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🖤 The Villainess Just Wants to Sleep

Chapter 14: No Seat at the Table

> “A ruler need not strike. She simply refuses to make space.”

— Empress Almyra

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The Imperial Sun Parlor was a room of soft gold and ivory — scented with wild plum blossoms and sweet cinnamon steam.

At the center of the round tea table sat Empress Almyra, dressed in shades of pearl and dusk, every hair in place, every jewel positioned like the stars in a map of power.

To her left sat Crown Prince Laerion, posture straight, eyes cool.

To her right, Princess Elara, sweetly smiling, dressed in soft pinks — the very image of royal bloom.

At the far edge of the room, the doors opened.

Kaelaira entered.

She bowed deeply. “Your Imperial Majesty.”

But as she lifted her eyes, she saw:

> Only two chairs.

One for the heir.

One for the true daughter.

None for her.

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Kaelaira paused for a moment.

Only a moment.

Then gracefully folded her hands and stood beside a sunlit pillar, silent and still.

The Empress never once motioned for a servant to bring a chair.

> “You are not here to be hosted,” her silence said.

“You are here to be reminded.”

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The Empress sipped her tea slowly.

> “Laerion, you’ve grown more composed this term. The court is pleased.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Elara, your posture has improved. You do the crown proud.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the princess beamed — then cast a smirking glance at Kaelaira, who stood motionless near the wall.

Not even a flicker of emotion crossed her face.

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“And you,” the Empress said at last, turning toward her.

Kaelaira met her eyes.

Almyra raised an eyebrow.

> “They speak of your sword. They speak of your voice. But they do not speak of your blood. And that… is still what rules.”

Kaelaira bowed again, graceful as a blade in sheath.

> “A sword need not sit to be sharp, Your Majesty.”

A pause. Tension.

Then — the faintest twitch of the Empress’s lip.

She was not amused.

But she was aware.

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As the tea ended, Elara rose with a satisfied breath, linking arms with her brother as they stepped away.

She leaned in and whispered to Kaelaira:

> “How does it feel? To be the most praised and still treated like furniture?”

Kaelaira replied softly, eyes fixed ahead:

> “Furniture doesn’t listen.

But I remember everything.”

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After they left, Empress Almyra stood alone by the glass balcony.

Her voice low, only for herself:

> “She stands where most would crumble.

That girl… is learning the art of staying silent while turning knives.”

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End of Chapter 14

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