ALL NOVEL Chapter 13: Wives of a Tyrant
It was a sight one could say was out of an anime or perhaps a comic, the type that would keep an audience around due to the art even if the story was not as they expected it to be.
Their beauty seemed to make the world around them come alive; they were glamorous, they were elegant, they were a feast for the eyes, and their voices were a melody for one's soul, commanding respect and desire in equal measure.
There they were, the three of them making their way down the stairs one step at a time. At the center was a woman with pointy ears, silver and green hair, and yellow eyes. She wore a black and gold gown.
The curve of her hips was enhanced by the elegant fabric of her gown, which hugged her ample bust and was mostly revealed by a large cleavage that displayed a lot but not too much, dazzling those who laid their eyes on her.
She was Illena Bloodbane, the empress.
Flanking her on both sides were Arkanos' concubines, beauties in their own right with bodies no less impressive than Illena's.
To Illena's right walked a woman of stunning beauty with blonde curly hair and eyes of a striking, vibrant green. A mischievous glint could be seen in their depths, both inviting and intense, as though daring anyone to resist her charm.
She wore a gown of deep emerald that featured gold embroidery along the neckline, adding a regal touch.
Her lips, painted a soft, tempting rose, curved in a smile that was as prideful as it was inviting, as though she knew the effect her beauty had on all who gazed upon her.
Every inch of her gave off a desire for the emperor's attention as well as an unspoken pride in her role.
This was Sephira Windwhisper, the emperor's first concubine.
To Illena's left stood a woman with flowing hair the shade of midnight blue, a color so deep it seemed to absorb the light around her.
Her bright blue eyes were sharp yet softened. Her gown was a deep sapphire, tailored perfectly and flowing down in smooth, clean lines. A delicate silver chain rested around her neck, a piece that added a little elegance to her look.
She was neither flashy nor overly assertive; her gaze was serene, almost distant, and her expression thoughtful, as if she were carefully observing everything around her.
This was Kaela Darkmoon, the emperor's second concubine, bold but quiet.
As the three women descended the final step, they moved as one, forming a graceful line before the emperor. Their gowns swept the floor as they stopped just a few paces away, heads held high with elegance.
Then they dipped into a unified bow, their hands delicately placed over their hearts, the other raising their gown slightly.
"Welcome home, Your Majesty," they greeted together.
Each of them raised their eyes to meet his gaze.
'So these are my wives…'
'I guess the art department really went all out with this one…'
As Arkanos took a look at each of them, his gaze lingered on Illena, the queen and her pointy ears.
'An elf?'
Arkanos narrowed his gaze causing a status window to materialized.
---
Name: Illena Bloodbane
Title(s):
Empress of the Bloodbane Empire
Scion of Radiance
A Fool for Love
The One Who Gave It All Up For a Tryant
The Patient Queen
Level: 85
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Light Sorceress
Lineage: Daughter of High Elf Lady Althea Starsage and Hero Sir Cedric Valorheart (Human)
Marital Status:
Emperor: Arkanos Bloodbane
Heir(s): N/E
---
Skills
1. Light Manipulation (Active) – Control and manipulate light for both offensive and defensive capabilities.
2. Radiant Command (Passive) – Boost the morale and effectiveness of allies in battle through auras of light.
3. Luminous Shield (Active) – Create barriers of light to protect allies from incoming attacks.
4. Illuminating Illusions (Active) – Cast dazzling illusions that confuse and distract enemies.
5. Empathic Radiance (Passive) – Enhance interpersonal relationships and gain favor through an aura of empathy and light.
---
[Loyalty percent: 100%: Absolute Loyalty
Total dedication, placing the leader's well-being and ambitions above their own life and goals. Would never betray or abandon the leader, even under extreme threats or suffering.]
'Illena... ? For some reason her name sounds fammilar...'
'A-absolute loyalty!?'
'I guess there are still people I can trust here.'
'But if she's absolutely loyal dose that mean she'd... If I asked?'
Illena noticed Arkanos' gaze linger on her, causing her to tilt her head slightly to the left with a curious expression. "Something the matter dear?"
Arkanos calmly closed his eyes as he replied, "Nothing, I was simply lost in thought, you need not bother yourself."
'OK… let's calm down… I shouldn't let my mind wander from my objective.'
'If they are the wives of a tyrant… then I should expect them to either be as intense or be afraid of me.'
Arkanos, keeping a stoic expression, nodded at them as he replied. "It is good to be back."
Sephira stepped forward slightly, her bright green eyes narrowing slightly. "You have no idea how heartbroken I would have been if you hadn't returned, my dear," she said, a playful smile forming on her lips as she walked up to his side.
"After all, you still don't have an heir to carry on your legacy. You must grace us soon with the honor of having your child."
Arkanos narrowed his gaze again. [Loyalty percentage: 89%: Fervent Devotion
Highly dedicated and would readily risk personal safety for the leader. Almost never questions orders and defends the leader's reputation and choices to others.]
'She's firmly loyal as well.'
Her words were accompanied by a small sway of her hips, a beckoning gesture meant only for him. Arkanos could see the longing in her eyes, the desire.
Illena chuckled lightly beside her, tilting her head with a knowing smile. "Ah, Sephira has a point, dear. We have waited long enough."
Kaela, standing elegantly to Illena's left, nodded in agreement. Her bright blue eyes reflected a quiet resolve as she added, "I agree as well." She held her hands clasped in front of her, her posture straight and dignified, yet there was a softness in her demeanor that was a bit different from the others.
Arkanos' gaze lingered on Kaela, [Loyalty percentage: 69%: Trustful Respect
Believes in the leader's capability but lacks strong personal attachment. Will generally follow orders and respect decisions, though may question commands if they seem dangerous or unreasonable.]
'That a bit too low. I guess she must be the one afraid of me then.'
Arkanos gazed at them calmly. "I appreciate your concern for our legacy."
"However, I assure you that I understand the importance of our family line. Perhaps if I had recovered a bit more from my journey, I could summon one of you to my chambers. For now, though, I must focus on the matters of the empire."
Sephira pouted playfully, crossing her arms below her bust, raising them slightly with a feigned sulk, but her demeanor was light-hearted. "Always so serious, my Emperor. You should let loose a little."
Arkanos glanced at Sephira, letting a faint smirk lift one corner of his lips. "Perhaps, if we were not in times of war, I would entertain such requests more freely."
His words caused each of his wives to widen their eyes slightly.
He turned, the tails of his long coat sweeping across the polished floor as he started toward the grand hall. "For now, however, my retainers should gather in the meeting hall. It's time they understand that their emperor has new plans for this empire."
At his signal, Seraphine stepped forward, nodding. She fell into step behind him, her eyes never leaving his back as he moved.
Behind them, his wives exchanged brief, curious glances but said nothing. They sensed the shift in Arkanos's demeanor—a sense of purpose that had rarely accompanied his previous, more ruthless outlook.
This was different, and though unspoken, it was clear that a new era was at hand.
As they reached the entrance to the meeting hall, servants hurriedly opened the tall doors, and Arkanos strode in with Seraphine at his side, ready to reveal the first steps of his new vision.
'System, open the territory window.'