The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter One

(Trigger Warning: Read at your own discretion.)
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"Greetings your majesties." I curtsy to my father and mother.

A pleased smile on their lips as they examine my form.
Sitting on purple velvet thrones, I patiently wait for their response—nervous from the stares of the royal guards and attending servants that stand lined along the walls of the throne room.

"Our dear Celeste, have you been well?" Mother kindly asks.
"Yes, your majesty. I've been enjoying my studies and feel more wiser." I calmly speak, aware of the curious glances the staff take of me.

"It seems our daughter's being raised properly." Father grins, lethargically lounging on the throne.

His jaw resting against the back of his hand, his other hand twiddles with his golden scepter—his thumb gliding over the ridges of the crystal on top.

"Shall we prepare Princess Celestia's gown for this evening's dinner?" My personal maid Sylvan asks, stepping forward to stand beside me.
"No need, we're unable to hold a dinner. All the servants are excused, we wish to speak to our children privately." The king states.


The help exits the throne room in an organized line as I cautiously look back to Father and Mother.

"Brother's coming as well?" I nervously question, yet excited to reunite with Micheal again.
"Of course, we have special news to give to you both. Micheal, come out." Mother beckons, looking over her shoulder.

At her command, Micheal steps out from the curtains that line behind the thrones.

My chest tightens from seeing his vacant eyes—more broken and dulled than before. A strange feeling appearing in my stomach, I silently watch as Micheal kneels by mother's side—bowing his head as her painted red nails gently comb through his blonde hair.

"M-Micheal? Brother, how are you?" I stammer, taken aback from his state.

Appearing worse than the last times I've seen him, his empty gaze sends a chilling shiver through my body. A moment of silence passes before Micheal slowly looks up to mother. Giving a nod, she removes her hand as she gestures for him to speak.

"I've been well. How are you, sister?" He apathetically speaks, rising to his feet.

Unable to force an answer out, I can only nod and force a small smile. My heart breaks as his voice lacks any emotion, sincerity and life.

"We've decided that from now on, you shall take lessons together." Mother delightedly smiles.
"R-Really? Micheal and I can be together for lessons?" I stutter, excited upon seeing their happy expressions.

Each time I've met him, he always seems worse. Even so, I can't shake the small hope I have, that he could return to himself. Our lessons being together can also mean that I could help awaken his old self.

"Of course, my precious girl. How could we keep your future husband from spending time with you?" Mother speaks.

Her delighted smile soon appears terrifying—her words cause my heart to drop into my stomach. The hopeful thought I had vanishes in an instant upon her words.

"W-What do you mean?" I ask, frozen at her words.
"Micheal?" Father snaps his fingers.

Stepping down the platform the thrones sit on, Micheal walks towards me, before gently taking my hand in his.

"Our dear Celeste, you're smart, but our throne must be left in the hands of our eldest son. Which is why, you both will sit here together. Isn't it excellent?" Father smiles.

My decorum falters, my eyes flit to our parents and back to Micheal as their words make my head spin.

"I-I don't quite understand... Micheal's my brother, how could we sit together?" I question, realizing mother's eyes are coldly judging the disgusted expression I've accidentally shown.
"He's your fiancé." She smiles, her eyes focused on me as I force myself to fake a smile under her sharp gaze, "You both will have a life side by side, just as you've wanted. Isn't that what you both wanted, to be with each other?"

Unable to believe her words to be true, the sensation of feeling sick hits my stomach as I stare at the tense expressions they wear.

"Mother, Father... I thought that kingdoms were run by rulers who aren't siblings? -"
"Celestia Avri." Father cuts me off, his expression stern as he looks down at me from where he sits.

I jump at the sharpness in my father's voice.

"Are you questioning our tradition?" He interrogates.
"N-No! Not at all, I-I apologize." My eyes glued to the polished floor, a chill rushes through my body.
"Celeste, listen well. Kingdoms fall to ruin if their bloodline dies, and we don't want that, do we?"

I hesitantly shake my head, wondering if Micheal's hand is trembling or if it's mine.

"Your tutor praised you for being intelligent, but I can only question what was taught to you..." Father questions, "Just what exactly did you learn about other kingdoms?"

My throat feeling stiff, I stammer as I recognize his suspicions. Trying to think of a response to hide what I've read, I do my best to stay calm and avoid seeming guilty.

"Only what was taught in the lessons, your majesty..." I feign a smile, meeting his eyes as I try to calmly speak, "We reviewed the kingdom's history, and it involved the peace treaties we had with other kingdoms... I-I just thought the rulers were of different blood since they had different names..."
"I see... Well, it's an honest mistake. Afterall, you could have thought their first names were their maiden names, isn't that right?" Father smiles, suspicious of my answer.

Clear to see that he's giving me a chance to obey, I lower my head.

"Y-Yes... I apologize... I'm not too sure what 'maiden names' mean just yet..." I lie, feeling my throat tighten as I struggle to breathe calmly under his gaze.
"That's unfortunate. You should return and study a bit more." Father disappointedly speaks.
"I'm sorry, your majesty..." I whisper, lowering my head more.