CHAPTER 46 - A Wager
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Sylvos sat casually on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, Windcleaver balanced delicately in his hands as he studied the blade. He looked completely at ease, as if this were some ordinary visit.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
"Good evening to you too, my dear."
I crossed my arms, waiting for an answer. He glanced up at me, smiled, and then angled his head toward the door.
I sighed and shut it behind me.
Only then did he put the blade down and leaned back comfortably.
"Don't tell anyone," he said, "but I'm hiding from my imperial duties."
I blinked at him, baffled.
"With the war so close, shouldn't you be... I don't know, visiting as many concubines as possible? The court would want an heir, after all."
Sylvos rolled his eyes and rubbed at his brow.
"Though I'm exceptionally good at what I do, in all aspects," he added with a smirk, "I am unfortunately still human, and I do get drained, Raine.
There are piles upon piles of work I have to complete during the day.
And then at night, when I merely wish to rest, I am expected to fulfil even more duties. "
He let out a small, almost childish sigh before glancing at me with a sincere smile.
"I feel relaxed around you so please, indulge me, would you?"
I scoffed, walking over to my vanity. Sitting down, I dragged the comb through my hair, watching him from the mirror.
"Most men wouldn't complain in your position," I said dryly. "You have as many beautiful women as you want."
He leaned back, his black eyes narrowing in amusement.
"Do I seem like 'most men' to you?"
I rolled my eyes skyward.
"No. Most men don't wage senseless wars."
Sylvos dismissed my words with a wave of his hand.
"That's enough about war," he said. "All I think about every single day is war. Tonight, I'd rather unwind."
I arched a brow at him.
"And how do you plan to do that?"
A grin curved his lips. He gestured toward the bed where, to my surprise, a small board of King's Square was already set up, the polished pieces gleaming in the firelight.
Despite myself, a laugh escaped me at the sight of his boyish expression.
"Shall we make this game a little more... fun?" he asked.
I raised a brow.
"Fun? How?"
"By putting a wager on it," he said.
I raised a brow.
"Why would I bet on a game I've already lost before?"
His smirk deepened.
"Oh? I didn't expect you were the type to back away from a challenge."
Before I could retort, a voice suddenly stopped me.
"Accept the bet," Ryn said.
I tensed, my hand brushing the dagger at my hip. The elf almost never spoke to me when others were present, and his sudden intrusion made my heart skip. I wanted to ask what he was planning, but with Sylvos watching, I couldn't.
I just had to trust him.
With a sigh, I nodded.
"Fine... I'll play with a wager."
Sylvos' expression brightened as he moved to the bed, settling by the board with the ease of a man confident in his victory. Reluctantly, I joined, sitting across from him.
"If I win," he said, "I want to see you dance again, like you did at my feast."
I cocked my head back.
Of all things, that's what he wants?
Pondering over my options, I decided to take a chance.
"Very well. Then if I win, you must stop this war."
He gave a low chuckle, shaking his head.
"I can't agree to a wager I have no intention of keeping."
I leaned forward slightly, my smirk challenging.
"If you're so confident, agreeing should be easy, right?"
"I will win," he assured. "But it's a matter of principle."
"Fine," I sighed.
It was worth a shot.
Humming, I thought about my options again. If I couldn't make any wager that would help me overthrow Sylvos, the very least I could do was choose something that would make him miserable.
A sly smile crept up my face.
"Then, if I win, you must visit a different concubine every night until the war begins."
For the first time, his composure cracked. He looked at me in horror.
"Raine... pick something else, please."
I laughed wickedly.
"That's my wager."
He groaned, running his hand over his face, but finally nodded.
"I suppose it doesn't matter, since I'll win."
And with that, the game began.
Sylvos made the opening move, sliding one of his polished pieces to a position that allowed him many options. As I reached for mine, Ryn's voice cut in sharply.
"Not that one," he said.
I paused, fingers hovering over the piece I was about to move.
"Move your duke instead," he instructed. "His authority will grant your infantry more range."
My brows lifted slightly before I did as told.
It seemed the elf knew what he was doing.
Following Ryn's careful instructions, the game progressed slowly. Sylvos' expression grew more focused as time passed, and by midgame, he sat hunched over the board, studying every position. I smiled at that sight.
"How do you know what I'm planning?" he asked, running a hand through his silver hair after I'd once again stopped him from claiming any more territory.
"Maybe I'm just lucky," I shrugged.
"Ha. Right..."
Not long after, Ryn was able to secure me four tiles from Sylvos' territory in one strike. His eyes widened as he leaned back, staring at the board in disbelief.
With that single move, the tide of the game had shifted heavily in my favor.
But Sylvos wasn't done.
With a sudden counter move, he reclaimed five of my tiles, sweeping the board with ruthless efficiency. My jaw tightened as the advantage slipped from my grasp.
"Move your queen to twenty-four-H," Ryn instructed.
My hand hovered over the piece uncertainly.
Was the elf blind? I'd get pinned at the corner. Sylvos wouldn't miss such a blunder. He'd take even more of my territory if I went through with this.
Maybe I should follow my instincts instead...
"Don't doubt me," Ryn said.
I bit down on my lip.
It was so risky...
But he'd gotten me this far...
With a heavy sigh, I moved my poor queen.
As expected, Sylvos seized the opportunity, taking another pair of tiles and putting himself in the lead.
My shoulders sagged.
I was right...
Just as I thought of giving up, Ryn chuckled. The sound was low and almost sinister, sliding down my spine and leaving shiver in its wake.
"Do you see his crown prince?" he asked.
Frowning, I glanced over to the other side of the board.
Then my eyes widened.
Was this his plan all along?
I sent my holy priest to claim his prince and with that move, over half of Sylvos' pieces changed over to my side. It was a rare move which required such specific circumstances, I never gave it any thought before.
Sylvos stared at the board, stunned.
"How... how did you do that?"
I glanced down at my dagger and spotted Ryn settling comfortably into the bed's pillows.
"The true purpose of the game isn't to simply gain territory," he chuckled. "It's to turn your opponent's army against them. Of course, mortals wouldn't understand. This game was made by elves after all."
Sylvos leaned back, still processing his loss. Meanwhile, I couldn't help the triumphant smile that tugged at my lips.
"Maybe you're not as smart as you think," I shrugged.
The rest of the game dragged on, each move from Sylvos a desperate attempt to salvage what was already lost. Piece by piece, his empire crumbled until he was cornered, his once commanding presence replaced by quiet resignation. At last, with no moves left, he exhaled and leaned back.
"I concede," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite his defeat. "This is the first time I have ever lost at King's Square."
I allowed myself a small, triumphant smile.
"I'm happy to help."
His dark eyes slid to mine, studying me.
"Are you still adamant on that ridiculous wager of yours?"
"Very much," I grinned.
The sadness in his expression was subtle, but it was there. Still, he nodded.
"Very well. I'll uphold your request..." he sighed.
Then the corner of his mouth curved up.
"But since I won't be seeing you for a while... I'll make the best of what I have tonight."
My eyes widened, but before I could react, he was already on top of me, his weight pressing me into the furs. My heart thudded wildly in my chest as his lips traced down my neck, warm and unrelenting.
Mortification burned through me.
Ryn was right next to us...
But Sylvos' mouth traveled lower, down to my chest, his fingers tugging at the fabric of my gown—
"I— I'm on my monthly cycle!" I blurted. "And I'm... having some cramps..."
He froze, lifting his head slightly to search my face.
"Is that true?"
It wasn't.
I still had a few days before it began, but I forced myself to nod.
For a moment, he just looked at me, then let out a long sigh and rolled onto his back beside me.
"I hope my luck returns once the war begins," he chuckled. "Tonight's been exceptionally unfortunate."
A strange bit of guilt poked at my heart, but I shoved it away.
"S-Sorry..." I mumbled awkwardly.
He glanced at me with a soft smile.
"It's nothing to apologize for. You won your game fair and square. And you cannot help for your womanly troubles."
The guilty feeling returned with a punch this time.
And I couldn't get rid of it no matter how hard I tried.
Sylvos then rose from the bed with a hum, raking a hand through his hair.
"You can prepare for bed," he said.
Without waiting for my reply, he strode toward the balcony, pushing the glass doors open and stepping into the night air.
He stood there, a tall silhouette against the moonlight, staring out over the snow-blanketed courtyard.
His posture was relaxed, almost peaceful, as if he'd resigned himself to his misfortune.
Taking the chance he offered, I quickly changed out of my gown and into the most modest nightdress I owned. Done, my eyes fell to Raincatcher on the table.
I didn't know what to do.
Having Ryn near always gave me strength, yet the thought of him watching me sleep beside Sylvos was disturbing...
"I'm sorry," I whispered before tucking the dagger carefully into the drawer beside my bed.
By the time I crawled under the furs, Sylvos had turned back around. He offered a smile as he closed the balcony doors. Then he kicked off his boots, removed his tunic, and slid into bed behind me, his arm wrapping securely around my waist.
Although his presence made my heart twist uncomfortable, I didn't resist as he nuzzled close, his breath warm against my neck.
"You know," he murmured, his voice soft and tired, "although I enjoyed myself tonight, I really do regret the wager."
A sly smile tugged at my lips.
"Maybe your invisible opponents were only letting you win all this time."
He chuckled low in his chest and pulled me tighter against him.
"Cruel woman," he whispered.
"Foolish tyrant," I countered back.
I didn't even realize my smile stayed in place.
But like that, I fell into a peaceful sleep.
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Sylvos had kept his word.
He left the next morning, and I hadn't seen him since.
At first, I'd been delighted. I even caught myself walking around Dahlia Castle with a spring in my step when I heard the rumors that he'd spent the night with Isolde. But the lightness didn't last. Perhaps I was just too drained from dealing with him up until now...
That afternoon, I grew tired much too quickly and retreated to my chambers. I slept through the evening, only to be greeted by my monthly cycle when I awoke.
Ah, I suppose that explained my fatigue...
The next morning brought whispers of his visit to Cerys. Then the next, Griveen. And so, the pattern continued. He had visited the three Nightshades, then the five Orchids, and eventually the seven Roses.
It shouldn't have mattered to me. In truth, the peace of his absence was the greatest gift I could have asked for. Yet after two weeks of hearing endless gossip, I grew bored of it all.
Didn't anyone have anything better to discuss?
I was lucky Dahlia Castle was much more intimate than Lavender or I would've heard much more of the useless talk. With only ten women holding the rank, we rarely crossed paths.
But that evening, while Virella and I dined in the hall, the other Dahlia ladies decided to join us. They sat across the table, their smiles sharp as knives as they ate.
"Isn't it funny?" one whispered to the other. "She was so favored, yet now the emperor avoids her."
I rolled my eyes and continued eating.
"The princess must have offended him," the other giggled.
A third lady chimed in, her tone dripping with false sweetness.
"Did you notice she doesn't even have a handmaiden? Who knows? She might not be Dahlia much longer."
Virella's knife scraped hard against her plate, the sound cutting through the hall. She calmly set her utensils down, a dangerous smile playing on her lips.
"Tell me," she said lightly, looking straight at them, "have any of you even spoken to His Majesty this season?"
The room went silent.
"Perhaps," Virella added, her smile sharpening, "you'll be the new Clovers."
The ladies' smiles vanished, replaced by tight glares.
Just then, the doors to the dining hall slammed open. The Dahlia Madam bustled in, skirts swishing as she hurried toward us.
"Finish your meals and return to your chambers," she urged. "His Majesty will be visiting Dahlia tonight!"
My eyes widened.
Across from me, Virella broke into a laugh, leaning back in her chair.
"Well, well," she said. "I'd like to see you gossip now."
But then the Madam turned, not to me, but to one of the gossiping ladies who had spent the evening smirking in my direction.
"Lady Dianna," the Madam said briskly, "see that you wash yourself thoroughly and make yourself ready."
Virella's laughter faltered while the chosen lady gracefully inclined her head.
"Of course, Madam," she replied. She rose from her chair and, on her way out, cast me a triumphant grin.
My mood soured instantly. Without another word, I stood and left the hall, retreating to my room just like the others.
That night, I sat on my bed staring up at the ceiling. The vylnir lay curled beside me in its cat form, breathing softly. The quiet was broken only by the distant commotion of Sylvos' arrival — boots on stone, servants scurrying, and the murmurs of his attendants.
My heart pounded in my chest, fearing he might come to me despite the Madam's arrangements.
But he didn't.
Fortunately, he didn't...
I turned on my side, exhaling slowly.
"Why are you so down?" Ryn asked suddenly.
I glanced toward Raincatcher on my nightstand. In the reflection of the blade, I saw him lying next to me on the bed, his strange eyes a neutral indigo today.
"I'm not down," I said softly. "I'm very happy. I'm just... worried about my sisters. I hope they're managing."
He didn't look convinced.
"Is it really upsetting to hear the tyrant visiting other women?" he asked.
A laugh burst from my lips, but it felt unnatural.
"That's ridiculous. He's an emperor. Of course he'd visit plenty of concubines. And I was the one to even suggest it! It's the only way to get some peace away from him."
Ryn only watched me in that unreadable manner.
I scoffed and rolled onto my back.
"Instead of talking about nonsense, we should figure out how to free Cavriel from his oath. Do you know of any way? I don't know if I can look Virella in the eye if I'm the cause of her brother's death..."
He tilted his head thoughtfully, ears perking up.
"Maybe if Briarvex is destroyed. But that's unlikely."
My eyes narrowed.
"There must be a way."
He sighed, scratching at his head with his sharp nails.
"Perhaps... Another cursed sword could destroy Briarvex. But not just any. The tide sword certainly couldn't. But the flame sword on the other hand... Fire should be the thorn sword's weakness."
My heart raced with hope.
"Pyree possesses the flame sword," I said. "If Skye could get Prince Malrik on our side..."
Ryn nodded.
"It's all up to your sister now."
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Another week slipped by, and Sylvos had visited nearly every lady in Dahlia before word spread that he was leaving to handle matters in the North. This time, his absence stretched into a whole month.
A wonderful, peaceful month...
Days were spent with Virella and Sireen, wandering the gardens, comparing embroidery, and making snow men that looked like the emperor before thoroughly murdering said snow man. At night, when I was alone, I practiced fighting techniques in my room, repeating Cavriel's drills until my arms ached.
With each passing day, my movements grew sharper, my resolve stronger.
Just when I had begun to savor that rare peace, the emperor returned.
His banners flew high at dawn, and whispers spread throughout the walls like a disease. With only two weeks remaining until the war, everyone was anxious.
Me included.
"Princess Raine," a servant called outside my door.
I frowned and got up from bed to answer.
The servant bowed politely.
"Princess, you have been summoned to the war chamber."
My heart skipped at the words.
So it begins...
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