22 bab Bersambung Dewasa'I knew my High Empessa was doomed the moment she and Lerd Ezra laid eyes on each other. Lily, the least favored of the High Empessa's lovers, brought him as an offering to win back favor. "I have always wanted to share a knav with you," Lily said, just a little too loudly. She was drunk on our Queen's blood and had too much courage for her own good. She was embarrassing our ruler-I could tell by the snickers from those bold enough in court. My legs itched to intervene. I stayed put because Lily was a mistress, and I was only a phet.'
In an empire where power is measured by the color of your blood and the strength of your magike, a loyal homin servant watches as the High Empessa's desires ensnare her in a dangerous game of passion and perfidy. When a desperate mistress offers a forbidden man to regain favor, tensions rise, clothes fall, and the fate of an empire teeters on the edge. Zaia was only a phet-bound to serve, sworn to follow. But as desire turns to obsession and whispers of treachery slither through the palace halls, she must decide whether to remain in the shadows or step into the fire.
genre: #fantasy // #dark, #gothic, #romantic, #political, and #tragic
content warning: #blood, #violence, #elitism, #explicit #sex, and #foul #language
