Word had spread quickly of what Nectar was doing, How she'd taken in a few orphans and let them stay in her palace, How she'd even nearly destroyed the place just to satisfy them.
But of course it became even more exaggerated as it spread but people thought she was admirable for taking in the kids which is not what Athena wanted to be hearing.
Her spies had told her about her breaking the walls of about six rooms and after she'd broken everything in her room, she had an idea.
She had them spread the news as quickly as possible but so as not to be suspicious, the news spread late into the night and early into the morning.
" How dare she mess with my palace? I will end you sooner or later Nectar Socta, be sure of it ". The typical response was scrutiny and insults about her morals and manners but they found this whole thing endearing.
So Athena threw another tantrum and now everything was being replaced by injured servants who had been caught in the crossfire [ I can't believe I made her look good. Is the world on its head? Nothing's going my way ]
So she decided to go to morning court. She'd already sent a message saying she couldn't come. That alone was a slap in the empress's face but Athena had no respect for the woman but now she had to make the woman somehow spite so she could change this goddamn story in her favor.
She dressed simply but far from plain. Everything she owned was a gift from her beloved Eros but she always had them tucked away safely just in case she had tantrums like this.
Her dress was a cool teal colour, she had on long white gloves to match her gold jewelry. She had in sunflower shaped hairpins in her hair as well.
She felt beautiful but at the same time disgusted with what she saw. The country's national colours were black and white to represent the country's national creature, the black dragon and the white sky that protected it always.
Only the emperor and empress were allowed to wear black or white in the empire with few exceptions to knights and butlers and some others. [ That's supposed to mine, enjoy it while you can ]
~ ~ ~
Nectar had been constantly scolded by Liam for breaking the walls yesterday and wouldn't even let her explain, even though he asked her constantly.
She sat well poised on her mini throne playing with the collar of her black and white dress. Liam was standing silently behind her in a black suit and white waistcoat.
He'd come along since he felt she needed more supervision than the children. Her hair was in a complicated bun with a black tiara on her head. Liam glared at her behavior and she put her black gloved hands on her lap, unto the puffy black skirt.
Nectar could care less about whatever these women were upset about but she was already losing her patience. This time it was another two concubines fighting but now there were two badly beating servants kowtowing on the floor.
Nectar raised her hand and the yelling women stopped, leaving only the sounds of the sobbing servants. Nectar rubbed her temple as she spoke "So these servants stole from you "?
The two angry women nodded and Nectar sighed " Then you should have said so. Rise ". The servants knew they were being spoken too and got up bowing their bruised heads.
Nectar didn't really want to get involved but unfortunately, minding these women's business was now her problem...I mean business.
Nectar rested her elbow on the armrest and in turn her chin " Raise your heads when I'm speaking to you two ". The two immediately lifted their bruised and bloodied faces.
Nectar went on calmly " These two sisters of mine believe you've stolen from them. Is that true "? They whimpered a little and nodded. Nectar went on, rubbing her chin " Are you two slaves "?
They both shook their heads vigorously but one of the concubines kicked them " You two are only as good as slaves ".
Nectar furrowed her brows, slamming her fist on the armrest and spoke loudly " Behave Melanie or you will join them ". Melanie cowered slightly her black hair shining brightly.
Suki wasn't as unrelenting and she smiled " Empress wouldn't really put us on par with mere servants, right "? Nectar smiled playfully " You could try me. Now sit quietly or you will join them ".
The two concubines nodded and took their seats suddenly too afraid to resist or do anything else. Nectar then smiled at the two servants " When was the last time you were paid "?
The two servants seemed surprised since they didn't expect that sort of question and turned to their masters for some sort of help which they obviously knew they couldn't give.
The servant with an eye patch and an orange eye spoke first " It would be a month or two after your wedding your highness". Nectar nodded and turned to the other one who also wore an eye patch but had a blue eye " Is that true "?
She nodded silently and Nectar turned to the two concubines who refused to look her in the face " What did you do with their money "? Suki spoke up, though her head is still bowed " I don't feel its necessary. They belonged to us so their wages are naturally our money your majesty ".
Nectar smiled and spoke loudly so everyone in the room could hear her " Is that how all of you think "? They all nodded shamelessly except for Reli and Nectar went on laughing " Then you naturally belong to me or am I not your empress "?
Though dazed, the women quickly got up and bowed " Of course you are, the clear sky that protects the dragon and our empress ". It took everything she had not to look as disgusted as she felt [ Then the sky will fall around you and kill you ]
But she smiled coldly " Its good you understand that, so tell me ladies, would you be okay with me taking over your monthly commissions "? They gasped and murmured while Suki stood up trying to defend them " This is preposterous, you have no right, even as the empress your highness ".
Nectar sighed as she moved a finger PA!!!