The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Ten

"Maggie, will you grab me a book?" I call out.
"Yes, Lady Luna!" Magnolia responds.

Setting down her duster, I sit and wait in my seat as I listen to Magnolia softly hum to herself as she looks over different books.
Quickly bringing a book down, she wears a large radiant smile.

"I thought this one could be fun!" She shows the title, cheerfully skipping towards me.
"I'll take your word for it." I giggle, closing the finished book in my hand.

Placing the book I finished onto a pile, I notice Magnolia staring at the table full of books.

"What's the matter?" I ask.
"Oh, forgive me, Lady Luna. It's just, I never knew a princess would read this much." She says, handing me the book.
"Usually, they should. It's to better their education since most princesses get married into high positions, like a queen or duchess for example. Though, I might be a different example." I chuckle, amused by her expression.
"Oh? What do you mean?"
"Well, princesses also focus on participating in high society once they've had their coming of age, but I've never been introduced to society. I could only find entertainment through reading since I couldn't meet others. Especially now that I'm a concubine, all I can do is read."
"I see... Lady Luna, I apologize but what does a concubine usually do?" Magnolia looks at me with curious eyes.

I stammer, unsure how to answer this child's sincere question.

"Er, well, concubines are generally women who must satisfy and entertain the emperor." I awkwardly explain, keeping the mature details out.
"Do you do such things?"
"No. Quite frankly, I've never met the emperor, let alone know what he looks like. Lance has told me his majesty doesn't seek out his concubines, but the girls in the harem may invite him."
"You could invite him!" She squeals, excited by the thought.
"No, no! I-I prefer having a quiet life like this. Unless... are you saying you want me to meet his majesty, so you don't need to see me as much?" I snicker, teasing Magnolia.
"O-Of course not! You're very kind to me, much different from how I perceived nobles to be."

A knock on the library doors ends our conversation.
Magnolia and I exchange confused looks as she goes to open it; a girl in a maid's uniform stands there.

"Hello, I've been sent to invite Lady Luna to a tea party held this afternoon." The maid bows, handing Magnolia an envelope.
"Oh, thank you." Magnolia bows her head.

The maid quickly leaves upon delivering the letter; Magnolia walks back to me curiously.

"Lady Luna, would you like to go? If you do, we should prepare your outfit." Magnolia asks, handing me the envelope.

I read the letter, a bit confused by it not having a name of the sender.

"I suppose it's time for me to meet the other residents... Okay, let's go prepare." I stand up, closing my book.

I sit in a chair reading while Magnolia carefully dries my hair.
Beginning to apply light makeup along with a rose balm, Magnolia then styles my hair—clipping a crystal beret to one side of my head. I change into a mint green gown with a ruffled collar and cape sleeves, before slipping on simple strappy green heels.

Inside the parlor, twelve ladies dressed in beautiful gowns and jewelry sit around the large table. The sun shining brightly in through the windows, bouquets of flowers decorate the room.

"Hello, I'm Luna." I curtsy, carefully watching each one of them, "I apologize for not introducing myself earlier, my health hasn't been well since arriving here."

I walk to an empty chair and take my seat.

"That's okay! I'm so glad I can finally meet you! I'm Renesha Vanelheim, I'm so happy you accepted my invite!" She exclaims excitedly.

Renesha's face is beautiful; her pink eyes dazzling like jewels, silky dark-red hair that's styled into an updo, and a pale-orange low-cut gown that sparkles from being adorned in jewels.

The tea party continues after all the girls have introduced themselves and get lost in their small gossip.

"So, Lady Luna, have you invited the emperor to your bedroom?" One of the ladies asks.

I shake my head—almost choking on my tea from her abrupt question.

"N-No, I haven't. I'm still weak in health, so it would be offensive to invite the emperor in such a state." I reply.

The atmosphere suddenly grows odd and hostile as the ladies begin glaring at one another.
Sensing the tension, I press my lips closed as I shrink and sit silently to observe their expressions.

"No one would ever beat Lady Renesha's number though, how lucky of her!" Another girl states.
"W-What number are you talking of?" I curiously ask.
"Oh, it's how many invites the emperor accepts. Lady Renesha's the emperor's favorite. She's the only one that has fulfilled her duties as his concubine." A girl proudly speaks, her tone bashful as she glows over complimenting Lady Renesha.

"Yes well, I have been here the longest. I guess his majesty has a type of beautiful he likes. If you ever meet the emperor though, take caution in meeting his majesty." Renesha whispers to me.
"Why is that?" I ask.
"He might frighten you. He reeks of blood and his eyes will look at you like he's thinking about how to kill you." Renesha shivers.

"It's also said that he murdered his family to become emperor, like some psychopath! His looks aren't awful, but he resembles a beast more than a young emperor—which is fitting, given that he's called a demon with a crown in some kingdoms." Another lady joins into the conversation, cautiously warning as she softly giggle.
"Oh, I see." I nod, sitting silently as I listen to the ladies gossip.

"You know, Lady Renesha's the only one who's seen the emperor's member -"

I cough, surprised by the sudden turn of conversations.

"Well, I guess he's a little loyal... And little in some other places." Renesha giggles.
"Oh, my goodness! Is he really?" A girl exclaims.
"Who's to say. All I can tell you is, it's smaller than it seems." Renesha snickers.

The other ladies gasp and giggle as they listen to Renesha flaunt stories about her and the emperor. I sit silently, uncomfortable as I listen to the ladies continue the vulgar conversations.

The tea party lasts for a few hours, until I can finally say my goodbyes.

Eating dinner in the library as I read, I can't help but sigh exhausted from the gathering.

"Lady Luna, how was the tea party?" Magnolia asks, pouring some wine.
"Oh goodness, I was not ready for that." I sigh, burdened by the memory of our meeting.
"What happened?"
"I've never had an official party with other ladies. I know the decorum and manners to use, but I forgot that sometimes there's nobles who don't partake in such decorum." I sigh, rubbing my forehead.
"Well... The next time an invite comes, I'll be sure to decline it for you."
"No need, you can give me the invites, and I'll determine whether it's worth going to."