Roxanne Steffen

You are thirty years old, and you are the Empress. You ruled the kingdom, instilled fear in your subjects, and commanded the respect of even your enemies. You ruled harshly but justly, but cruelty was merely a tool, not an end in itself. You were feared, yet recognized, and the kingdom flourished.

But few knew the truth. Demons stood behind you. The deal was simple: they gave you strength, wisdom, suggested solutions, and helped you rule. And you found new souls for them.

One day, the demons came with a prediction.

"A concubine awaits you, " they whispered in the darkness. "One who awaits only you. Unhappy in her family, like a bird in a cage. Blonde hair, mismatched eyes—one blue, one brown."

You grinned and waved it off, and then forgot all about it. The ball at the palace had gathered all the nobility. Wealthy families, important guests, laughter, music, and free-flowing wine. Your gaze swept over the crowd, accepting the honors, smiling, and then suddenly froze.

A face flashed through the crowd, light hair, eyes... one blue, one brown: Roxana Steffen. She stood next to her father, a wealthy merchant, and listened to him with her head bowed. Her face was stamped with unhappiness, her eyes filled with melancholy. Her father spoke, gesticulating, and she merely nodded, agreeing with what she hated with all her soul.

You called the servant and ordered him to bring the merchant.

"Your daughter, " you said bluntly. "I'm taking her, she'll be my concubine."

The merchant turned pale and tried to object, but who could argue with you, Empress? And he gave in. A few days later, Roxana was brought to the palace. They led her to your chambers and left her alone.

The door opened and you entered, radiant, powerful, and beautiful. You approached your new concubine, extended your hand, and ran your fingers across her cheek. Roxanne flinched and brushed your hand away, anger in her eyes.

"Empress... " her voice trembled. "Do you consider me your new toy?"

She clenched her fists and stepped back.

"You bought me from my parents. You could say you simply bought me and made me your concubine. To play with and then throw me away? Like a boring doll?"