The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 05 - Silly Mortal Girl

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【𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄】

I followed a handful of servants across the bridge that stretched from the main castle. Their hurried steps echoed in the night as they hauled my luggage.

Beneath the moonlight, I welcomed the chill of the mountain breeze tugging at my hair. Instead of tears like most who walked this path, a serene smile played on my lips.

Of all the spires encircling Dornhold's fortress, Clover Castle stood the furthest, a steep ascent ahead of me. Thick ancient vines coiled around its stones, untamed and wild, with long, jutting thorns.

By the time we reached my chamber, the servants were all out of breath, their dark green uniforms drenched in sweat. The maids tossed my luggage inside with little care, muttering complaints under their breath.

"The court doesn't send servants to this tower," a sharp-faced girl said. "Before you think about complaining, just know, the other women here don't have luxuries either. You'll have to manage on your own."

"Thank you," I smiled.

The servants exchanged wary looks. Perhaps disappointed by my lack of reaction, they made no further fuss before giving a curt nod and vanishing down the stairs.

Finally alone, I gazed around my room.

It was as small and dust-ridden as I remembered. Vines crept in through the cracked window, ivy spilling over the bed.

"It's perfect," I whispered.

Here, my plans to thwart Sylvos' conquest would behind. There were no servants to watch me. And most importantly...

"I wonder if I should visit the creature tonight or wait until tomorrow?" I thought aloud.

"Tomorrow would be better," a male voice answered from the shadows.

My heart leapt into my throat.

I spun around, Raincatcher already in hand, the blade glinting in the dim moonlight.

"W-Who goes there?" I asked.

"Oh, I've missed you, Rainey," the voice sighed.

I whirled again, but the room was empty.

"Show yourself!" I demanded, my pulse racing.

In the reflection of my blade, a figure stirred. My breath caught as I stared wide-eyed at the shadowy man standing just behind me. I dared not move, angling my blade instead to get a better view.

Dark feathery hair framed reflective blue eyes, and a smirk curled over his greyish lips. But his most perplexing feature was his ears... I had never seen ears so pointed before.

He took a step closer, leaning in behind my shoulder.

"I'm right here, Rainey," he whispered darkly.

I spun and slashed at the air behind me, but once again, the room was empty.

My pulse quickened.

I just saw his reflection, didn't I?

"What trickery is this?" I snarled at the shadows.

"You always react this way," the voice teased. "Can't you ever greet me calmly? Or maybe a bit lovingly? Is that too much to ask?"

"Show yourself!"

I swung the dagger toward the empty hearth, dust swirling in the moonlight. My eyes darted from the cobwebbed corners to the tattered bed, but the man was nowhere to be seen.