Chapter one

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Crann Bethadh, the tree of life that sat at the center of the capital's temple, gave its blessing to the future heir of the Empire.

It had always been like that.

Anyhow, said blessing must be recognised by the head of the Grand Temple, the Pontifex maximus.

He held divine power, capable of healing all sorts of illness, and to light all darkness. That is why he was the head of the Grand Temple.

Princess Cassiopeia received her gift at birth. All flowers bloomed at her wake, and as she walked life itself bent to her person (or at least that's what they said).

She could communicate with all creatures, and mother earth often listened to her prayers.

Beloved by nature, she was said to be the true seed of the Tree.

She was the first woman born with the blessing, and that is why the Temple denied the existence of such gift, and instead explained it all as cheap tricks she pulled. The blessing was instead recognized to her older brother, who had domesticated a dog.

Humiliated and emarginated, she was left alone in a wing of the palace to either away.

In her loneliness, she found comfort in the books her brothers never cared for. Granted it all, they made no effort to better the Empire.

Princess Cassiopeia was not only extremely gifted, but was also an hard worker driven by a sense of revenge greater than anything.

Anyhow, she was content in bettering her Empire from the sidelines. That was, until her brother was born.

He was tormented day and night by the older ones, who imitated their father's behaviour. Seeing how childish they were with the four-year-old boy, at the age of nine, Cassiopeia began plotting her ascension to the throne.

It was a long term plan, a plan that involved turning high society on her side, as well as the army and the nobles.

She began training in swordsmanship with the knights, and attended all sorts of social gatherings.

She took lessons on both etiquette and debate alike, and she spent every waking moment forging herself to be the best Empress this Empire had ever seen.

At the age of fourteen she was engaged to an older foreign noble, who unfortunately died on their wedding night in mysterious circumstances.

Not having consumed the union, the marriage was null.

The second time she was engaged was when she was sixteen. That time too her not-husband died on their wedding night.

Although everyone seemed to blame her, not enough evidence was found.

Truthfully, she had succeeded in at least one task. The palace knights loved her as their daughter, and they made sure no man could take her away without her consent.

Whether it was poison or murder, they would have done it all for her. Although she had told them not to do anything, her sparring companions rarely listened.

To them, she was their princess. They secretly resented the older princes for not training with them. They instead ran away to drink and engaged in social activities.

The princess, unlike her older brothers, valued their work and often trained with them. She was pretty and educated, and she never disrespected them or treated them as inferior.

She grew on them. It wasn't always this way. They openly disliked her when she arrived.

All, except one. Knight Morrigan, the only female knight of the platoon. She took her side when she wanted to join their training, and she helped her get better.

Madame Morrigan was not only the sole female royal guard, but also the only lowborn: but she was strong, and was rumored to be stronger than strength itself.

Thanks to her, everyone warmed up to the princess.

Her younger brother joined them too at a later date. He was like her, humble and respectful. That was why they liked him.

Nevertheless, Cassiopeia never intended to murder her brother. He wasn't in the competition. He worshipped her. Moreover, he wanted to join the Temple and complete his studies as a priest. With the royal background, he was sure to rise to a high rank, even if his divine power was nonexistent.

After escaping two marriages, the Emperor waited for her to turn twenty, before engaging her to someone else.

Anyhow, said marriage would never come to be, because the day she received the news, Concubine Elsa came to her with the perfect deal.

She would murder the Emperor for her, and in exchange, once ascended to the throne, she would marry her only son.

She had a son with her first husband, Duke Dorkas. Anyhow, the beauty she was blessed with turned against her, when the Emperor forcefully took her in their home.

At the sight, her husband divorced her, and she was forced to go with the man who took her family away from her.

Princess Cassiopeia only asked to meet the man, and did not comment on the woman's story, only held her hand when she sobbed.

Her son was rumored to be the most beautiful man in the empire, yet he avoided social settings and preferred being alone. It was said he hated the company of people, and that he could not stand crowded rooms.

They met over tea the next day.

With his black curls framing his face and the purple of his eyes, she did not doubt his beauty. He was mesmerizing, like a painting. His attire befit his position, and the brooch that was fastened on his chest contained a beautiful amethyst that reflected the purple of his eyes. He seemed to walk confidently, not something she would have expected from a social recluse (as they described him as such). Were the rumors false?

"Good evening Lord Dorkas", she barely lowered her head, as per etiquette requirements.

"Greetings to the blooming flower of the Empire", he bowed deeply.

"I hope I did not disturb your schedule too much. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."

"Not at all. I am honoured to be in your presence, my Princess." He talked smoothly, confirming Princess Cassiopeia's suspicions. Someone not used to talking wouldn't have such a manner of speaking, she knew very well, as she had spent most of her childhood alone. To get rid of the stutters and social anxiety she had to work hard, yet he did not bear any signs of not being around people.

She dismissed the maids, and gestured for him to take a seat at the tea table.

Honeyed lavender tea was served, paired with plain butter biscuits and vanilla flavoured plumpcake. She did not want to overdo it, so she opted for something simple.

"Please, do not be so formal when it is just the two of us. I take your mother informed you of the circumstances of this meeting."

He smiled, but not in a nice way. It seemed wicked, twisted. She noticed, and a chill ran through her spine. Had it been just her impression?

"She has, indeed. I consent to our union, if that is what you wished to hear from me, Your Highness."

She mimicked his smile, adjusting her posture. "Now that I have your agreement, I have one condition."

He shifted in his seat, "do tell".

"You will be a concubinus. If you aim for the throne, you'll earn it by competing with others."

He sipped his tea quietly, incinerating her with his eyes. This time, she was sure she had not imagined it.

"Is the tea to your liking?"

"It's bitter, but I'll swallow it anyway."

She smiled. "Then, we have a deal."

"We do indeed."

He kissed her hand, and in a swift motion slid a simple ring on her finger. It was not an engagement ring. It was a stack ring from the Windsor Jewelry custom collection. A golden ring with a small ruby. It suited her tastes. She had visited the shop multiple times, as it was the official royal jewelry supplier. Stack rings were worn by the Emperor to symbolize each concubine.

He had figured it out. He never expected to be named Emperor blindly. The thought sent a chill of excitement through her spine. How long has he been observing her? How much did he know her, for him to assume such a bold move from her? She was thrilled. For the first time, she had the feeling she met someone who was at her level.

"I think we will be really good partners, my Lord."