The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Fourteen

"My lady, we must hurry! All the other ladies of the golden palace have left!" Magnolia rushes, looking for accessories and shoes.

A beautician styles my hair, while another applies my makeup. Diligently taking their time to prepare my outfit for the evening, I take a few breaths trying to calm myself from the many strangers I'll have to face.

"Maggie, don't worry. It's not starting yet." I softly giggle, watching her panic as she gathers the jewelry.
"Yes, but my lady, it's your first appearance!" Magnolia worries, quickly helping to put on a pair of crystal heels encrusted with small diamonds, "If his imperial majesty is as cruel as they say, you can't be late!"
"Maggie, those are only rumors. You and I have never met his majesty before, so don't be so nervous." I softly chuckle, watching Magnolia act more energetic than I've seen, "Even Lance said to be there ten minutes before the ball starts—so far we have two hours until then."
"I suppose, but seeing the other ladies leave so early makes me feel anxious."
"I understand, but I'm sure they want extra time to socialize. I'll even leave thirty minutes early to make you feel at ease."
"Thank you, my lady." Magnolia sighs a breath of relief.


Once the beauticians finish, I look in the mirror.

My hair is styled elegantly into loose curls, my makeup soft as it accentuates the honey-gold shade of my eyes. A beautician quickly places the matching diamond headpiece on, fixing my bangs from covering the centre piece jewel of the accessory. The gold gown flows elegantly as it hugs the curves of my waist, the dress causing my makeup to glow brighter—a simple pink shimmery eye shadow, along with a rose lip gloss.

"Lady Luna, you look beautiful!" Magnolia admires in awe.

I stare at the mirror, taken aback by even my own looks. Even the expensive dress my parents permitted me to wear for my eighteenth birthday—is dull in comparison to this gown that seems spun from gold threads.

"Thank you for helping me get ready." I smile kindly, admiring the beauty I've never seen before in my parents' castle.

The beauticians bow and thank me, assisting me to put on a long white-fur coat.


Sitting in the carriage, I watch as the snow gently falls—the roads and fields glistening as they transform into a majestic winter land.
Taking a deep breath as my anxiousness returns, I focus on admiring the outside. Imagining the volume of guests that I'll see tonight, I can only pray no one will speak to me.

"I hope Hayden's well..." I whisper, imagining him being stuck outside in this cold weather.


Walking through the royal palace, I stare in awe at the large ceilings held up with marbled gold pillars. The floor designed with a mural encased into the floor—I'm left speechless from large gold framed windows that glisten from the reflection of the vibrant snow.

Making eye contact with other guests that are dressed formally, I quickly avert my eyes—overwhelmed by the stares of strangers.

Taking a turn down a quiet hall, my heart beats out of my chest as I recall the stares I've encountered hundreds of times before—the look of judgement, lust, and scorn.
Placing my hand to my chest, feeling how violently my heart is beating, I force myself to take deep breaths. My eyes growing warm as tears begin to build, my mother's voice returns to me.
Her scolding's of letting my decorum fall, makes it impossible to stop these tears. Imagining how she'd ridicule me, my legs buckle and I fall to the ground.

Just before my thoughts are filled with negative thoughts of my parents, a sudden voice calls out to me.


"Lady Luna?"

I turn to see Lance at the end of the hallway—dressed formally in a black suit that's accented with a white pocket square.

"Lance..." I whisper, my overwhelming thoughts disappearing as I see his concerned expression.

Quickly running up to me, I gather the courage to stand. The tears seeming to dry in an instance as I snap out of the spiralling thoughts.

"I was just on my way to your residence. The nobles are already being announced, but you were missing from your position." Lance speaks concerned.
"I-I apologize, I hadn't realized how much time passed."
"Is everything alright?" He asks, his eyes cautiously looking back at mine.
"Yes, I'm sorry, I had gotten lost and couldn't find someone to assist me." I lie, wearing a relieved smile.
"I see..." Lance softly speaks, seeming to see through my lies—yet doesn't push for more, "Well, please follow me. His majesty is due to arrive any minute now."

Taking a moment to fix the train of my gown, he gives a kind smile.
"I knew the dress would suit you." He compliments, brushing off the dust that was caught on the skirt.
"Well, it's because you have a good eye. Thank you again, it's unbelievable how gorgeous it is. Are you sure it's alright for me to wear such an item of clothing? It seems insulting for a concubine to wear such luxurious clothes."
"Of course you can wear it! Please, enter the ballroom with your head held high, and repeat to yourself that you're an esteemed guest of his majesty. There's no need to shy away." Lance holds his hand out to me, giving a sincere-comforting smile.

Hesitant, I give a slight nod as I want to believe Lance's words. Placing my hand on his, he begins escorting me through the halls.


As we rush through the palace, making our way closer to the ballroom, my heart begins to beat out of my chest as the sounds of guests speaking grows more prominently louder.

Servants bow their heads towards me and Lance, opening the grand doors for us.
Inside the elegant and regal ballroom, we're greeted by a sea of guests and vibrant lights—illuminated by extravagant decorations. My heart beating faster as I notice the figure that sits regally on the throne at the end of the ballroom.

His legs crossed, he leans against the arm rest in a lethargic manner. Realizing my eyes are shifting up towards his face, I catch myself and keep my eyes downcast.

Biting my inner cheek to compose myself as my body begins to tremble, I focus on following Lance's shoes as he makes his way down the aisle.