The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

CHAPTER 49 - No Going Back

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【𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄】

The emperor's tent was far more luxurious than I had expected, considering we were marching to war. Rich furs draped the floor, heavy curtains sealed out the cold, and fine furniture filled the space. Even a proper bed sat against the far wall, covered in dark velvet and a not-so-subtle game of King's Square.

"Come, join me," Sylvos said.

I glanced at where he sat at a grand table laden with a lavish feast spilling across silver platters. Candlelight flickered across his features, giving a golden tint to his silver hair.

With a soft exhale, I crossed the room and took the seat next to him. He then immediately filled a plate for me, piling it high with tender meats glazed in honey and roasted vegetables glistening with oil.

"Wine?" he asked, lifting a crystal decanter.

My gaze wandered to the game of King's Square waiting on the bed.

I raised a brow.

"Are you planning to get me drunk so you can win?"

He chuckled.

"No, my dear. I'd much prefer you to be fully aware of yourself when I strip you of your pride."

The way he grinned was far too suggestive, and heat rose to my cheeks. To mask it, I snatched the goblet, poured it full, and drank deeply. The wine burned sweetly down my throat, warmth quickly easing my tense body.

We ate together, the tension between us sharp yet strangely bearable. Perhaps because of the wine. Still, a question gnawed at me, growing louder with every cup I emptied. By my seventh, I could no longer keep it in.

"I heard an interesting rumor," I said, humming as I swayed slightly in my seat.

Sylvos smiled, resting his head on his hand.

"Will you indulge me?"

"Mm. Come here. Shhh. You must keep it a secret," I whispered. "I heard that you've been playing games with concubines instead of bedding them."

Sylvos laughed, rich and deep.

"And what is the matter with that?"

I pouted at him, my head tilting.

"Why? Why would you do that?"

He shrugged casually.

"There's no reason."

"When was the last time you slept with one?" I pressed, my words slightly slurred.

He went quiet, his smirk fading slightly.

"Well?" I demanded, swaying again. "Spill already."

At last, he sighed.

"I'm not sure," he admitted. "Perhaps Autumn?"

I frowned, swirling the wine in my glass.

"You should just go... be with them," I mumbled. "Then all this would be easier."

Sylvos arched a brow.

"So what would be easier?"

I pouted again, words spilling out without thought.

"I want to hate you. But you're so... nice. Urgh."

His chair scraped as he shifted closer.

"Why do you want to hate me, Raine?"