The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 13 - 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.

"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.

"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.

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

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, his long black hair brushing past his shoulder.

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

I paused.

"A Clover?" I asked. "Which woman?"

"I didn't inquire, Your Majesty."

My eyes narrowed.

Petty schemes during this travel have 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.

"Your Majesty?" he asked, uncertain.

"Must I repeat myself, Captain?"

My tone cut sharper than Briarvex. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, the thorned vine adorning his neck scraping against his skin.

"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 Wraith's sides, urging her forward with a forceful twist of my reins. The unicorn responded immediately, her powerful strides eating up the distance as I cut through the line.

A smile tugged at my lips, kindled by the thought of the princess' fevered state.

Would she spit her disdain at me, even now?

There hadn't been a day she looked at me kindly.

My smile widened into a grin.

Servants and guards stumbled in surprise as I passed, their eyes wide as saucers. The concubines, lounging in their carriages, poked their heads out with rounded eyes, their whispers fluttering close behind.