My sister and I depended on each other for life.

That year, my sister assumed my identity and was taken to the Moon Pavilion.

I watched in horror as they cut open her heart and took her heart's blood—all for the vain ambitions of the Imperial Consort competing for favor.

Six years later, the Imperial Consort discovered me, a palace maid with a talent for making perfumes, and was thrilled.

But what she didn't realize was that while I could create beautiful scents, I could also craft deadly poisons.

***

Imperial Consort Jones was fuming.

The palace maids kneeled in a row inside the palace, heads bowed, holding their breath as they silently endured their mistress' arrogant temper.

"This incense is so cheap and pungent, are you all useless?"

On the sandalwood table were several porcelain bottles filled with incense ingredients.

In just three days was the Empress' birthday banquet, and Imperial Consort Jones had never gotten along with her.

She wanted to steal the spotlight from the Empress at the birthday celebration.

So the clothes and shoes were made with only the finest fabrics and craftsmanship.

But Imperial Consort Jones was still not satisfied.

She also wanted her clothes to have a one-of-a-kind fragrance.

As soon as she made this demand, a perfume workshop was hastily added to the Eternal Joy Palace.

Countless precious incense ingredients flooded in, and dozens of perfumers worked around the clock to concoct the unique scent the Imperial Consort desired.

"Since your noses and hands are so useless," Imperial Consort Jones said dismissively, "then drag out the one in charge first and cut off her nose and hands."

The maid kneeling in the front was so terrified that she collapsed on the ground, and before she could say a word, she was gagged by the guards and dragged away.

"If you still can't make it happen, each and every one of you can look forward to a miserable death."

"Your Highness."

As a lowly palace maid assigned to help the perfumers, I knelt at the very edge, certain not to draw attention.

Gathering my courage, I spoke up, "If you add a touch of lotus leaf and a pinch of mint to this incense, it will balance the strong scent and lend a refreshing elegance perfect for summer. I guarantee it will outshine all the other fragrances."

"Your Highness should give it a try," I added humbly, bowing low.

Imperial Consort Jones considered my words.

"Very well, go make it. If you fail, you can kiss your nose and hands goodbye."

"As you wish, Your Highness." I hurried to obey.

Three hours later, the newly blended incense was delivered to the inner palace.

Imperial Consort Jones bent to inspect it, her delicate brows relaxing into a satisfied expression.

I knelt anxiously in the center of the room as she approached.

"What's your name?" she asked.

I prostrated myself in a deep bow. "I am called Yuna, your humble servant, paying respects to the Imperial Consort."

"Not bad, you have some brains." She nodded approvingly.

"From now on, you will be in charge of making my incense."

"I am honored by your trust, Your Highness." I bowed again, heart pounding.

In a good mood, Imperial Consort Jones swept out to the Imperial Garden.

The other maids let out relieved sighs; some rushed to flatter me, while others gossiped behind my back.

But I didn't care.

I only had eyes for the spot where Imperial Consort Jones had stood.

She had no idea that a maid who had barely been in the palace five months was there to make her pay.

My name is Luna, and my sister's name is Yuna.

Six years ago, heavy rains flooded the south, submerging many homes and crops. My parents lost their lives in that disaster.

Left to fend for ourselves, my sister and I followed the villagers to the capital city.

I had always been frail and sickly.

My sister had to care for me while working to earn money.

At that time, the Emperor issued a decree stating that all girls aged ten in the capital must enter the Moon Pavilion to pray for Imperial Consort Jones.

The first group that entered never returned.

People soon realized that the prayers were merely a cover for the palace to hide something sinister.

As the palace struggled to find enough girls, they began rounding up refugees using lists of names.

When it was my turn, I was still ill.

She assumed my identity and entered the Moon Pavilion.

On the 15th of August, I sneaked into the Moon Pavilion to bring my sister some mooncakes, filled with excitement.

But instead, I witnessed the horrifying scene of my sister being cut open, her heart's blood extracted and rushed to the Eternal Joy Palace for Imperial Consort Jones' medicine.

A nervous eunuch wiped the blood off his hands and said, "Master, when will this terrible act end?"

The old eunuch replied in a hushed tone, "You don't understand. The Imperial Consort Jones is showcasing the Emperor's affection for her."

"So this medicine is also a test for the Emperor?" the young eunuch asked.

The old eunuch smirked. "Of course."

"Her headaches have long been cured, and she pours the medicine away without even looking at it."

"The Imperial Consort Jones is too..."

The old eunuch tapped the young eunuch's hat. "Don't speak ill of her Highness."

The mooncakes had turned cold and greasy, making them nauseating to eat.

I returned home alone, trying to act normal.

But as soon as I reached our little shack, I vomited a mouthful of fresh blood, tears streaming down my face.

I curled up on the floor, gasping for air.

Is human life really so worthless?

But what about Her Highness' life?

At the empress' birthday banquet, Imperial Consort Jones stole the show.

She had been carried into the Eternal Joy Palace by the emperor himself that day.

After ten consecutive days of his favor, she made the other palace ladies green with envy.

During the hour of six, Imperial Consort Jones pointed to a small dish in the center and playfully said, "My dear emperor, the wolfberry and glutinous rice cake you adore was made early this morning under my watchful eye in the kitchen."

The emperor squinted his eyes and affectionately grasped her hand, saying, "Rosalyn, you've really outdone yourself."

I quietly entered, lighting the freshly prepared incense for the garments Imperial Consort Jones would wear in the coming days.

Then, I stood outside with my head bowed.

"It smells divine."

The emperor buried his face in Imperial Consort Jones' shoulder, taking a deep whiff. "Rosalyn, you smell absolutely heavenly."

Imperial Consort Jones beamed, replying, "Then Your Majesty must visit more often."

I stood outside, poker-faced, listening to their flirtatious banter inside.

In just ten days, I had become a favored presence beside Imperial Consort Jones, and everyone called me "Ms. Yuna."

However, this did not guarantee my safety forever.

As the emperor left, he casually glanced at me and then smiled at Imperial Consort Jones, saying, "Rosalyn is a beauty, and your maid is quite fetching too, especially her eyes, which somewhat resemble yours."

A chill ran down my spine as I met Imperial Consort Jones' shadowy gaze.

She had a domineering personality and an intense possessiveness over the emperor.

Anyone who could threaten her position was not welcome, including me, the lowly maid who had helped her gain favor.

That night, I was dragged into a room and forcefully made to drink an unknown liquid.

Imperial Consort Jones sat in the main seat, leisurely saying, "Yuna, go kneel in the courtyard."

"Your Highness, that medicine..." I protested.

She smiled sweetly, "You'll find out soon enough."

I obediently knelt at the door.

My knees ached, and my vision grew increasingly blurry.

Three hours later, I could see nothing at all, only endless darkness.

I pinched my palm, trying hard not to tremble.

Just because the emperor said, "Your eyes are beautiful," she had taken my eyes.

If I weren't of some use to her, she would have killed me outright.

"Yuna."

Imperial Consort Jones crouched down, pinching my chin and speaking slowly, "From now on, just stay in the perfume workshop and diligently make perfume for me."