As Eliana and I entered the Glass Garden, the three concubines turned to gaze at me with a mixture of surprise and envy. I could feel their eyes drinking in the sight of me, and I knew that Eliana had done an excellent job in transforming me into the Empress they had been mocking for.
The white dress hugged my curves in all the right places, and the sweetheart neckline accentuated my bust. The off-the-shoulder sleeves added a touch of romance and whimsy, while the intricate lacework on the bodice sparkled in the soft light of the garden.
I felt like a true Empress, with my long, flowing hair cascading down my back like a fiery waterfall. Eliana had styled it with delicate braids and a few strategically placed strands framing my face, adding to my overall regal bearing.
"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting." I bowed gracefully as Princess Guinevere stepped forward with a gracious smile.
"Not at all, Your Majesty. We're glad you could join us."
Her tone was warm, but you could sense a hidden tension. As you approached, the other two concubines, Princess Helena of Valoria and Princess Lysandra of Tersia, gave polite nods as they introduced themselves.
They were princesses of different countries larger than Aethorador. They must be angry that I, a princess from a small country, managed to become Empress of the largest country.
I finally took my seat while Eliana discreetly positioned herself nearby, ready to assist.
"It's finally nice to meet you all, I am Nerina and as thank you for inviting me to your tea party, I bought some sweets, please help yourselves."
I gestured Eliana who was carrying a basket place the sweets in the table.
"What's this? This is my first time seeing commoner food." Helena remarked, "But thank you for this, Empress."
Lysandra only poked at it but never took a bite and only smiled, "The sweets are... pretty."
I nearly laughed at their subtle jabs and smiled inwardly. "I'm glad you find them interesting. They're actually quite popular in Aethorador." Although I just tasked someone to buy it in a popular store in town a while ago.
I waited for a while, smiling and sipping tea as I let them subtly insult me. Now that they're down, it's my turn now.
I calmly placed my teacup down, "I had a great day yesterday, I happen to receive a gift from someone" I took a sip as I observed their reactions. My eyes glinted when someone flinched.
'Gotcha.'
The atmosphere grew taut as I spoke, each word deliberate. Two were curious and one can't look me in the eye.
"Oh?" Helena said with genuine curiousity. "And what kind of gift was it? Is it jewels?"
"No, maybe a dress?" Lysandra butted in.
I shook my head and smiled sweetly at them, "Wrong. It was a lovely. lifeless. red. fox." I looked at Guinevere dead in the eyes. I stopped before correcting myself, "Oh wait, it was a white fox painted by its own blood, that's why it became a red fox."
You allowed a small, knowing smile to creep onto your lips as their faces paled especially Guinevere. "Quite an unusual gift, don't you think?"
"Y-yes," Guinevere stuttered. "Who would dare give a gift like that to you?"
I took another sip clearly enjoying the scene, "It was pretty though so I let Eliana skin it so I could wear its fur, do you want to see it?" Of course she was just joking, the fox was already buried but she wanted to teach them a lesson not to mess with her.
"NO!" They all said in unison, clearly horrified by her twisted hobby.
The concubines stared at me, their faces a mixture of horror and disbelief. Guinevere's teacup rattled slightly in her hands as she set it down, her smile frozen in place. Helena shifted uncomfortably in her seat, while Lysandra's eyes narrowed, trying to gauge whether you were serious or just toying with them.
"I-I'm sure that won't be necessary," Guinevere stammered, her voice faltering.
I leaned back in my chair, casually swirling my teacup. "Oh? But why? As a thanks for inviting me, I wanted to give that fur to you. I'm sure it would look lovely on you."
Simply put, it's a reminder of those who dare to cross me again and they'll end up like that.
The tension in the air was thick enough to cut. I smiled sweetly, as if discussing something mundane, but the underlying threat was clear.
"Perhaps next time," I added, setting my cup down with a soft clink, "people will choose their gifts more wisely."
I bid goodbye when they have nothing to say anymore as I left the garden with a satisfied smile as Eliana followed closely behind, her shoulders shaking from suppressed laughter. Once we were out of earshot, she finally let out a quiet chuckle.
"You were brilliant, Your Majesty," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "I don't think they'll be daring enough to harass you again."
I grinned, feeling victorious. "That should teach them a lesson. If they try something again, I'll be ready."
Eliana nodded, her laughter fading into a knowing smile. "I doubt they'll risk it. You've made your point crystal clear."
The air felt lighter as I walked back to my room, forgetting the weight of the confrontation behind me.