The Istetarian Empire had become a powerhouse in the west, known for its military supremacy and industrial advancements. At the helm of the empire was Emperor Carlan III, the ruthless warrior king known for his strategic prowess and cold demeanor. As his empire grew, smaller countries were eager to pawn their daughters off to him in order to ally themselves with Istetaria, and as his acclaim grew, so did his harem, much to the chagrin of his wife.

  Empress Isla de Mondeur was born to be a ruler; at age three, her engagement and marriage were arranged by her parents. After her coming of age debut, Carlan would frequently attend balls as her partner, but aside from that and the occasional banquet, their opportunities for interacting were limited. As such, she went into the marriage an idealist. She had always liked Carlan. He treated her with kindness, and she had come to appreciate his cool charm and eagerly awaited their meetings. She believed that, when she and Carlan finally married, he would come to love her as well, and they would rule together happily.

  Her false hopes were realized all too quickly.

  After exchanging their vows at their wedding, Carlan gave his new bride some advice: “Do not expect anything from me in this marriage. I will not protect you, and I have no plans to love you. I have given you the privilege of being empress; it is your job to prove that you are someone worthy of the title.”

  The night of the wedding, the pair consummated their marriage in a manner not unsimilar to beasts; there were no kind words or gentle caresses. Carlan unceremoniously removed his wife’s dressing robe and claimed her virginity. As Carlan thrusted into her, Isla lay motionless, enduring the pain and uncomfortability, forcing back tears of humiliation. Once he finished, he left her in her room alone. Isla had never felt so disgusted, with Carlan or with herself. She cried as she stumbled to the bathroom, but no amount of scrubbing or hot water made her feel clean again.

  A month after their wedding, Carlan took his first concubine from the neighboring kingdom of Marin, a beautiful blonde princess named Rosalind who frequently arrested his attention. After their wedding night, Isla had not spent a moment alone with her husband again, a problem Rosalind did not seem to have. Any shred of dignity Isla possessed withered under the crushing reality of her situation, and she began to harden her heart to the outside world as a means of protection.

  Despite the disdain she held for her husband, Isla was a capable leader, and under her oversight, the management of palace affairs ran smoothly. But while her ability to keep the palace in proper working order earned her respect, it did not bring her joy or admiration. People merely expected her to perform.

  After three years of living in the palace, hollowed by a loveless marriage and isolated from any friendships by the pressing duties of her position, Empress Isla de Mondeur decided to take her life.

  As she walked onto the third story balcony of the Ivory Palace, she stopped to take in the view of her garden, her only reprieve, for one final time when an unusual scene arrested her attention.

  In the garden below the palace, two concubines were fighting, Prince Andromeda of Batavia and Princess Deidre of Cosan.

  While she was not close enough to make out the details of the argument, it was clear to Isla that Andromeda had the upper hand, as she was dragging Deidre by the hair and throwing her to the ground. Interested, Isla decided to descend from her perch to get a closer analysis of the scene. When she arrived in the garden, Andromeda was gone, but Deidre was still sitting in the dirt crying.

  Cosan was a northern kingdom, and while Isla remembered seeing Deidre’s arrival, she had not gotten a close look at the princess hitherto. Deidre, like most northerners, was undeniably pale. Snow white skin contrasted full pink lips and rosy cheeks alongside big eyes, framed by long, dark lashes.

  It was at that moment that Isla experienced a feeling she was not acquainted with. It was not pity or sympathy, nor was it anger or outrage. When Isla saw the tears streaming down Deidre’s face, she felt… aroused.

  She took a moment to collect herself before approaching.

  “Princess?” Asked Isla.

  Startled, Deidre threw herself into a deep bow. “Princess Deidre greets her majesty the sun of Istetaria.”

  Isla smiled as she looked down upon the girl in front of her. Deidre’s hair was greasy and matted, and her clothes were filthy and ill-fitting. While she had never cared for the social politics of her husband’s concubines, it wasn’t hard for Isla to tell that Deidre was in a lower caste than Andromeda. “There’s no need for formalities,” Isla said as she bent down to help the crying princess. “Please speak freely. What has caused you such distress?”

  “It was merely a misunderstanding between Princess Andromeda and I. I have become too emotional; I apologize,” Deidre choked out as she began to cry again.

  “No need for apologies. It is important for us to be honest in our feelings.” Isla pulled out her handkerchief and offered it to the crying girl.

  “Oh no your majesty, I could not possibly accept.”

  “As overseer of this palace, it is my duty to take care of all of those in my domain, and it would be neglectful of me to overlook a flower in need in my garden.” Isla began gently dabbing at the tears streaming down Deidre’s cheeks. As she looked down upon her, she was enraptured by the vibrant blue of the concubine’s eyes.

  “Thank you for your kindness, your majesty.” Deidre looked up at Isla with eyes wide and still wet, and in that moment, Isla felt an undeniable urge to possess the girl, to keep all of her tears and smiles for her own.

  “But of course. Should you ever need my assistance again, all you need do is make an appointment.” Isla pressed the handkerchief into the girl’s hand and stroked her cheek lightly with her thumb as Deidre’s face flushed a deep red. “I look forward to our reunion.”

  In the days following her interaction with Deidre, Isla found herself taking frequent trips to the concubines’ palace. Of her husband’s five concubines, it was clear Deidre was the least favored. As the princess of a tiny neighboring country, she was sent as an offering, a forlorn hope for peace. Her material conditions reflected her political position. The hall that led to her room was filthy, and clearly very little care, if any, was given to its owner. Isla knew that all she need do was wait for an opportunity and she would be able to redeem the disgraced princess.

  Indeed, she did not need to wait long as Lady Luck smiled on her when two servants walked down the corridor that day, oblivious to their Empress’s presence. At that moment, Deidre exited her room and approached the maids, timid.

  “I’m sorry, but I was not brought food this morning, would it be possible-“

  “Look at the gall of this one. Do you think the world revolves around you, little princess?”

  “I only request-“

  “Do you realize how much work is required to maintain this palace? We do not have time for a princess’ petty needs. We are not here to oblige your desires to snack. If you were truly that hungry, you should have walked to the kitchen yourself.”

  Deidre looked down at the floor dejected. “I understand. I apologize.”

  The maid scoffed. “You should be beaten for your insolence.” As she raised her hand to strike the princess, she felt a sudden jerk. Turning her head, she saw who gripped her and realized her mistake.

  “We greet her majesty the sun of Istetaria,” the maids said in unison as they fell into a bow.

  “Pray tell me the meaning of this,” asked Isla.

  “Your majesty, we were merely correcting Princess Deidre’s behavior.”

  “I was unaware that it was the place of maid’s to teach social graces to royalty and guests of the Istetarian empire.”

  The maids’ faces contorted in terrified expressions as their excuses grew more frantic. “Please forgive us your majesty. We were wrong. We merely thought-“

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  “Get out of my sight. I hope you reflect on your actions today, and know this: your next misstep could cost you your life.”

  The maids scurried away, leaving only the empress and the forgotten princess.

  “Are you alright?” Isla asked as she found herself extending her hand to the lowly princess.

  “I once again am in your debt, your majesty. Deidre took Isla’s hand and looked up at her with eager and urgent eyes. “How will I ever be able to repay you?”

  “As the person in charge of palace affairs, I take complete responsibility for my maids actions and hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my ignorance. Will you please stay with me in the Ivory Palace while I have your quarters cleaned and your attendants re-educated?”

  Deidre stood up to face Isla with overwhelming gratitude and tears once again began to well in her eyes. “I would like that very much, your majesty.”

  Isla put her arms around the young concubine as she wept, stroking her back. “Do not weep; all will be made well soon.”

  The first thing Isla elected to do with Deidre upon arrival back at her room was to get the girl a bath. She was still caked in dirt from days previous, and her hair was still matted and messy.

  “Will you permit me to bring my own maids in? I would like to have them attend to your bath,” Isla asked.

  Deidre grew nervous and began wringing her hands together. “I…” she trailed off.

  Undoubtedly, Deidre had become frightened of the palace staff from her months of neglect. Seeing the girl’s hesitation, Isla decided on a different path.

  “Would it be preferable if I were the one to administer your bath?”

  “Your Majesty! I couldn’t possibly-“

  “Shh,” Isla held Deidre’s outstretched hands. “I thought I told you before; there’s no need for proprieties here. You have been mistreated in my home, and I alone must atone for the grave disservice that has been done unto you.” Isla looked deeply into Deidre’s eyes. “Would you allow me to correct this?”

  Cheeks burning and deeply flustered, Deidre looked down at the floor and nodded before Isla gently led her into her private bath.

  Deidre was stunned when she passed through the threshold. The room was fixed with the finest marble furnishing and the windows were draped in heavy silks with ornately embroidered designs. In the center of the room was a large bath with flower petals that created eddies as they swirled on top of the otherwise smooth surface of the water.

  Isla guided Deidre onto a seat of plush velvet and began unlacing her dress.

  “I cannot say I am familiar with the bathing customs of Cosan. Can you please educate me so that I do not commit any improprieties?”

  The princess hesitated. “If there are any, I know of none. I have always bathed myself.”

  So the kingdom of Cosan had sent their little unloved princess, the empress thought. Forced from her own, indifferent home into the jaws of a place that would eat her alive.

  “Well then, I shall help you in the manner I most en-” As the empress gently slipped the dress from Deidre’s shoulders, she was horrified to see several long scars that were scattered across the girl's emaciated body. Knowing it would be imprudent to ask and not wanting to make the girl uncomfortable, Isla elected to leave the situation be. She paused only a moment before resuming. “I hope you find it to be to your liking as well.”

  Isla carefully Guided the girl into the bath. “Would it be acceptable for me to help you wash?”

  Blushing again, the girl kept her gaze averted and nodded.

  Isla lathered the girl in soaps and fine oils, carefully exploring and caressing her arms, then her legs, before finally moving her hair and moving to her back.

  The steam had gotten to her head and the women had grown far more comfortable with one another over the course of the bath when Isla asked something out of character as she traced her fingers along the princess’ back.

  “Do they hurt?”

  Deidre’s face grew dark as she whispered, “Not anymore.”

  “Forgive me,” the empress pulled back. “That was rude of me.”

  Deidre grabbed her hand and pulled her back closer. “No- it’s,” she paused. “It’s okay.”

  The empress began again sheepishly. “Do you mind if I ask how you came to acquire them?”

  Again, a nod. “Do you know much about Cosan, your majesty?”

  “I am ashamed to say that I know very little,” Isla replied.

  Deidre continued. “It is common for families to have multiple children in the North. The winters are harsh there, so multiple heirs are sired in order to preserve a bloodline. When my father married his wife, it seemed as though she was unable to carry children, as she lost many in the early days of her pregnancy. As such, my father decided to seek alternative ways to continue his bloodline.”

  “Do you mean to say-“

  “Yes, your majesty. My mother was a maid in the palace at the time. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that an enemy faction had poisoned the queen’s pregnancies in order to create political unrest. All of the King’s illegitimate children were executed in order to prevent any dispute over the line of succession. As the only girl born to the imperial family at the time, I posed no threat to the line of succession, and I believe my father recognized my usefulness as a tool to expand his political influence.”

  Isla heart ached for the girl. While Isla was lonely at the palace, her family had always supported her and provided for her. “And what of your life in the Northern palace?”

  The princess shook her head. “Those stories would not be befitting for an empress to hear.”

  Isla grew mad with rage. It was an immense injustice to use someone so cruelly and discard them for small personal gain, especially someone so delicate. She could only imagine what Deidre had endured to this point, not only in her own palace, but in Istetaria’s as well.

  “I swear to you this day that you will never be mistreated here again. As long as you are in my palace, you are under my protection.”

  In a move that surprised Isla, the princess began crying. “Your majesty,” she broke off in sobs, “I have been so alone here. What good is protection from cold glances and isolation? At least when I am disrespected, I am acknowledged.” She paused. “Perhaps it would be better if I was dead.”

  The empress grabbed Deidre’s face with both hands. “No.” The girl looked up with wide eyes. “I will not abandon you nor allow you to leave this place. Keep your head up high. Despite the circumstances of your birth, you are Cosanian royalty. No one is allowed to disrespect you, not while I reside here.”

  At that moment, a knock rang out from the door. “Your majesty, your presence is requested in the main hall.”

  Isla Looked back at Deidre, “I must leave you now. I have left you new clothes on the bed. Are you able to dress yourself?”

  The girl nodded.

  “I will be back once I attend to these matters. Please remain here until I return”

  When the empress entered the hall, she was accosted by her aide. “Your majesty, the DeLais delegation has arrived three days early and awaits your reception.”

  “Have they no decorum? This insubordination astounds me.”

  “Furthermore, your majesty, they are demanding an appointment with you-“ the aide paused and began more anxiously, “and your husband.”

  When Isla Arrived at the reception room, she was met by the corpulent figure of the King of Delais bowing in front of her husband. Carlan wore an unamused expression, but as that was not unusual for his resting face, it raised no alarm.

  “May I ask why the DeLais delegation has arrived before the window we have prepared, demanding an audience with the Emperor and I?”

  The King of Delias bowed deeply, but Isla felt the insincerity in his gesture. “I apologize deeply, your majesty, but I alone have arrived. The rest of the delegation will still arrive on schedule.”

  “And what is the meaning of your early arrival?” Isla asked, with no attempt to hide the curtness in her voice.

  “Well your majesties, I have come to humbly request that my daughter Cordelia be taken in as his majesty’s concubine.”

  Isla gave an unamused smirk. “This matter hardly concerns me.”

  “Your majesty, if you please, I merely wanted a guarantee that my precious daughter would be taken care of here in the palace.”

  “If she was truly so precious, would you not seek a groom and husband for her?” Isla asked. “I am certain you are aware of his majesty’s ever-growing harem. I will not challenge his majesty’s wishes, but I would encourage you to seek out better opportunities for your only daughter.”

  Carlan stood up, interrupting. “I appreciate the empress’ concerns, but I will take your daughter in as my concubine.”

  The King of DeLais did not hide his satisfaction. “Thank you, your majesty.”

  “However, I request the rights to the DeLais emerald mines as dowry.”

  “But your majesty-“

  “I am being gracious. Your insolence in your early arrival and the grandeur of your request are grounds enough for imprisonment. Give me the mines or I shall have you arrested for your impropriety.”

  The King of Delais grew sullen. “Yes, your majesty.”

  “Now get out of my sight.”

  After the king of DeLais had been escorted, the emperor turned to his wife. “You were quick to suggest that I reject the princess as concubine. Are you perhaps jealous, my wife?”

  “I am weary of these games, your majesty. One cannot harbor any jealousy if they possess no feelings of love in the first place.” The empress stood. “I will take my leave now.”

  Upon the empress’ exit, the emperor turned to his aid.

  “Report.”

  “Your majesty, the empress has continued on in her usual manner. Her reports are thorough and the palace’s operations remain smooth and efficient.”

  “Good.”

  “There is one thing…”

  “Yes?”

  “It seems as if the empress has taken the Princess of Cosan under her wing.”

  “Is that so?” An unusual expression danced across Carlan’s face momentarily.

  “Yes, your majesty.”

  “Remain vigil in your reports, and keep me informed about all of their future interactions.”

  “Yes, your majesty.”