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.

Zeddrick mind went crazy, and the moment he hugged his beloved in his trembling arms, feeling the heavy pain in his chest as his tears touched Earlena’s cold skin, he wailed, “Nnoo—no—NOT MY EARLENA!!!” 

A blast of rage burst out of his eyes. The flame of azure and carmine fumes out from his flesh as his power flares in fury. His hysteria turns the Empress Palace into ashes, killing everyone in it and leaving no remains except himself stone in shock. 

The after-effect of his mania had shackled his heart with an icy blue crystal.

Three 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 as such, 

1. Thou shall not leave the empire.

2. Thou shall obey the command and will of the emperor regardless of the cruel intentions.

3. Thou shall not conceive the emperor’s child. Death is the punishment.

4. Thou art allowed you to visit your loved ones once a month. 

5. Thou shall spend a night with the emperor once a week without affection.

6. The emperor will not interfere with the concubine's misdeeds or intention to kill each other. Howbeit, if caught, you will be sacrificed to the Land of Satanus. 

7. Dark magic is forbidden within the palace wall. Death is the punishment. 

8. The Emperor will not care whether you live or die. 

A heartless treaty with no love and consideration that a concubine must abide by. Their fathers could not do anything but protect their daughter’s mental well-being by allowing them to do whatever they wanted in the palace and turned a blind eye. They have agreed behind the Golden Empire's closed doors that no father shall strike their swords against each other’s throat. By their greed for power and protection, they heed His Majesty’s sealed agreement with their blood fingerprint.  

On the other hand, Regent Robina oversaw the concubines' lectures on etiquette, literature, music, history, and important aspects of the Golden Empire. The concubines were forbidden to use their magic and weapons unless an emergency arose within the palace wall. 

The Emperor’s Concubines 

Dianthus “Dianne” Aechmā, 20-year-old, and the First Concubine. She manipulates other concubines’ minds, causing them to favor her to become the next Empress of the Golden Empire—an elegant beauty with a dark aura. 

Yzabelle Erealus, 21-year-old, and the Second Concubine. She was the daughter of the Erealus Empire of the East. She never wished to become an Empress, only wanting to protect the name and credibility of the Erealus empire. Her beauty is mesmerizing and appealing.

People sometimes compare her to the saintess Angelica. She was a pacifist and shared her opinions based on her standards, apart from listening to exciting gossip. However, her swordsmanship became rusty when she became the second concubine.

Erielle Apparus, 19-year-old, and the Third Concubine. She was the daughter of Albert Apparus and the third cousin of Dianthus Aechmā of the West. Their family was well-known for its architectural spells used to build and repair palaces, including those outside the country. She was known for her natural charm in convincing aristocrats to invest in their businesses. 

Lily Matteus, 18-year-old, and the Fourth Concubine. She was the daughter of Estefan Matteus of the North. She was the fourth cousin of Castaeus Coldēus. She was offered as a concubine to strengthen the relationship between the North and the Golden Empire. She is a worldly lady who spends money extravagantly but is also a muttonhead.

Lily's family has the biggest ownership of copper mines in the Eastern part of the North. Her eyes glowed when someone wealthy gave her a peculiar gemstone.  

Samantha Galuz, 20-year-old, and the Fifth Concubine. She was the daughter of Genovio Galuz of the West. Their family had the biggest factory in producing luxurious apparel and jewels. She became the fifth concubine to escape her arranged marriage to a Duke’s son from Helleus. Yet her natural and appealing beauty can entice a man’s eyes.

Amelia Fritzky, 19-year-old, and the Sixth Concubine. She was the daughter of Viscount Leonfold Fritzky of the West. Their family was well-known for producing masses of magical stones with unique healing powers that they supplied to the country. She idolized Dianthus Aechmā more than her parents. But she has a short temper and quickly gets envious of high-class society's luxury.

Luciana Aidene, 20-year-old, and the Seventh Concubine. She was the daughter of Antonio Aidene of the East. She was the 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 most significant source of bronze, and her father was the best friend of Yzabelle’s father.

Luciana decided to become a concubine because she wanted to establish independence without being controlled by her parents. She loved sweets, but she was challenging to deal with. Her silence makes you wonder what she thinks and feels behind those gentle stares. 

Natalia Aldric, 18-year-old, and the Eight Concubine. She was the daughter of Aldrich Aldric of the South. Their family was the biggest contributor to fuel production and had a great relationship with the Vincentus family. With her pristine beauty and love for music, she was a well-known orchestra singer in Hēnte.

Natalia became the eighth Concubine to pursue her dream of becoming close to the emperor, not as an empress but as a confidant. 

Unfortunately, none of them could captivate His Majesty’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. Their only desire was to be appreciated and loved, but not for Dianthus. She was a voracious woman.

For all that, things were about to change when a new concubine would soon enter the Golden Empire.

***

In the dining hall, the food attendant served them various delicious and healthy foods and a glass of red wine to enjoy a family dinner. It was a solemn night-setting dinner with three crystal vases of scented flowers placed on the center table as the eight concubines, Regent Robina and Emperor Zeddrick, had a refined and quiet dinner together. 

The emerald crystal chandelier gave the hall a calming rapport as they 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.” The Regent said while slicing her steak. Before Dianthus could even say anything, Regent Robina added, “But, by the way, are you feeling better, Natalia? I heard that you’ve been sick lately.” 

Natalia quietly trembled her left hand under the table, “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?” She 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 his face because one of the concubines broke the rules of the treaty.  

“I will introduce her in her stead. Her name is Irelina Mercius, and she is the only daughter of a well-known merchant who established a small country named Mercius. However, the shadow demons attacked and destroyed their small country, killing their entire clan. And so Irelina is mourning the loss of her beloved family. I cannot disclose more about her situation, but she has special needs. That’s why she cannot present herself to everyone.” 

Zeddrick diverted his attention momentarily 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 the shadow demons ruined her face?” Erielle joined the exciting conversation. 

The rest, including the standby attendants, started whispering from one ear to another. Dianthus remained silent, contemplating whether Irelina Mercius also planned to become an empress like her. However, after hearing the rumor, she felt relieved and pretended to apologize 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 and said, “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 enjoyed 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 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. 

The Regent stood and was shocked as her heart palpitated in fear. Everyone was stunned and speechless. Luciana stood screaming away from where Natalia sat. Dianthus's eyes widened, and they looked at Zeddrick’s cold-hearted expression. They witnessed how Natalia’s skin and bones shrank as her body withered into a black corpse. 

Zeddrick stood as they shivered in fear towards him. The Regent looked at her son fearlessly but felt remorse towards his son’s outrageous act. 

Natalia Aldric broke the third rule, leading to her hideous demise, ‘Thou shall not conceive the emperor's child. Death is the punishment.’ 

“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 dead body whose shrivelled head was on the table, unrecognizable—knowing they ate the same dessert on the table.