The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 11 - Someone I loved

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【𝐒𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐨𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞】

"Your Majesty, yet another concubine is demanding the procession halt."

I rode at the front, my silver mare showing no hint of fatigue. Not only the unicorn's size, but its endurance exceeded that of a horse as well — a valuable asset to my armies.

"I've already told you to ignore such requests," I replied Bastian.

Riding beside me, the captain of my Briarbound Knights sighed much like his cousin would — a trait it seemed the entire Blacksteel bloodline shared. He pushed aside his long black hair and rubbed at his shoulder beneath the steel plates.

"This one is causing quite a disruption," he said, the hardened lines in his face deepening in irritation. "She claims that one of the other ladies will die if we don't stop for a doctor."

I rolled my eyes. My gaze shifted to the darkened woods lining our path, tinged with the late afternoon sun. Rather than fretting over the endless grievances of my brides, it was far better to remain vigilant for ambushes. And there was no doubt in my mind that an attack would come before this hunt was over.

Briarvex, slung across my back, was both a comfort and a burden.

Already, its whispers rooted through my mind, warning me of unrest across my dominion.

"This is the fifth concubine to fabricate an emergency," I replied. "We've already halted thrice today. At this rate, we'll reach Flynmoore by winter. Instruct the knights to ignore any further interruptions, even from the Nightshades."

Bastian inclined his head.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I've already advised the knight to ignore the Clover woman."

I paused.

"A Clover?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. "Which woman?"

"I didn't inquire, Your Majesty."

My eyes narrowed.

Petty schemes during this travel had been common enough. Even women ranked as high as Rose feigned sickness to catch my notice. Clover would be no different.

And yet... I immediately thought back to how pale Princess Raine had been on the morning of our departure.

Could it be her?

However, four days had already passed... Surely, she would've called for me if she had been unwell all this time?

I laughed at myself.

No... That woman would rather wither than call for me.

"Stop the procession," I ordered, turning my mount sharply.

Bastian's black eyes widened, his mouth opening in protest before he caught himself.

"Your Majesty?" he asked, uncertain.

"Must I repeat myself, Ser Bastian?"

My tone cut sharper than Briarvex. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, the thorned vine adorning his neck scraping against his skin. It was the same vine all my Briarbound Knights willingly accepted — a sign of their loyalty.

And their death at the briefest thought of treason.

"At once, Your Majesty!" Bastian responded with a sharp crack of his reins as he rode off to halt the procession.

I dug my heels into the silver mare's sides, urging her forward with a forceful twist of my reins. The horse responded immediately, her powerful strides eating up the distance as I cut through the line.