The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Twenty-Five

I sigh, staring at the almost empty tub of ointment. My eyes welling with tears as I imagine the excruciating pain Magnolia's experienced, I can't help but feel my heart ache.

"She's so young... She doesn't deserve this." I whisper to myself, "How could he do this?"

Letting my tears fall, I quickly try to compose myself—knowing Magnolia could return any moment.

However, hours continue to pass as I wait for her to return from doing the laundry. Each minute that passes, uneasiness continues to grow until it takes a hold of me.

Hastily leaving my room, I pray and hope that this uneasy feeling is simply just my anxiety getting the best of me.
Taking a step off the staircase, a loud voice hits my ears.

As if I was submerged in cold water, the confirmation to my worries causes my body to tremble.

"You stupid little girl! You showed your face? I warned you about others seeing you!" A voice shouts, followed by a loud smack.

I run around the corner to see Renesha with other ladies of the harem, surrounding Magnolia. Maids hold Magnolia still as she cries after being hit with a metal rod. The concubines all whisper, some even snickering at the sight.

Yet, one look at Renesha's expression causes my blood to boil.
A look of crazed amusement on her face, resembling the same look my parents would wear.

"How dare you!" I shout, my ears burning hot with anger.

The ladies turn, noticing me.
As I run up to push the maids off Magnolia, I hold her gently as I protect her. A mix of emotions boil inside of me as I look back at Renesha's cold expression.

"She's just a child! How could you lay a hand on her?" I shout.
"My lady..." Magnolia calls out.

I divert my attention to her as she cries in my arms—her body trembling. Her shaking hands reaching out to hold onto my arms.

The memory of reaching to my mother for help comes to mind. A sick feeling grows in my stomach as I look at the small child before me, questioning how someone could ruthlessly harm such a small being.

"I-I'm so sorry... They said they'd hurt you if I didn't do as they said." Magnolia whispers.

Taken aback by her soft words, I watch as tears drip down her bruised and bleeding face.

"M-My lady, I'm so sorry. P-Please forgive me." She pleads.

My eyes well up with tears, watching Magnolia apologize when she's done nothing to wrong me. Confused by her words—the realization suddenly dawns upon me.

"They were the ones hurting you... It wasn't the emperor, was it?" I softly question, my thoughts a mess.

Magnolia sobs, her body evidently weak, she gives a pained nod.
My body almost numbed from all the emotions I feel, I turn to see the group's expression of malice and coldness.

"Why? Why did you do this?" I question, a coldness in my voice as I hold her tight.
"You've been a whore, hogging the emperor all to yourself! I'm the only one who can wear that crown, yet you're getting in the way!" Renesha grits her teeth, her eyes dilating sharply as she looks back at me.
"The emperor?... I never wanted the crown!" I shout, "How could you hurt a child, based off your assumptions of me?"

"You didn't need to say it." Another concubine speaks, her tone mocking me.

As I take one look at the ladies, it hits me.
The moment I entered this palace, I've been seen as an intruder. All of them hold contempt towards me.