The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 21 - Holding Back

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【𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄】

Life in Daisy Castle was, mercifully, uneventful — for now. A month had slipped by since our arrival, and we had managed to wrest our chambers into something resembling order, though a stubborn layer of grime still clung to the stone.

The other concubines choose to keep their distance from us, whispering behind their sleeves whenever we passed by. But I didn't mind their avoidance.

I preferred it.

When I was in Clover, I had been naive in thinking friendship could become a weapon for me to use. But I learned the hard way that such a weapon could just as easily be turned against me.

And I wasn't sure I could stomach losing anyone else.

Sighing, I finished my breakfast in silence. As always, the dining hall was empty whenever we ate. My gaze drifting to the embroidered handkerchief Virella kept close at hand. A white unicorn among wildflowers, delicate threadwork slightly burnt at the corners. Though we were both expected to wear blue now, our gowns had remained a somber navy since the day we arrived.

"Why do you look so dreary?" she asked, her voice pulling me from my thoughts. "The day has barely begun."

I gave her a brittle smile and tore off the last of my bread, offering it to the vylnir sprawled across the table. Though small, his feline form was still unsettling, his gleaming teeth tearing into the bread with far too much zeal.

"The better question is why you're so cheerful," I murmured. "Looking forward to springing snares today? I hope you're prepared to chase off the wolves."

She sighed, lobbing a bruised tomato at the vylnir. It vanished down its throat in one wet gulp.

"Tempting," she said, "but no. Some soldiers are returning with the emperor today. My brother is among them. It'll be good to see his pathetic face again."

My brows rose.

I'd nearly forgotten Virella had a brother.

"He's a knight, isn't he?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Yes. In exchange for renouncing Pineholt and swearing fealty to Thornmont, he was granted the honor of a Briarbound Knight while I entered the harem. Though, he's mostly entrusted with overseeing important transportation."

"Transportation?" I asked. "Like for what?"

She shrugged, taking a sip of her tea.

"Military supplies and such."

I nodded, suddenly wondering if this information was something I could make use of. Was there a way I could sneak letters to my sisters? Before I could ask more, a servant slipped into the hall, calling our names.

"Lady Virella, Princess Raine. A message awaits you both."

A message?

I rose and Virella followed close behind. The vylnir leapt effortlessly onto my arm, coiling itself around my shoulders as we made our way.

At the castle's threshold stood a narrow boy with mousy hair and a splatter of freckles. I'd seen the youth plenty in my first life from all the messages he delivered to concubines.

"Finnel," I greeted. "What brings you to us?"

His brown eyes widened at the sound of his name, then flicked to the creature perched at my throat before returning to my face.