The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 41 - Endure It

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【𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄】

It had been two weeks since Sylvos left to deal with the burned fleet. Two weeks of blessed quiet.

Rumor traveled fast through halls of Lavender Castle. Some said the fleet was nothing but charred husks scattered along the coast. Others whispered the sabotage came from within, a treasonous hand hidden in his own ranks.

Whatever the truth, I cherished it.

Even if he rebuilt his shipyards, even if he commanded the shipwrights to work day and night, there would not be enough time to gather all the wood needed. And without ships, Sylvos could not hope to defeat Driftwoode.

This knowledge gave me a sense of peace for the time being. Most of my days passed on the balcony overlooking the letter office. When it wasn't Ryn keeping me company, it was my two companions. Virella would sit with me often, fingers busy with her embroidery, while Sireen hummed to herself, feeding the vylnir scraps of meat.

The day before the Emperor's Birthday Ball, the air in the fortress shifted. For a fleeting moment, I thought the ball might not happen at all. Perhaps Sylvos would be too occupied looking for the culprit behind his fleet's attack.

But then, the news came...

The emperor had returned.

My mood soured like spoiled wine.

In contrast, excitement bloomed throughout the concubine castles like a disease. The ladies of Lavender fluttered about, gushing over gowns and jewels as though their lives depended on the emperor's gaze. Even Virella's cold composure cracked when her seamstress finally delivered her dress.

Though I suspected her excitement was less about impressing the emperor and more about depressing the Nightshades.

Despite all the commotion, I remained on my balcony throughout the day. By the time the sun set, Virella entered my chambers.

"I haven't seen your dress delivered yet," she remarked, handing me a bowl filled with whatever was served at dinner tonight. "The Ball is tomorrow, you know."

I accepted the food with a thankful smile and chewed on some bread, my gaze returning to the letter office.

"I won't be attending."

Virella's brow arched.

"Why not? You know how important it is to gain rank. If we are to overthrow the Nightshades—"

"I know," I said, cutting her off gently. "And I agree. But I must remain in Lavender for now..."

She rested her hand on her hip, glancing at the letter office, then back at me. Though I hadn't said my plan to her in any detail, Virella seemed to get the idea. Maybe it was due to us both being spies in our own right, but there was a silent agreement between us. Work together but do not divulge. If one of use were to get caught... There are plenty of ways to torture secrets from a person. It was best we knew only what was needed.

"Very well," she said at last. "I'll wait for you in Dahlia rank then."

I chuckled at that.

"You're that confident in a promotion?"

"Of course," she smirked, flipping her blonde curls over her shoulder. "You just focus on keeping up, alright?"

"Ha. You'll eat your words."

With that, Virella said she'd better get her beauty sleep just to be sure. She bid me a goodnight and left. I stayed seated, wrapped in my cloak, watching the letter office below. The lamps flickered dimly through its windows, servants scurrying in and out like shadows.