The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Fifteen

Emperor Cabel sits on his throne, watching the crowds of guests from the stage.
The ladies of the golden palace stand in a line by the stairs that lead to the throne. Knights stand guard as nobles begin filling the ballroom.


"Look, Emperor Cabel's staring at me." Renesha flaunts to the other ladies of the harem.

Fixing her dark red gown, she glances at the emperor who regally sits upon a golden throne with red velvet cushions.

"I want it..." Renesha whispers, her eyes longingly staring at the intricate detailed throne.


Just then, the doors open.
A blinding golden gown catches the eyes of the guests—Luna enters the ballroom escorted by Lance.

The conversations quietly die down as guests are left in awe—the silence prominent to the point where even her heels clicking against the floor are clearly heard.

Emperor Cabel's eyes widen as he watches her enter.

The soft curls of her hair under the lights, the emperor stares for a moment—entranced by her hair that glistens as if spun from gold silk. As she makes her way through the ballroom, she keeps her eyes to the floor, attempting to ignore the stares upon her. Her gown moves effortlessly, swaying with each step she takes.


"Over here, Lady Luna." Lance speaks, gesturing to the other ladies.

Luna curtsies to the ladies of the harem, quietly taking her place in line with them.


"She's a concubine?"
Whispers arise from noble guests as she stands with the other ladies.


"Lady Luna, may I ask where you got that dress?" Renesha sweetly smiles—her eyes full of envy and a cold irritation.
"Oh, Lance ordered the gown for me. If you speak with him, I'm sure he'll give you the boutique's name." Luna smiles kindly, keeping her eyes focused on her crossed hands.

Taking a deep breath—overwhelmed by the rising whispers—Luna keeps silent as she tries to calm her nerves. Renesha's expression grows cold by the sight of the emperor's eyes gazing at Luna. Forcing a smile, Renesha turns to speak to another concubine as she hides the distasteful emotions.


The nobles begin to greet the emperor, one by one they bow before him—a gift in hand, they explain the meaning of their gifts.
Emperor Cabel listens to them unamused; sitting with his legs crossed, he leans against the throne's arm rest. His eyes occasionally drift to steal glances at Luna—who continues to stare at her feet since arriving.


"Your imperial majesty, it's time for your speech." Lance whispers from his side.

Hearing Lance's words, Emperor Cabel sighs before languidly rising to his feet. Guests watch with excitement and awe as his imperial majesty approaches the end of the stage.


"Greetings to all. I thank everyone for coming to celebrate the arrival of winter. In hopes of our great empire to flourish even further once spring arrives, I'd like to celebrate this joyous occasion. I urge you all to enjoy the festivities." Emperor Cabel elegantly speaks, his eyes coldly watching the guests.

As the emperor raises his hand, the orchestra begins to play a gentle lively song.


Nobles speak amongst each other, too intimidated to interrupt the conversation between Emperor Cabel and Duke Oslo.

"Congratulations, your majesty. You've gained more mines and land this year. I hope your goals are almost complete." Duke Oslo speaks in a hushed voice.
"This is enough, at least to send a message to others." Emperor Cabel grins, amused.
"Yes, the mines from Avris are almost emptied, the jewels should arrive at the capital in a few days, but the word will spread once the jewels are in your possession."
"Good work, Duke." Emperor Cabel nods, sipping his glass of champagne.

Duke Oslo looks around the bustling room—his eyes freezing.

"Your majesty... Is that the princess of Avris?" Duke Oslo quietly whispers, his gaze focused on the lady with golden hair.

Emperor Cabel glances at Luna who sits at a table, sipping champagne. Her glossy golden hair softly falling off her shoulders as she stares to her lap. Her lips pursed as she savours the drink, her eyes glistening brightly like gems. Guests that pass her, all whisper amongst themselves as they take in her beauty.

The emperor gives a slight nod as he tears his eyes away from Luna, sipping his drink as he looks around the ballroom.

"Incredible. She's grown much more vibrant than when we found her. I'm relieved to see her healthy and well." Duke Oslo gazes at Luna in awe.
"Well, it would be troublesome to imprison her if she died." Emperor Cabel harshly speaks.
"Imprison? Even though she's in your harem?"

Emperor Cabel pauses, staring at the group of concubines as they giggle and speak to each other.

"Being confined in that palace, is as close as it can be to imprisonment. Eventually, they'll all be executed—it's just the way it works."
"Your majesty, wouldn't it be troublesome to execute them recklessly?"
"Hm? Not at all." Emperor Cabel chuckles, downing his drink.

The emperor's eyes coldly glare at ladies, ruminating on different thoughts that fill his mind.

"They all wish to bear my child, in hopes of becoming empress or queen." Emperor Cabel slightly grins, amused by the idea.
"Your imperial majesty... Ruthlessly killing your concubines for being with child, will only create fear in your citizens -"
"I could care less about taking their lives. Do you know what I see?"
"What's that, your majesty?"

Taking a moment to glance at the group of ladies conversing with nobles, the emperor wears a cold grin.

"I see criminals. They offered to come and atone for their families' crimes, but their true motives are to bear my child. They'll act as their parents did, and their greed will cause them to kill each other for ownership of the crown."
"So, the last two incidents?" Duke Oslo questions, raising a brow.
"I had nothing to do with it." The emperor scoffs.
"Your majesty, unfavorable rumors are being spread that you executed those two ladies. It'd be best to release the truth, so the citizens won't be as afraid -"
"And? Even if I intervene, those shameless women won't stop their cruelty to each other. Fear is what keeps those who wish to harm my empire away—if people speculate their actions for mine, it only assists me in protecting my empire."
"But the people of your empire want to see an empress beside you eventually. All possible candidates will be afraid if you let the rumors grow too wild."
"Addressing irrelevant rumors are not a priority of mine. An empress or queen isn't necessary when I've proved many times, I can bring this empire to glory without a wife."

From the emperor's indifferent tone, Duke Oslo can only sigh as he forces a small smile.

"I suppose this is your empire, and you may do as you wish." Duke Oslo shrugs, signaling to a butler for another glass.


Luna sits at a table, sipping champagne as she watches couples dance around her.
Suddenly, she jumps as the excited squeals of ladies ring through the ballroom. Glancing to see the group of concubines surrounding the emperor as they greet him.

Her eyes widen slightly as they rest upon the emperor for the first time.
His chiseled—devilishly—handsome face taking her breath; his silky black hair shining under the lights, and his deep-crimson eyes that seem to glow like rubies.

Unable to help but gaze at him, Luna's entranced by the hue and radiance of his eyes.


"Good evening, fair lady." A man approaches Luna and bows.

Taking her out of her daze, Luna stammers as she stands to her feet.

"I am the honorable Lucas of the Viscount Treymonte house." The man bows.
"Oh, good evening, I'm Luna Avri..." Luna stands, nervously curtsying as she speaks.
"You're from the fallen Avris Kingdom, correct?"

Forcing a smile, Luna sheepishly answers.

"Yes, that's correct." She politely smiles, her eyes stuck to the floor as she feels his intense stare.
"I see. So, you're the secret princess. Are you aware of the rumors surrounding you?"
"I'm afraid I haven't heard the stories, my lord."
"Hm, well it's said you were sold off years ago to help the kingdom's economy. To think a beautiful lady such as yourself would be sold off."
"That's not true, my lord." Luna corrects, shrinking back from his tone.
"Of course not. I see now that your smooth skin, and shining eyes are too beautiful to even have a price." Lucas smiles, his eyes glancing down to gaze at her body.

Hugging herself with her arms as she realizes he's glancing at her bosom; she forces an awkward smile—feigning ignorance as his words that cause an unsettling atmosphere.

"I-It was nice meeting you, but if you'll excuse me -"
"You're ending our conversation so soon? His majesty's harem should entertain his guests though. Shall we go somewhere to find entertainment ourselves?" Lucas speaks, grinning suggestively as he cuts her off.
"I-I apologize, but I should provide my greeting to his imperial majesty." Luna curtsies, quickly turning to walk away.

She flinches, her complexion falling pale as Lucas tightly grabs her wrist. Stopping her in her tracks, she looks back at him afraid. Roughly pulling her close to him—his expression cold as he meets her eyes.

"You should mind your manners, Lady Luna. You're nothing but a concubine. You hold no title, yet you dare disrespect a noble guest?" Lucas whispers, his grip tightening as his other hand roughly grabs her waist.
"M-My lord, let go. You're hurting me." She quietly whimpers, trying to escape his grip.
"You're lucky you weren't sold off to some whore house. Then again, his majesty might sell you off if you offend a guest though, so it would be in your best interest to work to entertain me." Lucas whispers, his eyes filled with an arrogant amused look.

Tears begin to build in Luna's eyes as he digs his fingers into her arm—her wrist turning white from the pressure of his grip.
Just as the guest pulls her—forcibly trying to drag her out of the ballroom—a voice stops Lucas in his tracks.