The Empress's chamber shimmered with overwhelming luxury.
Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow across the vast room, reflecting off polished marble floors. Curtains of silk and silver draped elegantly from the high windows, swaying gently with the evening breeze. The air itself seemed rich—perfumed with rare oils only royalty could afford.
At the center of it all stood the new Empress.
Sarah.
She was dressed in a breathtaking silver gown woven with threads that glimmered like starlight. Tiny pearls were embedded along the fabric, catching every flicker of light. Her hair was styled with the finest beads and ornaments, each piece carefully placed to enhance her beauty.
Her makeup was flawless.
Her posture, perfect!
Every step she took was slow and deliberate, as though the world itself waited to follow her lead.
Before her stood fifty maids, lined in perfect rows, their heads bowed.
"Your Royal Highness," the messenger announced, bowing deeply, "these are fifty maids sent to you personally by His Majesty. If you wish, they will be doubled immediately."
The Empress lifted her chin slightly, her expression proud.
"I prefer you call me Your Grace," she said calmly.
The messenger stiffened. "Yes, Your Grace."
She looked at the maids, her eyes scanning them like a ruler inspecting her possessions.
"Double them."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Immediately, another fifty maids were ushered in. A hundred girls now filled the chamber, all standing in silent obedience.
The Empress smiled faintly.
"Since all of you are now my maids," she said, her voice echoing softly, "you will be assigned accordingly."
She began to walk slowly along the rows, her sharp gaze moving from one face to another.
"Fifty of you will serve in my lower chambers.
" Yes your Grace"
"Forty at my upper chambers"
" Yes your Grace"
"Nine of you in my private chambers."
"Yes your Grace " They all bowed slightly,
She paused,
The last one,
Her eyes fixed on someone.
"You."
A young maid stepped forward immediately and dropped to her knees.
"Your Grace…"
The Empress approached her slowly, her heels clicking softly against the marble.
"What is your name?" she asked.
The girl answered, "Sarah… Your Grace."
Silence fell instantly.
Even the air seemed to freeze.
The Empress's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.
"Your name… is Sarah?"
She asked again,
"Yes, Your Grace."
She leaned slightly closer, her eyes gleaming.
"Not anymore."
The girl's breath caught.
"From today," the Empress declared, straightening, "your name is Amelia."
"…Yes, Your Grace," she replied softly.
Just like that,
Her name was taken.
Her identity erased.
But Amelia did not protest.
She couldn't.
All she could think about was her father, Mr. Sebastian, lying weak and wounded.
She needed money.
Nothing else mattered.
"From today," the Empress continued, "you will be my personal maid."
Amelia bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Grace."
"Get up."
She stood, keeping her gaze lowered.
"How old are you?"
"Eighteen, Your Grace."
The Empress studied her carefully.
Young.
Simple.
Obedient.
Perfect.
A girl who could be shaped. Controlled. And who she could trust,
"Good," she said softly. "You will be useful."
She turned away, raising her voice.
"Everyone, Get to work!"
The maids bowed and dispersed quickly.
"Amelia," she added without turning, "you will follow me wherever I go."
"Yes, Your Grace."
She replied.
***************
Later that evening, the chamber was quieter.
A messenger entered once more, bowing deeply.
"Your Grace, your bridal gifts have been delivered to your parents by His Majesty himself."
The Empress sat before her grand mirror, admiring her reflection as maids adjusted the final details of her attire.
"Your father has sent his blessings for your marriage," the messenger continued. "One hundred packs of finely embroidered judge wrappers have been delivered to your mother, along with diamonds, silver, jewels, and treasures, as you requested."
The Empress smiled at her reflection.
"One decision…" she whispered. "And my life has changed forever."
"The emperor awaits you in his private chamber, he wants you in his private chambers tonight," the messenger added.
She rose slowly.
"I will join His Majesty shortly."
Tonight…
Would be her first night with the emperor.
The most powerful man alive.
Amelia knelt quietly, cleaning the Empress's feet, her movements careful and respectful.
Other maids surrounded the Empress, dressing her in an even more dazzling silver outfit. They sprayed expensive perfume that lingered heavily in the air.
The Empress watched herself in the mirror, smiling.
"Tonight…" she murmured softly.
The emperor had called her beautiful.
Tonight, she intended to be unforgettable.
She dismissed the other maids with a small gesture.
Only Amelia remained.
Standing behind her.
Silent.
***
"Your Grace," Amelia said softly, "this silver outfit looks beautiful on you."
The Empress smiled, pleased. "Of course it does."
She stood.
"Arrange my clothes in the wardrobe," she ordered. "And lock the door before returning to the servant quarters."
"Yes, Your Grace."
The Empress adjusted her royal robe and walked out of the chamber, her steps confident, her heart filled with anticipation.
The door closed behind her.
The room fell silent.
Amelia turned to the wardrobe and began her work.
One by one, she arranged the Empress's gowns, silk, velvet, embroidered fabrics she had never even imagined touching.
Her hands moved carefully.
Her mind wandered.
Clara…
She hadn't seen her sister since they arrived.
They must have been assigned to different sections.
And as the Empress's personal maid, Amelia had not enough freedom to search.
She sighed quietly.
After finishing, she picked up the keys and walked toward the door.
The Empress had ordered her to lock it.
She reached for the handle,
But before she could turn it...
The door opened.
Amelia froze.
Standing before her—
Was Emperor Alexander Roland.
Tall.
Imposing.
His presence alone filled the room with an invisible pressure.
Behind him stood Liam, silent and watchful.
Amelia's heart slammed violently against her chest.
She dropped to her knees instantly.
"Your Majesty!"
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Alexander didn't move.
Didn't speak.
His eyes were fixed on her.
Sharp.
Unyielding.
But beneath that,
Something stirred.
Something unfamiliar.
He took a slow step forward.
Amelia trembled, her head lowered, afraid to even breathe.
Then,
He stopped.
Right in front of her.
His gaze lingered.
Longer than it should have.
This feeling…
Why…?
The emperor's heart reacted.
And without realizing it,
He had just found the girl he had been searching for.