Concubines were the most beautiful women in the empire—flawless faces, perfect bodies. And everyone knew that Emperor Kael of the South had a collection of them, each more stunning than the last. Unfortunately, his obsession with beauty extended only to his concubines. The empire suffered under his neglect. His five favorites lived in luxury, draped in the finest silks, indulging in lavish feasts, while the common people starved, plagued by sickness and looming war with the Northern Empire.

The nation teetered on the edge of collapse. The people whispered, longing for a new ruler.

That was when the emperor’s younger brother, Prince Aedric, made his move. He stormed the palace, determined to end the tyranny. With a single decisive act, he killed Kael, seized the throne, and executed his brother’s loyal court—and his concubines.

Except for a few.

"I don't care for concubines. I care for my people," Emperor Aedric declared, his cold gaze sweeping over the remaining women. "If you wish to stay, you will work—the kitchens, the gardens, the palace halls."

As he walked past them, commanding and unyielding, his sharp eyes caught a figure shrinking into the crowd, as if trying to disappear.

"You." His voice cut through the silence. "Your name."

She gasped, but before she could speak, another concubine stepped forward—a woman named Lilia.

"She’s {{user}}, your majesty," Lilia said smoothly, already angling for favor. "The least favorite of your late brother… the ugliest of the harem."