The Emperor's Unwanted Consort

Tesarius didn't visit Aurora that night. Or the night after that. Or the night after that.

Three days in the Palace of Lanterbur, and Aurora was already the talk of the tone. Everyone gossiped about the spoiled princess who was too full of herself that she imagined the Emperor was in love with her merely because she was chosen to be a Concubine. Everywhere she went, whispers followed her, like she was some sort of strange specimen.

It was around the fourth day did it finally settle for Aurora that Tesarius was indeed following the ranking system, starting with Jenivive, then Hanna, then Madeline. Today would be Laira, and tomorrow would be Amalia, and only then, would it be her turn.

She would have him the last.

Did she feel upset about it? No. Aurora understood that as Emperor, Tesarius had responsibilities and she would follow them in order to maintain peace. And thanks to Anne's explanation, Aurora also believed that being the last was for the best, that way the Emperor will remember her the most while having had forgotten about the first five.

But despite her best efforts, Aurora couldn't help but be upset about one thing. Seeing Tesarius with other women. She tried her best to be the supportive one, knowing he had to do what needed to be done in order to maintain political alliances, but it upset her how he would spend the whole night, and she would have to listen to the giggly gossip of the Concubines the next morning.

One thing Aurora learnt from the gossip was that the Concubines never went into detail of what happened at the night, merely relished in the fact that the Emperor stayed the longest with them. Madeline said she had an over friendly conversation with no formalities in between because Tesarius knew her since childhood and was comfortable with her, so much that they had spoken to each other without their respective titles.

It was something to boast about very much, just like Hanna said the Emperor let his guard down around her and asked if he could take a short nap in her bed since he was extremely tired after the day's activities. Hanna was more than honored. Knowing that to have to story of the Emperor 'sleeping' in your quarters was one of the most powerful one of all.

While all of them shared something power worthy for themselves, none of it could top that of Jenivive who did not have to say anything in her defense at all. Because what happened with her was known to every habitant of the Palace. His Majesty had stayed the longest with Lady Jenivive, so much that they even had breakfast together in the morning.

Tesarius never stayed that long, excusing himself right after enough time had passed somewhere in the dead of the night. This was his longest stay, and it no doubt boasted Jenivive's social standing. She did not have to even tell what they did together to defend herself. This was enough.

That was the gossip of the tone, as people made their own assumptions as to why Tesarius stayed with Jenivive the longest and what transpired between them in those hours. Most assumed the Emperor was enchanted by the blonde woman's beauty, and had fallen head over heels for her, spreading rumors that that Jenivive might move to the Moonveil Palace soon enough.

However, no one knew the real reason behind Tesarius strange actions with only one of his Concubines, safe for Tesarius himself. No one had briefed him on what to do with his Concubines safe for spending time together, and especially not about how long he was to stay. So, the man naturally assumed he was to stay till day break, if he wanted to keep the impression of consummating.

It was only after his first day did Edward and Barns tell him he needn't go that far if he didn't want to, that spending a few hours was enough for their reputation, and any more than that could put them high up in their heads, like it was doing to Jenivive. Tesarius wasn't new to the rumors now surrounding her, and he decided he would take things steadily with her. But right now, Jenivive wasn't even the concern anymore. His biggest concern, was his sixth Concubine.

Tesarius wondered how on Earth he would face her, after being betrayed so harshly. He has been doing his best to avoid her at all costs every time the Concubines gathered to greet him in the morning. But soon, they'd have to be alone, and he couldn't help but contemplate over how he would bring that night to an end.

I will not give her the satisfaction of winning. Tesarius thought to himself with his teeth gritted and palms clenching in anger, as he recalled her betrayal. After everything you did to me, you think you've won by getting inside the palace, haven't you? I'll make sure that doesn't last long.

I'll make sure you regret coming here.

Tesarius vowed to mend his broken heart, feeling used and dejected by the only woman he trusted in his life with his heart.

You were the only one I ever felt this way with, and you… played with me. You took my heart for granted, and crushed it. I will never forgive you.

"You Majesty, Marquess Mormont is here to see you."

The announcement of Edward's arrival has Tesarius pulling out of his thoughts as he turned to the door in anticipation for his. He knew Edward had question regarding his night with his sister, and Tesarius promised to explain everything to him.

"Is it alright for me to say that I'm actually satisfied that you did nothing more than just chat with my sister?" Edward chuckled in between his cup of tea, making Tesarius roll his eyes. "I wouldn't do anything to Lady Madeline even if she wasn't your sister, and you know it. I'm not very interested in this stuff."

"Yes, but you do know you have a responsibility to sire an heir, right?"

"All in due time. Also, We have an Empress for that." Although Tesarius said it, he knew he was being hypocritical, especially when his mind had wandered off to another woman at the thought of having children. And that thought soon turned ugly like a molded portrait as he realized that that lady didn't exist. That she was something he had created in his head, let himself be fooled. And that in reality, she was his grandmother's pawn.

"Yes, of course. Empress Sera." Edward was saying, taking a sip from his tea. "Still using Her Majesty as a shield even after you've been married for four years now."

"Like I said, all in due time, Edward. I will not force Sera like our council if she isn't ready to be with child." Tesarius explained calmly, to which Edward only nodded, his mind already drifting to another topic while Tesarius continued. "We are still young, no need to be in a rush."

"Then what of your Concubines?"

"What of them?"

"I don't know. Perhaps, the sixth one?"

Tesarius stilled all too suddenly, his cup midway to his mouth which didn't go unnoticed by the latter as he placed his own cup down and stared at the Emperor. "How do you know Princess Aurora? It is clear you know her from before."

"I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about."

"Let us not waste each other's time on unnecessary banter, you know exactly what I'm talking about, Tesarius. Her Majesty and I both noticed the look on your face when the Princess introduced herself on her first day. You looked like you had seen a ghost."

Tesarius knew that. He knew how he looked that day, for he could not hide his disbelief and horror at seeing his lover standing there in the place of his grandmother's spy. It was excruciating.

Tesarius looked around him, before turning back to his friend. "What of you, Edward? You speak like you know the princess from before as well. Do you not have anything to tell me?"

A million words ran around in Edward's head, things he never said anyone and thought he never had to say. That someday he would let everyone know through his actions instead of words, but alas. He was late. He was very late.

He was late in courting the love of his life.

"In case you've forgotten, the Crown Prince of Rovamer happens to be my brother in law. Prince Luidic Evanov is betrothed to Lady Rowanda of House Mormont, my cousin. It is only natural I know the Crown Prince's family beforehand, is it not?"

This was true, but not the whole truth. However, Tesarius believed his friends words and didn't pry further, placing his own cup down. Edward tilted his head at his friend. "Well? Will you tell me how you know her from before?"

Can I tell him? If I do, will he understand my feelings? Or judge me for developing such emotions as an Emperor?

After all, a man of my position cannot afford to have something called Love.

Even my own Empress, Sera, is my childhood best friend. Our relationship is solely based on mutual understanding and political gain, especially when Sera is from House Bloom, my mother's House. It was the only way to bring down my step grandmother down from her high pedestal.

And someone like Edward will never understand. No.

"Did you both… meet before?"

Edward's question had Tesarius pulling out of his thoughts, eyes going slightly wide at his audacious question. For a long time, Tesarius made no reply, just staring back at him with a monotone face, until he suddenly chuckled, getting to his feet. "You make it sound like we had a rendezvous or something. No. I too knew her due to who her father is. I had seen her when she was a lot younger, I was merely shocked to see how much she had grown. Now, if you are done with your tea, shall we get to business?"

It was clear that Edward didn't believe a word his friend said. He knew it, by the face Tesarius made that day. That was no face of a man shocked to see a girl growing up to me a fine young woman. That was something else.

Nonetheless, he shook his head, finishing his tea once and for all and getting to his feet, but not to follow his Emperor. Instead, he said this.

"Not quite, Your Majesty. I have to go meet my sister before visitation for Concubines by other men is banned. So, if you'll excuse me, I shall be on my way to Velarys Dome."

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