During the war between Ceoli and Klen, which lasted almost 3 years, Klen emerged victorious, with two outstanding warriors, Prince Ethan and the young Duke Caesar. After the defeat of Ceoli, the only survivor of the royal family was Martina Bennett, the princess, who was forced to flee the battlefield. Upon returning to Ceoli, her mother and sisters had already been stripped of everything, forced to leave the kingdom, as Ceoli had now become part of Klen. When Martina met her mother, instead of being happy to see her daughter alive, she blamed her for not protecting her husband and son, wishing it had been her who hadn't returned. But the former queen took advantage of her return and, still using the contacts she had left, sent her south to the empire of Nulem, to be one of the emperor's many concubines, so that she would receive enough money to survive for a few years, regardless of the emperor's bad reputation and the fact that, being several concubines, they all saw each other as rivals. Martina refused to live as a mere concubine, but there was nothing she could do. Upon arriving at the palace, she only saw the emperor on the day she married him as a concubine, spent their wedding night, and never saw him again. Her stay in that place did not last long. Having lost her will to fight, no matter how much she tried to defend herself from the abuses of the other concubines, she always ended up losing because, being the daughter of a fallen king, no one defended her, while the emperor was oblivious to everything that happened in the concubine's palace, as he was more attentive to his duties with his empire. The concubines, on the other hand, were only princesses or nobles from other countries, accepted only for political reasons, and because of this, the emperor did not pay attention to them, visiting each of them only once a month, having dinner with them, and then leaving them without spending the night with them, as the last thing he wanted was to have children with them.

As the years passed, Martina felt finished, her life no longer had meaning. Her father and brothers always belittled her, and even her mother sent her to a horrible place just to obtain a good life for herself.

If only she could improve her life, if only she had a chance, she would change everything. Those were her last words before throwing herself from the palace roof. Of course, the fall caused her serious injuries. She was lying in a pool of blood and could not move. Her vision was getting heavier, she could barely see blurry people crowding around her, surely laughing at her miserable death. A ridiculous end for a woman who was always fierce and wanted to demonstrate her worth beyond just being another woman in the crowd, and so, she took her last breath.

"Your Highness... for the gods, get out... help... the princess is drowning."

She heard voices, without opening her eyes. She felt like she was having trouble breathing, because her nostrils were full of, blood? No, that was different, it was, water? Suddenly, a woman with black hair burst out of a bathtub, took a deep breath, and looked around confused. The place seemed familiar to her. She looked down, her feet were underwater inside a large white bathtub. The bathroom was the same color, with gold details, even the window and door frames looked like they had those details. This was her bathroom when she lived in the palace.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" the young woman asked.

The young maid placed a bathrobe over her shoulders. Martina, still confused, just put on the robe, while observing the maid. It was Anne, her maid while she lived in the palace. Was she dreaming? No, it was impossible, since she had just taken her own life.

"Your Highness, come, we must dry your hair, you must go down to dinner with your mother."

"My mother? Is she here?"

"Of course, you seem very distracted today, Your Highness."

Martina sat in front of her dressing table and saw her face. She looked a little different, because the last time she saw herself in the mirror, she looked emaciated.

"Anne, what is the date today?" she asked, not taking her eyes off herself in the mirror.

"It is the 14th of the fifth month, of the year 1800. I don't know why you ask, you are certainly acting very strange today."

Martina remained silent. They were just a few days away from starting the first invasion. The dinner that night was to celebrate the departure of the king and the crown prince, who would both emerge triumphant in their first attack, and then threaten Klen, but that is where they would not be victorious and would lose everything. Martina did not know how, but she had gone back in time.

Upon going down to dinner, everything was exactly as she remembered it. Her father and brothers speaking arrogantly about their plans, her mother supporting everything, while the king directed cruel words at her, regretting that she was a woman and had inherited magical gifts. For her father the king, it was unfair that a woman possessed great power when she was just useless. Martina remained silent, but realized that those words did not affect her as before, that now they were insignificant words, coming from the mouth of a king who would soon lose the war he himself provoked.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye, just as it happened in her previous life. They had won the first invasion. She joined the troops in the squad of mages at the suggestion of her teacher, but although she showed her skills in magic, her father continued to despise her, although now, it was no longer important to her, she was no longer seeking his acceptance, she only wanted one thing, and that was to survive and change the destiny she once had.

Finally, the war against Klen began, but there was a big difference, as she heard that Klen was taking precautions, and the spy informed the king that Klen was planning to set traps on the borders, which forced them to advance before they put their plan into action. Martina decided to ignore that change, assuming it was normal for certain things to change when she went back in time.

And so, after learning that her brother would be the one to lead the squad of mages, Martina went far away from the camp, but something crossed her path and she fell off her horse.

Martina stood up, seeing that person. They had a white cloak that did not reveal their face. Martina prepared to attack, but her body froze.

"Relax, I'm just here to offer you something you want..." the person gently stroked her cheek.

"Who are you? Why would I accept what you offer me?"

"Because it is what you want most. I offer you the crown of Ceoli, you just have to help me."

"How do I know you're telling me the truth?"

"Because I know what it is like to be despised, I know what is happening to you, the king thinks you are useless, but you are not, you have great power. I will make you queen if you help me, you just have to keep this with you until I tell you to break it."

They handed her a small sphere of white crystal. When Martina held it in her hands, she felt a great energy coming from the object.

"This is... what great power..."

"You cannot use it, it only works if it is broken, but it is not a power that you can control. You decide what you will do. If you do not break it at my signal, I will know that I cannot count on you..."

And so she saw that person disappear. She observed that crystal throughout the night, knowing what she had to do if she wanted to change her destiny, and during the battle, she broke the crystal, seeing an enormous dark beast appear before the army, and several small ones came to attack them, eating those they caught. The shadows ignored her. After the retreat, her brother was wounded and died shortly after. She saw that person again.

As she entered the dark forest, that person appeared before her again, and she was surrounded by shadows.

"You have done well, Martina Bennett, continue like this and I will let you live. It will be up to you later to obtain what you want."

"How do I know you won't kill me too? I have betrayed my family..."

"They have betrayed you from the moment they despised you, you know that. I have only offered you a change, one where you can move the pieces in your favor."

From the hand of that person came a small flame that floated until it was in front of Martina. She raised her hands while the flame floated over her palms.

"I am Evelyn Caruso, the witch of the shadows, and I make a pact with you, Martina Bennett. I name you, the witch of fire."

Upon saying this, the flame entered Martina's chest and she could feel it burning inside her body. She fell to the floor screaming in pain for a few minutes until she could stand up again.

"Forge your new destiny very well."

After that person left, she felt her body warm, she felt an energy running through her body. She knew that her magic had changed, now, she was a witch, a being more powerful than any mage, her magic had no limits, she could destroy her father's army herself, but no, she would not do it, she would let Klen humiliate him, strip him of everything, and take his head as a prize.

Everything continued its course. The only one she saved and sent away was the oldest mage, her teacher, the only one who treated her well and never belittled her for being a woman. Shortly after that, the camp was attacked and she left, after seeing her father captured by that witch who gave her her power, although she didn't know how everything had changed, everything was now in her favor and that was what mattered. Martina moved away from the battlefield, staying in a town near the border. Shortly after, she learned that her other brother had taken the crown and brought his troops to the battlefield, but he could do little. In a matter of days, Klen devastated the army of Ceoli and took the kingdom.

"The queen and the two princesses were stripped of everything and sent to the western border."

"Princess Martina, they say she died on the battlefield."

"I heard she had talent in magic, but it seems it wasn't enough."

"Now we are part of Klen and they won't kill anyone, if you think about it, we will be better off now."

"It's true, the late king was leading us to ruin because of his ambition."

Martina left that bar and got on her horse, she must go to the Western border, this time she has enough power to change her destiny and for that she needs her mother.

Martina knew perfectly well where her mother and sister were; it was in a small village on the western border. It took her some time to get there, but she finally did, just as she remembered. Her mother regretted seeing her alive, while her husband and son were dead. She felt guilty for not saving them and that now she and her daughters must live as mere commoners, cultivating the little that grows in that village.

That same night, she hears her mother talking about the two former princesses.

"Mother, we must take advantage. If you marry Martina off to a noble, we can have a good life."

"It's true, Mother, let her return at least serve for something."

"But no noble in Ceoli will want to take her as a wife, the kingdom has turned its back on us."

"What if you offer her in another kingdom? There must be some noble interested in buying a wife or concubine."

"That's it, I know how we can get a fortune," the former queen mentions.

Martina hears them; there it is, their great idea to marry her off as a concubine of the emperor of Nulem. While she can avoid that, her goal is to accept that marriage. Once married as a concubine, she only has to watch out for the other harpies while she gathers enough money to go to another place and thus be able to establish a business, because everything she had as a princess of Ceoli has remained in Klen's hands, and even then, what was hers was little.

The next day, her mother informed her what they would do, that she should marry as a concubine of the emperor of Nulem, so the former queen sent a letter to her relatives in that empire to help her get Martina into the emperor's harem.

A week later, the answer arrived; Martina must go to Nulem to marry as a concubine. The emperor seemed to like that she was a mage, in addition to her reputation as an intelligent and daring woman.

Martina's sisters are a bit annoyed when reading the letter of acceptance. They couldn't stand that Martina was praised by others and hope she has a very bad time in that empire.

"Whatever, very mage or daring, but she can only live as a simple concubine," the eldest mocks.

"Obviously, that's all she can amount to."

She hears the laughter, but it doesn't affect her at all. The former queen and her daughters get into the most elegant carriage they have, and Martina goes alone in an old one. Although she would have preferred to go alone on horseback, the journey was long. Where they stayed, they heard about Klen's victory and how the shadow mage razed Ceoli's army. It was obvious that her second brother would have no chance.

After a long journey, they had arrived in Nulem. Upon arriving in its capital, the former queen's relatives received them at their mansion. They say that their daughter was also a concubine in the palace and that it is rumored that she was the emperor's favorite, so it was likely that she would become empress.

"I hope you obey your cousin, so when she is empress you can be her maid," her aunt mentions with total arrogance.

"I gave my father absolute obedience and look how we ended up, one never knows what can really happen," she replies with a mocking smile.

Her uncles looked red with rage, so they just had the servants take them to their room. Once there, her mother slapped her for the disrespect she showed.

"Watch your mouth, you are here thanks to them."

"It's true, I'll thank them properly, I'll be my cousin's faithful servant."

Having said this, she retires to sleep. Her cousin Ariel Monique had forgotten her, the emperor's favorite concubine, with whom he did spend his nights, although before going back in time, the poor woman never became empress, she was just one more of the bunch, if her uncles knew.

The next day, a messenger arrived with a carriage, saying that it would take them to the palace. The former queen and Martina are the only ones who will go to the palace, because her sisters are shopping, of course, they will spend what little they have left, knowing that they will soon have enough money to live like the nobles they are again. In the palace, Martina and her mother are guided to a room, where the queen mother is the one who awaits them. Just as she remembers, she accepts Martina and sets the date for her to marry the emperor. The former queen thanks her and they leave, being guided by the queen mother's maid, as she will go with them in search of a dress for Martina. Obviously, the wedding will be simple in a private ceremony, they will give their vows and that's it.

From the palace window, in an office, a man with albino hair and blue eyes watches Martina walk towards the carriage, then looks at the papers on his desk, which have a portrait of Martina and her information, a skilled mage, who stands out for her strong spells and also a daring woman, she excelled in her studies, but the king did not give her that opportunity to show her intelligence, the youngest of all and the least appreciated. The door opens and the older woman, the queen mother, enters.

"She is beautiful and everything I asked, she answered correctly and politely, but her mother, that is a harpy," the old woman expresses.

"Do you think she is the best option?" the albino asks.

"Maybe, we'll see how she performs when she enters the palace," the woman replies.

The albino returned to his desk to continue with his activities, while the woman left there.

Caleb Richardson, emperor of Nulem, who took the throne at the age of 18 when his father died of an illness, and during the six years he has ruled, he has done so fairly and boldly, he is respected by all, but he has had to marry different women, three princesses and 3 daughters of nobles of his country, this to maintain the peace treaty and political support, but all so far, have only been concubines, none have managed to climb to empress and although it is said that he has a favorite, the truth is that he has no interest in her, it is just a facade to make them believe that he will soon have an empress, so that they stop pressuring him with it, but when he saw Martina's information, he seemed an interesting woman, although he did not imagine that her kingdom would fall for the king's ambition.

"Martina Bennett, let's see if you have the capacity of an empress."

The albino runs his fingers over the woman's portrait, she certainly possesses beauty, he saw her from afar and that portrait does not do her justice.

With everything ready for the wedding, the ceremony has already been prepared in a hall of the palace. Being private, only the relatives of the future concubine and the emperor's relatives could be there, being this only the queen mother. The former queen approached to greet her, seeking to be close to the old woman, but she only limits herself to saying a few words and asks for silence when the arrival of the emperor is announced. The priest was already at the altar, so when the albino enters, the guard announces his name and everyone bows.

Caleb approaches the girl and offers her his hand to walk to the altar.

Martina's sisters are annoyed and complain to their mother.

"Mother, the emperor is young and handsome, it should have been me, we would live better because I would manage to be empress."

"No, I am the one who would be empress."

The former queen scolds them to stop murmuring. The ceremony begins, the priest gives his speech about marriage and asks the correct questions, the bride and groom say yes and must seal everything with a kiss. Martina has no problem with that and accepts the kiss, before the envious gaze of her sisters.

After that, both retire from the room, while the former queen and her daughters must leave the palace, although they expected to stay, the queen mother let them know that the money from the marriage dowry will arrive in a couple of days.

For her part, Martina was guided to the area of the palace where the concubines remain, there she will have her own mansion, a space to be comfortable, the maids have prepared the bath and appropriate clothes to await the emperor's visit.

"Your help is not necessary, I can bathe alone."

The maids look at each other and happily retire, apparently, they were not in a hurry to finish their work. After they leave, Martina takes off her dress and gets into the bathtub, upon finishing she puts on the clothes that the maids had left, being underwear and a transparent nightgown, exactly the ones she remembers, she puts it on, but this time instead of waiting sitting on the edge of the bed, she opens the windows that overlook the balcony and when there is a cold breeze, she puts on a robe that was there, the place was just as she remembers.

Martina was on the balcony enjoying the cool breeze of the night. The Nulem Empire is a cold place, even in spring, the cold breeze remains, but for Martina, it's pleasant. Another person would already be feeling their body tremble, perhaps due to the magic Evelyn gave her.

Martina hears the door open, and when she turns, it's the emperor entering. He is surprised to see her outside, but he walks until he stops in the window frame.

"Your body can get cold if you stay out too long," Caleb mentions.

"Greetings, Majesty, I appreciate your concern," Martina curtsies.

"When did I say I was worried? I was just giving you advice," he smiles mockingly.

Just as arrogant and cold as she remembers, but she has to endure it, she must get enough money to go far away.

"I apologize for my mistake, but since I'm a woman, I'm so useless, right?" she appears embarrassed.

"That's not what I mean..."

"It's better to go directly to the only thing I'm good for..."

Martina passes near the emperor and takes off her robe, revealing the transparent nightgown she's wearing. When she reaches the bed, she sits on the edge of it.

"Go ahead, claim what's yours."

Martina separates her legs, without stopping to stare at the emperor. He clenches his jaw, annoyed by the audacity of this woman. He approaches, holding her chin to make her look up. Another would avert her eyes in shame, but she keeps her eyes fixed on his, he recognizes, she is brave. Caleb made her lie down on the bed while he climbs on top of her. He leans down to kiss her neck, Martina remains still, it's not like she's going to do anything, if the emperor wants to satisfy his needs, he will have to do it all himself; something similar happened before, she just closed her eyes and let the emperor do everything, just like he's doing now, but suddenly she feels him move away and stand up.

"I've lost interest, you make it seem like I'm forcing you."

"Isn't that so? For every woman it's an obligation to open her legs for her husband, whether she wants to or not, it has never been important."

Caleb was surprised by the girl's words, but what she said was true, women could not refuse their husbands, but he was different, he would not force her to do something she did not want, he has never forced a woman and this will not be the first time.

"I'm not an abuser..."

With that said, he left the room. Martina was confused by what had just happened, before whether she wanted to or not, the emperor didn't care, but now, he has left. Since he returned, many things have changed and it has been to her benefit, first a witch gave her power and now, the emperor left her alone on her wedding night. If it continues like this, she will be able to get what she wants, a peaceful and carefree life. Martina couldn't help but laugh at that, she will finally be able to live as she wants. At least that night she thought she would rest well, but it was not like that, she had some nightmares or rather memories of what happened in that palace under the harassment of the other concubines.

In the morning, a maid went to bring her breakfast, which was something quite simple, a salad with vegetables almost rotten and a glass of water.

"His Majesty likes his concubines to keep their figure, you must have a strict diet," mentions the maid.

"I don't care what His Majesty says, bring me real food."

"Do you think I'm going to disobey His Majesty?"

"Fine, then I'll go see His Majesty myself, giving us this diet is absurd, you'll come with me."

The maid looks nervous at Martina's words when she sees that she has stood up.

"Walk..."

"His Majesty doesn't have time for your complaints, eat or starve," she shouts.

Martina approaches the maid and grabs her hair to slam her face against the salad plate.

"Who do you think you are to shout at me? I may not be the empress or a princess, but I'm still superior to you and you must respect me."

"I-I...I'll let Lady Ariel know this...the emperor will do justice if she asks..."

"Ariel, do you really think she has influence on the emperor and I don't?"

"She is the favorite concubine, the future empress."

Martina pushes the maid causing her to fall and begins to laugh.

"Let's see if it's true...go, run to Ariel."

The maid ran out of that room, the other maids were surprised to see her running and also with blood on her face. The maid arrived at a garden, where she fell to her knees crying.

"Highness, I ask for justice, this humble servant has been hurt by the new concubine of the emperor."

Before the maid there was a table full of desserts and there a young blonde woman drank tea while enjoying the morning, before the presence of that woman, she stood up and bent down to look at her better.

"But how terrible, how much cruelty, we cannot allow this."

The young Ariel calls her maids to heal the wounds of the newly arrived maid. While she goes to Martina's palace, where the guards easily let her pass and inform her that Martina was walking in the garden, there, the girl stands in Martina's path.

"I don't care if you're my cousin, hurting the maids is wrong, His Majesty will never forgive such acts."

Martina just rolls her eyes, that sweet voice doesn't suit that girl at all, it's clearly seen how fake she is.

"Then go get His Majesty and have him come give me a punishment," she replies mockingly.

"I-it's not about that, His Majesty wouldn't have time for these things, so I'd like to solve it in the best way," Ariel shows a kind smile.

Of course, Martina knows that this is just an act, she must be like that because the servants are watching. Martina raises her hand and a small flame comes out of her palm.

"Good idea, bring her here and we'll burn her alive for disrespecting a concubine of the emperor," the flame grows a little.

Seeing the flame grow, Ariel screams and as she moves back, she falls, the servants quickly approach to help her, while looking at Martina with anger.

"Do you dare to look at me like that? It seems that you want me to gouge your eyes out."

Martina showed a mocking smile and her gaze caused chills. Ariel kneels while crying.

"Please forgive them my lady, they are just protecting me. Please don't hurt us."

"What's happening?"

Martina recognizes that voice, it was the emperor's, now she understands why Ariel started pleading.

"Majesty, I just came to ask Lady Martina not to hurt the maids, she attacked one cruelly and without reason."

Martina covers her eyes and begins to sob.

"I just wanted a decent meal, the maid said that concubines can only have rotten vegetable salad and drink water by your order."

"What? That's not..."

"But if it's an order from Your Majesty, I will apologize to the maid."

When Ariel looked up, she saw the anger in the emperor.

"I didn't know that Majesty, she didn't tell me the reason why the concubine Martina attacked her..." she already shows her tearful expression.

...