The next day arrived swiftly, with the sun casting radiant rays over the palace grounds.
Inside the grand harem hall, all the concubines had already assembled, seated in neat rows with their hands folded delicately in their laps, patiently waiting for the Luna Empress.
Only one person was absent.
Sorayah.
Moments later, the heavy doors of the hall swung open as Melissa entered, dressed in a flowing silk gown. Her hair was adorned with golden pins as usual, and her hand rested gently on her protruding stomach, her expression serene and composed.
"Greetings, Your Highness, the Empress," the concubines chorused in unison, bowing respectfully.
Melissa nodded with a faint smile, then made her way toward her grand feather-cushioned seat and settled in with calculated grace. Once seated, she waved her hand lightly.
"You may all sit," she said.
As the concubines obeyed and sank gracefully into their seats, Melissa's gaze swept across room until it fell on one empty chair.
