Shadow Empress (GirlxGirl) (COMPLETED)

Chapter 3 | The Royal Court

"I see ... you may go." The imperial consort closed the door after she was informed about Lady Delphine's condition.

"Who was at the door?" Elpis asked with her eyes still close while lying on the bed.

"It was Grace. Delphine managed to gave birth to a healthy little boy. Both the mother and son are fine." Elpis opened her eyes before getting up to a sitting position.

"I see. Please make the proper arrangement for the newborn. I'll be spending a night at Delphine's quarters tonight." The imperial consort nodded before she helped Elpis getting into her morning bath. After helping the empress scrubbing her back, she went to the door and asked the lower concubines to enter the room to help her putting on her attire for today.

"France, you've been up all night. Why are you here?" Elpis asked her concubine.

"I'm just a low rank lady, your majesty. This is what I'm supposed to do." Elpis hummed before she turned to Virtra.

"Let her rest for today. She did save Delphine from death. You did a good job, France. The rest can come with us." Virtra nodded as she acknowledged her orders. Lady France bow her head.

"Your majesty, forgive me if I'm being rude but ... what exactly are we doing today? It's rare for us to accompany you to any official social gathering." Lady Mirabel asked while she puts on Elpis's official attire.

"Meeting the officials of course. The victory I've obtained mean a great deal for the empire. Our enemies are coming to negotiate about their fate now that they're under our control. And also ... I want to make sure that the court is completely under our control. While I was away, I'm sure Virtra asked each of you to do something in my favour, correct?" The concubines nodded.

"It's like a dream come true. The war is over. No more needless death. No more unnecessary bloodshed. You've done a great job, your majesty. If only ... if only peace could be obtained before ..." Elpis placed her hands on Mirabel's shoulders.

"Do not fret. I promised you that I shall seek peace for you and I did." Mirabel kneel on the floor, asking for forgiveness.

"It was selfish of me to request such thing, your majesty. Look at you ... your wounds ... your beautiful body ... it all because of me that you have to suffered so much." Elpis smiled.

"Mirabel, rise. There's no need for you ... any of you to be so formal while we're in private." Elpis helped Mirabel to stand up on her feet before caressing her cheek.

"The Empire has long for this victory since my father was emperor. But because of you ... I survived the whole ordeal. I just want to make you ... each and everyone of you happy." Elpis smiled at Lady Ravinia, Blanca and Celestia whom stand by Virtra's side.

"Put on your best dress, my concubines. We shall impress those who look down on us today." The concubines bow their head.

"The lower concubines are quite something. Except for France since she's a doctor, I don't see why you have to take the rest of them into our harem." Virtra asked when the concubines leave the room.

"You don't? That means you have to learn how to view things like I do, Virtra. Enough of this. Get yourself ready." The imperial consort obliged and went to the closet to get herself ready. Elpis finds her sword neatly placed on a table. She was surprised to see that her sword had been cleaned.

"Virtra ... did you clean my sword?" Elpis asked.

"I did. Now help me tie this up. I can't believe I have to dress for court. You really like to show your concubines in front of all the officials huh?" Elpis smiled as she helped the imperial consort with the strings.