A chill ran down my spine as I met Imperial Consort Jones' shadowy gaze.
She had a domineering personality and an intense possessiveness over the emperor.
Anyone who could threaten her position was not welcome, including me, the lowly maid who had helped her gain favor.
That night, I was dragged into a room and forcefully made to drink an unknown liquid.
Imperial Consort Jones sat in the main seat, leisurely saying, "Yuna, go kneel in the courtyard."
"Your Highness, that medicine..." I protested.
She smiled sweetly, "You'll find out soon enough."
I obediently knelt at the door.
My knees ached, and my vision grew increasingly blurry.
Three hours later, I could see nothing at all, only endless darkness.
I pinched my palm, trying hard not to tremble.
Just because the emperor said, "Your eyes are beautiful," she had taken my eyes.
If I weren't of some use to her, she would have killed me outright.
"Yuna."
Imperial Consort Jones crouched down, pinching my chin and speaking slowly, "From now on, just stay in the perfume workshop and diligently make perfume for me."
"Ms. Yuna, please come back with me," the young eunuch said, his voice still sounding quite youthful.
He handed me a branch and led the way.