Shadow Empress (GirlxGirl) (COMPLETED)

Chapter 8 | Emperor's Foolishness

ELPIS'S POV

It has been ages since I stepped my foot inside the main palace ground. After marrying Virtra, I moved out from the main palace into Galatea because I don't want my wife to be part of unnecessary drama inside the emperor's harem.

"Long live empress Elpis. Glory and peace for the Empire." I smiled at Sophia when she greeted me at the entrance. I can see how confused the new maids are comparing to their seniors.

They didn't expect something as complicated as my situation within the royal family to be true. Most officials cursed my mother for giving birth to a girl instead of a boy. If only I were born a man, the court wouldn't be this chaotic.

"How are you, Sophia? Is Ragnar available?" Sophia bow.

"He is currently with one of his many consorts having pleasant breakfast at the royal pavilion. He doesn't wish to be disturb, or so he said." Does Ragnar dare to chase me away without meeting me? That brother of mine is getting bolder day by day.

"The pavilion, huh." I walked towards the pavilion with Sophia tailing me from behind. Imagine my surprised when I saw the emperor getting frisky with his consort. I raised an eyebrow wondering if there's not enough room for them to show their affection with each other in the palace. Why do they have to do that in public?

"Sister?!" He flustered as he pushed his consort away and grovelled in front of me. I'm sure the consort wondering why the emperor did such thing for a mere princess.

"Raise your head, brother." My eyes turned to the consort, who seemed a bit confused by what is going on.

"Is this how you discipline your concubines, brother? Doesn't she know the rule of the palace?" My half brother turned around and forced his consort to kneel with him. I can see how pissed off the consort become.

"Do you have time, brother? I wish to speak with you privately with empress Sophia." My brother nodded and asked his consort to leave. She was not happy when I noticed she gave me a look earlier. Honestly, does she thinks being my brother's concubines means anything in this palace?

I think not.

The senior maids prepared some refreshment for me as I seated on the garden stool. I have to admit; the main palace pavilion does have the best view of the Empire. Sophia had outdone herself when she asked the construction of a new flower garden. It's even better than the ones the empress dowager built for the main palace. She is truly a lady with high taste.

Unlike that low-rank concubine, who killed my mother the first empress, Sophia earned my respect. Luckily his sons' grew up following my orders instead of hers.

"What's wrong, sister? It's rare for you to be here. There must be an urgent need if you came here in person." At least he's smart.

"It's come to my attention that someone is trying to kill your empress, mother of the future ruler of this Empire. And before you blamed your wife for telling me, it wasn't her. Imperial consort was the one who informed me. Ragnar, explain yourself. Why did you let your empress almost got kill?" Ragnar looked down.

He knows that he's at fault. How can someone be so clueless? Like for heaven sake, just how blind can you be?

"Ragnar, I hope you know how important it is Sophia's role in the court. She's not only your wife, but she is also your empress. In the eyes of your subject, she's the second powerful figure in the empire. As your legal wife, she has full control of the palace. You let your consorts bullied the person who gave birth to the heir! I can't let that slide, brother. Are you listening to me?" Ragnar nodded.

"Sister in law, please, don't be mad at my husband. He's only trying to please every single one of his concubines. Besides, he has no idea that I was a target." That was some excellent acting, Sophia. I never knew you could be that sly.