Nectar tugged at the black belt on her waist as she walked towards the pavilion. Liam who was now in a white suit and blue waistcoat forced her hands back down " Be good, you've already kept this ladies waiting for ten minutes now ".
Nectar then nodded, she'd gotten serious since she was about to start working. As she came in, the ten concubines greeted her as usual and she took her seat.
Athena was unable to hide her glare as she watched Nectar sit calmly in her position and now the only way to make herself feel better was to cause some trouble.
" Sister where have you being? We've been here waiting ". Nectar frowned slightly as she looked at Athena, the others were busy murmuring to themselves " Does sister expect an explanation? Didn't you wait happily "?
The others nodded in agreement with Nectar, Athena had never been able to get under Nectar's skin before and she'd never being late so something was obviously wrong and why provoke an angry tigress?
Athena was a bit taken aback but refused to back down " Sister must be upset, forgive me if I spoke wrongly. Eros...I mean the emperor would just worry that's all ".
Nectar sighed,rubbing her temple [ I can't even be forced here without hearing that bastard's name ] and raised the other hand " The sound of First Lady Athena's voice is too charming, I do not want to hear it anymore ".
Athena's frowned deepened and she was about to say something when Nectar stared her down " I said I do not wish to hear your voice Sister ". Athena felt that same pressure from the garden a month ago and pursed her lips, nodding.
Nectar really didn't want to be here and would have already left if Liam wasn't giving her death stares. She slouched slightly resting her chin on her palm as she looked around " I'm sorry for keeping my sister's waiting but if you have anything to say or any problems, please speak your mind ".
They all disagreed, not wanting to incur her wrath. Then Melanie stood up shyly and spoke " I would like to report that I have done as your majesty requested. The servants send their thanks as well my empress ".
Nectar smiled softly " That's nice Sister Melanie, I'll send over a bolt of demon worm silk later to reward you. What about you Suki San "?
Nectar squinted her eyes when she realized Suki wasn't here. Melanie spoke quickly " Royal Concubine Suki wasn't feeling well, hope my empress is not offended "? Nectar waved it off " Of course not, we'll call an imperial physician immediately and I'll visit her another time ".
Melanie looked relieved, thanked Nectar and took her seat. Nectar's attention was then drawn to a slender slightly tanned hand that had been raised at the end of the hall. That would mean that she'd just been promoted to concubine since she sat that far away
An Emperor naturally had to have many women, whether it was pressure from his ministers or gifts from other kingdoms or because he wanted to. Those women were called MISTRESSES and one would need to be noble blooded or receive Eros' favor to become a Concubine but then the empress would decide if you became a Consort or promoted to First Lady.
But Eros had decided on these women before she became Empress so she left it be. The others glared at their newest competitor for Eros' favor and she suddenly dropped her hand, staring at her forest green skirt.
Nectar couldn't help but smile as she spoke " The sister that just raised her hands, could you please stand up. You seem unfamiliar to me ". The girl quickly got up and faced her.
She looked pretty but she was young, barely an adult which meant she wasn't even 17 yet. She had light brown hair like tea and bright blue eyes that held so much fear. She wore a gold long sleeved shirt that was a bit big at the sleeves and green hand gloves.
Nectar silently assessed the girl and smiled [ Eros thinks so highly of me. Sending such a cute little spy my way, this will be fun ] but she leaned back in her chair and spoke softly " What is your name sister " ?
The girl looked up at Nectar then just as quickly bowed her head and curtseyed " Newly appointed Concubine Blair Vines greets the empress, the sky that protects the star and dragon's domain ".
Nectar rubbed her chin slightly [ So that was your name you little devil ] and smiled [ Well congratulations Blair, we hope to see more of you and take care of you ".
Blair happily nodded and Nectar went on " You seemed like you wanted to say something Blair, what was it "? She again became shy and fiddled with her fingers " I heard about the ball my empress was planning and got so excited, I didn't think. Forgive my impulsiveness my empress ".
Nectar scratched her chin [ What party am I planning again? ] She was about to ask when Reli who was at the bottom of the stairs spoke up quickly " The ball our empress holds to thank our emperor and what we are all very excited about ".
It took her a second but she quickly remembered [ I've got to stop forgetting that ] " Its alright Sister, you can of course contribute and if you have any ideas, please let me know... That goes for everyone ".
They excitedly murmured again, trying to decide which of their ideas would be subtle enough to be approved by Nectar and still catch Eros' attention.