Elizabeth stood quietly on the palace terrace, watching the garden as dusk settled over Amoria. The evening air was cool, and a soft breeze rustled the trees, filling the silence with a gentle whisper. Tonight, her thoughts were heavy with the emperor's words from the previous night, his carefully controlled warmth still lingering in her mind. She knew her role, knew what was expected of her—yet, a part of her heart longed for something beyond duty.
As her gaze drifted over the vibrant roses lining the path, she heard footsteps approaching. She turned to find Lady Margot, a high-ranking noblewoman, descending the stairs with a graceful stride. Margot's presence brought an immediate tension to the air. With her polished elegance and piercing gaze, she often looked at Elizabeth as if she were no more than a common servant.
"Ah, Elizabeth," Margot's voice was as smooth as silk, though there was an unmistakable sharpness beneath it. "I thought I might find you out here."
Elizabeth managed a polite smile, bowing slightly. "Good evening, Lady Margot."
Margot arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "You've settled in quite well, haven't you?" she remarked, her tone laced with condescension. "Taking in the sights of the emperor's garden as though you belong here."
Elizabeth held her composure, though her heart tightened at the words. "I am here to serve His Majesty, as always," she replied softly, choosing her words carefully.
"Serve him," Margot echoed with a mocking laugh. "You seem quite eager to play the role of the emperor's… consort, as they call it. But don't fool yourself, Elizabeth. We both know that you're nothing more than a fleeting amusement."
Elizabeth's face remained steady, though the sting of Margot's words struck deeper than she wanted to admit. "The emperor has entrusted me with certain duties, and I intend to fulfill them," she replied, her voice calm.
Margot's eyes sparkled with cruel amusement. "Oh, how noble of you. But do you truly believe that your position here will lead to anything? The emperor—our ruthless, battle-hardened emperor—doesn't care for women like you. He has simply chosen you to pass the time."
Elizabeth's heart sank, but she kept her expression composed, refusing to let Margot see her distress. "My loyalty to His Majesty remains steadfast, regardless of what you think, Lady Margot."
Margot stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "Loyalty?" she sneered. "You mistake your duty for devotion. Tell me, Elizabeth, when he no longer has use for you, where will that loyalty leave you?"
Elizabeth remained silent, her fists clenched at her sides.
Margot took a step back, a look of triumph on her face. "You're nothing more than a shadow in his world, Elizabeth. A flower plucked only to wither away. And when the emperor grows tired of you, remember—people like me will still be here."
The words hit Elizabeth like a dagger. But as Margot turned and walked away, her laughter echoing in the garden, Elizabeth stayed rooted to her spot, her mind whirling. She looked back out over the garden, the vibrant flowers seeming to blur in her vision.
Margot's words replayed in her mind, each one stinging with painful clarity. Was she truly nothing more than a passing amusement to him? Had she mistaken duty for something more?
With a sigh, she whispered to herself, "If that's all I am to him… then so be it." She straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin. As long as I am here, I will serve him without question, even if it means sacrificing everything.
The evening sky darkened, but Elizabeth stood there in quiet defiance, her heart heavy yet resolved.