CHAPTER 39 - Simply Too Curious
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Everyone was cloaked in their finest as though to show how much more they had to offer me.
Gaudy jewels, rare silks, and expensive leather, all wrapped in thick furs to ward off the cold.
Winter's first chill had begun to settle across the fortress.
The sun hung lower, casting pale light through the carved windows, where frost gathered in the corners like spiderwebs.
But I hardly felt it. My mind wasn't in the room at all.
Since last night, my thoughts hadn't left her...
Raine Stjorme.
I could still feel the shape of her cradled in my embrace.
It had been the first time I'd shared a bed with a bride and not performed my imperial duty.
And I hadn't been that relaxed in years.
Of course, I knew it was important to produce an heir but something about being freed of expectations was liberating in a way I hadn't experienced before.
Yet as sweet as it was, I was once again reminded of those scars she bore. Both across her heart and belly.
My grip tightened around the stem of my silver goblet.
Who had dared harm her? Who in Drakfjord had allowed their princess to bleed? Did her kingdom not guard its daughters? Or had they carved her up themselves?
Perhaps I should sink that miserable island after all.
"Your Majesty?" Minister Gorlen's voice pierced through the fog of my thoughts.
I remained focused on my wine.
The others were still arguing over the costs of my birthday festival, as if the matter hadn't been raised every morning since it began.
It was a month-long celebration that bled the royal treasury dry every year.
Though it helped the economy for both nobles and commoners greatly, it was a burden for the crown.
The crown... I thought bitterly. It grows heavier each day.
And with its weight comes Briarvex's whispers.
Yet last night I felt none of that.
What sort of spell did that princess put me under? Perhaps she was an elf disguised as a human. It would explain how she could speak the forgotten language and dance with such enchanting magic.
"Your Majesty," Gorlen said again, this time clearing his throat.
I raised my eyes at last.
The room of councilors and ministers were all watching — fogged breath curling from their mouths despite the braziers burning behind them.
What had the question been again?
It likely didn't matter. It was all the same after all.
Gorlen swallowed nervously.
"We were reviewing the costs of the Birthday Ball, Sire," he said gently, "and how best to reallocate funds should the war chest be reduced—"
"Cut the lesser amusements," I said. "The torch-jugglers. The fire theatre. And cancel the knight parade. But keep the Birthday Ball grand. The tailors and bakers will feed their children with the coin it brings."
Their quills scratched, eager to obey.
"As for the war," I continued. "We need only enough gold to begin. The southern lands are rich in grain and gold. Their castles brim with silver and soft-spined nobles. Once we take the first city, the war will feed itself."
Their eyes gleamed with the greed of men already counting spoils.
Perhaps I wore a similar face as my mind returned to the princess yet again.
Would she be resting? I wondered. Reading? Dancing? No doubt if she saw me again, she'd have a deep scowl and that prideful look about her. As though she was the ruler, and I, her subject.
The thought drew a smile from me.
I had left her bed this morning just after dawn, not out of rudeness but because she had looked... peaceful. Brow smooth. Lips parted. Like she, too, slept soundly for the first time in years. I had ordered breakfast to be brought to her chambers and slipped away without waking her.
But I could not stop thinking about her.
Surely, she had a spell over me...
Gorlen's droning voice dragged me back to the present, reading the next matter on the agenda in a tone that could curdle wine. I fixed my eyes on the blackthorn table once more, but my mind remained adrift.
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The sun slanted low through the high windows by the time I signed the final document.
The ministers were long gone, but I had been left with piles upon piles of scrolls to read through.
What should've taken me all night, I've managed to complete in a few hours.
Pressing my ring down on the last seal, I sighed with immense satisfaction.
Too impatient to dress for the evening, I remained in my imperial attire and walked out of the chamber with a hurried pace. My cape, lined with black fur for winter, billowed behind me with each step. As I exited the tower, Chamberlain Feldor scuttled after me, panting before he even caught up.
"Your Majesty, p-p-pardon me, Sire, where are you headed with such haste?"
I kept walking.
"Rejoice, Chamberlain. I'm to visit a concubine."
His steps stuttered.
"A c-concubine?" he wheezed. "I, ah— I haven't presented tonight's list yet, Your Majesty. I was just about to—"
"There's no need. I've already decided."
Feldor paled.
"Forgive me, but may I ask which Lady it would be?"
"Princess Raine," I said.
He stopped dead. His mouth opened, then closed, then opened again before he scurried to keep pace with me.
"S-sire, you already spent last night with the princess. Even though she had not appeared on the list. Visiting her a second night... It's not advisable. Please, consider the ladies that have been prepared for your convenience, Your Majesty."
"Convenience?" I chuckled, enjoying the discomfort wrinkling his brow. "We've tried your way for years, Feldor. And what do we have to show for it? In a matter of gods, perhaps it's not the convenience of men which should be upheld."
He swallowed visibly.
"Ordinarily, I'd be delighted by your enthusiasm in the matter, however..." He wrung his hands. "The Lavender Madam's report came this morning. Apparently, there are some ladies who are... unwell. Princess Raine included. A rather serious fever, she said. Coughing, chills. It could be contagious."
I laughed, the sound echoing across the polished stone walls of the corridor.
Of course, my dearest storm is most unwell.
"I wouldn't worry if I were you, Chamberlain."
He blinked, clearly trying to comprehend my dismissal.
"But, Sire—"
"Enough now," I waved him off. "My decision is final."
Feldor exhaled with an air of defeat, bowing low.
"Very well, Your Majesty."
He remained behind as I strode on, guards and servants falling into step behind me. I didn't acknowledge them. Their presence was constant, like the distant rumble of waterfalls amongst the fortress. Unseen. Unimportant.
Lavender Castle came into view as the last rays of sunlight set the stone walls aglow with gold. The towers loomed delicate and serene. But even before crossing the bridge, I could feel the tension. The guards stationed at the front of the castle all stiffened and paled at my approach.
My eyes narrowed.
There were more than usual...
A few wore the expected Lavender insignia branded into their chest plates. But others bore the Nightshade crest.
It seems Lavender has a guest.
"Which of the Nightshades are here?" I asked.
The guards froze. One stepped forward.
"All three, Your Majesty."
My jaw clenched. It wasn't hard to guess the reason for their visit. Jealousy and games were expected among concubines. Especially without an empress to keep everyone at bay. It wasn't something to concern myself over.
Yet the thought of Raine being a target didn't sit quite right with me.
I strode into the castle without another word. A young servant rounded the corner, balancing a tray of steaming tea, and nearly dropped it when she caught sight of me.
"Where?" I asked.
She went pale as bone, unmoving.
I exhaled sharply.
"Where are the Nightshades?"
"In... in the gardens, Sire," she stammered, bowing so deeply her knees nearly buckled. "They're... having tea."
I nodded once and moved on, my boots echoing against the stone. As the entrance to the gardens came into view, I slowed and turned to my entourage.
"Stay here," I commanded.
They hesitated before stopping, remaining inside the corridor.
The garden beyond stretched wide, a moderate labyrinth of ivy-wrapped arches and twisting paths.
I veered off the stone path, the grass crunching faintly under my boots, and leaned against the dark trunk of a willow, shrouded in its veil of hanging branches.
Ahead, the tea table sat in a clearing bathed in pale light with four voices drifted through the garden.
No doubt this visit was due to last night.
But I was simply too curious how Raine would handle the matter.
Indulging in my interest, I reached over my shoulder and drew Briarvex. The sword hissed as it left its sheath, the metal gleaming. I drove its tip into the soil and the ground shivered beneath my feet as the magic woke.
The vines buried deep under the garden stirred, thorned tendrils twisting and writhing like something alive.
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I closed my eyes and let the power coil through my blood.
The vines crept unseen beneath the earth, weaving toward the table.
And the garden unfolded in my mind like a living map — hedges, fountains, benches.
The magic carried not just sound but sensation, each vibration sharpening until I could see the scene as if I stood among them.
And so, I leaned against the tree and watched.
Four women sat around the table beneath the hanging willows. Lady Isolde, Lady Cerys, and Princess Griveen — all draped in black silks and fur. The two seasoned Nightshades wore their confidence effortlessly. But Griveen fidgeted, smoothing her two-toned hair over and over.
And then there was Raine.
Seated across from them, her posture was relaxed, her gray eyes half-lidded. The perfect image of effortless disregard.
Lady Isolde leaned forward with a smile, the smooth fall of her red hair catching the pale light.
"We missed you at lunch, Princess. I had the cook prepare something special. But you never answered our invitation."
Raine tilted her head slightly, lashes lowering, every inch the polite princess — yet the corner of her mouth betrayed her amusement.
"Oh, how terrible. I would've loved to join," she said softly. "Unfortunately, I had trouble walking this morning." She let out a delicate sigh. "The emperor has... remarkable stamina."
I nearly choked on my own breath.
Keeping quiet, I bit down on my laugh and let the magic slip for a moment, pressing the heel of my palm against my temple.
She's lying so confidently. Brazenly even.
Makes me tempted to prove her right.
Isolde tightened her hold on her teacup, her smile slightly strained though no less graceful.
"I'd heard about His Majesty's visit," she said. "We wanted to have tea to congratulate you on the achievement. Perhaps if you're any good in bed, you could earn another promotion."
"Sleeping with His Majesty has little to do with rank," Raine replied lightly. Her eyes turned toward Princess Griveen, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Even Princess Griveen is a Nightshade. But has she been visited by His Majesty even once?"
Griveen went rigid, her teacup clattering hard against its saucer. Her hand trembled as she pointed at Raine, voice sharp and unsteady.
"That's your fault!" she snapped. "You— You clearly had ill intentions during my welcoming banquet! My griffon only acted in self-defense. And now His Majesty thinks terribly of me."
Raine didn't flinch. She only smiled.
"I doubt His Majesty thinks of you at all," she said.
My brows rose slightly.
How bold.
She was walking a fine line between playing the court's game and making enemies she does not want.
Griveen's chair screeched back. She stood with her fists clenched, knuckles pale.
"You're being disrespectful," she spat, then glanced at the others briefly. "As a Nightshade, I... I have every right to discipline you."
Raine tilted her head, raising her brows.
"Then go ahead," she said coolly. "If you're willing to pay the price."
Griveen faltered.
"Price?"
Ah, harming a concubine the morning after my visit would indeed be a hefty price.
Perhaps it was time to end this. Before anyone got in trouble.
I've had my fun.
Sighing, I stepped away from the tree, pulling Briarvex from the soil. The magic recoiled from me like a beast called back to its cage, leaving behind a dull ache just behind my eyes — a small tax for the power I had drawn.
I brushed the dust from my attire and walked with deliberately heavy steps toward the tea table. The Nightshades noticed me at once. They shot to their feet, masks of grace snapping into place even as fear flickered in their eyes.
"Your Majesty," they said together, their curtsies deep but rigid.
Raine turned at their reaction — and nearly choked on her tea.
The sound was so sudden, so undignified, that a laugh threatened to escape me. She sputtered, hand pressed to her chest, eyes wide as she coughed.
"Y–Your Majesty—" she managed.
"Good evening," I said, smiling faintly.
She scrambled to set her cup down, rising to her feet. The pale lavender of her gown shimmered faintly in the dying light as she brushed at her skirt, then dipped into a slow, graceful curtsy.
I gestured lazily.
"That's not necessary. Sit, Princess. You should rest... after what I put you through last night."
The words struck her like an arrow. A flush spread across her face — pink blooming across pale skin, creeping to the tips of her ears.
Ah. Now there's an expression I hadn't had the pleasure of seeing before.
Delightful.
I allowed my smile to deepen before turning to the Nightshades. Lady Isolde schooled her face into something resembling calm, but I knew her too well. Though I don't enjoy humiliating my first concubine, she had invited this trouble herself. A touch of humility would do her good.
"My apologies for interrupting your tea," I said smoothly. "But I'd like to steal Raine, if that's alright. I trust you understand."
They nodded stiffly, though none of them could manage even half a smile.
When I turned back to Raine, the sight rewarded me once again. She looked utterly undone, shoulders drawn in, lips parted as though unsure whether to protest or submit. The proud, storm princess, caught off guard.
"Your Majesty... perhaps it isn't wise," she said cautiously. "I'm afraid I'm still... rather spent from last night."
I grinned at her audacity.
"I think you'll be just fine."
With that, the Nightshades exchanged stiff farewells and slipped away. I extended my arm toward Raine. Her brows drew together, but the flush on her ears betrayed her. After a moment's hesitation, she linked her arm with mine and together, we walked back into the shadowed halls of Lavender Castle.
Word of my arrival had already spread like weeds. The Lavender Madam appeared, pale and trembling, wringing her hands as she bowed low.
"Your Majesty, apologies, this castle is in such an unsightly state. We were not prepared... Princess Raine was not on tonight's—"
"It's quite alright, Madam," I interrupted smoothly. "Have dinner sent and a bath prepared. That will suffice."
"Ah... there is a slight issue," she said, her lined face creasing even deeper.
The issue revealed itself the moment we reached Raine's door. Servants crowded outside, frozen in fear, too terrified to cross the threshold. I looked over their trembling heads to see why, then sighed.
The vylnir stood in the center of the chamber, its wolfish form massive against the dim glow of the lamps. Its black fur bristled, and its maw curled back to show dozens of jagged, glistening teeth. The guttural growl it released vibrated through the stone, daring anyone to step closer.
Raine swept past them all without hesitation.
"Vyvy, ??α?? ??? ?σ??!" she said in that strange, forgotten tongue.
The beast's strange blue eyes fixed on her.
"T?ι? ι? ρ??????," she continued in a scolding tone. "K??ρ α? ι?! G?σ??, ?α?? α ?????, ?υ? ?σ ?σ? ?α?? α??σ??. I ?σ ?σ? ?ι?? ?σ ??α?? ??? ?ι??? ?ι?? συ? ?????."
The creature's ears twitched, and its hackles rose. Whatever command she gave seemed to only enrage it further. The vylnir bared its teeth, its growl swelling to a snarl that made the servants whimper.
"No, calm down!" she barked, switching to the common tongue. "Outside, Vyvy. Go outside!"
But the beast ignored her. It lashed out, claws raking against the floor as it tore through the chamber, ripping at the furniture with violent swipes.
Raine sighed before turning to me with a look of defeat.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. It seems the room is... unavailable. The vylnir must have been spooked. I should stay and calm it."
My jaw tightened.
Though the beast did seem to pose a problem, I didn't want to give up just yet.
"Hm. Perhaps we could—"
"Your Majesty!"
Everyone turned as a Briarbound knight rushed toward us, flanked by soldiers.
"There's news," he said, voice strained. "Our fleet's building location has been compromised. The shipwrights' workshops and homes... They've been set on fire. Everything is burning, Sire."
I went still.
The information had leaked? So soon?
"Prepare my mount," I commanded.
The knight bowed sharply and hurried away.
I turned to Raine. She looked puzzled, yet beneath that, faintly relieved.
The sight dampened my mood further.
Is my presence truly so terrible to her?
I exhaled slowly, forcing down the irritation.
"I'll see you again when I return, Princess. Let us hope your beast is tamed by then."
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