The Empress's Harem and Other Unwanted Side Hustles

The communication device crackled as Marquis Evermont's furious voice echoed through Liliana's private chamber.

"Useless woman! You can't even stop Cassian?!" His voice was sharp, filled with rage and disdain.

Liliana flinched. Her fingers clutched the fabric of her dress as she bowed her head in shame.

"I—"

"Shut up!" Evermont snapped. "All you had to do was keep the Emperor under control! And you failed. Again!"

Liliana gritted her teeth but didn't dare talk back.

No matter how much power she wielded as Queen, no matter how much Cassian loved her, she was still just a commoner who had been adopted into nobility.

Evermont's voice lowered, filled with scorn.

"I don't care about the damn embezzlement."

Liliana's breath hitched.

Did she hear that correctly?

"I'll just push the blame onto someone else," Evermont continued dismissively. "A few minor nobles, a few lower ministers—someone will take the fall. That's how politics work."

Liliana swallowed hard.

"But a mistress?" Evermont sneered. "A man like me, who is supposed to be the most righteous noble in the Empire? The one who donates to orphanages, who advocates for the poor? That's a disaster!"

A dry laugh escaped him. "Do you know how many fools believed my lies? And now, because of some filthy gossip, all my work could come crumbling down!"

Liliana remained silent, gripping the edge of her silk skirt so tightly her knuckles turned white.

She knew Evermont wasn't a good man. But even now, it shocked her how easily he discarded people like chess pieces.

A long sigh came through the device.

"I should have known better than to trust a woman like you."

Liliana's eyes widened.

A woman like her?

"Ever since you entered the palace, nothing but trouble has followed. You were supposed to replace Diana, yet you can't even keep the Emperor in check!"

The connection cut off with a sharp click.

The silence in the room was deafening.

Liliana stood frozen, staring at the inactive device.

She felt cold.

No—humiliated.

The only thing keeping her from screaming was the presence of her maid, who stood quietly by the door, her head bowed.

Liliana turned sharply toward her, her fingers itching to strike.

But she hesitated.

The flyers.

Those damn flyers.

Rumors about her abusing the maids had already spread. If she lashed out now, it would only make things worse.

Liliana exhaled sharply, forcing herself to relax.

"Get out," she ordered.

The maid bowed and hurried out of the room.

Liliana clenched her fists.

This isn't over.

She needed Cassian's reassurance.

He would calm her down. He always calmed her down.

Cassian's Words, Liliana's Doubt

The Emperor's office was dimly lit, a few candles flickering on his desk. When Liliana entered, Cassian looked up from a mountain of documents.

His sharp golden eyes softened slightly.

"Liliana," he greeted. "You look troubled."

Liliana walked toward him quickly, placing a hand over her chest as if she were on the verge of tears. "Cassian… how could they do this to me?"

Cassian sighed, setting down his quill.

"The investigation will be handled," he reassured her. "You don't need to worry."

Liliana bit her lip. "But the rumors…"

"They're just rumors," Cassian said firmly. "They'll pass."

Liliana hesitated before lowering her gaze.

"…I don't even know how to face Roan and Elysian after all this," she whispered. "What will they think when they hear that their grandparents are cheaters and criminals?"

Cassian leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Who doesn't have a mistress or an illegitimate child or two?"

Liliana froze.

Cassian's voice was casual, dismissive, as if he didn't even think about the words before saying them.

But they hit her.

Hard.

Her blood ran cold.

She knew Cassian didn't mean it in a bad way. To him, this was just a normal conversation.

But…

She looked at him.

And suddenly, for the first time in years, she felt uneasy.

Roan and Elysian were born before she officially became Cassian's wife.

She was still a commoner when she conceived them.

Which meant—

Which meant—

They were illegitimate.

Cassian's words echoed in her mind.

"Who doesn't have an illegitimate child or two?"

Was that what he thought of Roan and Elysian?

Liliana felt lightheaded.

Cassian didn't mean it. He wasn't insulting her. He wasn't trying to belittle their children.

But…

Deep down, a small, sharp whisper crawled into her mind.

Does Cassian see me as just another woman he had children with?

She clenched her fists.

No.

Cassian loved her.

Didn't he?

Didn't he marry her because he wanted to?

Didn't he fight for her, despite everything?

…Or was it just because Diana was forced onto him first?

Liliana's throat tightened.

She forced herself to smile.

"…You're right, Cassian," she said softly. "It's nothing."

Cassian smiled slightly. "Good."

He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Don't let this get to you," he murmured. "Everything will be fine."

Liliana nodded.

But her heart felt heavy.

As she left Cassian's office, her steps were slower than usual.

*****

Diana was just finishing her morning reports when the unexpected visitors arrived.

A group of elegantly dressed young women stood at the entrance to her study, their hands delicately folded, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Your Majesty," the lead girl stepped forward and curtsied with perfect grace. She was Lady Sophia Argyle, granddaughter of Minister Argyle—the very man who had dramatically unsheathed his sword in the council chamber, declaring he would rather die than see injustice prevail.

Diana raised an eyebrow.

Minister Argyle's reputation as the most righteous man in the Empire had skyrocketed overnight. He was now hailed as a hero, the last beacon of morality in the court. His granddaughter, Lady Sophia, had inherited his charm and grace, it seemed.

Diana had no reason to refuse them.

Per law and custom, the Empress had to accept formal visits from noble ladies, especially those from influential families, she must have forgotten about the letter.

So she nodded. "Welcome."

Lady Sophia smiled, her beauty radiant. "Thank you, Your Majesty. We have long wished to meet you in a casual setting."

Diana chuckled lightly. Casual? A tea party with the Empress was anything but casual.

Still, she gestured toward the garden pavilion. "Then let's have tea."

The ladies followed eagerly, whispering among themselves.

It had been a long time since Diana attended such a peaceful tea gathering.

The table was adorned with delicate porcelain, the finest pastries, and fragrant tea. Conversations flowed smoothly—from the latest jewelry trends to seasonal fashion, from exotic flowers to the newest embroidery styles.

Diana mostly listened, sipping her tea.

It was… strange.

She was surrounded by women far younger than herself, all dressed in elegant gowns, while she wore her usual crisp uniform of pants and a fitted jacket.

It was a stark contrast.

And yet, she didn't mind.

She had spent too long in the chaotic world of politics, war, and conspiracies. Sitting here, discussing harmless topics, felt oddly refreshing.

But peace never lasted long in the Imperial Palace.

A sudden cry pierced the air.

Diana's head snapped up.

Lucien.

Her chair scraped against the marble floor as she stood abruptly.

The young prince was on the ground, his small body trembling as he clutched his knee. His wide gray eyes were brimming with unshed tears, his breathing uneven.

Two Imperial guards stood before him—men wearing the insignia of Queen Liliana.

Diana's stomach twisted.

What. The. Hell.

She hadn't received any letter from Liliana requesting a visit.

She should have. That was the law.

Yet, here were her guards—inside the Empress's Palace.

Liliana herself stood just a few steps away, her expression twisted with forced concern.

"Lucien, dear, are you alright?" Liliana reached toward him.

Lucien flinched violently.

He let out a soft, panicked sob and scrambled backward.

Liliana froze.

"Lucien?" Her voice wavered, her hand still outstretched.

The boy only cried harder.

Diana's blood boiled.

One of Liliana's guards moved, reaching toward the boy—

Diana moved first.

The sharp shing of a sword echoed through the pavilion.

In a single, fluid motion, Diana drew her blade and kicked the guard squarely in the chest.

The man staggered back, gasping in pain.

Diana didn't stop.

She stepped in front of Lucien, wrapped her free arm around his trembling body, and pulled him against her.

Her sword gleamed under the sunlight, the tip pointed directly at Liliana's knights.

Silence fell.

The noble ladies sat frozen in their seats, their teacups forgotten.

Lady Sophia was the first to react. She quickly rushed forward with two other women, kneeling beside Lucien to check his injuries. "Your Highness, are you hurt?"

Lucien sniffled but clung to Diana, burying his face in her shoulder.

Diana tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword, her golden eyes burning with fury.

"What," she said slowly, her voice deadly, "is the meaning of this?"