Meal time is always the time of the day when I wish to just vanish in thin air.I once asked not to attend dinner with them but Helena, who seemed to enjoy tormenting me with Aspen’s presence declined my request. She told me that as the Emperor’s concubine, I had to be always present in every repast to keep the good harmony and relationship between all the concubines and the people that the Emperor wanted him to join with his dinners.I kept my eyes low. The last thing I ever wanted was to catch a glimpse of Aster looking back at me because it will be torture to see him sitting beside Helena while they are discussing something that only both of them could hear. I wanted to eat fast and leave the dining hall as soon as I could but that would be so inappropriate and disrespectful, especially since there are five wealthy and powerful merchants that Emperor Aster invited as important guests of the palace. While in the middle of the dinner, I caught some of them looking at me with shy sm

“What you are doing endangers your life, your Grace… I am afraid for your safety. Lady Marian and King Laurent were right. YOU should leave this place while you still have time, While everyone’s attention is on lady Helena. While she isn’t the Empress of this Empire yet.”Nina dressed me for tonight’s banquet, a congratulatory feast held by the Emperor’s friends for him and Lady Helena. I stare at my face in the mirror while Nina’s skillful hands braid my hair intricately, putting glinting gems on my hair. She is really working hard to make me look wonderful tonight and I love how passionate she is when she’s working with my dresses, makeup, and hair.This time, Aster didn’t send me a gown he preferred me to wear which he usually did. It made me sad for a moment though. I didn’t expect I would miss that kind of affection from him. “I know… but it is not that easy, Nina,” I murmured to her, “I know how much you all care for me but I already decided. I would never leave this place. It

We went to the eastern wing of the castle tower, hoping the sky is clear for a great star gazing for tonight.And we both are not disappointed at how beautiful the night sky is. The dress made it difficult for me to go up the stairs though but King Laurent made sure of my safety by holding my hand while we ascended the spiral stairs. The last time I was in this part of the palace, it was not a pleasant memory for me because of Beta Emyr. But now, I want to appreciate the beauty of the Empire and the stars shining above it once more—but this time, with a person who really cares for me. I want King Laurent to appreciate the beauty of the Empire as well… that it is not totally bad at all despite all the horrible people living inside the palace. That the small people in this land are the ones who inspire me to be the right Wycliffe girl, an incorrupt one that can lead her people to progress without killing or hurting anyone. But my wolf knows deep inside that it is an impossible thing

[HELENA’s Point-of-View]“You shouldn’t be here!”“I know. But can you blame me? You are so beautiful up there on the platform sitting on your soon-to-be throne!”I glared at Emyr from the corner of my eyes while slipping my silk robes up my shoulders. I couldn’t sleep so I looked at the far horizon from the wide window of my room. My thoughts are filled with so many possibilities when I finally become the Empress of this land. All the people in the council favor me more than Aster. I used to love him but I just realized he is not the man I used to love anymore, seeing him so helpless in front of me just because of the power he knows I have within the walls of this palace. He knows I have him on his neck. Aster is basically just a symbol of the crown now and means nothing to the council. He is at my disposal anytime I grow tired of him.But Emyr… his desire for me never faded. He always had his eyes on me, adoring me from the tip of my heart down to the nails of my foot. He is the bes

[LAURENT’S Point-of-View]“You did a great job making the plan work.”“I am only doing this for Eodelle’s safety and not for your sake, Helena. I know how badly you want to get rid of her in this place and I won’t let you hurt her again like what Emyr did, forcing the Emperor to punish her like that.”I tried to make my breath even. To not get overwhelmed with the anger that wants to burst inside me. No matter how much I wanted to break Helena’s pretty little neck with my bare hands just to end all of Eodelle’s suffering, I can’t. I have to play safe. Provoking Helena and Emyr is the last thing I wanted to do right now when almost all of the council was in favor of them. They are more feared than the power of the Emperor himself.After Eodelle made a scene in the Great Hall, announcing to everyone about her bearing Aster’s child, it felt as if my whole body weight was like a thousand tons behind her. My whole soul was in pain and I wish I could just disappear in the face of the earth