Coinquinatus (Tale of South Demosthan)

Chapter 9

News spread like wildfire: Lady Ciara Servionne was given the title of Concubine of 5th rank, and she was to be called "Concubine Ciara" starting today onwards.

There was something unique about this new concubine, something she was the only one among all the palace ladies who possess, it seemed as though she was of untamed nature. She would shout and resist like a mad girl. She even made a ruckus and didn't eat until His Majesty came. And when he did, she refused to serve His Majesty that night. Now, she did not even come to greet the empress when she was supposed to pay respects, a tradition done by consorts and concubines at least once a week.

Who did she think she was? Loftier than the empress? More powerful than the emperor?

Someone just whispered all these things to the lady who was sitting on a long chair. Her hand was propped against her cheek.

"Oh." Consort Glynne's camel eyes were as sharp as her brain. Her maid, Rica, knew that. She had just told her what happened to LadyServionne, now Concubine Ciara, but as expected, there was no visible reaction.

Consort Glynne put down her teacup. Looking at the stagnant liquid, one did not know if she was thinking deeply about it, or she did not care at all.

Rica looked at her with bewilderment. "What is it that you are thinking, Your Highness?" She murmured.

"Well," she sighed. Her personal servant had always been like this—innocent, naive, and curious. "Rica, His Majesty was very clear that day, no one should talk about this anymore. From now on, you shall not speak a word about it. Do you get it?" She whispered back.

"This morning, weren't you curious, my lady? And even if His Majesty said so, how could the maids not gossip about it? No one has acted like her before. Besides, His Majesty did not necessarily say—"

"Watch your mouth."

"How can I watch my mouth, my lady? They are beneath my eyes...it is much easier to watch my nose instead."

She shook her head helplessly. She motioned for a distant maid to come.

"Spread this consort's (referring to oneself superiorly) order, if anyone in this consort's premise talks about what happened in the newly arrived concubine's place, this consort will punish them severely."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Just as the maid went out, a young eunuch came in. "Greetings Your Highness Consort Glynne. This humble servant is here to relay a message from His Majesty."

"Young eunuch, this consort has never seen your face before. Say, what is your name?"

"Responding respectfully, the name is Kai. This lowly one only started attending to His Majesty half a year ago. Perhaps that is why Your Highness has not noticed. Moreover, this humble servant is not worthy of Your Higness' gaze."

"Mm." Consort Glynne nodded, motioning for Rica to massage her legs, who immediately complied. It was clear that this eunuch did not want anything to do with her when he said: "attending to His Majesty" instead of generalizing it. Also, in his last statement, he emphasized his unwillingness. In that case, she would not force him.

"Your Highness, His Majesty will be coming tonight."

"You've been heard." She waved her hand lazily. Kai bowed to him before leaving.

"Your Highness, even though His Majesty would not come here days in a row, His Majesty does not forget about you. He continually visits from time to time and gifts you lavishly." Rica said, visibly proud of her lady.

"His Majesty comes here when his mind is deeply troubled. Help me change my attire. We will brew some lavender tea." Whenever His Majesty needed a friendly banter or he was curious about imperial harem's matters, he liked coming to her Amethyst Palace. She knew she was neither Emperor Veoz's sanctuary nor hell. In His Majesty's eyes, she was one of the neutral places in this palace of wars. He could not be too close nor too far away from her. She cannot be trusted nor be taken as someone to be suspicious of.