CHAPTER 26 - A Fine Welcome
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Dancing had been my first freedom. My first weapon.
I'd trained until my body bent like the wind and flowed like water, chasing perfection with each breath.
And I'd claimed it.
Even now, I remained the only one of my sisters to master the art's final, deadly flourish. If I got my hands on two blades, I could even do it right now. I felt that familiar magic hum inside me. Call me.
But as the last tremor of exhilaration began to fade, something colder took its place.
I felt his eyes before I saw them.
Sylvos.
He stood at the edge of the crowd, still as stone, yet his gaze pierced through me. It was the same way he had looked at me in my first life — like I was the only woman in the world.
Back then, it had taken me a year to earn my first dancing dagger while in the harem. Weapons were forbidden to concubines, so I had to claw my way through the ranks until I'd earned the right to ask for one. When I finally danced for him, he had looked at me just like this.
And I had basked in it.
I had wanted that gaze more than breath... Had longed for it until my very last moments...
Until he tore right through my heart.
Literally.
The memory snapped like a bone. A chill scraped through me, sharp enough to make me shiver despite the rain having no cold. My fingers tightened around my dagger's hilt. For one terrifying moment, I considered walking up to him and driving the blade straight into his heart.
But not yet.
No.
I wanted him broken first. Reduced to nothing. Begging. Only then would I let him die.
Sylvos smirked as though he could taste the venom in my glare. Yet instead of approaching, he turned on his heel and left, his guards trailing like shadows.
"Raine, you drenched me again!" Virella's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She trudged toward me, hair dripping and curls clinging to her face.
"I warned you it would happen," I said, offering a crooked smile. "I can control the rainfall's reach, somewhat, but not entirely."
She huffed, already wringing water from her skirt.
"You can command storms but not a gust of wind to dry us off? Now that would be useful."
I smirked.
"I could. But I'd need a different dagger for that."
My gaze slid toward Dornhold Fortress, half-buried in the mountain looming over the city.
The blade I wielded now wasn't the dagger from my first life. Raincatcher was an unexpected gift from Sylvos after I went back in time.
But I still wanted to get my hands on my first dagger.
And for that, it was time to call in a favor.
"Goddess!"
The cry split the air, and both Virella and I turned just as a flood of townsfolk rushed toward us.
They surrounded us in a storm of praises, laughter, and wide-eyed awe.
Ivy wreaths were pressed into our hands and perched atop our heads.
Virella groaned, already tugging at the leaves tangled in her curls, but I couldn't stop smiling.
Their energy seeped into me, warming the chill Sylvos had left behind.
"Out of the way! Keep your distance," Cavriel barked as he pushed through the crowd.
His armor, a twisted, barbed design marking him as one of the Briarbound Knights, cast hesitation in the townsfolk. Slowly, they parted enough to let us pass by.
"So, Cav?" Virella smirked as he fell in step beside us. "Any thoughts? Or are you too busy wiping the drool off your chin?"
Cavriel shot her a glare sharp enough to flay flesh.
"It was alright."
"Just alright?" I asked as I stepped in front of him, my hair still dripping wet.
He wouldn't meet my eyes.
"You're serious?" I chuckled.
His usual composure faltered, betrayed by the blush creeping up his neck as he turned away sharply.
"Yes. Alright," he bit out. "Now, where to? Since you've both all but secured a promotion with those wreaths, you should head back."
I grinned slowly, savoring the cracks in his armor. After he had humiliated me so, it was about time I returned the favor.
"Hmmm, leave?" I teased. "If my performance was just alright, perhaps you should point out what I'm lacking? I could do it again? Just for you. A private audience, maybe?"
Cavriel's head snapped toward me, his glare red-hot and scalding. But the color burning his cheeks only proved to earn another laugh from me.
"We're leaving."
He turned on his heel, his voice low and sharp.
I rolled my eyes.
"Fine, Ser," I said, my tone teasing. "But let's take our time."
And take our time, we did.
With Cavriel shadowing us, Virella and I browsed the market stalls, plucking pastries and trinkets as we went. Each time he grumbled, I simply stopped and stood in front of him, tilting my head. He'd turn redder and stop his complaints instantly.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Cavriel looked completely worn down. Good. Virella and I, finally dry, climbed into the carriages.
The ride back to Dornhold Castle buzzed with chatter. Whispers of wreaths and promotions filled the air, laced with hope and envy. Eight women had been crowned tonight, but that didn't guarantee a promotion unless approved by the emperor.
The gates loomed before us, thorned and iron-bound, swallowing us as we passed through.
When Virella and I stepped out of the carriage, a man with thinning hair and a nervous smile approached. I recognized him as Chamberlain Feldor from my first life. I'd spent enough time discussing bedding schedules with the man to know him with just a glance.
"Good evening, ladies." He bowed deeply, offering two letters bound in green wax. "I am honored to inform you that both Lady Virella and Princess Raine have been promoted to Peony."
Despite the inevitability of the announcement, relief curled through me.
Virella, however, raised a brow.
"Does the pay rise with the rank?" she asked, arms crossed. "Because this meager two hundred gold barely buys silk for one dress."
The Chamberlain paled, sweat beading at his temples.
"Ah, well, uhm. I must inform the other ladies of their promotions," he stammered before scuttling away toward a cluster of hopeful Daisies.
Virella rolled her eyes.
"What a little rat," she muttered. Then, with a grin, she turned to me. "Let's go. I want to see what Peony's baths look like."
"Agreed," I sighed, already imagining warm water and scented oils.
A sudden thunder of hooves approached, and we turned just as Cavriel rode past atop a hulking brown stallion. He didn't stop, but the weight of his disappointment lingered.
Virella rolled her eyes, unbothered.
"Next time, include him in the downpour," she said. "Perhaps it would wash that perpetual scowl off his face."
I smirked.
An excellent plan.
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"Honestly, pink makes me look so whorish."
Virella's voice carried over the moonlit night as we approached Peony Castle.
The gown she wore was an elaborate creation — rich pink silk embroidered with gold filigree that matched her gold locket.
By contrast, I had brought one of my sister's dresses in anticipation of my rank, a softer shade of pink adorned with storm-forged gems that winked along the puffed sleeves.
"It makes you look younger," I said with a shrug.
Her glare could've sliced glass, green eyes pinned on me.
"Do I look old otherwise?"
"No, no," I laughed. "You just have... a more mature beauty."
"A mature beauty?" she snapped. "Are you calling me a hag?"
"No, but perhaps as deaf as one."
She huffed, brushing past me as we entered the castle. Eight guards lined the entryway, their expressions blank and unbothered. Unlike our arrival at Daisy, people didn't seem all that cautious.
Though perhaps the vylnir napping in its smaller form on my shoulders had something to do with it. It had been nearly two months since people saw Vyvy's more nightmarish form.
"For the record, I'm only twenty-five," Virella added.
I choked.
"Twenty-five? You're only three years older than me?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"You're nineteen, aren't you?"
I stiffened.
Ah, that was right. Though I had met my end at twenty-two, this body was nineteen still.
"I'll leave math for the scholars," I muttered quickly.
"Hmph. Seems all you're good for is dancing," she teased.
"At least I look better in pink."
She grinned.
"But I bet I'd look better in black."
Laughter carried us up the staircase and down the shadowed corridors. But the humor fell away as we reached our rooms.
When I pushed open my chamber door, I stopped.
The air smelled faintly of blood and dust. The window was shattered, shards of glass scattered across the floor like jagged stars. The furniture lay in splinters, the bedding torn open and gutted.
Behind me, the servants gasped as they lowered my luggage.
Vyvy stirred on my shoulder, its uncanny eyes glinting as it sniffed the air. I stepped toward the bed — and there, sprawled across the crimson-streaked sheets, was a dead bluebird.
I exhaled slowly.
"Well," I said. "Isn't this charming."
Before I could turn, Virella stormed into the room, her green eyes blazing.
"You too, huh?" She let out a sharp laugh. "What a fine welcome." Her voice dripped with venom. "We'll have to return the favor."
She faced the trembling servants.
"Out."
They scattered like frightened mice, leaving us alone with the mess.
Virella crossed her arms, smirking.
"Back home, we had a prank for this sort of thing. Stuff a fish into someone's mattress, stitch it back up, and wait. The stench will haunt them for weeks."
I snorted, walking to the shattered window and carefully brushing the glass aside.
"It wasn't the Peony ladies," I said. "They wouldn't dare risk their chance at Lavender. No, this has our lovely Nightshades written all over it. They likely feel intimidated and bribed the Peonies."
Virella flicked her golden hair over her shoulder.
"Ha! That's all it is — fear. They see us climbing, and it terrifies them."
"Exactly." I crossed my arms. "And this is only the beginning. They know they can't run away from us. Their rank cannot increase while ours will. They have everything to lose while we stand everything to gain."
"Let them come," Virella said. "I'm not planning to wear pink for much longer anyway. It's hideous."
I smiled faintly.
"We'll have to wait for the emperor's birthday for our next chance. The first day of winter."
Virella groaned.
"Three months? In this cursed color?"
I laughed softly, but even as the sound left me, I couldn't stop looking at the dead bird.
"Ooooh, you got them too?"
Virella and I spun toward the door.
Of all people, it was Lady Sireen who stood there, framed in the doorway.
Her faded pink gown sagged at the shoulders and stained at the hem as though she'd been wandering through mud.
Blue feathers, dozens of them, sprouted haphazardly from her shoulder-length hair, sticking out at odd angles.
She reached up and carefully adjusted one.
"Such a thoughtful gift they left us," she said, smiling faintly. "Very pretty."
My mouth fell open.
"You got promoted?"
Sireen tilted her head, humming softly.
"Mmm, maybe? I don't remember how. I was walking around in the city... and singing. Just a little."
Virella sighed under her breath.
"Just our luck."
Sireen floated into the room, her steps too light, as though she might drift off the floor entirely.
She reached for the dead bluebird on my bed, cradling it with both hands like a fragile offering.
Her fingertips traced its wings, and she began to hum again — something low and discordant, a half-song that raised the hairs on my arms.
Without another word, she turned and drifted out the door, the bird still clasped in her arms.
Virella exhaled sharply.
"Let's reach Lavender soon."
I forced a laugh, but it came out thin.
"Before that, let's fix these rooms."
"Ugh."
My friend grimaced before heading to her own chamber.
With that, I busied myself by salvaging what little could be saved. My vanity and chair had been reduced to splinters, and the bedding was too shredded to keep. Vyvy took the chance to leap onto the bed and lick at the bloody sheets.
Once I was sure I had been left completely alone, I shut the door and pulled Raincatcher from my hip, setting it on the battered bedside table.
In the reflection, Ryn prowled the room like a shadow, his expression sour as he surveyed the damage.
"After that performance, I expected a better welcome than this," he scoffed.
"Ryn, I need to ask you something."
He paused, turning toward me.
"What?"
"What do you know about Lady Sireen? Is she harmless — or dangerous? Surely, you've seen something in one of my lives?"
Ryn aimed for the bed but stopped and opted for leaning against the wall instead.
"Technically... she did cause one of your deaths."
My stomach dropped.
"What?"
"Not directly," he clarified, waving a hand. "She died. Then Sylvos arranged to marry her cousin. When you interfered with his plans to set sail, your treason was exposed." His eyes shifted between blue and green. "The ending doesn't need explaining."
My hand rose instinctively to my neck as though I could feel my head getting lopped off.
"How did she die?" I asked.
"Who could really tell," the elf shrugged. "She was found at the bottom of a tower. Whether she jumped or was pushed, it was never certain."
My brow slowly furrowed.
"Oh..." I hesitated. "So... She's not an enemy?"
"Not that I've seen."
A strange guilt curled in my stomach.
"That's all I needed to know," I said quietly.
My eyes drifted down as I couldn't quite get rid of the image of Sireen plummeting to her death. I couldn't see the reason for anyone targeting her. So, did she truly jump?
"Rainey..."
I looked up at Raincatcher, and Ryn was right behind me. He didn't meet my eyes, his focus remained on my dress instead as he trailed a sharp nail over my sleeve. Though he was little more than an illusion, for a moment, I imagined I could feel his touch.
"You danced beautifully today," he whispered, his gaze fixed my shoulder.
"That tyrant does not deserve to gaze upon you.
If I were here, truly here, I'd have put an end to him for you a long time ago.
It would be as easy as flicking my wrist. I could reduce him to nothing more than the dirt he is. "
"Oh?" I smirked. "You would do that for me?"
"I'd do anything for you."
My smile faltered.
I'd meant for the moment to be a lighthearted joke, but the way Ryn's eyes shifted to purple made me hesitate.
"What a shame then that you're not alive," I sighed, looking away. "I would very much like to see you flick that wrist at a couple of people I point at."
On that note, I exhaled and rolled up my sleeves.
I started with the glass, careful to pluck each jagged shard from the floor and windowsill.
The pieces glinted in the candlelight — sharp, cruel things that bit at my fingertips when I wasn't careful.
The furniture came next. My vanity was a splintered carcass, its mirror cracked down the center.
I traced the break with my thumb before prying off what I could salvage as firewood.
The bed was worse. Its frame leaned at a sharp angle, one leg snapped clean through. I tested its weight before deciding it could be propped up for the night. Stripping the shredded bedding, I tried not to breathe in the iron tang that lingered from the dead bird.
By the time I stepped back, sweat slicked my neck and dampened my sleeves. I wiped my palms against my skirts and forced myself to look at the room.
It wasn't fixed. Not really. But it was good enough until tomorrow's visit to the Seneschal.
A knock startled me from my haze, and I opened the door to find Virella, her golden hair slightly damp and her face flushed from scrubbing.
"Ready?" she asked, looking past me at the room. Her lips curled into a wry smile. "Not bad. You truly should've been born a maid."
I laughed weakly.
"You did mistake me for one at our first meeting."
"I have a good eye for these things."
We made our way to the baths. The warm water loosened the ache in my muscles, but it didn't soothe the unease lodged beneath my ribs. Though I expected to find Sireen in the bath as she usually liked to lurk, tonight she'd left us alone.
Strange enough, it made the chamber feel empty.
Even after I returned to my bedchamber and climbed into my broken bed, I still thought of her. I thought of all the women in the harem that have died. Some from my first life. Others from lives I couldn't even recall. And Talia.
I didn't want to think of Talia, but some nights I heard her cries.
"Do you think the other women get second chances like I do?" I asked into the darkness. "Surely it can't just be me... Surely, they all get a happy ending as well... Right?"
I couldn't see Raincatcher, but I knew the dagger was by my pillow. And so was the elf.
But the two words Ryn replied with, chilled me to my soul.
"As well?" he asked.
I nearly laughed.
I nearly cried.
Right...
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