The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Twenty-Four

Emperor Cabel sits in his office—the coffee table in front of him, filled with cakes and sandwiches, along with a tea setting across from him.
He stares at the empty seat.

"She's not coming again today..." Emperor Cabel whispers disheartened, staring at the sofa.

Lance watches, dejected as Emperor Cabel sighs in a despondent tone.

"Your majesty, why don't we pay a visit to the golden palace? It seems the last time you spoke has hurt her more deeply than you thought it did. Maybe it would help to go over there yourself, and talk with her?" Lance suggests, smiling reassuringly.

Emperor Cabel sighs before rising to his feet.
Walking to the window, he looks out at the library in the distance. The lights turned off with the melting snow, dripping off the roof.

"Your majesty, you haven't seen her for almost two months. It saddens me to see you so low-spirited..." Lance cautiously speaks.

Emperor Cabel grasps his chest, holding the shirt fabric tightly. His expression pained as he watches the melting snow.

"No. If I were to go, she might hate me further. I don't want her to push me away even more." The emperor softly chuckles, pursing his lips to hide the disappointment he feels.

Taken aback as Emperor Cabel speaks gently—a sorrowful tone in his voice—Lance nods, unable to say anything else to comfort the ruler.

Taking it upon himself, Lance approaches the golden palace—entering through the servants quarters.
He walks through the surprisingly bare hallway of the quarters—questioning where all the maids could be, he finds only Magnolia in the empty space.

Seeing Magnolia quietly fold mountains of towels—far too much work to be done alone—Lance approaches to ask where the other servants are.
Stepping closer, he notices the pained expression she wears. Her hands trembling as she slowly brushes out any wrinkles, Lance notices the bandages on her arms.

"Magnolia?" Lance calls out.

Startled by his voice, Magnolia quickly turns to see Lance a few feet behind her. A second passes until she quickly turns away—her expression full of fear.

Lance's eyes widen as he catches a glimpse of her face.

"Magnolia, turn to me." He calmly orders.

Faltering for a moment, the young maid turns around. Her face red, with her right eye newly bruised, she bites her lip to hold back the tears that grow in her eyes.

"You weren't supposed to come here..." She quietly speaks.
"D-Did Lady Luna do this? -" Lance questions.
"N-No!" Magnolia exclaims, "Lady Luna is gentle, and has been treating my wounds..."
"Magnolia, you need to tell me who did this to you." Lance sternly speaks, looking at her injured face.

The maid's complexion turns pale upon his words. Her body shaking uncontrollably, her hands tighten into fists.

"I-I can't say who... Please don't worry about me." Magnolia grabs the folded towels and bows, "Please forgive me, Sir. I should go."

Watching as she quickly runs off with teary eyes, Lance's expression falls upon recalling the injuries that covered her body.
His complexion pale, Lance quickly leaves the golden palace—returning to the emperor's palace.

"Your majesty, what shall we do of this situation?" Lance speaks as he stands in front of Emperor Cabel's desk.

Emperor Cabel thinks to himself angrily, raking his hand through his hair. Clenching his jaw as he takes in Lance's words, he cracks his knuckles.

"You don't know who hurt that child?" The emperor asks.
"Unfortunately not. Magnolia ran away, but she seemed afraid to tell me the truth."
"Afraid? That child is Luna's maid, correct?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"I see. Was Luna harmed as well?" Emperor Cabel asks, his eyes full of concern—but full of rage.
"I'm not certain, your Majesty. I came back as soon as possible to inform you of the situation."
"I see... Those damned concubines..." He mutters.
"What shall I do, your majesty?"
"Call the guards." The emperor scowls, his eyes lacking any hint of warmth, "It seems I've been too lenient with my harem."

Rising to his feet, the emperor adjusts his clothes—his body radiating a murderous aura. Fastening his sword onto his belt, he exits the office as Lance follows behind him.