Born to be Empress

Chapter 2 - The concubine's room

I woke up in an unfamiliar room, my head spinning and my body aching despite the soft, comfortable mattress beneath me. This was not my bed. Where was I?

I glanced around, disoriented, taking in the spacious room lined with about fifteen beds. Women occupied the room, their hushed voices and movements unfamiliar. Panic rose in my chest as I tried to sit up, but a gentle hand pressed me back down.

-"You should rest," a soft voice advised. I turned to see the owner of the hand—a stunning woman in her mid-twenties. Her long, golden hair framed her striking blue eyes, and she exuded an air of refinement. Her expensive attire and polished appearance stood in stark contrast to my own.

-"I'm Alina," she introduced herself with a warm smile.

-"I'm Phaedra," I replied, my voice shaky. My eyes darted around the room, trying to make sense of my surroundings. My head throbbed as I forced out the question: "Where am I?"

-"You're in one of the concubines' chambers."

-"What?" I sat up abruptly, my heart racing. "I'm not a concubine!"

-"If they brought you here, then you are," she said firmly, her expression tinged with concern. "Don't displease the Emperor. I heard he personally selected you."

Her words sent a jolt through me, and memories rushed back in a chaotic wave: the attack, the little boy, the imposing man in golden armor. That wasn't a general—it was the King himself.

My mother.

-"Where's my mother?" I blurted out, panic clawing at my chest.

Alina's face softened. "I... I'm sorry, I don't know. You were the only one brought here."

-"I have to find her! I need to know if she's okay!" My voice trembled, desperation seeping into every word.

-"Relax," Alina urged gently. "I promise I'll try to find out. But for now, you need to rest." She pulled the blanket over me with a comforting smile.

I wanted to argue, to leap out of the bed and start searching. But my body betrayed me—weak and drained, it refused to obey. I sank back into the mattress, exhaustion overtaking me in moments.

A cacophony of voices jolted me awake. Groggy and disoriented, I opened my eyes to see a tall, striking woman in her mid-forties commanding the room with her presence. Her voice rang out sharply as she scolded the other girls, her words filled with authority and impatience.

-"Chop, chop! We can't keep the Emperor and his generals waiting!" the older woman barked, as the other girls busily prepared themselves. They wore vibrant, colorful outfits that revealed their midriffs and cleavage. Their faces were partially veiled with delicate tulle, while their eyes were adorned with dramatic makeup that made their beauty even more striking.

I couldn't help but stare when Alina approached me, wearing a dazzling red outfit embellished with golden ornaments. Her eyes were lined in bright blue, accentuating her already striking features. She sat on the edge of my bed, her expression filled with concern.

-"How are you feeling?" she asked gently.

-"I'm fine, thank you," I replied, though my voice still sounded weak.

-"Thank the gods! You've been unconscious for two days. The healer said you'd overexerted yourself."

Her words stirred a pang of worry in me. "Did you manage to find out anything about my mother?" I asked anxiously.

Alina's face fell slightly. "I... I'm sorry, I haven't. But I promise I'll keep trying to find out," she said, offering me a reassuring smile. She stood to leave, but on instinct, I reached out and grabbed her arm.