CHAPTER 44 - I Surrendered To Him
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Unable to hide my disdain, it had gotten to the point where he even offered me a way out. Something I never could've expected from him. And as much as I wanted to accept that offer, I couldn't. I had something to finish...
But refusing his offer when I so clearly loathed him wouldn't make sense. He'd eventually figure out my treasonous intentions. So, I had to resort to this...
I had to pretend to love him.
And to be conflicted with those feelings.
Now, alone in his chambers, I regretted my actions.
Sylvos crossed the room with easy strides, the lamplight glinting against his silver hair. From a drawer in his desk, he retrieved an onyx box.
"Do you know how to play King's Square?" he asked.
The question caught me off guard.
"Yes," I admitted. "I played it often back home."
A grin, genuine, spread across his face.
"I had a feeling you would."
He carried the box to the bed, opening it to reveal carved pieces of ebony and emerald. With meticulous care, he arranged the board between us, then poured two glasses of wine. Setting them aside, he patted the empty spot beside him.
"Join me, will you?"
I frowned.
"You brought me here just to play games?"
He smirked.
"Did you have something else in mind?"
Heat rose to my cheeks.
"You— Don't act so innocent. You're the one who talked about inappropriate thoughts..."
He laughed at that.
"Well, I suppose playing games with my concubine when I have an imperial duty to fulfil could be considered inappropriate. I know my Chamberlain would certainly think so..."
I rolled my eyes and sat on the bed.
"You should know, I'm very good at this game."
"I'd hope so," he smiled.
And the game began.
The board was a battlefield of squares, where the goal was to claim as much territory as possible.
It involved a lot of deceiving and misleading, tempting your opponent's pieces to defend one section while you conquered another.
Almost each piece had a unique role to play, and if you didn't have a good grasp on your position, your own army could be turned against you.
We were well into the middle game when I made a move that stole two tiles from Sylvos' territory.
Sylvos raised a dark brow.
"Bold," he said.
I smiled despite myself.
"I warned you. I played often with my older sister."
"She taught you?"
"At the start."
He nodded, moving a piece.
"My mother was the one to teach me. She had a good mind for strategy," he said.
I watched the way his expression darkened slightly.
"After I was imprisoned," he sighed, "the only way I kept my sanity was by imagining the board and playing against invisible opponents."
"That doesn't sound very sane," I remarked.
He chuckled under his breath.
"Perhaps I had lost a bit of my mind. I certainly feel that way around you."
His words sent a flush creeping up my neck. Why was he always such a flirt in this life? Our gazes met across the board. Then, with a swift move, he claimed over half of my territory in one strike.
I gaped.
"What..."
"You left your king vulnerable. You should take better care of him," he mused.
I bit down on my tongue, glancing at the game again. Admittedly, I had been neglectful... And without a king, I couldn't claim more territory... I'd lost.
"Don't feel bad," he said smoothly. "I've been playing for years."
"You distracted me!" I complained, aiming to shove at his shoulder.
But before my hand connected, he caught it.
"Do I really distract you?" he asked, his eyes darker with the coal lining them.
My heart raced faster.
If I rejected him now, his suspicions would grow... I had to play this game properly... Losing would cost me my life.
Swallowing, I lowered my gaze.
"Yes... I hate how much you distract me... You're... all I think about most days..."
There was a bitter truth to the words.
He tilted my chin up.
"I offered you a way out... If you still want to stay, then there'll be no going back. I won't let you go even if you beg. So, choose."
My heart was beating so hard it hurt.
I was almost certain what he was asking of me...
And I nodded all the same.
"I know..." I whispered. "I'm staying... Until death."
Sylvos sucked in a faint breath.
Then, slowly, as though to still give me an escape, he leaned down.
And kissed me.
Throwing away what little dignity I had left, I surrendered to him.
He must have noticed the shift, because he suddenly pushed away the board, the pieces scattering across the bed. Before I could react, he leaned over me, capturing my lips more firmly. His kiss was soft at first... achingly gentle.
It was so different from the Sylvos I knew... He'd always seemed like he was in a hurry in the past. As though it was all simply a duty to get over with. Now, he kissed me as though every second mattered, as though he wished to memorize me piece by piece.
His tongue tangled with mine while his hands roamed over me, tracing my curves through the fabric of my gown. My heart raced in panic. I was sure he'd bed me tonight. And though I wished I could avoid it, I couldn't keep rejecting him without raising suspicion.
I had to see this through...
But as his touch drew fire beneath my skin, I wondered what Ryn would think.
You either die... or fall for him.
My brows narrowed at his words.
I wouldn't fall...
Never...
I'd fight Sylvos until my dying breath. Again and again. And right now... Using his feelings against him was my best weapon.
Determined, my arms hooked around his shoulders. Sylvos' kisses trailed from my mouth to my jaw, down the sensitive curve of my neck, my collarbone, and lower still... I shuddered, my breaths coming shallow. Then he pulled back slightly, frowning at the gown.
"I don't want to rip something so beautiful," he murmured.
My cheeks burned.
"Please... don't. It was a gift."
"A gift?" he asked, his eyes murderous. "Who?"
"T-The Clover ladies," I offered quickly.
He sighed at my answer, then rose to his feet with a smirk, pulling me up with him. With surprising care, he turned me around and undid the laces of my gown. Just as the dress slackened, his finger traced the line of my collarbone.
I felt him behind me. His body... His heat... And the undeniable proof of his desire pressed against my lower back.
"You're burning," he said lowly, his breath tickling my ear. "Feverish."
"It's... a bit stifling," I admitted.
He turned me around and kissed me again, his hands firm on my waist as he slowly backed me toward the green stained-glass doors. Without breaking the kiss, he pushed them open, and the cold air of the balcony rushed over me. The snow fell in soft flakes, melting against my flushed skin.
"This should cool you down," he said against my lips.
But the night air only made me dizzier... My back pressed against the stone railing as his mouth devoured me. The gown slipped lower on my shoulders, baring more of me to the winter night.
"S-Someone could see me," I stammered.
Sylvos' lips curved against mine.
"I'll execute anyone who dared look at you undressed."
Heat flared up to my ears at the possessiveness in his tone. His grin widened, and he kissed me deeper, his tongue tasting every part of me as though he owned it.
One of his hands hiked up my skirt, the other steady around my waist. When his fingers slid higher along my thigh, a jolt of sensation made me jump, gasping.
He chuckled darkly against my mouth.
"Don't be so frightened."
"I... I can't help it. Your Majesty is not a man to take lightly..." I whispered.
"Sylvos," he said, his voice husky. "Call me Sylvos."
The name was stuck on my tongue, bitter as poison. In my first life, I had been so happy when he'd asked me this, as though it had meant something—
The memory of my execution burned through my mind.
My lips parted, but no sound came.
I could not say it...
"Your Majesty..." I whispered.
Sylvos' patience waned. I felt it in the way his hands gripped me, the way his touch suddenly became more possessive, almost desperate. The gentleness that had lingered in his kisses turned into something harsher, as though he'd been wounded.
Without warning, he tugged my gown down. I gasped, yelping in surprise as the air brushed over my bare skin. Snowflakes fell on my shoulders, melting and trailing icy rivulets down my chest.
Instinctively, I pressed myself against him, trying to hide from the open night. He inhaled sharply, his hands tightened around me.
"Good," he murmured before lifting me with ease.
My heart pounded furiously as he carried me back inside, the green glass doors swinging shut behind us. I was in nothing but my thin drawers, my hair tangled and damp with snow, my face burning with humiliation.
But Sylvos... he looked as though he was drinking in every second.
He laid me down gently on the bed, the sheets cool against my overheated skin. His hand brushed up to my head, removing my tiara. For a moment, he studied it, frowning. Then he set it aside and returned to me, his lips claiming mine with renewed hunger.
"I like the way parts of you turn pink..." he whispered against my neck. "You look absolutely delicious."
I cursed myself for the tingling feeling that spread through my body at his words.
He pulled back briefly, shrugging off his black mantel, then peeling away his tunic. My breath turned shallow. His body truly was carved for war. Each ridge and curve proof of his countless battles. And his arms... I could see how wielded Briarvex so effortlessly.
My face burned as he leaned down, kissing the scar above my heart. I squirmed, the growing heat inside me making it impossible to stay still. Then he moved lower, kissing the scar on my belly.
How could my body betray me like this? Reacting to the man who had murdered me and my unborn child? I suppose it was only a natural response...
It wasn't as though I enjoyed this.
I was simply enduring...
But even as I told myself that, the words felt cheap.
As if sensing my turmoil, Sylvos' hands slipped lower, and with one motion he pulled down my drawers, leaving me completely naked. I bit my tongue to keep from protesting, my nails digging into the sheets.
Then, to my growing horror, he untied his own pants.
He really was...
I quickly looked away, shutting my eyes tight. I had seen him like this countless times before, yet now it felt different...
Bracing myself, I tried thinking of anything except what was about to happen.
And yet...
Nothing happened.
What was he waiting for?
Just as I was about to ask, he suddenly kissed my forehead and climbed up beside me. The fur blanket rustled as he pulled it over us, the heavy warmth cocooning my trembling body. Then he wrapped an arm around me from behind, pulling me to his chest.
I stilled.
My heart beat so loudly I was certain he could hear it. His body was hot against mine... And I could still feel his desire pressing into my back... Yet he made no move to go any further.
He only held me close.
Was this real?
I would've thought it a dream if not for the uncomfortable tingling in my body. I tried dismissing it, shifting my legs, but it only worsened.
"If you keep squirming like that," his murmured against my ear, "I might not hold back."
I scoffed before thinking.
"You'd do whatever you pleased anyway."
He surprised me with a quiet chuckle and a slow shake of his head, nuzzling against my neck.
"But I don't want to hurt you..."
I sucked in a quiet breath as his hand slid down, stopping to rest gently over the scar on my stomach.
Right... I'd told him I couldn't bear children. And that bedding him would hurt...
Did he truly take my words to heart?
Somehow sparing me was worse than claiming me... How was I supposed to kill him if he kept treating me like this?
Why couldn't he care for me back then as he did now...
"I'm happy you didn't leave..." he whispered against me. "I'd probably lose my mind if you did."
A tear welled in my eye, blurring the dim glow of the room.
And as if to mock me, I didn't dream of a single death that night.
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I woke to soft light spilling through the green glass. For a moment, I forgot where I was. The bed was so warm, the furs wrapped around me like a cocoon, and my body felt... comfortable. I hadn't slept so well in ages.
Yawning, I stretched my arms—
"Good morning."
My eyes snapped open.
Sylvos' voice came from across the room. Heart pounding, I turned to see him seated at his desk. He looked up from his reports and leaned forward on his elbows.
"This," he smiled, resting his chin on his hands, "is certainly a sight I could get used to."
Confused, I followed his gaze — and realized with horror I was still naked, my chest completely bare.
I let out a strangled gasp, yanking the furs up and wrapping myself tightly, curling into a protective ball where only my face poked out. My face burned hot as I scanned the room.
"Where is my dress?"
A knock at the door made me jump.
"Come in," Sylvos said smoothly.
The door opened, and Finnel stepped inside, balancing a stack of letters. At first, he walked in with some excitement — until he saw me in bed. His steps faltered, and his face went crimson.
"A-A-Apologies!" he stammered, pinning his eyes on the floor as if he could disappear.
He quickly rushed over to Sylvos and set the letters on the desk.
"Y-Your Majesty," he mumbled. "I have... m-more letters to deliver. One of the messengers... H-His bag was stolen by a crow. They found it late last night in a nest."
Sylvos took the letters with a nod.
"Good work, Finnel. You can let the servants know they may bring breakfast and some attire for Princess Raine. Oh, and summon my captain, please."
"Yes, Sire!" Finnel said quickly before fleeing from the room.
I exhaled, clutching the furs tighter around me. My gaze flicked back to Sylvos, who was already sorting through the letters. After briefly glancing through them, he leaned back with a heavy sigh.
My stomach twisted.
Did he notice something was wrong?
"W-What's the matter?" I asked cautiously.
His black eyes lifted to me.
"Tell me, Raine... Are you a spy?"
My blood ran cold, but I forced my face into a calm mask.
"Of course not..."
For a heartbeat, I feared he would press me.
But then Sylvos chuckled, resting his head on his hand.
"Good. Because it would be terrible to reveal secrets to a spy. And I've already revealed so much to you."
I kept my expression still, though my heart raced.
"I've instructed several groups of sailors to search for a kraken," he explained. "But none have sighted anything. And with the war so close..." His fingers drummed lightly on the desk. "It seems I'll have to accept the loss."
I hesitated before I had to ask...
"Is it true your ships have all burned?"
"Yes."
I frowned.
"Then wouldn't it be better to delay the war? You can't hope to conquer Driftwoode without a fleet."
He chuckled under his breath, a sound that chilled me more than the winter air outside.
"Don't fret. Even if I have to go mad for it, I'll have my fleet."
I shook my head slowly, clutching the furs closer. He was likely already mad. There was no way he could rebuild ships and gather timber in such a short time. It was impossible.
The door opened again, and a line of servants streamed in, balancing trays that filled the chamber with the scent of fresh bread, smoked meats, and sweet fruit. They moved silently, arranging the feast on a nearby table.
Following them came two handmaidens, each carrying part of an elaborate orange gown. The rich fabric shimmered like autumn leaves in sunlight.
I frowned.
"That's not my color," I explained to the women. "I must wear purple."
"I already announced last night's promotions this morning," Sylvos explained from his desk, glancing up from his letters. He smiled as if savoring my confusion. "Congratulations on Dahlia rank, my dear."
My mouth parted.
"Don't look so worried," he chuckled. "You're close with Lady Virella are you not? I promoted her as well, so you don't have to be all alone. Your belongings should all be moved by now."
What?
A spike of panic surged through me before settling down.
Right... I'd left the letter of the sea snake hidden in Lavender castle's garden... And thank the gods I did... Or I might've woken up to my execution this morning.
I shuddered at the thought, rubbing my neck.
Another knock came at the door and Sylvos told them to enter.
Expecting more servants, I looked up, but then froze at the sight of two Briarbound knights entering instead. The first was Ser Bastain, glaring at me briefly. And the second...
His green eyes widened as soon as he saw me.
Cavriel.
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