The Gray Crown

Concubine-born Olivia Gray intended to flop the imperial selection, yet a false report from her fiancé forced her into the palace. Tormented by her legitimate sister and the Noble Consort, she gained the Emperor's favor with the eunuch Lucas Jones' help—her face mirroring the Emperor's deceased beloved. Shattered by repeated blows, she turned dark, teaming up with Lucas to topple the Noble Consort, depose the Empress, and avenge all enemies. She eventually became Empress Dowager, stripped of all tenderness; only Lucas stayed with her, and together they dwelt in the solitude of power's summit.