empire.
The dining hall was filled with delicious and healthy foods: a variety of meat, fish, salads, and chowder to partake in, and a glass of red wine for each participant. A vibrant night setting dinner with three crystal vases of scented flowers placed on the center table as the eight concubines, Regent Robina, and Emperor Zeddrick, were having fine and quiet dinner together.
The emerald crystal chandelier gave the hall a calming rapport as each of them ate quietly. Dianthus gracefully broke the silence.
“There’s a rumor that Regent Robina took in a new concubine to the palace. Is that true?”
Lily naively tilted her head. “Really? When?”
“It’s true that I took in the 9th concubine with the emperor’s permission.” Regent Robina said while slicing her steak. Before Dianthus could even say anything, she added, “But, by the way, are you feeling better, Natalia? I heard that you’ve been sick lately.”
Natalia quietly trembled, “Thank you, Regent Robina, for your kind concern. I feel much better.” She smiled faintly.
Dianne again interrupted, “And, is it true that she’s living in your palace?”
“Yes, that’s true. But why are you bothered, Dianne?” Regent Robina said bluntly.
Dianthus secretly tugged her right fingernail, humiliated. “Apologies for my impoliteness, Regent Robina. But, if she’s living under your roof, how come she’s not here with us today to introduce herself?” Dianne gently tapped her lips with the serviette.
Zeddrick was not bothered by the women's hypocrisy; an attendant came forward and whispered in his left ear. Natalia noticed the uneasiness and disgust on Zeddrick's face because one of the concubines broke the rules of the treaty.
“I will introduce her in her stead. Her name is Irelina Mercius, the only daughter of a well-known merchant who established a small country named Mercius. However, their small country has been attacked and destroyed by the shadow demons, who killed their entire clan. And so Irelina is mourning the loss of her beloved family. I cannot disclose more about her situation, but she has unique needs. That’s why she cannot present herself to everyone.”
Zeddrick diverted his attention for a moment to the Regent's story about Irelina Mercius.
“Is it also true that she covered her face with a black veil?” Amelia interrupted.
“Then, does that mean that her face was ruined by the shadow demons?” Erielle joined the interesting conversation. The rest started to whisper from one ear to another, including the standby attendants.
Dianthus was silent, contemplating whether Irelina Mercius also planned to become the empress like her. But, upon hearing the rumor, she felt relieved and pretended to feel sorry for Irelina’s situation.
“I am sorry for her loss. I didn’t know that she’d been through a painful situation. Is there any way we could help relieve her sorrow?” Her pretentious concern.
“There’s no need. She doesn’t want anyone to come near her except her servant. Therefore, respect her will,” Regent Robina said politely.
“So, do I also need to sleep with a ruined face?” Zeddrick interrupted.
“Your Majesty!” Regent Robina exclaimed, adding, “We already talked about this.” Her brow furrowed.
Zeddrick smirked. “Fine. I’m not interested in a single strand of her hair anyway. Now, let’s change the subject.” He glanced in Natalia’s direction, who anxiously nodded.
He signaled the attendant to bring the broken cathedral dessert. As everyone was enjoying a bite of the dessert, Zeddrick observed and said.
“No matter how hard you try to hide things from me, you will always get caught.” He gently tilted the cabernet wine glass as his eyes scanned each one of them and added, “You know the drill and yet you disobey one of my rules. What shall I do…” Zeddrick’s heartless tone made the concubines flinch as they glanced at one another, not knowing who had broken the agreement.
Regent Robina interrupted, “Your Majesty, what are you talking—” when Natalia Aldric suddenly began coughing blood.
Regent Robina stood. Everyone was shocked and speechless. Dianthus feared and looked at Zeddrick’s cold-hearted expression. They witnessed how Natalia’s skin and bones shrank as her body shrivelled into a black corpse. Luciana stood screaming away from where Natalia sat.
Then, he stood as they shivered in fear towards him. Regent Robina looked at her son fearlessly but felt remorse.
In a nutshell, Natalia Aldric broke the third rule, leading to her hideous demise.
“This dinner is over. Go back to your palace. I’m not in the mood to spend the night with anyone.”
His heartless expression left them behind with a black dead body. The concubines and servants looked at each other with troubled faces.
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