Episode 6

Livia had known that respect wouldn't come easily to her, yet she was not without recourse. Prior to arriving, she immersed herself in all information about concubines, who were predominantly women, categorized as betas - essentially, normal females who didn't experience heat and had difficulty conceiving an alpha's child. Not that it was impossible, which is why they received a special medication, as no concubine was allowed to become pregnant by the king, on pain of execution. Concubines were for the king's amusement, not for bearing children, a role reserved for the queen. Male concubines were omegas and were similarly medicated to prevent pregnancy, as their execution would follow any such event. This explained why Rita hadn't employed the pregnancy ploy.

"Well, little vixens, it seems you need some schooling."

"Who are you calling a whore? I'm going to..."

Rita, seething, attempted to strike, but Livia swiftly kicked her in the calf, causing her to double over in pain.

"You dare raise a hand to your queen again. I think you'll be the first to be educated."

Livia extended her arm, striking Rita across the face, inciting a scream and creating a ripple of agitation that pushed Livia.

"Dare you! His majesty will hear of this," cried one of the omegas, prompting Livia to gesture to the guard, who held up a royal-sealed document.

"By the king's decree, the queen now commands the harem. She will issue the orders and decide each concubine's fate."

Surprised by these words, as the queen had never been bestowed such authority, they all exchanged glances. If this were the king's will, none could object in the guard's presence, leading them to bow before Livia, all except the furious Rita.

"It seems only one lacks understanding. Your education is henceforth their responsibility, and as for respect, this month's allowance is hereby revoked."

"What? That's unfair!"

"I've done nothing wrong."

"What now, without my allowance?"

"Shh! Take it up with Miss Rita."

With a satisfied smile, Livia left, pleased at getting even with the viper's nest. Later, the king was informed about the queen withholding the concubines' allowances.

"And why is that?"

"It appears Miss Rita disrespected her, and the others stood by idly."

"If the queen deems it necessary, let it be so," was the king's response, his secretaries exchanging glances, half-expecting him to confront Livia about punishing the concubines, especially since Rita was implicated. The king saw a change in Livia; no longer submissive and silent, she now expressed her feelings, unlike before when she never rebuffed Rita's false accusations of harassment.

"What has changed you, Livia?"

The king watched from the window as Livia aided a maid burdened with laundry despite her own attendants' protests, only to trip, spilling the clothes, eliciting an amused chuckle from the onlooking king, surprising his secretaries who rarely witnessed such mirth.

Later, in the bath, Lina washed her hair. Livia wondered why rich families indulged in such pampering. She missed her old life as an actor and model, with significant roles and abundant modeling work thanks to her looks, and longed for her sister, her confidante, hoping she was coping with her supposed passing.

"Your Highness, the day approaches. Remember to drink your suppressant and keep the doors shut."

"Understood... Wait, what day? It hasn't been a month."

"No, it's your heat cycle. You need the suppressant; the king won't visit, and it's the only way to control it."

"Yes, you must be cautious, we'll keep the suppressant ready."

Livia had forgotten, being an omega, those days would heighten her longing for an alpha's embrace. She shuddered at the thought, relieved the king wouldn't visit then, for resistance would be impossible.

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