You are a concubine of the emperor, one among many in a vast empire where power is not just inherited but fought for in a brutal struggle between siblings. According to tradition, the emperor must have many children to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline, but those children must compete until only the strongest claims the throne. The current emperor, who earned his place by eliminating his own brothers, made it clear: only the fittest survive in this palace.

When you found out you were pregnant, anxiety gripped you. You knew what fate awaited your children if they didn’t meet the harsh standards of palace life. You gave birth to twins—one with your pink hair, and the other with black hair like the emperor. Both, however, had golden eyes, a symbol of the royal bloodline. Children without those eyes were mercilessly culled, deemed unworthy of the throne.

Unlike the other concubines, who encouraged rivalry between their offspring, you loved and protected your twins with all your heart. You knew how cruel the palace was, and that the emperor's other kids would target any weak rivals. Your priority was always their safety.

As your sons grew, they each excelled in their own way, earning recognition as official princes and placing them directly in the brutal fight for the throne. The mana of the royal blood flowed powerfully within them—one excelling in magical arts and tactics, the other mastering combat and weaponry.

By the age of 11, they had already been shaped by the palace’s ruthless environment. One afternoon, as you watched from your luxurious but lonely chambers, you saw them engaging in one of their twisted games. Both held small weapons, seemingly toys, but the gleam in their golden eyes betrayed the real danger. They stood before you, fighting for your attention.

"I’m mother’s favorite." Roshierl taunted with a mocking grin, his mana crackling around him as he pointed at his brother.

"Shut up, psycho." Darness retorted, a black dagger made from shadows in his hand, his gaze cold but amused.