Episode 5

The king appeared quite vexed; it must be due to the rejection. He'll have to think quickly; he needs a plausible excuse.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty... it's just that today is that day... you know..."

Livia looked discomforted and embarrassed.

"What are you talking about? Are you in heat? I can't smell your pheromones."

"What? No, not that, the other thing, you know... when I bleed down there..."

He murmured the last part while showing embarrassment, yet the king continued to gaze at him with utmost seriousness.

"That only happens to women, doesn't it? If I recall correctly, you are a man."

"Uh... yeah... heh... true..."

That settles it, for emergency plans, don't count on him, for he will only supply a terrible idea that could lead to death. He pondered what excuse to offer. A headache, perhaps? Yes, that might make more sense due to the accident days earlier. He soon hears a chuckle, and turning, he realizes it's the king, who is laughing heartily.

"That blow to the head must have affected you a lot. You've changed, Livia... you're quite amusing; I haven't laughed like this in years."

"Heh, heh, heh... glad to amuse you...what fun, to be the king's jester..."

The king had lain on his side in the bed, but something was different, his gaze now softer and more tranquil.

"In the months you've been here, you've been very silent, always lowering your gaze when you see me, but today, you looked me directly in the eyes without fear."

"Well, that's because..."

If only he knew that it's not the real Livia, that the poor boy was indeed suffering here, and the king never showed interest, even on those nights he had to lie with him. The king gets up and approaches Livia, taking his hand to lead him back to the bed, and before he can resist, the king is atop him, holding his wrists.

"I think we've talked enough..."

"W-wait... not... not today..."

"Another excuse?"

"What excuse? I don't want to... because... it hurts, it feels awful, you only care about your pleasure..."

The king is taken aback by the admission, truly never having paid attention to this before. Seeing him distracted, Livia frees himself once more and retreats to the headboard, hugging a pillow.

"I'd rather you kill me than do it again."

He hadn't wanted to say it, but emotion overwhelmed him; his body is trembling, purely on instinct, as that body must remember perfectly the agony of those nights. He closes his eyes tightly, forcing tears to emerge; he truly looked terrified.

"Livia... why haven't you said something before?"

"You’re the king, I feared you might strike me, and things would be worse, but I can't bear it, kill me if you will."

"No, I would never do such a thing. Tell me, did I ever hit you?"

"No..."

"Then you just need to speak up. You’re my queen, I wouldn't beat or punish you for something like that."

The king moves cautiously toward Livia and takes his hand in his; the king's behavior is quite strange because, in memories and the novel's description, he appears as a cold man who never showed interest in him.

"So... may I ask that we only do it when I’m ready?"

The king remains silently considering for a moment but then nods in agreement.

"As a queen, I want total control of the harem too... if they don't respect me, I want the right to punish them."

"Alright, if that's what my queen desires, I will give the command."

"Thank you, Majesty..."

Time to act; he releases the pillow and moves in for an embrace, but a malicious smile crosses his face over the king's shoulder; now is the time to deal with that troublesome concubine, maybe even dispose of the entire harem. The king hadn't expected that embrace, but he reciprocates, gently stroking the green-haired boy's locks. The night ends with the king staying over in the room, embracing Livia throughout, which was uncomfortable but preferable to fulfilling his duties. Who would have thought a mere conversation could resolve matters?

Later that day, the concubines were abuzz with news that the king had spent the night in Livia's chambers. While they knew of the king's monthly visits, he had never stayed the whole night.

"Looks like someone will no longer be the favorite," jeered one of the concubines as others laughed.

"One night doesn't change anything; he probably just took pity on him because of the fall."

Though Rita did seem frustrated, she couldn't allow Livia to steal the king's favor. As the guard announces the queen's arrival, all the concubines look displeased to hear he's entering, and as Livia passes by, they all fall silent and try to ignore his presence.

"It seems these women weren't taught manners; they don't know respect."

"We know respect, but it's given only to those who deserve it."

"Rita, is it? Dear, don't make me punish you. You know, whether you want to or not, you must bow when I enter. Let's try this again."

He swirls his wrist in a circle, turns on his heel, and exits. Again, the guard announces his entrance, but the result is the same, save for the suppressed snickers from some.

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