CHAPTER 38 - Intercept
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For the first time since my return, there were no glimpses of past deaths, no agonies from lives I couldn't recall. Every night before this one, sleep had been a torment. A reminder of just how many times I had failed.
I did not know the exact number.
Ryn had only ever given me vague answers. But I was beginning to suspect it was well over a hundred by now.
Yet last night, there was nothing.
I woke with a sharp inhale, my heart pounding in my chest as my eyes darted around the room.
The bed was empty, the blankets tucked over me, and a fire still burned in the hearth, embers crackling softly. Though the man who had held last night was nowhere to be seen.
Of course.
Sylvos never stayed in a concubine's chambers until morning.
Even in my first life, he would leave once his duty was done. Sometimes, he lingered a little longer, speaking with me in the dark. But before the sun could rise, he was gone.
I glanced at the frost creeping over the glass doors of the balcony. There wasn't any time for lazing around. I had to keep an eye on the letter office.
Just as I stood, pulling the thin purple gown tighter around me, a knock came at the door.
I frowned and moved to open it.
A young servant girl stood there, smiling up at me as she presented a tray of breakfast and tea. The scent of warm honey and bread curled into the air between us.
"His Majesty instructed us that you would be awake soon," she said brightly.
My body went rigid.
"Last night?" I asked slowly.
"This morning," she corrected, her smile widening. "He only just left. The Madam is very pleased. She wishes to see you when you're ready."
I could only stare.
Sylvos... had been here? Until morning?
I nodded absently as she entered, setting the tray on the small table near the balcony. She moved about the room calmly, collecting the remnants of last night's untouched snacks, before glancing toward the bed.
"Shall I prepare a bath?" she asked, her eyes flicking to the sheets. "And fresh linens?"
Heat rushed to my face.
"Yes, please."
She nodded and disappeared.
The moment the door shut behind her, I moved swiftly, grabbing the decanter of dark wine and returning to the bed. I tipped it over the sheets, watching as the deep berry stain spread across the fabric like spilled blood.
I jumped at the voice, twisting around. Though the elf remained unseen.
A nervous feeling crawled up my back as my gaze settled on the hearth. Raincatcher still rested on the mantel, its polished blade gleaming in the firelight.
Reluctantly, I stepped forward and lifted it.
The reflection shimmered, revealing Ryn sitting at the bed's edge, one hand lazily inspecting the soiled sheets. His expression was utterly unimpressed.
"Do you think the Madam will believe your blood smells like blackberries?" he mused.
I exhaled sharply, rolling my eyes.
"I'm not claiming it's my blood. I'll simply say things got out of hand, and we spilled the wine in bed. That way, when they look for stains that aren't there, they'll already have an explanation."
Ryn grinned, though it wasn't the same as before.
"I know," he said. "I've seen you use this trick before. It's just amusing to watch you explain yourself."
I sighed and sank onto the bed beside him, my fingers tightening around Raincatcher's hilt as I gazed at the polished steel. The firelight flickered against the blade's surface, casting Ryn's greyish face in shifting shadows.
"At least I avoided it," I murmured, but the words felt hollow.
Ryn tilted his head.
"You seemed rather at ease in the tyrant's arms." His voice was light, teasing, but his sharp green eyes studied me too closely.
I scoffed, forcing indifference into my tone.
"I was tired."
The memory of last night clawed at me. The warmth of Sylvos' hold... The quiet way he kept me close... A sick sort of tenderness. A lie.
I cleared my throat.
"The dance took a lot out of me, and the stress of Sylvos' arrival didn't help." I waved a hand, dismissing the topic. "Never mind me, let's talk about you! I hope you kept your word and closed those disturbing eyes of yours while I was subjected to indecency."
Ryn grinned, baring his sharp teeth.
"Rainey, can you really expect a starving elf to look away from a feast laid before him? At least let me have one joy in this miserable existence."
My face burned.
"You perverted elf!" I scolded, smacking the bed beside me. But in Raincatcher's reflection, my hand passed through him like mist.
"No need to be shy with me," he chuckled.
"It's strange," I scoffed. "Considering our kind were apparently vermin in your time. What business do you have watching human women?"
Ryn shrugged, unbothered.
"I never supported those views."
"Right, I forgot, you fell for a human." My lips curled in amusement. "You know, I bet she only made you fall for her to win her freedom. I imagine being a slave didn't suit her."
It was meant to be a jest, but the mirth bled from his face. His gaze dropped to his hands, his fingers flexing like he could still feel something slipping through them.
"That's right," he whispered, voice soft over the fire's crackle.
"She used me. And the information she gained helped your people put an end to mine.
My little heartbreak marked the beginning of the end for elves.
And all I could do was watch from this blade as my kin were slowly wiped from this land. "
His words settled heavy over my chest.
I hesitated, studying the quiet grief in his expression. His eyes shifted from green to the deepest blue. Even his long ears, usually held high, drooped slightly.
"Oh," I murmured. "Well... you can't blame her. If humans were enslaved, perhaps it was justified in her eyes."
Ryn exhaled a slow, tired breath.
"I know." His gaze lifted to meet mine. "I never blamed her for that."
I held his stare.
"Did... you hate her?"
His eyes flickered again — blue, green, even tinges of violet, as if unable to settle. At last, the color faded back to blue.
"Only for a little while," he murmured.
Before I could say more, a knock sounded.
I set Raincatcher aside as the door opened. Servants filed in, filling the silver bath with steaming water while others stripped the soiled sheets from my bed. I offered a nonchalant excuse about the spilled wine and took my tea as if none of it mattered.
Once I was bathed and dressed, I made my way through the winding halls to the Lavender Madam's office. She wasted no time with pleasantries.
"You've done well," she said, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "To have His Majesty stay the entire night is quite a feat."
I smiled, the picture of grace, though felt rather bitter.
"With continued effort, we may soon see a pregnancy," she added, voice brimming with delight. "I'll prescribe a blend of herbs and tea to aid fertility."
I accepted the parchment listed with remedies, though I had no intention of drinking a single drop.
"Also, you will be assigned a handmaiden today," she added. "Make good use of her."
I nodded, a slow smile curving my lips.
"Of course."
I already knew exactly how I would use her.
With that, I was dismissed.
Stepping into the cold corridor, I inhaled the scent of old stone and candle wax. The hallway stretched long, lined with high-arched windows that let in the pale morning light. I had only just turned a corner when I heard the familiar click of heels behind me.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't our newest star."
I didn't have to turn to know it was Virella. A second pair of footsteps followed behind her, softer, more fluid — like a ghost.
"The halls whisper that the emperor stayed until morning," Sireen hummed.
I exhaled with a smile, keeping my pace steady.
"The halls have an awful lot to say about nothing."
"Nothing?" Virella snorted. "Please, I heard the emperor hasn't spent an entire night with a concubine in years. Surely there's something worth sharing."
Sireen tilted her head, strands of her short brown-white hair slipping over her shoulder.
"Did he hold you?"
I stopped walking and turned to them both. Virella stood with arms crossed, her deep purple dress cinched tightly at the waist. Sireen, in contrast, looked half-formed in the morning light, her lavender gown loose fitted.
I sighed.
"There isn't much to say. He was here. Now he isn't. If you're looking for a story, find a bard."
Virella rolled her eyes.
"I never knew you to be shy."
I shook my head with a smile, linking arms with the two women as we continued our walk.
"Come. Instead of wasting time on stories, let's get to the Seneschal. He won't wait all day to hand out our rewards."
Virella shrugged, falling in step beside me.
"Fine, but if we're going, we might as well make use of it. The emperor's birthday ball is soon. And you know what that means." She grinned. "The most beautiful women get a promotion."
I hummed in vague agreement.
It was more important for me to stay in Lavender until I got my hands on those letters. They could come any day now.
Just as we reached the castle doors, a figure darted into our path.
The young messenger boy, Finnel, stood there, breathless from running, his head of feathery brown hair disheveled. He looked up at me with wide, owlish eyes.
"L-lady Rai— I m-mean, P-princes, Raine," he said, his voice urgent. "You've been r-requested at the Nightshade gardens for t-tea." He bowed deeply, his mousy head of hair nearly touching the floor.
I reached out to tap his shoulder before he could snap his spine in half.
"Good morning, Finnel. Do you know what the Nightshades want with me?" I asked.
He blinked up at me, all wide eyes and jittery limbs.
"N-no, Princess. Only that they said you should c-come at once."
I sighed.
"Very well. Thank you, Finnel."
He bowed again and fled down the hallway, his gangly frame darting like a startled hare.
"What could those crows possibly want with you?" Virella scoffed beside me. "Most likely they heard of the emperor's visit and now their feathers are all ruffled."
"It's of no concern to me," I said coolly, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. "I have no intention of entertaining them."
I turned back to Virella and Sireen, smoothing my hands over my gown.
"Come," I said. "The Seneschal awaits. Let's collect what we're owed."
They followed as we made our way to the administrative sector of the fortress.
We crossed the bridge and passed several guards and ministers on our way until we arrived.
A line had formed outside the Seneschal's office, but the flow moved swiftly today.
Most requests, from what I overheard, were denied with a flick of the old man's quill.
When at last it was my turn, I entered with familiar ease.
The Seneschal seemed rather relaxed at my appearance.
I suppose three promotions in less than a year made me a familiar face to him.
We ran through the formalities swiftly. I requested a tailor and cobbler be sent to Lavender Castle and reminded him, again, to send half my Beast Warden allowance to Clover Castle for its upkeep.
"Shall that be all, Princess?" he asked. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he scribbled the requests onto a scroll.
"One more thing," I said.
He glanced up, the faintest furrow creasing his brow.
"Yes?"
???
Virella, Sireen, and I returned to Lavender Castle beneath a sky of gray. As expected, three handmaids awaited us once we entered. Their smiles stayed perfectly fixed — until we handed them their transfer slips.
"But... Princess," one of them stammered, stepping forward. "I am to assist you, not Clover."
She smelled earthy with a faint bitter sweetness.
It was a scent I knew all too well from the end of my first life.
Although the Seneschal was at first opposed to writing me a transfer slip, at the end he relented.
Most likely he'd grown used to my strange requests by now.
And I had no intention of tiptoeing around a Nightshade spy.
I turned to the girl with a slow smile.
"I'm sure you won't disappoint me," I said. "I expect only good things from you at Clover. If not... well, I'm sure I can find you another duty. Perhaps feeding the vylnir?"
Her blood drained from her face. She bowed low, voice trembling as she assured me that I could rely on her. With nothing left to say, the three handmaids departed from Lavender.
"I think I'll rest," I said, turning to Virella and Sireen. "The court has drained enough of me for one morning."
Virella waved a hand.
"Don't get too comfortable. There's still the emperor's ball awaiting us in two weeks."
I nodded absently as I walked off, but the moment I entered my chambers, my smile vanished.
I had no intention of attending the ball. I'd rather feign an illness.
With my mind made up, I brewed some tea and selected a peach from the silver bowl by my table.
Dragging the armchair to the balcony, I angled it beside the balustrade and curled onto it with a shawl to keep me warm.
I set my teacup down and began slicing my peach with Raincatcher.
The wind carried the sharp scent of frost and pine.
Below, the letter office stirred like a hive — scribes moving in and out, couriers delivering their letters and packages.
Nibbling on my peach slices, I watched them work.
I knew little of the letter I awaited — only that it would come in winter and that its importance would warrant a Briarbound knight escorting whoever delivered it.
Fortunately, Briarbound knights were easy enough to spot. Thorned armor, deep green cloaks, and their spears strapped high across their backs. The letter would come with one of them. Of that, I was certain.
I sipped my tea, eyes never leaving the letter office below as the minutes stretched.
Suddenly, there was a wild flutter close by.
My head angled up as wings sliced through the air, and a shadow passed overhead.
At first, I thought it was a crow, but as it landed on my chair's armrest, I recognized the creature for what it was.
The vylnir's black feathers shimmered like velvet.
Its reflective blue eyes blinked at me slowly, its sharp beak boasting dozens of jagged teeth.
I reached out and scratched gently behind its owlish ears. It made a low sound, half chirr, half growl, and leaned into my touch.
"What have you been up to these days?" I mused more to myself.
It continued to enjoy my scratching before suddenly snatching my peach and leaping onto the balustrade. Just out of reach, Vyvy happily enjoyed the snack while grinning at me.
"Wha! You sneaky little thief!" I chuckled.
It squawked a laugh at me, still feasting on its stolen morsel.
An idea suddenly came to mind.
I set down my tea and glanced at Raincatcher. The moment I lifted the blade, Ryn's reflection appeared on the balustrade beside the vylnir. He sat with his legs crossed, looking like a light breeze could throw him off the balcony.
"Ryn, what's the word for 'intercept' in High Elvish?" I asked.
Ryn tilted his head, brows arching with interest.
"I??????ρ?," he answered.
"I??????ρ?..." I mumbled to myself first before turning back to the creature beside the elf.
Its blue eyes met mine, unblinking.
"I ???? ?συ? ???ρ," I murmured in Elvish, shaping each word with care. "I ?α?? ?συ ?σ ι??????ρ? α ??????. A ???? ι?ρσ??α?? σ??."
The vylnir stilled, the feathers along its back lifting slightly.
I rose from my chair and stepped to the edge of the balcony, pointing toward the letter office below. Vyvy turned its head to follow my gesture, ears twitching.
"I'?? ???? ?συ ???? I ??? ????," I said. "I? ?συ ?α? ??? ι? α?? ??α??? ???ι? ρα???? ???σ?? ι?'? ???ι?????, ι? ?συ?? ????? υ? ?σ??." My gaze returned to the creature. "T?ι? ι? ?σ? ?? ?ι? συ? ?????σ?, ?? ??ι???."
It blinked slowly, then bared its sharp teeth in a grin.
I took that as a yes.
The rest of the day passed in vigilance. I remained at the balcony, eyes fixed on the bustle below as I practiced my Elvish with Ryn — half for improvement, half for the comfort of conversation. The vylnir, having shifted into its feline form, now slept curled atop my bed, tail flicking lazily.
Then, as the sun sank toward late afternoon, I heard it.
A commotion from somewhere in the castle.
I tensed but did not move. It has nothing to do with me—
Knock, knock, knock.
Ah, of course.
I rose reluctantly and opened my door.
One of the morning's servants stood breathless before me, her face pale and her apron twisted in anxious fingers.
"Princess Raine," she gasped, bowing. "The Nightshades... They've arrived at Lavender. They're in the garden... and they've requested your presence. The Madam insists you come at once."
My jaw clenched, fists curling at my sides.
"What?" I hissed. "Who permitted their entrance?"
The girl flinched.
"They outrank the Madam," she stammered. "Their authority... it surpasses hers. I—I'm afraid this cannot be refused."
I exhaled slowly.
"So be it," I said.
If they're that starved for attention, I might as well give them a proper show.
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