The Concubine Does Not Love the Emperor - Chapter 5.1

“What are you doing?” Margaret’s voice carried a hint of curiosity and amusement as she observed Ray’s actions.

“I’m just expressing my gratitude,” Ray replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

With his arms crossed at the elbows, he exuded a warmth and vibrancy that echoed the blossoming spring around them. Margaret felt a softening in her heart; her defenses were slowly giving way. There was something about his presence that made her feel at ease. While their usual greeting involved a playful peck on the cheek, she couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to have their lips meet on her forehead, a more tender and intimate gesture.

“If you’re truly grateful, you could show it with some money,” Margaret teased, her voice laced with humor.

Ray’s eyes sparkled with amusement, but to her surprise, he began rummaging through his pockets. He seemed genuinely earnest, his inexperience shining through. Margaret contemplated the situation, realizing that if she played along, she could easily take advantage of his naiveté. With her arms folded and a sympathetic gaze, she stole a glance at him before raising her head.

The rising full moon had shifted its position, now gracefully tilting towards the western horizon. A sudden thought struck her: it was time to leave. She had lingered outside for far too long.

“I didn’t bring any money,” Ray admitted, a sheepish expression crossing his face. His disheveled appearance revealed a partially unbuttoned vest, a shirt peeking out from beneath, and pockets turned inside out on his trousers. Margaret pondered for a moment, her mind considering the best course of action, before sighing and lightly tapping his shoulder.

“It’s alright. Just take care of yourself and go. Don’t get into any unnecessary trouble while wandering around the square,” she advised, her voice tinged with concern.

Ray gazed at her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and something more enigmatic. Margaret shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly before turning away. However, before she could take a single step, Ray’s firm grip encircled her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.

“Are you just going to leave like that?” His voice held a note of yearning, a hint of something unspoken.

Margaret calmly extricated her wrist from his grasp, her actions devoid of malice. While there were no ill feelings between them, she knew that further entanglement held no promise of a favorable outcome.

With the knowledge of the secret passage firmly etched in her mind, it was time to retreat. Lingering any longer might risk exposure, the revelation that she had slipped away from her confines. It pained her to leave Ray behind, alone in this place, but regardless of his apparent naivety, he was still an adult man capable of finding his way home.

“It’s growing late. Moreover, the veil has vanished, so it would be wise to make haste, don’t you think?” Margaret suggested, a subtle urgency lacing her words.

Ray’s gaze lingered on her, his expression a medley of emotions. With a slight shrug of her shoulders, Margaret turned her back on him. However, as she began to distance herself, Ray’s strong hand reached out once more, a plea hidden within its touch.

“If you put it that way—” Ray began, his voice trailing off.

Margaret interrupted him, her tone decisive and final. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

Without giving her a chance to be caught again, Margaret swiftly turned and ran. The more she tangled her words, the more time slipped from her grasp.

Ray watched her disappear into the darkness, a sense of emptiness welling up inside him. It was the first time he felt such strong curiosity toward someone else.

“No use,” he murmured at the back of his neck, lingering in disappointment. After a moment, a man approached from the darkness and knelt down on one knee. It was Altar, his loyal retainer.

“I missed her,” Altar confessed.

“What?” Ray looked at Altar with a puzzled expression, causing the man to fluster and lower his head.

“It’s His Majesty’s orders.”

“You chased after her?” Ray’s voice was filled with disbelief.

“Was that not what you wished?”

Ray let out a hollow laugh. Altar’s willingness to chase after Margaret showed just how obvious his own actions had been. However, he didn’t need a puppet moving on its own. A tinge of irritation flickered in his violet eyes.

“Next time, don’t do things I haven’t asked for.”

Contrary to his sharp features, Ray’s tone was gentle. Altar bowed his head to the ground and replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”

Ray looked down at his clenched fist, hidden beneath the veil. There was a tingling sensation in one corner of his heart.

****

The gray dye in her hair proved stubborn to remove. Bahari, unable to bear her incessant complaints and tugging at her mottled locks, finally persuaded Margaret to visit the grand bathhouse.

“It’s truly hot in there,” Bahari warned.

And she was right. Margaret, who had only experienced small bathing chambers until now, was greeted by a refreshing shock as she entered. The moment she stepped through the entrance, a wave of scorching steam enveloped her. The marble walls, adorned with intricate arabesque patterns, and the ceaseless fountains that sprouted water were captivating, while the flickering lights amidst the steam created an otherworldly ambiance. In this place, the concubines could recline freely, sweat out their troubles, and engage in idle chatter.

“Lie down here, Your Highness.”

Bahari instructed, guiding Margaret onto a spacious marble platform. The warmth of the stone seeped through her body, causing her tense muscles to gradually relax. Bahari poured hot water over her head, diligently scrubbing away the remnants of the dye with soap. Gulle, on the other hand, applied fragrant oils to Margaret’s body, beginning a soothing massage. Such luxuries were unimaginable in the past. With each pleasant touch, Margaret’s eyelids grew heavy, and she couldn’t help but drift into a blissful state.

“You are the one Prince Mustafa sent.”