The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 47 - War Council

✦✦✦

【𝐒𝐘𝐋𝐕𝐎𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄】

I had returned from the northern shipyard with the taste of salt and ash still clinging to my tongue. By the time I made it to my chambers, the pounding in my skull had grown unbearable. I tore off my crown and let it clatter against the table, pressing my hands hard to my temples.

Briarvex's whispers had not ceased for the entire journey back from the shipyard. His promises and demands had slithered into every thought, every breath, until I wanted to rip my own head from my neck just to get some quiet.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity spent on the floor, the whispers dulled.

The world became silent again.

I leaned back against the wall, inhaling deeply. The thought of being back in the capital, of finally seeing Raine again, crept into my mind. I chuckled softly, imagining the scowl she would no doubt throw at me. Somehow, that image soothed me more than anything ever had.

Already feeling steadier, I rose to my feet, picked up the discarded crown, and set it back where it belonged. I stripped off my travel-worn cloak and changed into fresh attire — my armed uniform, dark and brimming with thorn-like accents. After fixing the clasp of my cape and securing Briarvex across my back, I stepped out again.

"Summon the war council," I ordered my attendant. "Everyone with a seat at the table is to attend. And call for the Beast Warden as well."

The man bowed and hurried off as I strode toward the war chamber.

It wasn't long before Chamberlain Feldor scurried into view, wringing his hands like a worried mother hen. I stifled a groan. My month away had blessed me with a reprieve from his constant whining, but of course, the peace could not last.

"Your Majesty," Feldor nearly sobbed as he caught up, "please, I beg of you, stop this nonsense. There is barely any time until the war!"

I arched a brow.

"What nonsense?"

He groaned, wiping at his eyes.

"You know exactly what I mean! I was so very relieved when I heard you had finally returned to your imperial duties last month. But then... then I heard what the women had endured during your visits!" His voice cracked. "I wept for hours!"

I rolled my eyes.

"You make it sound as though I tortured them."

"Torture?" Feldor exclaimed. "You may as well have! The concubines are there to provide an heir, Sire. Not to be challenged to a game of King's Square and then left abandoned when they lost!"

I chuckled at his genuine horror.

"It would do the empire no good if my heir were born of a woman without a keen mind. I simply wished to find one worthy."

Feldor's lips trembled.

"Your Majesty... you're too cruel. Far too cruel. What woman, no, what man, in this fortress could ever hope to defeat you at King's Square?"

I laughed at the irony.

The very person who so rudely wagered for me to endure the rest of my nights with everyone except her, I wanted to answer him. Luckily, she only stated I was to visit the other concubines. She'd made no demands about bedding them.

I smiled at the thought of her.

How could she call me a tyrant when she herself were no better?

"Your Majesty..." Feldor whimpered. "Please tell me you'd see to your duties this time..."