After a year of being the new empress of Verticulas, Earlena conceived a child. She and Zeddrick shared priceless joy.

They celebrated their unborn child with extravagance for three days.

But the blessedness turned into a horrendous nightmare.

In the 6th month of Earlena's pregnancy, dark magic discreetly poisoned her.

Zeddrick found his beloved lifeless on her bed.

Earlena's skin shrank like a mummy, and its tone turned plum. The evidence of a forced miscarriage was seen, blood-soaked on her white satin bed sheets.

Zeddrick’s 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, “No—no—NOT MY EARLENA!!!”

A blast of rage burst from his eyes.

The flame of azure and carmine fumed out from his flesh as his power flared in fury. His hysteria turned the Empress's Palace to ashes.

It killed everyone inside. And only the blast of sorrowful smoke dispersed the silence.

Zeddrick was left like a stone, shocked.

The aftereffect of his mania had shackled his heart and turned it into an icy blue crystal.

Three years later…

The Empire of Verticulas changed its rules.

The former Empress Robina Verticulas was now acting as a regent beside Zeddrick.

She 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 lead to a sentence of death.,

Thou shalt not leave the empire.

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

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

Thou art allowed to visit thy loved ones once a month.

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

Thou shalt not use dark magic within the palace walls. Death is the punishment.

The emperor will not interfere with the concubines' misdeeds. However, if caught, you will be sacrificed to the Land of Satanus.

The Emperor will not care whether you live or die.

It was a heartless treaty that a concubine was required to abide by.

Their fathers could do nothing but protect their daughters' safety. So, they let them do whatever they wanted in the palace, and turned a blind eye.

They had agreed, behind the Golden Empire's closed doors, that no father should strike his sword against the other's throat.

But, their greed for power and protection made them heed His Majesty's sealed agreement with their blood fingerprints.

Regent Robina oversaw the concubines' lectures on etiquette, literature, music, and history. She also covered the key aspects of the Golden Empire.

The concubines were not allowed to use their powers or secret weapons unless a problem arose in the palace, and they needed to protect themselves.

The Emperor’s Concubines

Dianthus “Dianne” Aechmā, 20-year-old and 1st concubine. The daughter of the Doris Aechmā Empire of the West. She enjoyed manipulating other concubines' minds. A few had favored her to become the next Empress of the Golden Empire.

Her beauty was elegant, but had a dark aura.

Yzabelle Erealus, 21-year-old and 2nd concubine. The daughter of the Erealus Empire of the East. She never wished to be an Empress. She only wanted to protect the Erealus Empire's name and credibility.

Her beauty was mesmerizing and appealing. People sometimes compared her to the saintess Angelica.

She was a pacifist.

She shared her views, but only after hearing some gossip.

But her swordsmanship became rusty when she became the second concubine.

Erielle Apparus, 19-year-old, and 3rd concubine. The daughter of Albert Apparus and the third cousin of Dianthus of the West.

Their family was famous for its architectural spells.

They used them to build and repair palaces, even those abroad.

Erielle could charm aristocrats into investing in her family’s businesses.

Lily Matteus, 18-year-old, and 4th concubine. The daughter of Estefan Matteus of the North and the fourth cousin of Castaeus Coldēus.

She was offered as a concubine to strengthen ties with the Golden Empire.

Lily was a worldly lady who spent money lavishly, yet she often acted foolishly.

Her family had the biggest ownership of copper mines in the eastern part of the North. And her eyes glowed when someone wealthy gave her a peculiar gemstone.

Samantha Galuz, 20 years old, and 5th concubine. The daughter of Genovio Galuz of the West.

Their family had the biggest factory for 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 could entice a man’s eye.

Amelia Fritzky, 19 years old, 6th concubine. The daughter of Viscount Leonfold Fritzky of the West.

Their family was famous for making magical stones. They also collected high-quality crystals from neighboring countries to imbue with healing powers, and sold them to the nobles or donated them to the mages' tower.

Amelia idolized Dianthus more than her parents. She had a short temper and often felt envious of the luxury enjoyed by high-class society.

Luciana Aidene, 20 years old, 7th concubine. The daughter of Antonio Aidene of the East and the fourth cousin of Yzabelle, although they didn’t get along well.

Luciana was respectful, modest, and had a family-oriented upbringing.

Her family was the top bronze supplier. Her father was Yzabelle's father's best friend.

Luciana chose to be a concubine, to seek independence, and to be free from her parents' control.

She loved sweets, but she was difficult to deal with.

Her silence made you wonder what she thought and felt behind those gentle stares.

Natalia Aldric, 18 years old, 8th concubine. The daughter of Aldrich Aldric of the South.

Their family was the biggest contributor to fuel production. They had a great relationship with the Vincentus family.

With Natalia's pristine beauty and love for music, she was a well-known orchestra singer in Hēnte.

She became the eighth concubine to pursue her dream.

She wanted to be close to Zeddrick, not as an empress but as a confidant.

Unfortunately, none of them could captivate His Majesty’s heart. Despite their beauty, personality, and fame, they could not tame him.

Their effort to gain the emperor's heart seemed hopeless.

Zeddrick spent the night with them for political reasons and never for affection.

The concubines only desired appreciation and love, but not from Dianthus.

Dianthus was a voracious woman.

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

***

It was a family dinner at the Emperor's Palace dining hall.

The servants served various delicious and healthy foods, and a glass of red wine to enjoy.

It was a solemn dinner.

Three crystal vases of scented flowers sat on the center table to give life as the diners partook of their meal.

The emerald crystal chandelier gave a calming atmosphere.

Then, Dianthus broke the silence with grace.

“There’s a rumor I heard," Dianthus added, "that Regent Robina took in a new concubine in her palace. Is that true?”

Lily tilted her head with innocence, saying, “Really? When?”

“It’s true that I took in the ninth concubine with the emperor’s permission.” The regent said while slicing her steak.

Before Dianthus could speak, Regent Robina looked in Natalia's direction.

She asked, "But, by the way, are you feeling better, Natalia?" She spoke in a worried tone, adding, "I heard that you’ve been sick lately.”

Natalia trembled, with her left hand under the table.

"Thank you, Regent Robina, for your concern." She stuttered. "I'm feeling much better.” She curved her lips with a faint smile.

She looked nervous and scared.

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 spoke in a direct tone.

Dianthus tugged at her right fingernail, feeling humiliated.

"Apologies for my impoliteness, Regent Robina," she added. "But, if she's under your roof, why isn't she here to introduce herself?" She tapped her lips gently with the serviette.

Zeddrick was not bothered. He looked unfazed and calm, slicing his steak as he listened to their hypocrisy.

An attendant came forward and whispered in his left ear.

Natalia noticed the disgust on his face.

Her lips trembled as she bit her lower lip, feeling anxious.

“I will introduce her in her stead," Regent Robina said as she wiped her lips with the serviette.

She said, "Her name is Irelina Mercius. She is the only daughter of a famous merchant who founded a small country, Mercius." She continued, "Sadly, the shadow demons attacked their place. They destroyed their homes and killed their clan."

Dianthus listened, feigning interest. Her mind did not believe the regent's storytelling.

"And so, Irelina is mourning the loss of her beloved family." She added, "I can't disclose more, but she has special needs," said Regent Robina. "That's why she can't present herself to everyone."

Zeddrick found his mother's story intriguing. But his heart boiled at knowing someone had broken the rules.

He gave them time to have a splendid conversation before he tied their tongues.

“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. She wondered if Irelina Mercius also wanted to be an empress.

But after hearing the rumor, she felt relieved. So, she pretended to feel pity for Irelina's situation.

“I am sorry for her loss," Dianthus feigned a sincere tone. "I didn’t know that she’d been through a painful situation. Is there any way we could help relieve her sorrow?”

“There’s no need. She doesn’t want anyone to come near her except her servant," Regent Robina added. "Thus, respect her will.” Her tone was polite.

Zeddrick scoffed and said, “So, do I also need to sleep with a ruined face?” He felt irked for different reasons flowing through his mad thoughts.

“Your Majesty!” Regent Robina exclaimed, adding, “We have already talked about this.” Her brow furrowed, and she looked displeased.

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; she nodded with cold sweat and anxiety.

He signaled to the attendant to bring the broken cathedral dessert.

As everyone was enjoying a bite of the dessert, Zeddrick spoke sternly.

“No matter how hard you try to hide things from me, you will always get caught.” He said, tilting the cabernet wine glass as his eyes scanned each one of them.

He added, “You know the drill, and yet you disobey one of my rules. What do you think I should do?” His tone was heartless.

The concubines flinched and glanced at each other.

They were unsure who had broken the agreement.

Regent Robina intervened, “Your Majesty, what are you talking about?"

Suddenly, Natalia Aldric coughed up blood.

It splattered on her plate and stained the white tablecloth.

Luciana stood and screamed as she scrambled away from where Natalia sat.

The regent stood and her eyes were shocked as her heart panicked.

Everyone looked stunned and speechless as their hands trembled in fear.

Dianthus's eyes widened and looked at Zeddrick’s cold-hearted and wicked expression.

They saw how Natalia’s skin and bones shrank as her body withered into a black corpse.

Zeddrick stood while they looked at him with fear in their eyes.

The regent narrowed her brow at her son fearlessly and felt remorse for his outrageous act of sinning.

Natalia Aldric had broken the third rule, which had led to her hideous demise.

Thou shalt not conceive the emperor's child. Death is the punishment.

“This dinner is over," Zeddrick glared at them. "Go back to your palace. I’m not in the mood to spend the night with anyone.”

Then, he left them with a dead body.

Natalia's head was shriveled and she was face down on her plate.

Everyone there knew they had eaten the same dessert.