"Your Majesty?" dinig kong nasa labas ng aking kwarto si Sarah. I am reading books at this time, habang kanina naman ay nasa training ako kasama si Edward. It's been two days after I met the Duke and the Son of him who is now sending me a random messages. I don't have idea what is his real purpose. Hindi ko siya nirereplayan ngunit patuloy pa rin niyang ginagawa. Nababaliw na yata ang isang iyun.

Edward said that the Emperor is supposed to return today. I have no idea what business he was attending to, and I don't want to ask either because it would seem like I'm chasing after him, like I'm desperate.

"Come in," I answered. Tahimik na pumasok si Sarah kasama ang dalawang maidservant. May kasama silang tatlong knights na may tig-iisang bitbit na kahon.

"Ito na ang iyung mga bagong kasuotan, Your Majesty." Napangiti ako at agad na tumayo, lumapit ako sa mga kahon at binuksan ang mga iyun. Napangiti ako muli dahil maganda ang mga dress. Ako mismo ang nagdesinyo sa mga ito, kahiligan  ko rin dati ang mag-guhit.

"Perfect! Now, put these inside my wardrobe," I commanded, and the two maidservants swiftly obeyed.

"Your Majesty." I turned my gaze to Edward who just arrived. "What is it Edward?" I asked, "His Majesty arrived, the Emperor," he stated, he maintain his composure but I sensed that there is something bothering him.

I turned my gaze to Sarah who is now busy assisting the two maidservants. Nakalabas na ang tatlong knights kanina lang, "Sarah, continue you are doing. I'll just greet His Majesty," and the expected person, a woman to be exact.

Lumabas na ako ng silid kasama si Edward na nasa likuran ko lang. I walked with confedence, and maintain my composure.

We walked through the hallway before finally stepping outside. My expression grew more serious as I caught sight of the Emperor walking alongside a strikingly beautiful woman. A few knights trailed behind them, their armor gleaming under the light. I paused in my tracks, waiting patiently until they reached me. Bowing my head with modesty, I greeted him, "Greetings, my beloved husband. Welcome back." I smiled sweetly, my voice laced with warmth. "How are you, Your Majesty?" I inquired, maintaining my gentle and caring demeanor.

Instead of answering my question, he studied me with a keen eye and remarked, "You look well... different, unlike before." His words hung in the air, their weight pressing down on me. I steadied myself inwardly, suppressing any sign of discomfort, and then let out a soft, graceful chuckle. "Don't flatter me, Your Majesty," I responded lightly, though I couldn't ignore how his expression turned more serious, as if he was scrutinizing me.

My gaze then shifted to the woman standing beside him. Her presence was hard to miss—so quiet, yet so captivating. "Who is this lady with you? She’s so quiet," I inquired, my voice laced with feigned surprise as I delicately covered my mouth with a hand. "Are you perhaps mute?" My tone was pure and innocent, as if I were genuinely concerned for her well-being. Before she could respond, she bowed her head gracefully.

"Greetings to the moon of the Empire, Your Imperial Majesty, the Empress. I apologize for not greeting you first," she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle, melodic quality. Then, she flashed me the sweetest smile, a smile that seemed to conceal something beneath its surface.

I chuckled lightly, brushing off her words. "Of course! Pardon me for spouting nonsense," I said, though I knew all too well that the Emperor would never keep someone useless by his side. My earlier remark had been nothing more than mockery, a subtle jab veiled in politeness.

"She is Anastasia, the daughter of Count and countess." I turned my attention to my husband. "And?" I asked, as if I don't have idea at all, "She will be my first concubine," he declared. I stopped for a moment, then I smiled genuinely. "Of course! She will be your concubine." And I gave a glimpse to Anastasia.

"So, you are expecting this?" my husband asked with serious tone. I chuckled. "Oh not really, Your Majesty. It was just my instinct," of course, I knew.

"You must be exhausted, Your Majesty. Let's get inside so you can rest." I offered him a warm smile, stepping aside to allow him to pass.

I let them enter first before following behind. "Sarah, inform the cook to prepare a meal for His Majesty and Lady Anastasia," I ordered, my voice firm yet composed. Maybe I'll start addressing her as Consort. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and headed straight to my chamber.

Once inside, I forcefully shut the door behind me, the sound echoing through the room. My back pressed against the cold wood as I slid down, the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders. I clenched my fists tightly, feeling my nails dig into my palms. Now that there is a concubine, the true threats will begin. I must prepare for what's to come.

I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to take a deep breath, striving to regain my composure before the storm truly begins.

Naglakad ako papalapit sa balkonahe at agad naman akong sinalubong ng sinag ng araw. It feels so warm, seemed like it is telling me to keep myself alive.

Dumaan ang isang oras bago nakabalik si Sarah, "Your Majesty, the meal is ready," she informed. I turned my attention to her before nodding. "Al right, I will be the one to bring the meal for His Majesty," I declared and went out to my chamber.

I took the tray, laden with food, from a maidservant and decided to deliver it myself to the Emperor's chamber. As I approached the door, I paused, taking a deep breath before knocking lightly. "Your Majesty, I have brought you a meal," I announced softly. After a brief moment, the door creaked open, and I stepped inside.

The Emperor was seated at the edge of his bed, wearing only a thin long-sleeved shirt. The garment hung loosely, the top buttons undone, exposing his chest. His eyes, sharp and piercing, followed my every move, as if scrutinizing me. I walked over to the study table and carefully set the tray down before turning to face him.

"I wasn't aware that the Empress had such a caring side," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone. I smiled lightly, letting out a soft chuckle. "Your Majesty, I wouldn’t say I’m caring. In fact, I could have easily slipped poison into your meal," I teased, watching as his expression shifted to one of seriousness. I laughed again, more softly this time, and plucked a grape from the tray, popping it into my mouth. "Are you planning to have many concubines, Your Majesty?" I asked with a sweet smile, my eyes locking onto his.

A smirk played on his lips. "So, you do have an agenda," he replied, rising from the bed with a calm demeanor, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Hmmm, about your concern, yes. I am considering three concubines," he stated, casually walking towards me. I tilted my head slightly, as if contemplating something. "Only three? Why not more? It could be more thrilling, and imagine the number of children you could have," I suggested, covering my lips as if I was envisioning a delightful scene. "Oh! I’m quite eager to see them all... fighting for the throne. How fascinating!" I added, my voice dripping with mock excitement. I maintained my sweet smile as he stopped just inches away from me.

His hand reached up, gently brushing a strand of my hair aside, causing a nervous gulp to escape me. Our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, "You have quite the imagination, but tell me, where do you see yourself in this story, wife?" he asked in a husky voice, his fingers trailing down my arm. A shiver ran down my spine, and I instinctively stepped back, but he swiftly caught my wrist, pulling me closer and pinning me against the edge of the table.

I chuckled softly, trying to mask my growing nervousness. "Well, I don't see myself standing beside you for long. I’ve been thinking, perhaps His Majesty doesn’t need an Empress at all," I replied, meeting his gaze as I placed a hand on his broad chest. I saw his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed, and I fought the urge to laugh. So, I do have an effect on him.

"Why do you say that?" he asked, curiosity lacing his words as he leaned in closer, placing his hands on either side of the table, effectively trapping me. I could feel his warm breath against my skin, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

"How about I ask you something instead, Your Majesty?" I paused, my tone turning serious. "What am I to you?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Are you asking if I love you?" he said, almost mockingly. I couldn't help but laugh at his words. "You're being ridiculous, Your Majesty," I replied, gently pushing him away, relieved when he didn’t resist.

"I was simply asking what I mean to you, nothing more," I clarified, my voice steady. "But if I'm being honest, I was a little disappointed when you left the palace so soon after our wedding. You didn’t even give me a chance to… fulfill my duties as your wife," I said, watching as his expression grew serious. "What do you think of me ? A lecher?" he retorted, his eyes narrowing at me.

I laughed again, biting my lip to stifle the sound. "Well, given your eagerness to acquire concubines, I assumed you had a… strong appetite in bed, so much so that one wife wouldn’t suffice," I said, turning away from him. "Enjoy your meal, Your Majesty. You’ll need your strength for the night ahead," I added, beginning to walk towards the door. But his words halted me in my tracks.

"You have quite the sharp tongue. I wonder how it would feel to cut it out?" he warned, his tone dark.

I smirked, glancing back at him. "Feel free to try, Your Majesty. My tongue is merely my most common weapon," I replied, before finally leaving his chamber.

Catching his attention was almost too easy, I mused inwardly as I walked away.