Chapter 19 : I own you pt 2
Everyone was stunned except Nectar as she yawned. Suki had slapped herself so hard, her lip tore and she hadn't recovered from the shock.
Nectar went on smiling coldly " Does anyone else have something to say "? Nectar looked from face to face and went on " This is your last and final chance. If you have debts to pay to your servants, pay them before I find out ".
They all grumbled but Nectar went on calmly " Would anyone be dumb enough to let me find out "? They all shook their heads and Nectar turned to the two servants " This is my order. Twenty lashes each then sent over to my palace. Do you accept your punishment "?
They bowed low, kowtowing " These lowly servants understand and thank her majesty for mercy ". Liam led them out for their punishment and Nectar focused on the two concubines who caused this.
" I believe you two should be punished, don't you think "? Melanie nodded in confirmation, her crystal like eyes trembling " My merciful empress is correct ". Nectar nodded happily and turned to Suki " And you Suki San "?
The woman clenched her fists " I am his Majesty's consort, I believe I can do as I please to my servants in my quarters ". Nectar sighed again and waved her hand making Suki slap her other cheek " Stubbornness is stupidity in the face of true power, remember that Suki San ".
Nectar turned her attention to Melanie " Imperial Consort Melanie Aqua is sentenced to pay all outstanding wages with a ten percent increase starting now, do you accept your punishment "?
Melanie curtseyed, grateful for her life " This Consort understands and will effect it as soon as possible. Many thanks for your mercy my empress ".
Nectar waved her off and she took her seat, living a crumpled Suki on the floor. Her purple hair was now in lumps around her head since the slaps had dealt damage. Her purple teardrop pupils were hazy as if holding back tears.
" Imperial Consort Suki will be demoted to Royal concubine and made to learn manners and etiquette as well as pay all outstanding wages to all necessary parties, do you understand "?
Suki didn't answer as her nails dug into her dress but Nectar stared her down coldly " Do you understand "? Suki looked up " This .....concubine understands and is grateful for my empress's benevolence ".
Nectar nodded and smiled satisfied " If there's nothing ...." Nectar frowned as soon as her hall doors opened and Athena came in [ I was so close. Almost out of here ]
Athena held her napkin over her mouth when she saw Suki's swollen red cheeks and bleeding lip [ This is almost too easy and I didn't have to do anything ] so she said pitifully as she walked forward " What happened here and what happened to Sister Suki "?
Nectar rubbed her temples and sighed " We can do this another time ". Athena stomped her foot childishly " We have to find out who did this ". Nectar laughed softly and looked at Suki " Who did this to you Royal Concubine Suki "?
Suki slowly got up with Athena supporting her. Her voice was audible despite only being a whisper " I slapped myself....as punishment for spouting nonsense in front of the empress ".
Athena frowned [ What sort of lie is that. Its so obviously ridiculous ] But Nectar was already at the bottom of the stairs " Quite a smart choice of words Concubine, its good to reflect so I will naturally send you some ointments for your wounds ".
Athena swallowed back her anger at how Nectar ignored her presence but Nectar paid no attention as she kept walking " Dismissed. Do not forget to pay all debts as well sisters ".
Nectar disappeared quickly already removing the tiara on her head as she walked towards her palace " What should I do today? Liam would have my head if I broke another wall ".
She ruffled her bun, loosening it out. Then she undid the two buttons on the turtle neck collar relieved to be able to breathe normally again.
She quickly changed into something else before Liam could tell her what to wear. She changed into a high waist black leather trousers and matched it with an off shoulder white long sleeved shirt. She made her hair into a loose braid over her shoulder and wore brown furs and matching ankle boots.
Comfortable and satisfied, she wore a silver chain with an intricate black and white butterfly and two matching studs that seemed like they were resting on flowers which were her ears.
Nectar hummed happily as she walked downstairs. There were many stairs that led to different places. The ground floor was like a waiting room or rooms for guests and unwanted visitors.
She turned the first floor into a servants quarters since she felt like it while she and the kids lived on the last one. It was the biggest and most extravagant floor and Nectar was having fun decorating it as she please.
The staircases were painted different colors to differentiate where they led. The color would grow darker as one climbed the steps. The ground being a nice cool shade of baby blue, the first a navy blue and the last a royal blue color.
The kids were still sleeping since they'd tired themselves out trying to design their new rooms. Nectar had barely gotten off the staircase and into her courtyard when she stopped in her tracks.