After yesterday's events, it wasn't surprising that the couple slept in. When Blanche finally managed to open one of her eyes, it was almost noon. Still, she just closed her eye and rested her head on her lover's chest again. She had no motivation to stand up when the bed was so warm and Theodore held her in his arms. So, she allowed herself to stay quiet for a few more minutes.

The emperor seemed to have the same thing in mind. Even though he was obviously awake and stroked over her head, he just wished her a good morning before returning to being silent.

For a while, they cuddled without saying anything until the concubine had finally gotten used to the light that was shining onto her face. Then Blanche forced herself to open her eyes. The room was empty as usual, which meant that Stella was probably in the room next to them and waiting for instructions. The maid was probably worried already.

That thought made the concubine smile, and she lifted her head to look at her lover. “Good morning.”

Theodore was already gazing at her and reached up to stroke over her cheek. “Good morning. Are you finally awake and ready to leave the bed?”

She grinned at him. “Maybe. I'm not sure.”

“You really are insatiable. We've gone to bed earlier than normal, but you still sleep in. But that might be because we didn't go to sleep too soon.” He smirked at her and waited for her to slowly sit up before doing the same.

Blanche re-adjusted the blanket around them so that her feet wouldn't get cold and leaned against him. “It's your fault that I didn't sleep much, so you have to take responsibility now. I will be lazy the whole day.”

Theodore let her cuddle against him and wrapped his arms around her. “That is good. You deserve some rest today. We still have a lot to discuss regarding your birthday. So, it's fitting that we have some time. There were still two things I wanted to surprise you with, but we didn't have a chance yesterday.”

The prospect of getting even more presents worried Blanche a bit, but she had no way to interfere anyway. “Alright. What are those mysterious things? I surely hope that it is not some jewelry or a dress. After all, I didn't manage to take a look at the others yet.”

The emperor slowly turned his body so that the two of them could see each other's faces before beginning. “These aren't really presents. It's more of an offer and possibly a request. The first thing is more important to me, but it won't change much except for making it official.” He gently patted her head and moved his hand to her cheek while he continued. “Do you know that it's been five months since you came back from our vacation? During that time, you didn't spend one night in your old room. You always slept here. Because of this, the dressing room holds about two thirds of your clothes, and your jewelry is here too. That is why it would be strange to say that you are a guest in this room. By now, it belongs to you too.”

It was easy to discern what he was referring to. Blanche bit her lip for a moment before speaking up. “You know that no one except for the emperor has lived here ever since the palace was built? Even the empress has always had a separate room. I've been staying here for such a long time, and no one ever complained, but...it's still weird if we suddenly call this my room too. Couldn't we wait until the marriage at least?”

Theodore gently poked her cheek and gave her a small smile. “Don't you think that those people are too busy to think about what we are doing? The servants would never complain because they neither have the right to order us around nor do they care much about a couple sharing a room. That's perfectly normal, and it doesn't make sense for the emperor not to do so too. Especially since he needs an heir, but well. Even the nobles wouldn't feel attacked even if they found out through some random rumors. They believe it to be normal for a couple to share a bed too, and they would want me to have children as soon as possible. They would rather support us. The only one truly being upset about this will be the dowager empress. But we don't have to care about that for obvious reasons.”

The concubine was quiet at that. What her lover said made sense. Even though everyone had to have noticed her living here by now, no one had ever voiced any complaints. Stella had also never told her anything about the servants gossiping, so it seemed like the staff members didn't have any interest in that topic. So, calling this her and Theodore's room from now on didn't change much. The people around them knew how close they were anyway. No one would be surprised by this information. Then they could just do what they themselves wanted, right?

Blanche was still a little uncertain as she looked up at him, but she slowly found her resolve. “Then...we will call this our room from now on.”

In an instant, a beam lit up Theodore's face. “Yes. This room belongs to you as much as it belongs to me, much like the whole palace.” He leaned down to press a kiss onto her forehead. “You can keep your old room to store the items you rarely use if you want to. You can ask for the rest to be brought here as soon as possible too.”

Blanche was a bit surprised by how little this influenced their life. It should have been a sudden change to state that she had moved into the emperor's chambers, but it wasn't like this made any difference. She could only say that this was her room without feeling like she had to correct herself later. She had to admit that this little thing was enough to fill her with joy though. Certainly, she had adored her old room, but staying with Theodore was perfect. She had no desire to go back there if she could live here.

That was why Blanche made her decision quickly. “I will ask them to store the things here. I hope that it won't trouble them too much if they have to carry everything up to the third floor.”

Theodore grinned at her and gently pushed a strand of her hair away. “It's their job to help us. Besides, you can tell them that they can take their time. If they do it over the course of a week with multiple people dealing with it, it won't be too exhausting. So, you don't have to feel bad. Once everything is here, they won't ever need to transport the items from one place to the other again. And they'll know that you are finally officially moving in with me.” That was probably what made him eager to spread the news in the first place.

Blanche sighed quietly, but a smile spread on her face. “Then we discussed the first thing. What is the second one?”

“Ah. Right.” Theodore's face neutralized as he began explaining. “Since we are spending so much time together, your maid is alone rather often. Even if Owen is there, he just doesn't talk much. That is certainly not very entertaining for her. It might be better for her to have one or two people to keep her company. That would also allow her to take some time off occasionally. Right now, she is constantly working, even if the main part of her duty is standing around and chatting with you for the two hours that I'm not with you. That's why I believed that giving you two more maids might be a good idea.”

Blanche blinked a few times when she heard that. As soon as her lover had begun arguing, she had known that he wanted to convince her of something. But she hadn't expected that he would want more servants to attend her.

Surely, the thing about Stella having someone to talk to and having more free time was true, but it was unlikely that the emperor had only had that in mind. He couldn't have believed that the maid required help either since Stella only did small tasks due to Theodore always having someone else around.

So, there had to be another reason. The concubine could only think of one.

The number of personal attendants was related to the influence someone had, with only the current emperor being an exception because he hadn't wanted assigned servants. The empress had had three attendants before Kate had been executed, which meant that she only had two people by her side now. Giving Blanche two more maids would lead to her having more than Seraphina. That was definitely another way to point out the difference in power between the women.

And it was certainly intended.

Blanche couldn't keep her face from falling when she replied. “So, in other words, you want to give me the same amount of servants an empress usually has. That isn't necessarily done to upset the current one and make it seem like I'm more powerful than her or something like that, right?”

Theodore rolled a strand of her alabaster hair around his finger before dropping it. “But you are more powerful than her. She doesn't have any political influence at the moment, and I hate her. We are in the middle of a divorce too. You, on the other hand, have my unwavering love and will be the one benefiting from the laws I am currently designing. I want to give the position of the empress more power in the future so that she can be an equal partner to the emperor. Naturally, I will only do that once our obstacle disappeared. But then I will secure that our daughter could ascend to the throne as well and that you will be able to fight for the things you believe in too. No minister will ever say that you aren't welcome during a meeting.”

Blanche was overwhelmed by everything he had said. Aside from the fact that he still seemed to wish to hold onto that reckless plan, he also wished to completely change the constitution. It was good to empower women by starting like this, but it might be a bit sudden. “Do you really think that people will support that? I mean, among the commoners, women are treated almost equally, but some people here...”

The emperor gave her a confident smile. “Fortunately, there are a few very powerful men here who adore their wives and daughter. Duke Duremont would encourage it if his duchess was more independent, and the same goes for Lady Ravillot and his other daughter. Duke Lamont wishes for his daughter to take over his household, so he will agree too. And well... Duke Vasquez won't have anything to say about politics at that point in time anymore. Lord Bellfaux deeply loved his deceased wife too, and most likely, his eldest daughter would not want to marry a man that was chosen for her. So, he will support it if she could find her own happiness. There are some others that would oppose me, but if I and the three most powerful families argue for that law, they don't have much of a choice. You don't need to worry about me spouting nonsense. I know what I'm doing. I will ensure that all of our endeavors will succeed. But that wasn't our original topic. What I wanted to talk about was you taking in more maids. What do you say about that?”

A concubine, even if she was secretly the fiancée of the emperor, couldn't have as many maids as the empress. At least usually. But it was clear that Theodore would insist on Blanche at least having one more. That would give her the same amount as the ones Seraphina had right now. Maybe that wouldn't be much of an issue since the other woman would probably leave the palace soon anyway.

But there was something else that bothered the concubine. She didn't like being watched by strangers, nor would she be fine with having two stiff maids follow her around. The only reason she was comfortable with Stella was that they had become friends. Surely, she would be able to befriend other servants too, if she was lucky enough to have kind ones. But she had to admit that she would hate being forced to spend so much time with random people who were trailing behind her at all times. She was already accompanied by Owen and Stella at all times, and doubling that number would make her feel even more guilty about sending them away whenever Theodore came.

Voicing all of that in a gentler way was almost impossible. She didn't even need to say anything for her lover to understand her though.

The emperor grinned at her while stroking over her hair. “I can guess that you don't want any strangers. How about those two women you were friends with? Angelica and Darlene. You wouldn't mind having them with you, right? Your maid would have pleasant company then.”

Blanche froze for a moment. “I could ask them?” Right. Now that he said that, she should definitely have that option.

Theodore confirmed it a moment later too. “Of course. I only have to say one word to Gloria, and they will be released from their normal duties to become your attendants. There are some rooms for the personal servants of the royal family in the hallway right across from our chambers. You could allow your maid to move in there, and the other two may have a room as well. That way, they are close enough to not need to run here each morning. They would get a pay raise, and Stella can have one for being loyal to you too. I only need your permission to take care of it in an instant.” Theodore gave her an expectant look.

The concubine was almost about to agree. After all, she and Stella would be able to spend more time with some of their friends like this. There was absolutely no need to worry about whether she would be able to relax around Angelica and Darlene. And Stella could finally do something entertaining while her mistress was with the emperor. That would make Blanche feel way less guilty about leaving her maid alone for so long. There was only one issue.

“But I don't know if they would like to do that. They might like their current jobs. I don't want to force them into anything.”

Her lover smiled at her while brushing over her hair until her scalp began to tingle. “Then how about you just ask them? Call them here, and be direct about it. If you tell them to be honest, they won't mind answering your question, right?” That didn't sound like it was a bad idea.

But Blanche obviously wouldn't ask them outright but rather use some excuses at first. She would just inquire whether they liked their current job a lot or whether they would favor having less to do. Calling for them would be a little suspicious though. “I will ask them. But I will go find them myself when you go to your office. We will have breakfast now...” She glanced at the clock. “Or rather lunch. Then you need to work anyway, right?”

Her lover nodded. “I have some contracts to go through, but it's nothing problematic. Leon will not have time to give you a lesson today though. Would you mind coming to the office after you talked to your friends? I want to show you something.”

Blanche was taken aback by that before nodding. “Sure.” It was probably another gift, even if there was absolutely no need for her lover to give her something else. This also meant that Theodore didn't have much to do today and that he would probably leave with her as soon as she had received her present. That was an advantage when it came to them having more time to be lazy together, so she was rather content with that.

After lunch, Theodore bid goodbye to her and left to go work a little bit while she approached the kitchen. The prospect of asking her friends whether they liked their jobs shouldn't have made Blanche nervous, but it did. Even after explaining what she was thinking about to Stella, she couldn't get rid of the slight tingling in her stomach.

In the meantime, the maid was overjoyed with the news. “Why are you so worried? That would be wonderful! You will have three attendants, and I can chat with them more often. Plus, they don't have to work as much anymore and have more time for themselves. You know, those two are as cuddly as you and His Majesty are, and they could fulfill that desire easily like this. Being a personal servant is way more relaxing than working in the kitchen, and they will adore being able to stay together during the whole day. There is no way that they would refuse.” She sounded like she was completely convinced of that fact.

Blanche wasn't too sure though. “I never heard that they were discontent with their jobs though. I don't want to force them to switch. Maybe they don't want to serve me either. We're friends, so I can see how this might be uncomfortable. This would be a rather big change, and in the future, it might become rather stressful for them too.” If Theodore was really reckless enough to go through with his strange idea, the position of being her servant would be very special after all. The concubine shook her head to herself to push those thoughts away. For now, she didn't want to focus on that. “In any case, I want to ask them in an inconspicuous way. I don't want to make them feel like they have to do it. That is why we can't mention the reason for my question nor that Theo was the one proposing it. It should be their own free decision.”

Stella nodded at that, but a small pout was visible on her face. “I'm sure that they won't refuse though. My only job is doing a few errands for you, and otherwise, I only have to accompany a person I care about. It's not hard at all, and my pay is good.”

Blanche looked over at her to grin at her. “Don't get used to that. Theo said that he might change your pay soon, so you will need to reconsider whether you like this job.” She waited for her maid to react and was only met with indifference. Only then did she add the rest. “You will get a pay raise, don't worry.”

Stella put on a serious face and crossed her arms. “I would even keep this job if I got no pay at all. My living expenses are covered by me not needing money for rent and food. I will work here until the very end and stay by your side, My Lady. No matter how many others accuse you or me of crimes we didn't commit.” At that thought, Stella's expression darkened. “Like that vile woman. That dowager empress surely holds her head up high. I thought that His Majesty was going to kill her. He looked like he was standing in the middle of the battlefield and was ready to tear his enemies apart. It's a bit sad that he couldn't give that woman what she deserves.” Before the concubine said anything, Stella's face suddenly changed from showing anger to regret as she whipped her head around to her mistress. “Ah. Now that we speak about that... Yesterday was the first time I heard about what really happened back then. I never knew that you had contact with Sefare because of such a tragic event. I'm so sorry. You must have been scared, and no one was there to help you. I'm glad that His Majesty found you.”

Somehow, it felt strange that the thing that the villainess had been condemned for caused people to pity Blanche now. She was still a little overwhelmed by the fact that no one had blamed her until now. Except for the dowager empress, of course, but that woman didn't really count since she would have opposed the concubine no matter what.

Blanche showed her maid a little smile. “Thank you for saying that. It was...quite the horrible time, but luckily, we got through. I'm happy that Theo found me too. And I'm happy about neither him nor you losing your trust in me because of that. Thank you for being on my side even when I didn't share much with you. I hope that we can speak about everything that happened in more detail soon.”

Stella vigorously gestured around. “Of course! But don't thank me! I will always support you, My Lady. How could I lose my trust in you because that horrible man kidnapped you just like that? He is awful, terrible and worthless. He deserves to be thrown in a fire. How dare he threaten a young woman like this?”

The concubine took a little step back to avoid being hit by her maid's wide gestures. “He didn't kidnap me though. I came with him because he offered me a place to stay. It was a bit stupid of me to do that. I should have known that he would want something in return.”

Stella became even more upset at that and balled her hands into fists. “But you had no choice! What is a little girl supposed to do all alone on the streets? You weren't even twenty then, which means that you never had the chance to gain footing anywhere. Going with someone that promises you a home and three meals per day is the most logical thing to do. And that bastard shamelessly used your situation to make you come with him! That arrogant, horrible-” She cut herself upon seeing someone at the other end of the hallway.

There were two figures rushing toward them. It was almost too fitting as if fate had brought the exact people with whom they needed to speak.

Darlene and Angelica stopped in front of them, and the former one immediately began while seemingly focusing on the event of yesterday too. “We were at the ball yesterday and saw what happened. How can that arrogant wh-”

Angelica interrupted her. “Darlene! You can't say that out loud when we are in the middle of a hallway. You will have to hold back at least a little if you don't want to trouble Lady Blanche.” She turned to the concubine with a conflicted expression. There was anger, regret and frustration on her face, and it wasn't clear which one was the strongest. “We would like to give our condolences to you. Not just the two of us but Clark and George too. And everyone we met asked us to convey that to you too. Every single person among the staff is on your side.” That was more than questionable.

Blanche didn't even know how to react to this. It was more likely that many people only heard half of the information and believed that the concubine was a spy that was sent to kill the emperor. “Actually, they might not be on my side. After all, they will just think that I'm the bad one if they hear the beginning of the story. I mean, that I came here to approach Theo doesn't sound good.”

Darlene quickly chimed in. “But everyone we talked to felt bad for you. They saw exactly how scared you were when that woman suddenly accused you of treason. And once they heard that His Majesty already knew everything, it was clear that you never intended to harm him. You wouldn't have informed him about Sefare if it was any different. After all, him not being on guard around you would have benefited you. Besides, you two cuddle at all times, so everyone knows that you love him.” That last argument didn't sound very convincing.

Though, Theodore's claim of having known everything since the beginning certainly helped them now. Blanche reminded herself to thank him for that later.