The Empress's Revenge

Chapter 1

My heels clicked their way down the corridor, slightly muted by the fabric of my red-floor-length dress. It had elbow-length silk sleeves and had rubies decorating the midsection. My gold hair was piled atop my head, fitting snugly behind my crown. It showed my status - Empress of the Eastern Empire.

My hands were crossed in front of my, and my chin was held high. The court meeting was about to take place, discussing our kingdom, as we did every year.

My two ladies-in-waiting followed me silently. The halls were empty, so we made our procession without any troubles. Lady Yanalise jumped ever-so-slightly at a chirping bird, shaking her red hair. Lady Mayalen tutted in disapproval beside her and shot her a small glare with her chocolate brown eyes. Both of the women had come from close noble families and had grown up with me. I thought of them as trustworthy friends.

I stopped at the doors leading to the Meeting Hall. Lady Mayalen shot a look to the door keeper, who was standing off to one side. He stepped forward and took a door handle in his gloved hand. With a slight tug, he opened it to reveal a room full of nobles, ambassadors, and the emperor.

My husband.

As the doors were pushed open, they revealed dozens of nobles all gathered around the large meeting table. My eyes scanned the room for the emperor and found him sitting at the head of the table, chatting to his chief manager.
His blonde hair was slightly darker than mine, and his brown eyes reminded me of fresh soil.
My ladies-in-waiting stood behind me, awaiting my orders. I raised a glove and turned my chin to them, ever so slightly.
"You are excused. When the meeting is over, I will walk back to my quarters alone."
They both nodded and curtsied. I stood infront of the door and watched them go.
"Empress!" Someone called.
My gaze was directed to Duke Abaster, with his curly beige hair, and his wife, looking graceful in her baby blue dress and her brown bun, who hurried to get to me, pushing through the packed crowd.
I nodded at the duke. "Duke Abaster. Lovely to see you here."
Abaster bowed. "I would never miss it for the world, milady."
Duchess Abaster curtsied. "I'm hoping this year's meeting won't be as...chaotic as last year's." She said, averting my gaze.
I nodded remembering the heated discussion about the Northerners, which had resulted with someone getting beaten.
The Duchess pecked a kiss on her husband's cheek. "I've just seen Lady Voiletta. I'll leave you and Empress Renata to talk." She curtsied to me again. "Good day, your majesty."
After his wife disappeared into the crowed, the duke sighed.
"Shes beautiful." He mumbled.
I was suddenly distracted from the duke, by Emperor Tasheyo, who was beckoning me over.
I shot an apologetic smile at Duke Abaster.
"If you'll excuse me Duke, I seem to be being called upon."
Duke Abaster bowed. "Of course, your majesty. I bade you a successful day."
I strode away from the duke and through the nobles. I smiled at them, here and there and they made way for me. I felt my diamond earrings swing and the necklace on my neck felt hearty. They were both gifts from Tasheyo.
As I approached the end of the table, my husband stood and bowed.
"Greeting, your majesty. I'm delighted you could make it."
I returned the gesture with a curtsy. "Of course, Milord. I would never miss the annual meeting."
Tasheyo chuckled. His blonde hair floated around his face, and I raised a hand to push a strand out of his face. He smiled and wrapped his hand around mine as I cupped his cheek.
We gazed at each other, love filling our eyes. Someone cleared their throat.
Chief manager Willcress was standing behind the emperor's chair, with a small stack of papers.
"Your majesty, the nobles would like to begin."
Tasheyo nodded and shot me a last smile before pulling away and sitting down. I took my spot beside him.
He looked around and stood back up.
After clapping his hands once to get everyone's attention, he beamed around the room.
"Let the annual meeting begin!" He announced as he sat back down. The Dukes, Duchess's, Ambassadors, Lord, and Ladies all found spots at the table. After everyone got settled, my husband got started.
"This year, we will be promoting against violence." He said, slightly coldly.
He picked up a paper from the small stack and read it out. "The Western Kingdom wants to barter for more protection to transport goods." Tasheyo looked up. The Ambassador from the Western Kingdom nodded as he stood.
"Whilst the Eastern Empire sends fabulous trades to our kingdom, a good percentage of it disappears before it gets to the castle gates."
Tasheyo listened solemnly. He nodded. "That is a good point. I shall assign a dozen more guards to protect the trade fleet."
The Western Ambassador looked relieved and sat down.
As Tasheyo read out more demands, I studied him. He looked so confident in his job. This was his element. Taking charge. I smiled to myself. He was always bossy when we were kids and he often forgot who was actually in charge, but I let him believe. He came from one of the richest families in the Eastern Empire, and we were planned to marry since an early age...
"Your majesty?"
I blinked. The whole table was staring at me. I looked up at Tasheyo, who was leaning on the table, also staring at me.
"I beg your pardon?" I asked.
Tasheyo smiled and waved a piece of paper.
"I was simply asking if you agreed with the question if the Western kingdom could hold a horse race."
I beamed. I always loved animals, horses in general.
"I think that would be a wonderful idea." I replied, smiling at the Western Ambassador. He blushed and looked down.
The emperor cleared his throat. "Wonderful." He declared, writing something on the notice.
He moved onto the next things, occasionally asking me for my opinion. The meeting went on until the sun touched the tip of the mountains. There was to be a ball held, to celebrate the accomplishment, so as all the nobles filtered out of the meeting room to the ballroom, Tasheyo shuffled his papers and glanced at the door.
I stood and strode over to the door. My husband kept writing on forms as I stood there impatiently.
Suddenly he looked up and smiled.
"I need to finish these, Darling. I will join you in the ballroom for the presentation."
I nodded. Strange. Tasheyo never let me walk anywhere alone. I nodded and left the meeting room.
My footsteps echoed quietly as I walked down the hall. Tasheyo had an odd look when he glanced at the door...annoyance? I wasn't exactly sure. I pushed the thought away as I arrived at the ballroom. Music floated through the air, nearly covered by talking.
I smiled at people as I passed them on my way to the dais, where the empress and emperors thrones sat.
As I took my seat, Tasheyo's throne remained empty. This was puzzling, but I had to ignore it.
I closed my eyes for a few minutes, pondering about my husband.
"May I have this dance, your majesty?"
I opened my eyes to find a handsome stranger standing over me, with his hand held out. He was grinning, his emerald eyes sparkling and his raven black hair, slicked back, leaving a single strand leaning over his forehead. He was tall, that's certain, and he looked quite healthy. Normally, nobles stayed away from higher powers. I was taken aback for a moment. A noble was asking me to dance. I nodded and took his hand. He pulled me up and led me to the dance floor.
After wrapping his hand around my waist and taking my other in his hand, we waltzed around.
"What's your name?" I asked.
The stranger smirked. "I think that's better left unsaid, my lady."
That was certainly puzzling, but I nodded.
We continued to waltz and make small talk. He wanted to hear about me. My favourite colours, favourite flowers, favourite foods. This man struck me as odd. No one has ever interacted with me like this. After the song ended, I went to make my way back to the dais, but the stranger caught my wrist and twirled me back up against his chest. I was caught breathless. He leaned into my ear.
"I would love to see you again, my lady. I enjoyed this evening."
I was left speechless as the stranger strode away through the crowd. Nobles were looking at me, so I regained myself and walked up to the dais.
Court Mage Alexandar performed some entertaining magic, which got an outstanding round of applause. He bowed and shot a wink at me.
The clock chimed 11, and Tasheyo still wasn't there.
I had to make the speech alone.
I stood, gathering the attention of all nobles.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" I said, beaming into the crowd, spreading my arms wide.
"This year's annual meeting has been a tremendous success! I thank everyone for attending and supporting our ideas and solutions."
The nobles applauded as I finished.
The doors burst open drawing the attention away from me, as the emperor strode in. His hair was a mess, and his dress jacket was unbuttoned.
The nobles glanced at each other unsure, but I was seething. How dare he make a scene and miss the announcement! I stared him down coldly as he made his way up to the dais. He glanced at me then took a seat beside me. I sat down as well, avoiding him, not that he looked at me, but if he did.
Nobles started leaving as soon as Tasheyo came, and by 12:30, everyone had left.
I excused myself and left to my chambers.
I changed out of my dress into nightclothes and slipped under the covers. I turned off the light and laid on my side.
The door creaked open.
"Renata?"
I listened as Tasheyo's footsteps came closer to the bed. He laid a hand on my shoulder.
"Renata, are you awake?"
I sat up and shot him a glare. "Now I am." I replied, coldly.
My husband narrowed his eyes but shook his head. "You do not get the right to be upset with me after dancing with a stranger."
I sighed. "Well, I had to do something. You weren't there."
Tasheyo stood and started to pace.
"I had to finish the paperwork, and sign documents. I was tired."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "So, I see."
Tasheyo stopped pacing and whirled to face me. "Maybe if you didn't flirt around with other people and actually put work in, the nobles wouldn't see you standing alone! I practically run this kingdom, and you just...leech off my work!"
I stared at the emperor in disbelief.
"Are you finished?" I muttered. I laid back down.
"Find somewhere else to sleep." I said.
Tasheyo growled but turned on a dime and slammed the door behind him.
Something was not quite right.
Over the next few days, Tasheyo avoided me at all costs. He ate in his room or stayed in his office. I didn't know the true reason until much later, but I found all of this strange. His attitude towards me had changed completely and we weren't the couple we once were.
When we got married, it had been a glorious day. The bells rang, the people applauded. Then I was coronated with Tasheyo right by my side. He had always supported me.
Up until now.
I tried everything, but no matter what, I couldn't get the emerald-eyed stranger off my mind.
One late afternoon, me and my ladies sat on the palace lawn under the garden gazebo, having tea.
The garden itself was gorgeous. Roses, tulips, and exotic flowers were in bloom everywhere and trees were trimmed, giving shade.
I took a sip of tea from my cup.
"Milady," began Lady Yanalise. "The people are starting to worry about your relationship with the emperor."
I took a deep breath and set my cup down.
"The people mustn't be concerned. It's only a hiccup in our marriage."
Lady Yanalise and Lady Mayalen shared a glance. Something was wrong.
"What is it?"
"Well, your majesty," said Lady Mayalen, unsure of what to say next.
"There have been rumours about the emperor having a new mistress."
My blood turned cold. This couldn't be true. Tasheyo, my loyal Tasheyo, who I've known since birth, cheating?
I picked up my cup again with shaky hands.
"What a silly rumour." I replied.
The women nodded and went back to drinking their tea. I pondered about what they said. Who would the emperor be having an affair with? He's always preferred me.
Or so he's said.
I thought about the scene at the annual meeting ball, and the way he appeared, all bedraggled. And how it seemed he was looking for an excuse to leave. And how he never saw me because he was busy with his new mistress.
My teacup shattered as it hit the floor. Shards flew into my blue dress, but they didn't affect me directly. Both my ladies-in-waiting jumped up.
"Your majesty!" They cried.
I took a steady breath and rose. As I stared at them, I issued a command.
"I need you to find out anything you can about the emperor's new 'mistress', and report back to me."
They nodded, curtsied then left the gazebo. I sank back into my chair and rubbed my temples.
Of course, Tasheyo would get tired of me. We've been married for 11 years and there was no heir yet. He might be looking for another way to produce one. I shook my head. No, that would mix up the bloodlines.
A snapping branch caused me to look up. A cat was striding over the palace lawn and sniffing the grass. It was a black tabby with a white-tipped tail.
It sat in front of me and stared at me with glowing emerald eyes. They reminded me of the stranger.
I stared back at it, noting how it flicked its ear. It gave a shake then stood and started towards me. I used to love animals before I had to devote all my time to my duties.
The cat stopped in front of me and stood on its hind legs and pressed its forepaws against my dress.
"Mrow."
I stared at the creature in awe. A soft smile spread on my face as I leaned over and scooped up the mammal.
"You're a sweet thing, aren't you?" I asked it, as I placed it on my lap. It purred and rubbed against my hand as I pet it.
A laugh escaped my lips as I ran my hands over it, feeling the soft velvety fur. Surely it was someone's? I glanced at the grounds, looking for human life, possibly for a glimpse of the owner, but it was just me and the cat.
I scratched its ear. My fingers hooked on something around its neck. A string. I looped it off the cat's head and found it attached to a small roll of paper. I unrolled it.
The emperor doesn't deserve a woman like you.
I stared at the writing. It was a neat scrawl but had a rough edge.
The cat stared at me with its beautiful eyes. They glittered with mischief.
Someone must have sent the cat as a messenger. Or maybe it was a familiar to a mage? Our castle mage had birds. But maybe he got a cat.
I shook my head. This was confusing.
"I should think of something to call you." I mused. "But what?"
The cat licked its paw and rubbed its ear. I scratched its back, causing it to arch in delight, when a name struck me.
"How do you feel about Jade? It's a green stone, much like the emeralds your eyes resemble." I bopped the cat's nose.
The cat seemed to like it, as he purred louder than ever. I laughed and stood up, Jade in my arms.
"We must find writing material so I can write back to your owner."
And with that, I set off, back towards the palace, away from my happy spot at the gazebo, leaving the shattered teacup behind