Esme – POV
"Lady Esme, your eyes," Lily gasped. "They're swollen… were you crying all night?"
I hated admitting it, but the weight of my emotions had finally broken through. I'd been suppressing so much for so long, and now I felt like I was being dragged through the mud with no way out.
"Lily, bring me a cold towel," I murmured. "I need to cover my eyes before I start the day."
"The hunting game at Eastbrone begins next week," Lily said cheerfully, completely ignoring the fact that I'd clearly been in tears. Maybe she was trying to lift the mood. I knew she meant well.
I gave her a small nod. "Yes, I'm aware. I want everything to go smoothly—especially with Duke Edward overseeing security."
"I'm so excited! The food, the fireworks..." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
I removed the towel from my face and looked at her directly. "Lily, I need you to dig into something for me. The former empress."
"You mean Lady Marget?" she asked, hesitating.
"Yes," I said firmly. "I want to know everything—what deals she's made, what she's been up to. Any dirt. And Lily…" My tone hardened. "If you don't follow this order, you'll be in serious trouble."
"I… I'll do as you say, Lady Esme," she murmured. "You can count on me. I won't upset you."
I nodded, but deep down, I hadn't forgotten how she refused to help when it came to finding out more about Liam, the head maid, or the seamstress. She was too scared to cross them, and I couldn't blame her—not completely. Still, I sighed, haunted by the words Lady Marget had whispered to me last night.
Once I was ready for the day, Lily and the other maids quietly left. The pressure was relentless: the burden of my position, the threat from Lady Marget, and now a hidden enemy targeting me—all because I am King Liam's wife.
I needed to understand these threats before they consumed me. I had to build a plan—an escape plan. One wrong move could mean death. That thought alone made me shiver.
"Stay strong, Esme. You can do this," I whispered to myself. "Keep your head in the game. You have to survive this. You promised Mom you'd find happiness… and love."
Her words played like a mantra in my mind as I stepped out of my chambers.
Just then, Duke Edward entered the king's office.
"Greetings, Empress Esme," he said, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning, Duke Edward." I gave a nod. "Is something wrong?"
He paused for a moment before replying quietly, "Yes, Your Majesty. I'll explain everything in the office—I need to report to King Liam anyway."
I followed him in. King Liam sat at his desk, frowning at a stack of documents, eyes cold and focused, as if searching for a hidden clue. He didn't even look up.
"Your Majesty, some nobles are rebelling against a recent decision made by the Empress," Edward said.
My heart sank. So the situation had spiraled already.
"Why?" Liam asked flatly, still not lifting his eyes from the pages.
I stepped forward. "Allow me to explain, Duke Edward."
At that, King Liam finally looked up—and his icy blue gaze met mine. It made me wish he'd stayed buried in his papers. His stare was enough to silence me, if only for a moment.
I swallowed and continued, "I created an examination to appoint my ladies-in-waiting. I want capable, skilled women by my side. I also removed the rule that barred illegitimate noble children from applying."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"They're upset," Duke Edward interjected. "They don't want illegitimate children sitting beside nobles. It makes the Empress look… uninformed. And, Your Majesty, if the nobles are offended, it reflects poorly on the court."
King Liam's voice turned cold. "I see."
He turned to me. "Lady Esme, we're going to the examination hall. Now."
I simply nodded, and we climbed into the royal carriage. I couldn't help noticing Duke Edward's anxious expression during the ride.
The royal examination hall was a marvel of artistry and elegance, but the air outside was thick with tension. A crowd had gathered—some blocking illegitimate noble children from entering.
But the moment King Liam and I stepped out, the noise dropped. All eyes turned to us. I could feel the silent hope in the hearts of those who had been pushed to the margins.
"What is this nonsense?" Liam asked, his voice calm but ice-edged. Chaos threatened to erupt—until the slightest shift in his stance sent a ripple of magic through the crowd.
Everyone froze.
"The Empress made this rule. Anyone who challenges it… challenges me." His voice carried like thunder. "If you disagree—step forward."
No one dared.
I had planned to negotiate… maybe even use King Liam as a threat if I had to. But he'd stood beside me. No questions. No hesitation. I didn't expect that. It made things easier, but it also made something inside me soften.
"If no one wants to fight," he continued, "go back to your lands and tend to your businesses. Budget reports are due soon."
The crowd dispersed quickly, students included. That's when I saw her—Lendra. She was among them, smiling, her eyes meeting mine with pride. I felt something shift in me. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was reclaiming something I lost—a sliver of free will. It brought back memories of my aspirations in the western world, where I dreamed of mastering my preferred subjects and earning a degree in my name. However, I had to study secretly to complete my sister's homework.
I blinked back tears, sensing King Liam's gaze still on me.
I turned to him. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I whispered.
"I stood up for what was right," he said simply. "There's no need to thank me for that."
He offered his hand to help me into the carriage. As we rode, I caught a glimpse of something different in him—not warmth exactly, but not cruelty either. For a moment, I wondered if maybe… just maybe… he wasn't completely heartless.
"King Liam?" I asked hesitantly.
He looked at me.
"I might be overstepping, but… who is your enemy?"
I had to know. I needed answers if I was going to protect myself—or make it out of this palace alive.