Reborn as Cold Emperor's Concubine [S1] The Art of Misdirection (That Backfires Horribly) 1

The Art of Misdirection (That Backfires Horribly) 1

Determined to rid herself of the Emperor’s annoying attention, Lillian devises a brilliant (read: disastrous) plan—setting him up with the sweet and graceful Lady Clementine. Surely, if Victor falls for someone more suitable, he’ll finally leave Lillian alone.

With great enthusiasm (and hidden frustration), Lillian orchestrates moments between Victor and Clementine—arranging "accidental" encounters, praising Clementine’s virtues (loudly), and even going so far as to push them into the same room together.

However, Victor, far too familiar with Lillian’s antics, immediately realizes what she’s doing. Instead of stopping her, he plays along, much to her growing dismay. The more she forces them together, the more it hurts—a fact she refuses to acknowledge. But when she finally sees them together, smiling and talking, an unfamiliar sting creeps into her chest.

By the end of it, Lillian is grumpy, sulky, and completely betrayed by her own emotions, while Victor, thoroughly amused, watches her struggle.

–––

Lillian sits beside Victor at a palace gathering, casually steering the conversation toward Lady Clementine, who sits nearby.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*brightly* Oh, Lady Clementine, your embroidery is simply exquisite! Such delicate hands—you must be so gentle and refined.

Victor Alaric - ML

*Raises an eyebrow.* (Lillian? Complimenting another concubine? Suspicious.)

Clementine Harroe - Concubine #19

You flatter me, Lady Lillian. *Blush.*

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Pointed to victor.* Don’t you think so, Your Majesty? A lady of such grace would make a perfect imperial favorite.

Victor Alaric - ML

*Leans back, watching Lillian with amusement. Speak smoothly.* Hmm. Perhaps.

(Lillian, expecting immediate rejection, nearly drops her cup.)

Determined to see this through, she takes it a step further—gently nudging Clementine closer to Victor. He doesn’t resist. Instead, he allows it, even turning to Clementine with interest.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

(Lillian tells herself this is good. This is progress. This is—)

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

(Why does she suddenly feel like throwing something?)

Clementine Harroe - Concubine #19

*Shyly* Your Majesty, I would be honored to play the harp for you someday.

Victor smiles, a charming, princely smile. The kind he never gives Lillian, and—

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

(Oh. Oh, this is awful.)

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

(Her stomach twists. The tea in her cup suddenly tastes like regret. She doesn’t even realize she’s frowning until—)

Victor Alaric - ML

*Glancing at her* What’s wrong, little troublemaker? You look upset.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Lillian scoffs, forcing a smile.*

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

Upset? Pfft. Why would I be upset? This is exactly what I wanted.

Victor Alaric - ML

*Victor hums, tilting his head. Then, suddenly—he turns to Clementine, voice softer.*

Victor Alaric - ML

Lady Clementine, shall we take a walk in the gardens?

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Lillian’s entire soul leaves her body.*

She watches—helpless—as Clementine blushes and nods. Victor stands, offering his arm. The room feels too warm. Her carefully crafted plan is working, and she hates it.

They walk away, and Lillian stares at her untouched tea, feeling annoyed. No. Not annoyed. Not anything. Just… fine. Completely fine.

Rupert, who has been watching everything, casually sips his wine, amused.

Rupert Hargrove - Head Eunuch.

*Whispering* Ah, poetic justice.

Lillian Grey - FL (#47)

*Muttering* Shut up, Rupert.

To be continued.

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