Coinquinatus (Tale of South Demosthan)

Chapter 8

"Greetings Your Majesty the Empress." All concubines and consorts, whatever their rank was, curtsied respectfully according to rules. No one dared to bow lightly.

Except for one woman, who was sitting imperiously on the golden throne. Her curly hair was styled elaborately, a golden lock was loose in front. The crown sitting proudly on her head was emblemed with small diamonds carved intricately. Her hands, neck, and ears had been adorned with sophisticated ornaments. She was literally shining in front of everyone. No one dared to match her magnificence today by wearing similar jewelry or the same color of dress—red, as was the case every day.

She shot everyone with an icy look, her blue eyes filled with loftiness. It was quite apparent that she was none other than the Western Demosthan Empire's one and only Empress Consort, Nevaiah, hailing from the Eluxia clan aristocrats, a prominent lineage of scholars.

She waved her hand leisurely.

"At ease."

"Thanking Empress Vivian." They simultaneously said.

Each took their respective seats. On the right side of the empress sat Consort Lein, dark cobalt orbs as gentle as ever. She was His Majesty's most treasured companion. Her pale red dress complimented her smooth skin. Her ash-blonde hair was flowing down to her back freely, fastened by simple ornaments. She was everyone's target tonight, especially the imperatrix, who viewed her as a thorn in her sight.

On the empress' left side was Consort Elitia. While coughing, she covered her small mouth with an exquisitely woven material. Her dark hair, which contrasted with her pale skin, only made her look more sickly and pale. Her shoulders sagged slightly as if she was shielding her body from intruders. Despite the hot weather, she was also the only one wearing a green cloak. Her sky blue eyes appeared lethargic and weak.

Consort Vanis was sitting next to Consort Elitia. Her yellow eyes were looking viciously at Consort Lein. Unlike the empress who knew how to wear a mask, she didn't bother to cover her annoyance at all. Among the consorts, she was the easiest to read. Although she downplayed her hairstyle, she was wearing the most up-to-date, fashionable layers of clothes. Red and gold gemstones were also placed on different parts of her body. Even her nose had a gold ring attached to it. It was visible that she never knew how to conceal her beauty or pride.

Consort Glynne sat next to Consort Lein. She was neither too grand nor too plain in her attire. It appeared that she knew how to blend well. Her brown hair was neatly styled into a side braid up-do.

These top five ladies in the harem were different in personalities and appearances.

Below them are the senior rank concubines—Concubine Eura, Concubine Kadence, Concubine Fleur, Concubine Tifia, Concubine Ress, and Concubine Salmira, who had the privilege to sit with the consorts since they are mid-ranked palace women, or considered high-ranked concubines. The rest, on the other hand, remained standing while offering words of flattery to the top echelons.

(TN: I made up these ranks based on the Chinese Imperial Harem: Empress > Imperial Consorts > Consorts > Concubines Rank 1 > Concubines Rank 2 > Concubines Rank 3 > Concubines Rank 4 > Concubines Rank 5 > Bed Attendants)

"Your Highness, you seem quite radiant as usual." Concubine Kadence whispered towards Consort Vanis who in turn, smiled confidently. The consort didn't bother to reply to her at all. She turned her attention to the woman seated above her.

"Your Majesty, this consort heard that a new woman came from a subordinate country." Consort Vanis picked up a cup of rose tea. As she was sipping, a look of ridicule can be seen on her seductive face.