Second Wife Of The General

Leomara’s POV “Welcome the General’s Consorts,” The herald's voice sings and Soraya walks into the grand hall with her chin high, her crown sitting perfectly on her head as a compliment to the glittering diamond jewelry she has on. She looks every bit like the General’s first consort and mother of the nation’s heirs. People move aside and heads bow as she passes. The Whispers from other high ranking wives quickly follow. “The Grand Consort is here…Lady Soraya.” She smiles because this is always her favorite part. She loves being watched and I know because I used to watch her too. Before everything burned to ashes. I walk into the hall two steps behind her, no crown sitting on my head as it should be. That is how everyone in the palace knows how deeply they should bow to either of us because as the second consort, I am not entitled to the same regard as her. But for me, the room falls silent immediately as all eyes focus on me, and the whispers pick up. “The second consort is here.” “The Black Rose.” “She looks even more beautiful than the portraits and media photos.” “But why does she always wear black?” I don’t pay attention to any of them and as for the name, I’m not surprised. I’ve heard it multiple times. The Black Rose. The media gave it to me after I married the High General because of my constant appearance in only black gowns. They called it Elegant and seductive but also mysterious. Some even said it was a tribute to the dead. And that last part, they were right about it. Noting the shift in attention, Soraya stops and turns slightly. Our eyes meet and for one quick second, I see the annoyance and jealousy. Maybe even Hatred. But it quickly gets replaced with a warm smile. I return it but mine is cold because unlike her, I don’t have to pretend I belong here. I know exactly why I’m here. The herald's voice goes again, this time welcoming the General. Everyone rises to their feet as he walks in. His excellency, the High General. Or Sevastian like he has instructed I call him when we are alone. The most powerful man in the country and my husband. His eyes wander around the room, passing Soraya and landing on me. Immediately his entire expression changes. The cold blank face now wears a warm smile as he walks toward me and I see her face stiffen in response. He doesn't seem to notice or perhaps he notices and simply doesn’t care. He just wraps his hand around my waist. I won’t say I’m surprised because this isn’t the first time. “You look beautiful…as always.” He whispers as if we’re the only ones in the hall. I give him a small smile in return. “Thank you, Your Excellency.” “Don’t call me that. I’ve told you before, for you…it’s Sevastian. My birth name.” “I know. But there are so many people around, I don’t want them drawing the wrong conclusion.” “It doesn’t matter. Whatever conclusion they draw will have no effect on you because there’s nothing they can do to you, remember?” My mouth curves slightly. “You’re impossible.” “And yet you married me.” Something tightens in my chest instantly. I quickly tone it down and smile back at him. “Yes. Yes I did. After all, a great man like you shows interest in me, what more could I ask for?” His eyes light up. “You make me want to marry you all over again.” We chuckle before he walks to the podium to give his speech. Meanwhile, I see the collective realization on everyone’s faces. The General has chosen his second wife publicly yet again. I look at Soraya and notice her fingers are clenched tightly around her dress. If something as little as this can rile her up, then she’s lucky she’s not my main target. “And now, I would like to welcome my beautiful second consort.” Sevastian’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I join him on the podium to the applause of the whole room. As soon as I climb the stage and start looking around, something catches my attention from the corner of my eyes. At first, I’m not very sure about what I’m seeing but upon a deeper look, I confirm it. It is a small silver insignia pinned to a man’s chest. But it is not just any insignia. It is a hawk whose wings are spread around a sword. The Demoine military crest. My father’s very own crest. I lost my breathing for a moment and in that terrible second, I find myself back in my fathers estate…on that fateful day. Everywhere is filled with smoke which makes it difficult for me to pass through but I continue to try as I hear my mother’s voice screaming at the top of her lungs. “Leave Leomara. Go far away,” she manages to mumble in an excruciating voice. But I’m too shocked to do as she said. There’s so much blood on the ground, so many bodies. How can I leave? A hand grabs me from behind, jerking me in shock. I turn and see my father’s face, covered in blood and smoke. “Father?” I called faintly. “Listen to your mother, you must leave right now, Mara.” “Father, what is going on?” I mumble. He doesn’t answer my question and just grabs my hand. “They are coming, you must leave. Leave and run far away. Leave.” He pushes me down as slope and by the time I can push myself up, he's already down on his back. Lifeless. “Mara?” Sevastian calls, bringing me back to reality. “Are you okay?” I nod. “Yes, yes, I’m fine.” His hand tightens around mine. “Are you sure? You looked deep in thought.” I lift my eyes to his. For one brief second, I wonder how he can’t see the hatred I have for him. Am I just good at hiding it or is he too blind to see the obvious? Perhaps it is the lather. After all, I’ve had two years to perfect my craft so Sevastian only sees what I allow him to see, which is his beloved wife. His Black Rose. I smile. “Yes, Sevastian, I’m fine.” “Good. But just in case something is on your mind, I have the perfect solution to clear it.” He leans beside my ear. “Remind me when we get back to the bedroom.” Another expensive Jewelry as if that will be enough to soften my heart for the destruction of my family and everything I knew. But I didn’t come this far to give up right now. If my enemy giving me expensive jewelry will help me destroy him faster, then by all means, I shall take it. I hold his gaze. “Oh my darling husband, you spoil me too much." “You deserve the best.” Wrong. I deserve your head on a golden platter and one day, I shall have it.