The Phoenix Consort

The Queen’s First Strike

The palace was a labyrinth of whispers and secrets, and Lianhua moved through its corridors with practiced ease. Her heart pounded as she approached Han’s chambers, her mind racing with the plan she had set in motion. The rumors about Han’s alleged pregnancy had spread like wildfire, and Lian knew she had to play her part carefully. She couldn’t afford to raise suspicion not now, when the stakes were so high.

She knocked lightly on the door, and after a moment, it opened to reveal Han’s maid. The girl’s eyes were red-rimmed, and she looked exhausted. “Yes?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ve come to see Lady Han,” Lian said, her tone soft and sympathetic. “I heard she’s unwell, and I wanted to offer my support.”

The maid hesitated, then stepped aside to let her in. “She’s not receiving many visitors, but… perhaps your company will do her some good.”

Lian entered the room, her eyes immediately falling on Han, who was seated by the window, her face pale and her eyes downcast. She looked as though she hadn’t slept in days, her usual grace replaced by a fragile vulnerability. Lian’s chest tightened with a pang of guilt, but she quickly pushed it aside. This was no time for second thoughts.

“Lady Han,” Lian said gently, bowing her head. “I’m so sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you.”

Han looked up, her eyes filled with tears. “Lianhua,” she said, her voice trembling. “I… I don’t know what to do. These rumors… they’re destroying me.”

Lian stepped closer, her expression one of genuine concern. “I know it’s hard, but you must stay strong. The truth will come out eventually. These lies can’t hurt you forever.”

Han shook her head, a tear slipping down her cheek. “But what if no one believes me? What if the prince… what if he thinks it’s true?”

Lian reached out and gently took Han’s hand, her touch warm and reassuring. “The prince knows you better than anyone. He won’t believe these lies. And neither will your father. You have people who care about you, Lady Han. You’re not alone.”

Han’s grip on Lian’s hand tightened, and she let out a shaky breath. “Thank you, Lianhua. Your kindness means more to me than you know.”

Lian smiled softly, though her heart was heavy. “It’s the least I can do. You’ve always been so kind to me. I just wish there was more I could do to help.”

Han wiped her tears and managed a small smile. “Your presence is enough. Truly.”

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the situation hanging heavily in the air. Lian’s mind raced as she considered her next move. She had planted the seeds of doubt, but she needed to ensure they took root. And she needed to be careful too much sympathy might raise suspicion.

After a while, Lian rose to her feet. “I should go,” she said gently. “But please, Lady Han, don’t lose hope. This will pass. I promise.”

Han nodded, though her eyes were still filled with uncertainty. “Thank you, Lianhua. I won’t forget your kindness.”

As Lian left the room, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Han wasn't innocent in all of this by the way,but she felt guilty,maybe spreading that rumour was too much.

But there was no turning back now. The game was in motion, and Lian had to see it through.

''i need to be strong,''

####

As Lian made her way to the Queen’s chambers, she passed Han’s mother in the corridor. The woman’s face was drawn, her expression a mix of worry and determination. She didn’t notice Lian, her focus entirely on reaching her daughter’s quarters. Lian paused for a moment, watching as Han’s mother disappeared behind the door. She wondered what advice the woman would give her daughter what warnings, what reassurances.

Inside Han’s chambers, her mother wasted no time. “Han,” she said, her voice firm but gentle, “you need to be careful. These rumors… they’re not just idle gossip. Someone is trying to ruin you.”

Han looked up, her eyes wide. “But who would do such a thing? And why?”

Her mother sighed, sitting down beside her. “I don’t know, but you can’t let them win. You need to be smart, Han. Don’t give them any more ammunition. Keep your head high and your heart strong. The truth will come out, but until then, you must protect yourself.”

Han nodded, though her hands were still trembling. “I’ll try, Mother. But it’s so hard…”

Her mother reached out and cupped her daughter’s face, her touch tender. “I know, my dear. But you’re stronger than you think. And you’re not alone. We’ll get through this together.”

####

Meanwhile, Lian arrived at the Queen’s chambers, her heart pounding as she stepped inside. The Queen was seated at a table, her expression calm but her eyes sharp. “Lianhua,” she said, her voice smooth but laced with an edge that made Lian’s skin prickle. “How kind of you to join me.”

Lian bowed deeply, her mind racing. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to be of service.”

The Queen gestured to the seat across from her. “Sit. We have much to discuss.”

Lian obeyed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The Queen studied her for a long moment before speaking. “I hear you’ve been spending a great deal of time with Lady Han. Such a curious choice for a servant.”

Lian forced herself to remain calm. “I only wished to offer her comfort, Your Majesty. She’s been through so much.”

The Queen’s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes remained cold. “Comfort, you say? How noble of you. But tell me, Lianhua, why do I get the feeling there’s more to your kindness than meets the eye?”

Lian’s breath caught, but she said nothing. The Queen leaned forward, her gaze piercing. “I warned you once before. But it seems you didn’t take my warning to heart.”

Before Lian could respond, the Queen clapped her hands, and a maid entered with a tray of food and tea. “Eat,” the Queen said, her tone deceptively sweet. “You must be tired from your duties.”

Lian’s instincts screamed at her to refuse, but she knew she couldn’t. She picked up the teacup, her hands trembling slightly, and took a small sip. The Queen watched her intently, a faint smile playing on her lips.

As the minutes passed, Lian began to feel a strange warmth spreading through her body, followed by a sharp pain in her stomach. She clenched her teeth, trying to hide her discomfort, but the pain grew worse, radiating through her limbs.

“Your Majesty,” Lian gasped, clutching the edge of the table. “I—I don’t feel well.”

The Queen set down her chopsticks, her expression one of feigned concern. “Oh dear. Perhaps you’ve overexerted yourself. You should rest.”

Lian’s vision blurred, and she swayed in her seat. “What… what did you do?”

The Queen’s smile turned cold. “I warned you, Lianhua. I told you to stay away from the King. But you didn’t listen. You thought you could play your games and escape unscathed. How naive.”

Lian tried to stand, but her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. The pain was unbearable now, and her breath came in shallow gasps. The last thing she saw was the Queen’s cold, triumphant smile before everything went black.

The Queen’s first strike had landed, and Lian was left unconscious, her fate uncertain. But the game was far from over, and Lian knew that when she awoke, she would have to fight harder than ever to survive.