The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 46 - A Wager

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【𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄】

I entered my chambers with deliberately heavy steps. The firelight flickered across the walls, casting shadows that seemed to stretch toward the figure waiting inside.

Sylvos sat casually on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, Windcleaver balanced delicately in his hands as he studied the blade. He looked completely at ease, as if this were some ordinary visit.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Good evening to you too, my dear."

I crossed my arms, waiting for an answer. He glanced up at me, smiled, and then angled his head toward the door.

I sighed and shut it behind me.

Only then did he put the blade down and leaned back comfortably.

"Don't tell anyone," he said, "but I'm hiding from my imperial duties."

I blinked at him, baffled.

"With the war so close, shouldn't you be... I don't know, visiting as many concubines as possible? The court would want an heir, after all."

Sylvos rolled his eyes and rubbed at his brow.

"Though I'm exceptionally good at what I do, in all aspects," he added with a smirk, "I am unfortunately still human, and I do get drained, Raine. There are piles upon piles of work I have to complete during the day. And then at night, when I merely wish to rest, I am expected to fulfil even more duties."

He let out a small, almost childish sigh before glancing at me with a sincere smile.

"I feel relaxed around you so please, indulge me, would you?"

I scoffed, walking over to my vanity. Sitting down, I dragged the comb through my hair, watching him from the mirror.

"Most men wouldn't complain in your position," I said dryly. "You have as many beautiful women as you want."

He leaned back, his black eyes narrowing in amusement.

"Do I seem like 'most men' to you?"

I rolled my eyes skyward.

"No. Most men don't wage senseless wars."

Sylvos dismissed my words with a wave of his hand.

"That's enough about war," he said. "All I think about every single day is war. Tonight, I'd rather unwind."

I arched a brow at him.

"And how do you plan to do that?"

A grin curved his lips. He gestured toward the bed where, to my surprise, a small board of King's Square was already set up, the polished pieces gleaming in the firelight.

Despite myself, a laugh escaped me at the sight of his boyish expression.

"Shall we make this game a little more... fun?" he asked.

I raised a brow.

"Fun? How?"

"By putting a wager on it," he said.

I raised a brow.

"Why would I bet on a game I've already lost before?"

His smirk deepened.

"Oh? I didn't expect you were the type to back away from a challenge."

Before I could retort, a voice suddenly stopped me.