The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Twenty-One

"That bitch! That wretched whore!" Renesha screams, staring out the window.

In her hands she grips a handkerchief—suddenly tearing it into two. Two maids stand behind her, attempting to calm her.


"Lady Renesha, how can we make you feel better?" A maid asks.

They watch as Luna rushes through the royal garden—trudging through the snow. Her footprints making a pathway from the emperor's palace until she disappears into the golden palace library.

"That viper! From the moment she pretended to be uninterested at the tea party, I knew she was plotting to get the crown. Playing that insufferable innocent role, just to gain information about the emperor. Now he ignores me, while she's personally invited to spend the day in the palace? What a treacherous bitch!" Renesha huffs, her hands tightly balled up into fists.
"My lady, how can you be sure she's after the crown? -"

SLAP

Renesha grits her teeth, her hand held up as she strikes a maid who speaks up. The maid simply holds her stinging cheek and with teary eyes, she keeps her eyes glued to the floors—afraid of incurring her wrath once more.

"I know when someone covets over what's mine. How dare you question me." Renesha coldly speaks, her eyes filled with a crazed anger, "Don't you realize what this means? If she takes the crown, you'll be abandoned, don't forget who you're serving."
"Y-You're right, I'm sorry, my lady... I've forgotten myself." The maid bows, her voice quiet as she attempts to remain calm.
"Forget again and you'll have to beg on the streets for the rest of your life."

The other maid coughs, clearing her throat as she silently watches.

"My lady, I believe what she meant to say was, how would you like us to help?" She speaks, bowing her head.

Renesha thinks for a moment, glaring at the two of them.

"And just how do you think, someone like you can help me?" She scoffs, belittling the help.
"The others are suspicious of Lady Luna's intention already, surely they'll help to stop her." The maid smiles, taking a quick glance at the other girl, she approaches Renesha.

Renesha stands still as the maid whispers into her ear. Listening to the whispered words from the devious maid, Renesha's eyes widen.

Suddenly, the lady breaks out into a cackle.

Taking a seat at the table, she gives a sweet grin as she rests her chin against the back of her hand.

"Yes... That sounds like a splendid plan." Renesha kindly speaks, "Proceed. Make sure to find out every little detail about that whore."

The maids bow, until quickly leaving the room.

"Luna... How many dirty little secrets do you have?" Renesha giggles, her eyes filled with malice as she stares at the library tower.


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Emperor Cabel sits in his office. Lounging on a chair, he wears a loosely tucked white dress-shirt. His long-muscular legs fitted into slim black trousers—his vest and jacket slung over the armrest as he stares out the window.


"Your majesty... Won't you explain what happened? Lady Luna barely had any of her appetizer before she returned that night." Lance cautiously asks, pouring some wine.

Emperor Cabel's brows furrowing upon hearing Lance's question, his irritation growing evident as his eyes rest on the golden palace's library. Lance purses his lips as Emperor Cabel clicks his tongue.
Hesitating for a moment, he speaks up.

"Your majesty, may I speak freely?" Lance cautiously asks, watching Emperor Cabel blow through paperwork.
"You better say something useful, unless you want me to take that tongue of yours." Emperor Cabel growls, glaring at Lance.
"Your majesty, I understand something happened between you two, but it's been over a week since the incident with Lady Luna... Whatever happened with Lady Luna, it's evident you're still upset by it, but you're taking it out on those who serve you."
"Oh? Have people cried about being scared? Why not let them come complain to me then?" Emperor Cabel flashes a cold-sly grin.
"Your imperial majesty... You've exiled the servants who openly spoke of you and Lady Luna dining together, naturally people would be afraid. I won't question your decisions, but there could be a revolt against you, should you continue like this."
"I told them to ignore what they heard, and yet I caught wind of their ceaseless whispers. Are you telling me that my word is less than their childish desires to 'gossip'?" The emperor scoffs, his eyes sharply analyzing Lance's movements.
"Not at all. However, I don't believe that's the cause of you exiling them."
"And what assumptions are going around in that funny little mind of yours, pray tell?" Emperor Cabel deviously speaks, his eyes narrowing as he coldly glares at the butler before him.
"They were exiled because you were reminded of her, weren't they?"

Emperor Cabel raises a brow, an amused grin on his lips.

"Not bad." He chuckles, his jaw clenching as he looks back at Lance who remains calm, "Since you're speaking so well, tell me just how I should get rid of my anger?"
"I can call for Lady Luna."
"How would calling for that abominable concubine, help?" Emperor Cabel's grin drops—a stone cold expression on his face appears.
"Your majesty, your emotions have mixed with how you rule your empire." Lance states, an anxious expression hidden behind his resolute look.
"And? When she's the reason for my anger, how can that help?" Emperor Cabel coldly speaks, his pupils dilated as he watches Lance.
"Aren't you angry because you can't meet with her?"
"Is that your assumption, that I want to see her?"
"No, your majesty, it's the truth. I've served you for many years and know how indifferent you are towards arguments and after this long—that fight wouldn't be the cause of your anger. 'Childish gossip' doesn't faze you either, except when you heard her name, you were reminded that she was upset."

Taking a moment to think over Lance's words, the emperor's expression softens. Raking his fingers through his hair, he scoffs.

"How can I meet her if she could be angry? I was cruel with my words I admit." The emperor sighs.

Taken aback by Emperor Cabel's admission to fault, Lance speaks up.

"Your majesty, if you said something to hurt her, you just need to call her and apologize. As your loyal servant, I'm begging you, please meet her and calm your rage." Lance bows, placing his hand over his heart.

The emperor thinks to himself. Raking his hand through his hair once more, he rolls his eyes before staring at Lance.

"You've become more bold." Emperor Cabel scoffs, his brow raising as he ruminates on his suggestion.
"Thank you, your majesty." Lance smiles politely.

Letting the thoughts sink in, the emperor gathers the courage.

"Alright, send her an invitation." Emperor Cabel reluctantly orders, waving Lance away with his hand.

Watching Lance leave his office, Emperor Cabel sighs.

"Did I want to see her that badly?" Emperor Cabel mutters under his breath.

Emperor Cabel closes his eyes, leaning back into his chair.

"How can you affect me this much?" Emperor Cabel furrows his brows anxiously, "Surely, you'll let me apologize... Right?"