Episode 3

After a long and refreshing bath, Livian stepped out for a stroll in the garden, flanked by two maidens, Lina and Flora. Fortunately, his memory guided him on where to walk, skirting around the Sun Palace—the king's residence—since every place bore a name, such as his own Moon Palace, while the concubines resided in the Flower Palace.

"Oh! And the king, he's the bee!"

He chuckled to himself, thinking of those dangerous beauties. The true Livian had suffered deeply from the scorn of those women and omega boys. A mischievous smile played upon his lips.

"Lina, Flora, come along, let's pay a visit to the concubines."

"What? But, Your Highness..."

"Shh, I am the queen. I have every right to put things in order at the harem."

The concubines, both the ladies and the omega boys, were enjoying their gathering with sweets, tea, music, and spa treatments when they heard the guard announcing the queen's arrival. Rita was the first to startle.

"Well, well. The concubines do lead cushy lives, indeed. Spreading one's legs for the king seems to pay off handsomely."

Everyone bristled at her comment, and Rita approached Livian, towering over him, but her height held no sway.

"You seem to be insatiable, you little vixen," Rita hissed, nearly whispering.

Livian just smiled.

"I think it's you who can never get enough, streetwalker."

"How dare you disrespect me? You seem to forget I am the king's favorite."

"And you seem to forget that I am the queen, his wife. Duh!"

Livian flashed her hand, the ring signifying her status as the queen and lawful wife shining brightly.

"A mistress is but a mistress, even if a favorite. I remain his wife, and you owe me respect."

The others murmured anxiously; the queen's behavior was uncharacteristic and troubling, especially as she was inciting the king's favorite.

"Being queen grants you no authority over me. The king's favor wins, and you, my dear, have none."

"Mmm... is that so? Well, that can be changed. Let's see how long the king's favor lasts you, bitch!"

Rita, incensed, slapped Livian across the cheek. Livian fell to the ground, biting his lip until it bled.

"What is happening here?"

Rita flinched at the voice; it was the king. She bowed swiftly.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. It's just that the queen came..."

"I simply came to inform you that I would no longer approach His Majesty, but that he should leave me in peace..."

The king observed the blood trailing from the corner of Livian's green lips.

"What? That's not true, Your Majesty, all here can testify the queen came to provoke me."

The other ladies sided with Rita, prompting the king to regard Livian sternly.

"Livian, you should not cause dis..."

"I knew it, regardless of what happens, Your Majesty will never believe me... you immediately assume I'm at fault."

His eyes filled with tears, hand cupping his cheek while the maidens helped him to his feet.

"If it were just you, I might believe, but everyone supports Rita's version..."

"So you assume it to be true just because of that... I understand, Your Majesty. My word is worthless against your mistresses’."

Livian shed tears and turned to dash away, his maidens in tow, while the king gave Rita a look of displeasure.

"The queen is still the queen. Should you raise a hand to her again, a hundred lashes await you."

"It won't happen again, Your Majesty... I was just so angry, I lost control..."

"The queen expects your apologies."

With that, he headed for the exit. He did not linger post-incident; better to find Livian and hear his side, as he seemed genuinely aggrieved. Livian reached a secluded spot in his palace garden and roiled on the grass, clutching his stomach with laughter. He had seen doubt in the king's face; his performance may well cast Rita in a poor light. If he can't send her to the gallows, he'll at least have her expelled from the palace.

"Your Highness, you shouldn't have done that."

"You know she's his favored one."

"Yes, if he likes her so much, he should've married her made her his queen. Perhaps then I might choose a better alpha, one I wouldn't have to share with concubines."

"Don't say that, if the king hears you, he will be angered."

"I don't care, let him know how I feel. I'm utterly neglected and only trust in his concubines, I'm valued only for my bloodline, I'm nothing but an object for his selfish use..."

The maidens exchanged glances, pained by the knowledge that this boy, just seventeen, was destined to be nothing more than a vessel for the king's progeny. Livian sat on the grass, hand to his chest as he felt a twinge, likely a remnant of the true Livian's emotions, which lingered within him. How wretched he must have been, predestined to a life unloved in that place.

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