The Reason I Made Her My Queen - Chapter 17

Born as the daughter of a duke, I entered the imperial harem at sixteen.

Had I been born earlier, I would have become the Empress instead of just a concubine.

After all, I was far more beautiful than the current Empress.

Many men desired to make me their wife, including princes from smaller nations.

That’s precisely why I entered my own country’s harem.

I was certain that once the Emperor laid eyes on me, he would shower me with affection. The Empress would be completely forgotten.

Though all the women in the harem were beautiful, I wouldn’t lose to any of them.

The biggest problem, the Empress wasn’t even in the harem.

They said she spent all her time in the detached palace.

What was that about?

Not fulfilling her duties as the mistress of the harem?

How pitiful for His Majesty.

So, I resolved to replace the Empress.

The Empress had borne several children, but that meant nothing.

I could bear children just fine.

My children would undoubtedly be more exceptional than those the Empress had borne.

They would certainly be beautiful and intelligent.

I would become the Empress and receive His Majesty’s favor!

But then, why!?

“What is the meaning of this!? Why can’t His Majesty come!?”

“Please calm down, Lady Concubine.”

“Calm down!?”

“Yes.”

“What do you mean, calm down? Wh-why me…?”

As I struggled to hide my shock, the court lady informed me matter-of-factly.

“Lady Concubine, today marks your third year in the harem.”

“S-so what?”

“Any consort who shows no signs of pregnancy by her third year in the harem is to be demoted and married off by His Majesty’s decree.”

“Wh…”

My vision went dark.

There were many other consorts besides me who hadn’t conceived.

Even veteran consorts remained in the harem.

And yet… why me?

Without understanding, I was packed into a carriage along with numerous belongings.

My family’s ducal house was silent, and without a moment to rest, I was taken to the country of my marriage partner.

The man who called himself my husband was one of my former suitors.

A prince from a small nation.

“Welcome to our country.”

I could only stare in shock at his words, delivered with a respectful smile.

“I’m overjoyed to have such a beautiful consort as my wife. My wish has finally come true.”

“Wish…?”

“Yes. I pleaded with King Ramiro many times, and at last. We’ll be together forever now. I even renovated a palace for you, following King Ramiro’s example. I’ve ensured only carefully selected individuals can access the entrances and exits. They say the Empress of his country encourages child-rearing without relying on wet nurses. How wonderful. I too hope to raise our children together when they’re born.”

Faced with his genuinely happy, somewhat maddened smile, I gasped.

“Now, let’s go inside. We have plenty of time to get to know each other.”

The man who had suddenly become my husband forcibly took my hand, helped me down from the carriage, and led me into the palace.

Though it appeared to be an elegant escort, his grip was somewhat forceful.

“Ah… finally, at last…”

As we entered the palace, the man muttered under his breath.

His eyes weren’t looking at me.

“I’ve always… always… dreamed of this day… when the beautiful you… would become my wife…”

“Eek…”

“Ah… please don’t make such a frightened face. It’s alright. I’m a very gentle man, you see. I’ll continue to love only you.”

Terrified by this smiling man, I could only curse my own fate.

I didn’t understand why this had happened.

I had no help from my family.

This wasn’t even my own country.

I was being married off as a consort to a prince of another nation.

That alone fulfilled the contract between the two countries.

Trembling with the terror of being unable to escape, I could only shake.

To love his consort like King Ramiro—I would understand the meaning of those words soon enough.