After a week of everyone settling in and the new concubines getting to know the place, Sang-chul was happy to now call Ivan his friend or maybe soon enough his brother. All week Sang-chul with the help of two servants Addo, and Kukua helped him decorate his house a little more. He liked the feeling of privacy and having a space all to himself.

Sang-chul was having breakfast one morning when Ivan came to visit him. Sang-chul looked up from his toast when Addo came in front of him, "Sir Ivan would like to see you this morning." He told him. "To share breakfast."

Sang-chul nodded his head, "Off course, let him in."

Ivan came in the room a few seconds later with his two servants staying guard by the door. "Well, well, well," Ivan said looking around the house impressed. He was dressed in black and gold top and matching pants, with leather sandals. "Look who is getting comfortable and creative."

Sang-chul smiled and motioned him to sit down at the breakfast table. Kukua came over and placed a plate in front of him and started to fill his plate with food.

"I still have to get my place sorted out nice and neat, I never know when I will serving her majesty but I sure as hell got to be ready for it with some impressive decorations like you have," he said. "I cant have her thinking I live in a dump."

Sang-chul reached over to drink some juice, "Well when I was back in the East Asian lands, I had a lot of free time since I was unused concubine. So, you develop other skills where your very bored."

Ivan took a bite of his food and thanked Kukua who went back to fixing up the house, "You even have some decorations from the East Asians here," Ivan noted at a painting on the wall.

Sang-chul looked at where he was pointing, he nodded, "Yeah that one is from the Japanese state."

"Have you ran into her at all yet?" Ivan asked with a smirk. Sang-chul knew exactly who her was.

Sang-chul shook his head and bit his lip, "I have only saw her once so far and that was the day I got here. She hardly has let any of the new concubine's serve her yet, but the time will come. Do you think your ready?"

"Off course I'm ready, I don't see anything to be nervous about. My manhood is quite big enough."

Sang-chul rolled his eyes at Ivan's comments, "I just don't want to disappoint her, she took a risk choosing me instead of some huge, tall, manly, god like figure."

"Well take a look at the other concubine's around you, we're all different in our own way, and I think that's what her majesty values. We're lucky to be serving a kind empress, she seems like she gives people chances. Have you heard of the horrors of how they treat concubine's in the European Lands, and in other places? Some Empresses can be cruel." Ivan shook his head in disgust. Sang-chul felt reassured by Ivan's words, and smiled slightly, looking down at his plate.

"But...I do have something to help you if you're really nervous, especially since its your first time," Ivan now said in a whisper and evil grin.

Sang-chul looked at him curiously, "What do you mean?"

"Let's go to the library in the harem hall across from guest building, and I will show you what I mean." Ivan said. He leaned against the chair putting his fork down and crossing his arms behind his head.

Sang-chul felt like Ivan was up to trouble. But he couldn't lie when it came to sex, he had no idea what he was doing. He just had to trust Ivan on this one. "Fine, but this better not be troublesome." Sang-chul finished his plate of breakfast and got up to help clear the table with Kukua. The rest of the morning they did some exercise in Sang-chul small garden area in the back of his house. Mostly it was Ivan that was teaching him stuff to do to stay in shape, and not age quickly. Ivan had grown up with men in his family and community playing sports and Sang-chul just felt lucky to have him as friend.

"Pick up your knees!" Ivan shouted as they were jogging in place. They had changed into more comfortable clothes when it came to exercise, and even so it hurt like hell whenever they were done and Sang-chul felt sore.

Sang-chul hunched over when he felt tired, sweating with is hands on his knees.

"Oh, come on that was nothing," Ivan patted Sang-chul on the back as he was hunched over. Sang-chul noticed show muscular Ivan was built compared to skinny scrawny him. No wonder work-outs like this were easy for him. "Come on, once you build more muscle, you'll be more confident around the empress." Ivan continued cheering him on. They spent half an hour working out, until it was time to take break, and drink water. After excise they played more of Korean chess. Ivan was getting more of the hang of it and was close to beating Sang-chul in some rounds.

After playing their third round, they both agreed it was time to head to library. They both changed in nicer clothes and Sang-chul told Kukua, he was heading out for the evening, and will be back. Addo was outside the house gate keeping watching with Ivans's servant when Sang-chul and Ivan stepped outside.

"Were going to the library, for the evening," Sang-chul said simply. Addo and the other servant kneeled and approached the two men.

Addo first straighten the gat hat on Sang-chul head before linking his arm with his so they could walk to the library. Ivan stood beside them linking hands with his servant as well.

Sang-chul could not help but notice Ivan have a funny smirk on his face as they walked. The sun shined bright that afternoon, and it was a peaceful aura in the air.

"I do hope you aren't leading me to trap?" Sang-chul told Ivan as they walked together to the library. "You seem very excited about this."

"Trust me when you see it too, you'll get just as excited," Ivan replied, staring straight ahead. "Trust me you will thank me later."

In a few minutes they approached the library building. From the outside it was five story building, that was a dark orange shade. At the door entrance was a life-sized statue of a zebra.

When they got the library it was quite empty, but it was old fashioned and cleaned. Shelves and shelves of books were lined up against the walls, and there were desks to study, and open areas to sit and relax.

Ivan turned to his servant, "Wait down here, I need time with Sir Sang-chul alone."

His servant nodded and went to explore the books on the first floor. Ivan then turned to Sang-chul, "Just us two, we're going upstairs."

Addo looked at Sang-chul concerned at first, "Sir..."

"It's alright, I will be back," Sang-chul raised his hand reassuring Addo. Addo nodded and kneeled before going to the sidelines of bookshelves where Ivan's servant went.

Ivan then went to the staircase to go up the stairs, with Sang-chul following behind him. Each floor they went to was more emptier they than the next. When they finally reached the fifth floor it was almost abandoned and scary looking. It was nothing but shelves of books with each section labeled.

"Ivan..." Sang-chul voice carried worry.

"Don't be scared," Ivan chirped, and they walked through the columns of books. They were the only ones on the floor and some books look like they haven't been touched for ages, and just collecting dust.

Finally, Ivan reached the area he was looking for. Sang-chul noticed the section was labeled "FORBIDDEN." Sang-chul was confused at first.

Then Ivan reached over and pulled a book out. He flipped through it until he satisfied with the page he found. Ivan placed the book in Sang-chul hands, to show him the page.

Sang-chul gasped when he looked at the image in the book that Ivan was showing him. It was erotic, pornographic image, that was drawn with detail. Sang-chul immediately shut the book. "What are you doing? Are you trying to get us in trouble?" Concubine's weren't supposed to go out looking for or at erotic images, and if anyone found out people would think that you truly didn't love the empress.

Ivan smirked, "I'm trying to help you."

"How is this helping! Empress Rehema would be heartbroken If she found us looking at this. How did you even discover it?"

Ivan rolled his eyes and grabbed the book from Sang-chul, "I'm not talking about the lust in the book, I'm talking about the technique."

Now Sang-chul was even more confused.

Ivan showed him a page now that was filled with text. Sang-chul noticed the headline, "Understanding the woman's body."

"If your nervous about sleeping about her, they have some of the best tips here that show exactly how to have a woman in pleasure," Ivan said.

Sang-chul still felt shaky about this. He bit his lip. There was a reason they books were label 'FORBIDDEN.'

"Its not cheating, we're simply doing research to please her majesty," Ivan reassured.

Sang-chul gulped and turned the page. The next page showed a close-up image of a woman's private area with labels, and what each part can do to give a woman sensation.

He flipped the page again, this page showing hand and finger techniques, another show mouth, and the page showing different sexual positions. All the images being very detailed and drawn out delicately. He then shut it after seeing enough.

"We aren't supposed to be looking at this, but I want to please her when I have my first time."

"Your servants are loyal?" Ivan asked.

Sang-chul nodded his head, "I trust them."

"Then hide it in your room and study it, when you feel like you know enough, I will bring it back to the library for you. If you ever get caught, I will take the blame."

Sang-chul was shocked at Ivan's words, "Why are you helping me this much. You'd get in trouble for me?"

Ivan smiled and patted Sang-chul's back. "You're a brother to me now, and I want you to gain favoritism just as I as we grow here."

They started to walk away from the Forbidden section, with Sang-chul holding the forbidden book. Sang-chul felt like his hand burning holding the book. Ivan took five other random books in the animals and art section and placed them in Sang-chul hands.

"Are you hiding one of the forbidden books in your room?" Sang-chul asked looking at the new books Ivan gave him.

"Well, I don't need to really study much on it. I have done plenty of research about in my teenage days," He winked at Sang-chul and they now were walking down the stairs leaving the fifth floor.

"You've sleep with another woman before?" Sang-chul whispered.

"No, but that doesn't mean I can't find ways to please myself," Ivan remarked.

Sang-chul couldn't helped but feel sweaty and nervous. Ivan noticed and elbowed him, "Act natural," he muttered.

Sang-chul nodded trying to keep this best poker face. When they got to the first floor, Sang-chul rushed to Addo who was patiently waiting downstairs near the seating area.

"You got everything you need Sir?" He looked at the stack of six books in Sang-chul's hand. "My you never told me you enjoy reading."

"Yes, now please let's get out of here," Sang-chul said in a low voice flustered. Ivan felt like slapping his forehead. Sang-chul was making it too obvious at this point.

Addo was taken back by how fidgety Sang-chul was acting but he took his masters forearm and led him out the library with Ivan and his servant following behind that. The sun was now starting to set when they got outside.

As they walked back to their house areas, Ivan was ready to depart and walk a different direction to his house. "I will take my leave now," Ivan said. "See you tomorrow?"

Sang-chul nodded, "see you tomorrow." Ivan walked the other way leaving with his servant. Sang-chul went to the gates of his house and entered. He went to his bedroom and yawned. Kukua had set up dinner and welcomed him in. Sang-chul first went to bedroom and hid the books under his four-poster bed. He then went to eat dinner, and after he finished, he went to get ready for bed.

As Addo was helping Sang-chul get ready for bed, like his usual night routine, he couldn't help but still feel unassured about the way his master acted in the library.

"Thank you Addo, that is all for tonight," Sang-chul said stepping into bed.

Addo bowed and wished him a goodnight. As he was about to leave, he stopped in his tracks and turned around. "Sir?" He said out loud in the air.

Sang-chul sat up on his bed. "Yes Addo?"

Addo then went back and kneeled in front of Sang-chul.

"Forgive me for stepping out of my business but I would like to ask you something."

"Go on..." Sang-chul said assured.

"Are you sure everything went well today at the library with Sir Ivan? You seemed uncomfortable."

Sang-chul stiffened a little, "Nothing happened. I was just exploring books with Ivan and some were in the horror section." He lied.

Addo nodded staring the ground, understanding, "I just want you to know if you are ever in trouble, I will always remain loyal to you and defend you. You can share your secrets with me to my deathbed."

Sang-chul smiled, feeling less uneasy inside, "I understand, thank you Addo. Now please go get some sleep, you worked hard enough all day."

Addo nodded getting up from his kneel and leaving the room. He blew out the last candle in the room before fully leaving.

Marjo Vanhala was restless for weeks. This whole week she had sent most of her time with her advisors bracing for the Queen's Council's visit approaching at the end of the month. Lately she had barely had time for fighting practice, which was she looked forward to the most in her dreadful days.

Now Marjo was in a sitting room, drinking tea in the afternoon. Today, she was having a meeting the emperor, for the first time in months. Marjo had given Anton the rank as emperor when she was teenager, for the first time ever filling in a harem. At that time, she had small love and crush for him. Now she rarely sees him, and he has merely faded away in her heart. Todays meeting Marjo was going to address his position and the queen council coming over.

Marjo took a sip of her tea and then placed the cut down gently on the wooden table. "Your majesty, the emperor is here," a servant said approaching her.

"Send him in," Marjo said staring straight ahead in the decorated, high ceiling room.

Marjo heard the door behind her open and then close.

"Greetings to your majesty," greeted Anton in his usual low-cut voice, while kneeling on the floor.

"Rise," Marjo simply said not bothering to turn around and look at him. He went over to where she was sitting and sat across from her on the couch, the table in the middle of them. Marjo eyed him up and down. He must have came in from directly outside because he had on a heavy fur coat, with fur snow boats, that trailed snow on the floor.

"It's been a long time, I miss seeing your face," He told her. He couldn't help but take in her beauty. She had the same long silver white hair, eyebrows, and lashes, and also the pale but also warm beige skin. Today her hair was in two big curly pigtails decorated with bridal ribbon hair ties. She had a silky light blue dress on and wore cotton light pink flats.

"We need to talk," Marjo said firmly, crossing her legs. "The queen council will be visiting soon, uninvited, and I need everything under control and acting their best."

"What will they be visiting for?" Anton asked.

"Apparently, they are suspicious of me because I don't participate in events with the other Empresses, or with them. They have a problem with that I guess, but I need you to keep the harem in best behavior when they visit."

Anton nodded, "I understand."

Marjo was quiet for a second and could feeling Anton's eyes burning on her as she looked at the table. "After they visit, I'm going to have to rethink about the ranks in the harem, your position especially," Marjo sighed.

Anton's eyes widen once he heard Marjo's word, and his mouth opened slightly.

"What do you mean?" He croaked, his voice now cracking.

Marjo now looked at his face, "I'm not kicking you out the harem, I just think someone else might be more deserving and fulfilling to be emperor. Its been a long time since I touched the harem and its about time I add some adjustments too it."

"What have I done that is not good enough? I have always stayed loyal to you and kept the harem in check," Anton argued.

"It not that-"Anton interrupted her.

Anton now fell to the floor on his knees, "I promise whatever you need me to do better I can do. My feelings and loyalty to you are genuine."

"Anton-"

"You haven't visited me in months, its not fair. I rot alone in my room wishing every night you would invite me to your bed chambers." Anton was now pleading to Marjo kneeling on both knees on the ground and his hands on her lap.

Marjo now couldn't look him in his pleading light brown eye's. She bit her lip feeling pity.

"Please don't lock me away again," Anton continued. "I know your currently holding favoritism towards Klive in the harem, but if you just visit me, and not lock me away. I can show you my potential."

Marjo heard enough and held her hand up, "I will think about it, during the Queen's Council visit and if I'm impressed, I will allow you to keep your position." She then pushed his hands off her lap and stood up.

Marjo then just left the room, not saying where she was going, leaving Anton still kneeling on the ground in the sitting room. When Anton heard the door shut, he slammed his fist on the tea table out of rage, which collapsed, and broke. The tea glassware broke too on the ground, causing all the tea to spill out.