The Fourth Prince sat quietly at the ornate table, his small hands moving quickly as he grabbed food, stuffing his mouth like a starving child. His eyes darted between the dishes, overwhelmed yet desperate, as though he feared the meal might be taken away at any moment.
I observed him silently, my arms folded as I leaned against the wooden divider. The golden glow of the lanterns cast flickering shadows on his delicate face.
I turned to Mousy, who was perched beside me, his tiny tail twitching.
"How long has this poor child been left hungry?" I mused, watching as the prince bit into a delicate pastry with the fervor of someone unfamiliar with abundance. "Do you see now why I don't eat with him?"
Mousy tilted his head, his ears twitching as he watched the scene unfold.
"Also," I continued, my voice dropping lower, "word has already spread about me adopting the Fourth Prince. Noor Giza won't sit still. She's bound to make her move soon."
Mousy's ears perked up in alarm.
"Then do something, Host!" He paced on the wooden surface, his tiny paws tapping anxiously. "Think about it—this is a palace drama! We're supposed to be scheming, not adopting children! Shouldn't you focus on seducing the emperor?"
I let out a slow chuckle, reaching forward to rub the space between his ears.
"Mousy," I said gently, "have you ever heard of the saying… a son's glory reflects upon his mother?"
Mousy froze, his tail stiffening as realization dawned. His round eyes widened.
"You're using the Fourth Prince as a shield?"
I smiled but did not answer. Instead, I turned away, my gaze lingering on the young prince who ate without care.
—That night, in Noble Consort Noor Giza's Chamber—
Aasma, one of Noor Giza's most trusted maids, knelt beside her mistress, voice trembling slightly.
"My lady… don't you think something is off?" she whispered. "Forging the imperial edict is a crime punishable by death. Would Consort Sefa really be that reckless?"
Noor Giza took a slow sip of her tea, her gaze dark and thoughtful.
"Hehh," she scoffed. "Sefa is nothing more than a foolish woman. Her beauty and her family name carried her far, but the emperor has grown tired of her."
She placed the cup down with an audible clink.
"If she had a single working brain cell, she would have humbled herself and stayed in line. But instead…" Noor Giza's lips curled into a wicked smirk. "She dares to forge an imperial decree to snatch the Fourth Prince? How desperate."
Aasma hesitated before speaking again. "But my lady… what if she has a plan?"
Noor Giza waved a dismissive hand.
"It doesn't matter. Once the emperor hears of this, she'll be finished. Even her precious Yilmaz family won't be able to protect her."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she turned toward Aasma.
"Prepare my moon-white dress."
The maid blinked in surprise. "My lady?"
Noor Giza's smile was slow and knowing.
"The emperor prefers me in light colors."
—The Banquet Hall—
The grand banquet hall shimmered under the glow of countless golden lanterns, their light bouncing off the polished marble floors. Nobles and consorts sat in elegant rows, dressed in their finest silks and brocades, murmuring among themselves.
A grand feast was spread across the tables—roasted meats, steaming soups, and delicacies imported from the farthest reaches of the empire. Yet, despite the wealth of food and wine, the nobles' attention was not on their plates. Their gazes flickered toward the entrance, waiting… anticipating.
Then—
With a resounding echo, the heavy palace doors swung open.
"Consort Sefa is here!"
The herald's voice rang through the hall.
At the highest throne, the emperor lifted his gaze. His expression was unreadable, but a faint glimmer of curiosity flickered in his eyes.
I stepped forward, my presence commanding.
Golden silk trailed behind me like liquid fire, my gown shimmering under the glow of the lanterns. My head was held high, my lips painted a deep crimson. Every step I took resonated with purpose.
The whispers began.
"She dares to show up dressed like that?"
"Even after what happened, she still walks like she owns the palace."
"Does she not fear Noble Consort Noor's wrath?"
I ignored them all.
My heart burned with a single thought—
"I WILL WIN BACK MY TITLE OF NOBLE CONSORT. I REFUSE TO BE CALLED JUST 'CONSORT SEFA' ANY LONGER!"