Maria was standing in front of a large mirror in her chamber, she looked at herself. She didn't recognize herself, no one asked how is she still alive after the doctor declared that she had died, and no one dared even to bring that up, the doctor, the nurses, and the maids were all staring at her like she is some ghost, but she knew that it was just a gift, a new chance, to change and be a better version of herself.
Her hazel eyes lit up with a purpose, to take her right to rule and demand what belong to her, she didn't understand how and why but she is tired of the old her, naive and easy to use, despite her beauty, she wasn't using her brain and she always shut the voices in her head "this is not a life" "this is ridiculous" ...
It's been two days and the emperor hadn't visited her, nor did Nash, she stared at her white-rosey skin, her long waist-length dark wavy hair was loose beautifully, and a beige dress held her body in a charming way, she had a body like a model, tall and curvy, and a face card that is hard to forget.
But none of it helped her to survive and live the life she dreamed of when she was little, a caring husband, a warm family, and respect. Turned out, that when she was a teenager her family prepared her to be the next empress, she had hopes that everything would be perfect exactly like she dreamed, but dreams were expansive in real life, that's why we get them free when we sleep, she accepted her life, a husband not like she wants, no family, not even respect.
When she returned from death, it was her life now she is going to live, and she will make her dreams come true no matter how hard the price is, and since she is the empress, Isn't she more deserving of order? Yes, she is. And she will make everyone regret underestimating her.
A knock on the door made her turn around to look at who had come to her chambers. "Come in."
One of the maids entered, her head bowed. The empress watched the scene with amused eyes but quickly masked it as soon as the maid hesitantly raised her gaze toward her.
"Your Majesty," her voice trembled, and Maria attributed it to the rumors currently circulating about her. Spreading rumors and how quickly they traveled was the easiest thing to do in the palace.
"Speak. I don't have all day!" The cold tone in her voice made the maid freeze in shock. This had never happened before. She swallowed hard and said in a shaky voice, "Pardon the intrusion, Your Majesty, but I have received an order from the Emperor to inform you that he wishes to see you."
A long silence followed, making the maid shift uncomfortably, while Maria's lips curled into a cunning smile. She turned her back to the maid and spoke in the same cold tone, "Tell him I'll visit him tomorrow."
"W-what?..." The maid stammered, but Maria's silence made her falter in her words. "A-as you wish, Your Majesty." The maid bowed and hurried out.
"That should suffice to make him come to me himself!" Maria sighed with boredom and pulled a book from the library beside her. Her earlier behavior toward the maid was deliberate—to fan the flames of the rumors about her. Known for her kindness and fair treatment, her sudden change in demeanor painted her as someone completely different. If they wanted rumors, she would gladly give them plenty to talk about.
"I'll show you who truly rules this place." Maria had a significant role in the palace as the Empress, but her condition had worsened due to her illness. What made her bitter was the fact that she had endured all the mistreatment she faced just to avoid causing problems. She had been unaware of the power she held. After her return from death, she became more conscious of her surroundings and the aura she possessed.
She decided to relinquish all the responsibilities she once bore and was determined to put an end to anyone who belittled or disrespected her.
The Duke Nash suddenly came to mind—how he had offered to help her indirectly. The thought made her recall his enigmatic features. For a moment, she thought she had seen pained blue eyes, but it might have been her imagination. Someone like him wouldn't show such emotions toward her. Still, a warm feeling settled in her chest at his offer, and she felt grateful that he had thought of her.
A knock on her chamber door brought her back to the present. She granted permission to enter, and Martha hurried in, bowing respectfully before approaching her, cheeks flushed from running through the palace corridors.
"What have you heard?" Maria muttered, and the other obeyed, speaking softly, "The Emperor has surely lost his mind. He has dismissed all the servants from his chambers."
"Hmm, interesting." Maria exhaled in boredom, and her maid responded with eyes gleaming with excitement. "Just as you predicted, Your Majesty!"
"That makes him all the more boring! He's far too predictable!" Maria studied Martha for a full minute while the latter stood smiling.
"I have plans for you, Martha. Prove your worth to me!" Martha's smile widened as she replied with a chest swelling with pride, "I will do my best—no! I will give it my all!"
Maria smiled warmly and said, "Thank you. I mean it." Martha's eyes filled with tears as she replied emotionally, "It is my duty, Your Majesty."