Episode 3

The concubines felt very offended, the empress had not the slightest respect for them and didn't even offer a greeting, Camelia approached the emperor trying to make things worse and accuse Zaria.

* Majesty, we only went to introduce ourselves and greet her, but she was a bit discourteous, I don't think she likes us _ said the woman while Priano watched the beautiful Zaria sitting in her place as if watching a great theater.

* I understand _ said the man with his deep, thick voice, it seemed that the young empress wanted to do as she pleased.

After the party, Zaria said goodbye to her beloved father and mother who retired, her daughter was no longer their daughter, she was the mother of the empire now.

Lara guided the empress to her room and retired, but as soon as Zaria entered she locked the door and pushed a large piece of furniture to lock it, she knows that the emperor will not go looking for her, she just doesn't want to be woken up with a bucket of cold water as in her previous life, Camelia had woken her up that way and did it often, so this time she would make them moderate themselves.

She slept like a log all night, in the morning loud knocks were heard on the door and Priano's sonorous voice shouting her name.

* Zaria, open the damn door, it's almost noon, get out once and for all _ he said while the girl smiled amused, it seemed that the sly ones couldn't bother her and went to complain to the idiot emperor.

* I don't want to get up yet, come back later, I'll go down when I'm hungry _ she said laughing as the silence outside made itself felt.

* Come down for lunch, you have half an hour _ he said angrily and his footsteps could be heard moving away.

Zaria laughed in bed and that's when Lara's voice was heard from the other side.

* Your Majesty, I am Lara, do you want me to help you? _ said the maid while Zaria only sighed, Lara would sooner or later betray her to ingratiate herself with the great love of the emperor who has not yet arrived, there are only 3 years left for that, so she doesn't want her close either, she doesn't want to have a person who sells herself for money, that's how they bought her loyalty, after the fall of her house, Lara had a title, she had married a nobleman, that was her loyalty.

* No thank you, I can do it myself _ said Zaria as she got ready alone, she had practiced to fend for herself, now she knows she can't trust even her shadow.

Half an hour later, Zaria arrived at the dining room in a beautiful but simple dress, she only had a tiara that showed her position, a simple but elegant necklace, in comparison to the concubines who looked smeared with makeup and pompous dresses with exuberant jewels, she looked beautiful and delicate, like an angel fallen from the sky.

She sat elegantly on the other side of the table since Camelia was next to her and Beatriz the other concubine on the other side, so she had no place in that dining room.

* Greetings to the emperor, lord of the empire _ she said nodding her head as a greeting.

Camelia couldn't resist and scolded her immediately.

* The empress is being discourteous to the emperor, she must bow to him _ she said in a complaining voice.

* The concubines should have done the same when I entered and they didn't, that means I can do whatever I want, I am the empress, you are only his lovers, his indoor whores with a juicy salary, so your opinion on protocol and etiquette means nothing to me _ said Zaria as she began to cut her meat.

Everyone covered their mouths surprised by the young woman's words and looked at the emperor who was watching her furiously, Zaria was nothing like they had described, they said she was sweet and naive, but that was not the woman he had in front of him.

* Watch your words empress, I can punish you, even if you have that rank _ he said clenching his teeth while she gracefully wiped her mouth leaving everyone stunned, she didn't look scared at all.

* The emperor can punish me whenever he wants and however he wants, but don't be surprised if one of his concubines suffers a sudden accident, or they can die mysteriously, destiny is cruel many times, don't think that I like to suffer alone, I love to share, especially when it is pain _ she said looking at Camelia while Priano stood up annoyed.

* I have lost my appetite _ said Priano and left the place in big steps, he is tall so it didn't cost him much to leave, meanwhile, Zaria didn't flinch and kept eating, she doesn't care about this, she is not interested, she just has to find a maid she can trust to keep her food safe.

Camelia was so upset, she couldn't believe that Zaria was so arrogant, they had been the crown prince's concubines for a year, she who was the newcomer did whatever she wanted.

* The empress should respect the concubines, she should respect the emperor, however, she thinks she is a big deal, you are just a marriage of convenience, he never chose you, instead, each of us was chosen by his majesty the emperor and a ridiculous spoiled girl like you is not going to change that _ said Camelia approaching Zaria, but before arriving, Zaria stood up suddenly and slapped her knocking her to the floor like a sack of potatoes.