As the new favorite's presence grew more prominent at court, Brianna felt the sting of neglect. Her beloved Augustus, who had once lavished her with love and attention, now had eyes for another. It was insufferable to watch him fawn over mere royal blood when he could bask in her beauty instead.

She was determined to reclaim her rightful place at his side and disrupt the unwelcome bond forming between them. Brianna was the one who deserved to be Empress.

The thought of the newcomer's irksome existence gnawed at Brianna's patience, even as she lay beside Augustus, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips. She traced delicate patterns across his chest, nestled comfortably against him, all while basking in the lavishness of the Preya sunlight.

Shifting her posture to draw him closer, Brianna rested her head on his chest. "Isn't it just perfect, us together like this?" she purred, her voice laced with honeyed venom, hoping to ensnare his senses and steal away his thoughts from the princess. "I could stay right here by your side forever," she whispered, her words dripping with feigned sweetness.

"Yes," Augustus murmured in response, his eyes closed, arms comfortably propped behind his head. "I've invited her to join us. She should arrive shortly."

Brianna's body tensed at his words, her gaze sharpening as she rose to look down at him. The annoyance flickered across her expression. "You promised today would be ours alone," she chided him sharply. Her frustration only mounted as the sound of the grand doors swinging open reached her ears.

Without needing to glance back, she knew it was her by the way Augustus perked up, his delighted smile spreading across his face. A loyal hound greeting its master with glee. Brianna could only simmer in silent resentment. Perfect, just perfect.