The days in the imperial palace blurred together for Isolde, a mix of cold stares and whispered judgment. She had long since resigned herself to solitude, preferring it to the venomous politics that swirled around her. But her temporary peace was shattered when a summons came from the Moon Palace, the residence of Empress Aerial. 

Seated before the empress, Isolde felt the tension in the air as sharp as a blade. Aerial’s head maid poured tea, but the empress seemed in no hurry to speak. The silence was suffocating, the only sound the faint clinking of porcelain. 

“Hmm,” Aerial finally said, her voice laced with disdain. “How manly. I suppose a slave wouldn’t know proper manners.” 

Isolde’s grip on her teacup tightened, though her expression remained neutral.  “Looks like the Empress is really interesting in my background.”

“Of course I am, one must know the background of the woman who is supposed to join the royalty. I still can’t fathom why Duke Sable would reinstate a tainted woman as his heir,” Aerial continued, her laugh ringing hollow. “Adrian, Viscount Reynard, Duke Lucian, and now the emperor himself. You’re quite the vixen, aren’t you? Tell me, who’s your next target?” 

The empress’s laughter echoed as her maids joined in, their mockery cutting like shards of ice. 

“Tsk,” Isolde replied calmly, setting her cup down. “It seems the empress is feeling frustrated.” 

Aerial’s laughter ceased, her eyes narrowing. “What did you say?” 

“Ah,” Isolde smiled faintly, “I heard pregnancy can be difficult for both body and mind. I merely suggest you take care of your health.” 

Aerial’s lips curled into a sharp smile. “Thoughtful words….I like your dedication.” She leaned forward, her tone laced with condescension. “I’ve made a decision, Lady Isolde. You’ll assist me during my pregnancy. After all, not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to serve the emperor and care for the royal bloodline.” 

Isolde’s fists clenched under the table, her nails digging into her palms. 

Before she could respond, a new voice interrupted. “What is going on here, sister?” 

Both women turned to see a young man with short blue hair and striking yellow eyes entering the room. 

“Danielle,” Aerial said, her tone softening as she rose to greet him. 

“Greetings to the young Duke,” Isolde said, bowing politely. 

Danielle smiled warmly at her. “Greetings, Imperial Concubine.” 

The empress’s demeanor shifted back to cold authority. “You may leave now, Isolde. Your training begins tomorrow.” 

Isolde bowed and took her leave, her mind racing as she made her way to the imperial library. Among the towering shelves of ancient texts, she sought solace in the musty pages of history, searching for anything Lucian might have omitted in his fragmented explanations. 

Her solitude was short-lived. 

“Ah, I didn’t know you were here,” said a familiar voice. 

Isolde turned to see Danielle standing at the edge of the aisle, his expression warm but cautious. 

“Uhm, I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you,” he said, glancing at the books she held. 

“You’re not,” Isolde replied, though her gaze shifted around the library. She could feel unseen eyes watching them.  Danielle approached, but Isolde stepped forward, brushing something from his hair. “W-What are you doing?” he stammered, his cheeks reddening. 

She held up a small leaf between her fingers. “This was stuck in your hair,” she said with a faint smile. 

Danielle looked away, still blushing. “Thanks…” 

The atmosphere shifted abruptly as a thunderous voice rang out. 

“What’s going on here?!”  Both Isolde and Danielle turned to see Emperor Leonidas striding toward them, his expression thunderous. Aerial followed close behind, her eyes alight with malice. 

“Isolde!” Aeriel voice boomed. “How dare you seduce my brother?” 

“Your Majesty,” Isolde began, her voice steady despite the storm brewing in her chest. 

“Do not speak!” the empress interjected, her tone venomous. “This is how you repay my hospitality? By throwing yourself at Danielle?” 

Danielle stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. “Sister, this is a misunderstanding! Isolde did nothing wrong—” 

“Silence, Danielle!” Aerial snapped. 

Leonidas’s gaze bore into Isolde, a flicker of something darker than anger flashing in his eyes. “Explain yourself, Isolde. Now.”  The tension in the library was palpable as Isolde knelt before the emperor, her tears pooling on the cold marble floor. 

“Your Majesty, please serve justice!” she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. 

Leonidas stared down at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about, Isolde?” 

She lifted her tear-streaked face, her voice steady despite her evident distress. “I was merely removing a leaf from the young Duke’s hair. He can confirm it. There was no ill intent.” 

“What nonsense,” Aerial interjected, her voice sharp. 

But Danielle stepped forward, his expression serious. “Lady Isolde speaks the truth, Your Majesty. She helped me without any ulterior motive.” 

Isolde’s tearful eyes shifted to the emperor. “Your Majesty, doesn’t it seem strange? How did the empress and you arrive here so quickly, just after the young Duke entered the library?” 

“What are you implying?” Aerial demanded, her voice rising with indignation. 

“Enough,” Leonidas commanded, his tone cold. “Let her speak.” 

Isolde hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice trembling. “I feel eyes on me wherever I go. It’s as if my every step is being watched. Am I a criminal, Your Majesty? Don’t you trust me?” 

The emperor’s frown deepened. “I never ordered surveillance on you,” he said, his tone sharp with suspicion. 

“She’s lying!” Aerial snapped, her face flushed with anger. 

“Silence!” Leonidas’s voice rang through the library, his authority silencing the empress instantly. “Let her speak.” 

Isolde reached for his hand, clutching it as though it were her lifeline. “Your Majesty, the palace is cold and lonely. I have no one here except for you. I can’t trust anyone else. Please help me.” 

Leonidas studied her tearful face, his expression unreadable. He finally turned his gaze to Aerial. “Isolde claims surveillance. Did you order it, Aerial?” 

Aerial’s eyes widened, and she took a step back. “I… I only sought to ensure the palace’s safety. A woman of her past—” 

“You overstepped your bounds,” Leonidas interrupted harshly. “I did not order this, and you had no right to act without my consent.” 

“Your Majesty, I only had the empire’s interests in mind!” Aerial protested, her voice trembling with suppressed fury. 

“Enough,” Leonidas said, his voice cold and final. He turned back to Isolde. “You are under my protection. If there is truth to your claims, I will uncover it. Surveillance will cease immediately, and no one will target you again.” 

Isolde’s grip on his hand tightened, and she bowed her head low. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” 

Leonidas pulled his hand away and straightened, his face was filled with pride watching Isolde beg him and being submissive. Leonidas looked at Aerial, his gaze cutting. “Return to your chambers, Aerial. I will not tolerate such interference again.” 

Aerial opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it. She turned on her heel and strode out, her maids trailing behind. 

Danielle lingered, his expression apologetic. “Lady Isolde, I’m sorry for causing this misunderstanding.” 

She offered him a faint smile. “You’ve done nothing wrong, Young Duke.” 

As Danielle left, Leonidas remained for a moment longer, his piercing gaze locked on Isolde watching her expressions before he turned and walked away, leaving her alone in the vast library. Isolde smirked knowing that the bait has been laid and waited for the fish to get caught in it.



To be continued....