The Concubine Does Not Love the Emperor - Chapter 23

The grand bathhouse was bustling, with not a spare inch for one’s foot. The palace maids recognized Margaret and made way for her, murmuring among themselves. Perhaps due to the larger-than-usual crowd or the steamy atmosphere, it was hard to concentrate. Gulle was fortunate to spot an empty corner and gently guided Margaret to it. She reached into her belongings and produced her cherished scented soap, lathering a sponge, working diligently as if peeling away invisible imperfections.

Margaret seemed lost in thought, her silence profound.

After enduring the oppressive heat of the grand bath, Margaret returned to her room only to be taken aback. Her clothes, some of which she didn’t even know she possessed, were neatly spread across the long chair and the bed. Suspicion arose about the accessories that seemed borrowed from elsewhere, ready to complement Margaret’s choice. The dressing table, equipped with a large mirror that Bahari fetched, seemed to be a new addition, something that wasn’t there before her visit to the grand bath.

“Could all your silvers have used all this?” Margaret inquired with skepticism.

Bahari grinned, and Margaret had to exert great self-control not to sigh. She surveyed the dresses, the beauty-enhancing tools, and the accessories spread across the room. There was a time when she had admired such things, especially the elaborate dresses and glittering jewelry her mother had worn, which filled her with excitement.

“But not anymore,” she thought.

Back then, she had admired these things from a distance, knowing she couldn’t possess or wear them. Now that she knew the intricacies of dressing up, she preferred the simple comfort of Borman Empire’s everyday attire, with ample pants and loose shirts. However, Bahari was unyielding.

“Perhaps His Majesty will choose among the Kardimas attending the reception?” Bahari said, voicing concern as Margaret changed into the outfits one by one. Gulle, who had been meticulously selecting jewelry, also displayed a grim expression.

“Don’t worry,” Margaret reassured, placing an ornate, paisley-patterned dress aside.

“His Majesty’s choice will be me. At least for tonight, I’m certain.”

Even with her unwavering confidence, the apprehension in the hearts of the Rem sisters remained unshaken.

“How can you be so sure? Did you receive some forewarning?” Bahari asked, sounding worried.

“Or perhaps Mother has invited you to the reception?” Margaret lightly shook her head.

“I’ve thought about what Ina said all day, the words about His Majesty’s arrival tonight. Mother hosting a reception and serving pomegranate sherbet. Yes, the kitchen used ice generously. What do you think it means?”

Margaret continued without expecting an answer, taking a moment to catch her breath.

“It’s likely that the Emperor intends to declare his intention to enter the harem and be with a woman. Or perhaps Mother is sending a woman to the harem. But why now? For the past five years, no matter how many times Mother called, the Emperor never paid any attention to the harem. If it were due to the issue of succession, he would have eliminated Mustafa Prince before visiting the harem.”

Her stern words kept Gulle and Bahari holding onto each other’s hands, waiting for what she’d say next.

“If it were for simple desire, he would have indulged in his carnal desires as he always did, without needing to visit the harem. So, the Emperor must have come for a reason. I thought about what that reason might be.”

“And did you find out?” Gulle inquired.

“Yes, he only just found out about Mustafa Prince’s offered a Kardima. That’s the only explanation. Why the Emperor is visiting the harem.”

Ah…

Both Gulle and Bahari released a muted gasp simultaneously. It was a highly rational deduction. According to Prince Mustafa’s words, he and the Emperor were very close until Suleiman ascended to the throne. Even if they assumed the worst-case scenario, the Emperor had only now learned about the Kardima he had sent. So, it was entirely reasonable to think that he wanted to meet the Kardima first.

“Then don’t worry,” Margaret reassured.

“But, Huram, if the Emperor is coming for such a reason, I’m actually worried. Will I be able to speak properly?” Gulle pouted. What she hoped for was a scenario where the Emperor was smitten with Margaret and would readily grant her wishes. Gulle had read too many romance novels.

“Speaking cautiously in this matter, I also agree. If His Majesty is coming for such a reason, I fear it might end with just an interrogation. The Kadima in the bed requires His Majesty’s permission to speak,” Bahari added.

Even with Bahari’s concern, Margaret couldn’t help but seriously consider her options. The harem was filled with all sorts of peculiar rules, making it difficult for her to simply ask for clarification.

“Bahari, do you still have it?”

If that were the case, she needed to do her best. In response to Margaret’s question, Bahari asked, “Have what?”

“The love potion you bought from the apothecary before.”

“Huram, surely you don’t believe in that?” Bahari exclaimed in astonishment.

But Gulle cheerfully hopped away, proclaiming, “It’s here!” She returned with a small box and opened it. Inside, a small glass bottle contained a slightly greenish liquid.

“I did buy it, but will it really work?” Gulle handed over the bottle to Margaret, who opened the lid without hesitation and smelled it. She then dropped a small drop onto her palm and tasted it with a pointed tongue. The Rem sisters, who had no idea what Margaret was up to, anxiously awaited her response. Eventually, Bahari, unable to hold back her concern, asserted firmly.

“Huram, don’t believe it. I’ve bought all sorts of suspicious and strange items from apothecaries too!”

“But I was told this one is genuine,” Gulle insisted.

“It looks suspicious at first glance,” Bahari argued.

“But it’s real,” Margaret said, closing the lid with a smile. The love potion the apothecary had sold was a type of aphrodisiac. It had the scent of musk and familiar herbal notes. Margaret had tasted it just to be sure; it only had a mild herbal flavor, without any numbing or paralyzing ingredients.

Such substances were commonly used as basic arousal aids in the Berthe Kingdom. They were often prescribed for couples on their first night to help alleviate tension. Margaret was familiar with it, having seen it used during the first encounter between King Leanne and Caterina, which she had assisted with.

“Of course, there could be other ingredients as well.”

“So, if you drink this, will you fall in love with the other person for real?” Gulle asked with sparkling eyes.

“That’s not the case. It just intensifies desire a bit. You don’t have to drink it. Because it contains musk and herbs, just smelling it should have an effect. Of course, it’ll be milder than drinking it, but that should be enough. Bahari.”

“Yes!”

“Remember the thin linen dress that Lady gave you before?”

“That’s not a dress, it’s underwear…!”

Without waiting for Bahari to finish speaking, Margaret rummaged through her clothing box and pulled out the linen dress. It had been provided by the Rem sisters’ mother to cope with the hot summer nights when the warm breeze made it hard to sleep. The material was thin, and it had a deep neckline, exposing a lot. It was suitable as sleepwear but inappropriate to be seen by others.

Margaret applied the aphrodisiac to her fingertips and carefully spread it on her lips, neck, and the back of her ears. Bahari watched her with a worried expression. Margaret could sense what Bahari was concerned about, and it left a bittersweet feeling within her.

Rumors had it that the Emperor was a tyrant, willing to do anything for his desires. It was said that even if a whole household was wiped out in a temple, as long as it wasn’t his concern, he would cover it up. Those who disagreed were banished, and those who pleased him were promoted to high positions. The selfishness and arbitrariness were evident. When you added in the unreliable rumors, it became even more convoluted.

“It’s just for today,” Margaret reminded herself.

In the worst case, it might end with just an interrogation or even her being thrown out without uttering a word. So, this was insurance—a guarantee of a perfect night. Something they all wanted.

As Margaret expected, after the sun had set and the day was ending, Hatsan knocked on the door. Gulle opened it and received him.

“Her Majesty has summoned Huram. Get ready quickly.”

“Yes, please wait a moment.”

Margaret had already completed all her preparations and was seated in the long chair. Even Gulle, who had been looking forward to the end of the harem ordeal, seemed to have darkened when she faced Hatsan.

“Once today’s business with His Majesty is over, Huram will return to her hometown, correct?”

“Yes. That was the promise.”

“But, Huram, are you okay with losing your chastity?” Gulle asked, posing an unexpected question. Margaret couldn’t provide an answer. Tears welled up in Gulle’s large, pumpkin-like eyes.

“Of course, it’s an honor to be with His Majesty, but if you lose your chastity and return to your hometown, you won’t be able to marry for the rest of your life.”

Upon hearing those words, Bahari also started shedding tears. In the Ottoman Empire, just like in the Berthe Kingdom, women who didn’t marry and grew old without chastity were treated no better than livestock. Margaret was the only one who remained calm in this lamentable situation.

She wasn’t a virgin, as the Rem sisters assumed, but it didn’t matter. Whether she was a virgin or not, losing her chastity wouldn’t be a big deal as long as she could return to Berthe. She was willing to do whatever it took, as long as she had the opportunity. That’s how desperate Margaret was.

Margaret reached out and embraced the Rem sisters. These sisters, who were a head shorter than her, felt so endearing. She had never imagined that someone would cry for her sake.

“Don’t worry. You both just focus on returning to your parents. We’ve all been waiting for this day to come, right? Just do well and make sure it ends in one go, without any mistakes. I’ll come back.”

Sniffles “Huram…”

“Aww…”

Hatsan’s sharp voice from outside urged them to hurry up and finish their preparations. Margaret reassured her last words to the Lem sisters.

“I’ll be waiting for you. Today will be a perfect night for all of us.”