Chapter 61: The Ghost of Past

The door to the private chambers of the empress swung open abruptly, causing a stir outside. The empress, who had been sitting in the room, turned her gaze towards the intruder. It was her sister, Andromeda, the duchess of Bethel. Andromeda stared at the woman sitting on bed with displeasure. The scene before her betrayed the regal image usually associated with the Empress.

Delphine sat on the bed, seemingly having had a rough night. Her silk nightdress, cut low, did little to conceal the red marks on her chest. Andromeda's expression hardened, a mixture of disgust and anger as she observed her sister's disheveled state.

"Dorian, I need a moment alone with my sister," Andromeda commanded one of the maids with a cold, commanding voice. The maids hurriedly left the room, leaving the two sisters alone.