Scroll Of Wrath [BETA] COMPLETE

|Chapter 12.2| The Imperial Concubine's banquet [2]

The gardens in the prince's quarters were quite isolated and quiet. He did not use them often, so they felt a little neglected, with overgrown flowers. Hadassah took her time collecting the flowers she could and arranging them on a low table. She had a pair of shears in her hand as she trimmed the flowers, arranging them in a crystal vase. She picked her favourite flowers, going with a blue and white colour scheme.

"Imperial concubine." Her attention was eventually diverted by the announcement of Drucilla's arrival. It was a pleasant surprise for Hadassah, as she had only spent a short time with Drucilla in Atlas. This was her opportunity to share a cup of nectar with her, though she did not know if Drucilla would appreciate it.

Drucilla swept into Hadassah's chambers, her black robes flowing behind her, struggling to catch up. Despite her small frame, the sword at her side held so much aura and power that the servants could only bow as the dragon heir passed through the halls. The room of the imperial concubine was naturally grand. How many gifts had the prince lavished her with? She casually placed them where she liked. Drucilla was now curious just how beautiful this woman was to unscrew her brother's head completely. Hadassah was seated by the window, a delicate veil covering her face, obscuring her identity.

"Ah, the famous consort," Drucilla said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've heard so much about your beauty. It's time we met."

Hadassah rose gracefully, her laughter light and airy. "Princess Drucilla, what an honour. I've heard of your strength and your accomplishments. Needless to say, I am an admirer. Please, sit. How can I assist you?"

Drucilla smirked, studying the veiled woman before her. She suspected this consort was nothing more than a vapid airhead, enjoying her luxuries without a care in the world. "I'm planning a grand banquet, and I require your assistance in hosting it. Your charm and... expertise would be invaluable."

Someone who would fall into a trap stupidly without question.

Hadassah's eyes gleamed with faux delight behind her veil. "A banquet? Oh, how delightful! I adore such gatherings. Consider it done!"

Drucilla smirked and brought out a small box from her sleeves, handing it to her. "A token of my appreciation—a deep sea pearl. It's precious and rare, just like this opportunity."

Hadassah accepted the gift with a giggle, peering into the box. Her lips twitched, but she remained excited. "How generous! I shall cherish it always." A deep sea pearl, another name for the tears of a celestial, how many did she have in her possession?

Drucilla's smirk deepened. "I'm sure you will. Something like this is not easily acquired unless you capture a celestial."

Hadassah's finger traced the translucent sphere glistening in the light. Ahqi's tears were indeed beautiful, but why did she have them?

"Tell me, Princess, unfortunately, I am not knowledgeable. How did you get something so precious?"

Drucilla leaned against her left knuckles, looking every bit the ruler she could have been. "There are many ways to force a man's hand. It is to be expected that you are unaware of such tricks since you are a mere servant."

An imperial concubine could never be a main wife; she was indeed just a cherished servant of that household. Hadassah picked up the pearl as if she were curious, but instead, her heart filled with an emotion she could not place. "I expect you have your ways, Princess," she said in a flattering tone. Drucilla scoffed.

"All you need is a whip, and then it should be quite easy to force a man to his knees."

"Oh?" Hadassah's voice filled with more apparent delight and intrigue. Drucilla could only look down on this common woman.