The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 28 - Most Valuable Concubine

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【𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄】

I tried my best not to throw up during the remainder of the welcoming banquet.

After what felt like an eternity, Sylvos finally rose, the hall hushing at his presence.

"Thank you all for attending this banquet," he began. "In light of Vrostvale's most generous gift to aid Thornmont's conquest, I would like us all to give a warm welcome to Nightshade concubine, Princess Griveen Vinterbane."

My heart wrenched.

Griveen and I weren't similar after all...

The woman smiled brightly as she stood.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for such an honor. I promise to serve you well," she said, then turned to the hall. "If you all can step outside, I would like to show you the new power Thornmont wields."

Whispers instantly spread.

My skin dampened, my breaths turning shallow as my pulse quickened. Even standing felt like a struggle.

Virella helped me rise while the crowd drifted toward the courtyard.

"Raine, this isn't normal," she said in a hushed voice. "What's wrong?"

"Are you sick?" Sireen asked.

"I'm fine," I lied, though the words felt brittle.

The crowd stirred, moving like a tide toward the courtyard. I followed numbly, each step heavier than the last.

A sudden impact to my shoulder jolted me sideways.

"Oh, excuse me," Isolde's voice called mockingly. She swept past with her handmaidens right behind. "I didn't see you."

"It's fine," Virella sneered. "I know the years must be eating at your eyesight."

"Why you—"

"Enough," I hissed, waving the tension away. "Let's just go."

The courtyard opened before us, cold air brushing against my fevered skin. Yet the breeze did little to quell the sickness churning inside me. Torches lined the perimeter, their flames sputtering as if unsettled.

The crowd pressed closer as we reached Princess Griveen. Her smile was blinding, blue eyes gleaming like shards of ice, sharp and expectant.

"I present to you, Thornmont's victory!" she declared, her voice carrying over the murmur of nobles.

She raised her hand. And whistled.

Sireen stiffened beside me.

"Here they come," she whispered.

Silence echoed.

Then the air shifted.

A gust of wind swept through the courtyard, rattling the torches. All eyes lifted as a shadow circled the sky. It came with a sound like thunder — wings cleaving the night.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the beast descended.

It landed with a shuddering crash, talons raking stone. Snow-white fur covered its massive body, feline and sinuous, yet its wings stretched wide, feathers ruffling in the autumn breeze. Its head turned as though already selecting prey, beak gleaming under torchlight, curved and sharp.

"This," Griveen said, her voice triumphant, "is one of the many griffons Vrostvale has sent to Thornmont's aid."

The crowd murmured in awe and unease.