“Your Majesty, the Emperor has instructed that you must attend tonight's banquet,” Verdant softly reminded Tanya, setting down the jewelry box she was holding.

Tanya lifted her chin and gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror. The beauty staring back at her had skin like porcelain, as flawless as the finest royal ceramics. Her almond-shaped eyes were slightly upturned, and her delicate nose added to her ethereal beauty—truly a face that could topple a kingdom.

“I understand,” Tanya sighed, her slender frame reclining against the golden nanmu wood table.

“Francois Chaise, Your Majesty, will be attending in blue tonight. I recall you have a flowing cerulean gown. With your unrivaled beauty, you’ll surely outshine everyone,” Verdant continued.

Tanya nodded at her maid’s words, a sudden thought crossing her mind as she abruptly straightened up. “Will everyone from the palace be attending tonight's banquet?”

“All the concubines and madams will attend with their personal maids. Apart from the necessary palace staff, no outsiders are permitted,” Verdant thoughtfully replied.

So, it’s a family banquet, Tanya thought. Which means Alexander won't be there...

With a sigh of relief, Tanya began preparing herself more enthusiastically. Unlike previous banquets where she had only lightly adorned herself, tonight’s gathering—given Heliam's strict orders to exclude unrelated individuals—was clearly important. As someone determined to rise from a supporting role, Tanya certainly wouldn't miss such an opportunity.

Night fell, and a gentle breeze caressed the green fields as the sky darkened like ink spreading across paper, layers of night deepening under a blanket of stars.

Arriving at the entrance of the Hecheng Palace, Tanya gracefully alighted from her palanquin. The palace was ablaze with light, candles flickering brightly. With Verdant's help, Tanya made her way to her seat, her every step deliberate.

Heliam sat at the center of opulence, his devilishly handsome face made even more captivating by the flickering candlelight.

“Vivienne, you’ve come,” Heliam greeted her with a nod. Tanya curtsied before taking her seat.

Not long after, Francois Chaise arrived. Her entrance was announced loudly by Eunuch Belmontde. Tanya immediately noticed the subtle shift in Heliam's expression.

How much does he care for her? Tanya mused. Just sharing a table with Francois Chaise was enough to unsettle him.

Francois remained as cold as ever, her lips tightly pressed together and her hair styled high. As expected, she wore a striking blue gown, emphasizing her seductive allure. Francois Chaise was indeed a woman as cold as ice, yet as mysterious as a shadow.

Tanya propped her chin on her hand, her gaze unabashedly fixed on Francois and Heliam. Ever since Francois had entered, Heliam had barely spoken, as though the two had made a silent pact to only exchange pleasantries with those around them.

Verdant leaned in and quietly reminded Tanya, “Your Majesty, Francois has arrived.”

Tanya smiled faintly, standing as the blue skirts of her flowing gown swirled around her. “Vivienne toasts the Emperor,” she said, raising her cup.

Heliam paused, his deep eyes lingering on her before he silently drained his cup.

As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere reached its peak. Eunuch Belmontde bent down to whisper something in Heliam’s ear. Tanya couldn't make out his words, but saw Heliam wave his hand dismissively, saying, "Then summon Alexander."

Eunuch Belmontde’s voice rang out sharply, “Summon Alexander the guard!”

Tanya nearly choked on her drink.

Alexander entered, clad in the same silver armor from that day, his star-like eyes shining brightly, like the most brilliant stars in the night sky. His cold, chiseled features exuded a sharpness that seemed to cut through the air. His gaze briefly fell on Tanya before quickly shifting away.

Feeling a bit flustered, Tanya recalled his comment about a “gorilla” and hastily downed another drink.

Heliam, at some point, had turned his attention to her. “My beloved, this gown is quite charming tonight. I’ve always favored blue, you were thoughtful to wear it.”

Tanya froze slightly. Who knew you liked blue? Yet, seizing the chance, she responded sweetly, “As long as the Emperor likes it.”

Heliam nodded approvingly, but a cold voice interrupted from the side, “It's nothing but an imitation of something far better.”

Tanya turned towards the voice, finding Francois Chaise's icy expression even more bewitching under the candlelight.

So, the gauntlet has been thrown. How could I not respond?

Tanya slowly rose, her red lips parting, “Sister, I believe even the most ordinary person should strive for beauty.”

“Little sister, the gap between our beauty is too vast， you should think it over.”

Tanya smiled, though her eyes lacked warmth.

Francois Chaise frowned slightly, the atmosphere around them cooling further. “In the harem, everyone knows Vivienne loves pastel colors. Why is she dressed in blue on such an occasion?”

Tanya raised an eyebrow, inwardly sighing at Francois Chaise's blatant sarcasm.

“Alas,” Tanya sighed softly.

Francois Chaise snapped, “What are you sighing about?”

With a slow smile, Tanya replied lightly, “I’m just lamenting how you, once regarded as worldly-wise, have become so dense.”

She paused, her gaze fleeting over Francois Chaise, continuing, “The emperor mentioned earlier that he has always favored blue. My sister is simply trying to please him. Why must you insist that she imitates you? You are but a consort beneath me， why would I follow your style?”

Her words were sharp and filled with obvious insinuation.

Francois Chaise's expression changed slightly, the blue sleeves of her gown drifting in the air, the scent of fruit wafting from the table contrasting sharply with their tense exchange.

Heliam remained seated at the head of the table, his expression calm, a subtle smile on his lips, eyes flickering between Tanya and Francois Chaise.

“Good!” Heliam clapped his hands, laughing, “I never expected Vivienne, who is usually so docile, to have such a sharp tongue.”

Tanya smiled faintly and bowed, “I am honored by your praise, Your Majesty.”

A sly smile appeared on Heliam’s face, eyes glinting with mischief, “My dear consort, dressed so uniquely today, how about you perform a dance for us?”

A dance? Tanya's face froze for a moment.

[Fans] I Am My Dad: No way! Can you dance?

[Fans] Table Lamp: Heliam actually wants you to dance in public!

[Fans] Sprite and Lemon: Don’t be scared! Go check out dance videos on YouTube!

Tanya felt a pang of anxiety and softly said, “I can… waltz.”

Heliam raised an eyebrow, showing interest. “Waltz? A novel dance? Then do it， I want to see how beautifully you move in that blue dress.”

Tanya's expression shifted subtly as she looked towards the musicians. “Will the band need to cooperate?”

Her voice was hesitant, yet her gaze was firm on Heliam. Alexander, standing nearby, bowed his head, shoulders shaking slightly as he suppressed a laugh.

Gathering her courage, Tanya said, “Your Majesty, the waltz is a dance for two. I envisioned dancing with you after mastering it, but that is not possible now.”

Her voice was sweet and tearful, seemingly touching Heliam’s heart. He paused, then sighed, “I understand your efforts, my dear.”

Heliam then surveyed the room, declaring, “Who knows how to waltz? Come dance with Vivienne， I permit you.”

Silence followed. Tanya feigned disappointment, sighing, “Learning this dance is suited for warriors， the sisters in the palace are all delicate beauties, so there may not be a suitable partner.”

Her insinuation was clear. After a moment of thought, Heliam laughed, “No matter， in that case, Alexander, you shall do it.”

Alexander's expression darkened immediately, and Tanya bowed triumphantly, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration.”

Turning to Alexander with a sly smile, she extended her hand, “Sir Alexander, please teach me.”

Alexander hesitated, then bowed before Heliam, “I am clumsy, but I will give it a try.”

The two slowly walked to the center of the hall, the music pausing briefly, and the atmosphere grew unusually quiet.

Tanya gently placed her hand on Alexander’s shoulder, whispering, “Sir Alexander, I hope you are well.”