CONCUBINES AND DUTIES
1051 Words
NALORIE
The king smirks, refusing to acknowledge my disrespect. He signals for Twig, and she leaves my side to present the scroll she retrieved earlier.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're teasing me into wanting to punish you. I can tell you're avoiding addressing me as your king." His eyes stay on the scroll, then he closes it, looking me dead in the eye. I'm starting to think he has a fascination with my eyes—he keeps locking onto them. His voice sends a chill down my spine, and it's far from pleasant. He turns his attention to Twig.
"You have done well, Kimora. Thank you for bringing her to me. Make sure to take a proper rest; I'm sure the journey was tedious."
Twig brightens, her face softening at his gentle tone. I don't blame her for being a puddle of blush—the king is a savagely beautiful man.
"Thank you, my king. I'll leave you to it. May I take my leave?"
The king nods and waves her off. She curtsies and leaves. I find myself missing Twig's company; I don't want to be alone with the mad king. What if he skins me alive or does something depraved? Coming here doesn't feel like a good idea anymore.
"Do you spend a lot of time in your head, or is this another ploy to disrespect me?"
I didn't notice when he stood up from his throne, but now he's moving toward me, his blank expression replaced by something... intrigued. He steps closer, taking my palm in his. I shiver, goosebumps rising on my skin, and he smirks. His silver eyes glimmer with a strange excitement. My head suddenly feels light, my body weaker; I sway, and he catches me, holding me up.
"Sleep, Queen. We'll speak on the morrow."
He isn't cold like people say. I welcome the darkness.
King Orion
The princess—or should I say, my queen—is a beautiful little thing. Fragile, yet filled with fire. Exactly what I want in a queen. She's resisting the mark but exploiting its benefits. Selfish little queen. She burrows deeper into my shoulder, the mark glowing brightly on her palm in our close proximity. Palace servants glance curiously at the sleeping queen, drawn to her golden skin. Rose, the maidservant I personally selected, approaches and bows, acknowledging the queen even as she sleeps.
"My king, allow me."
"Lead the way, Rose."
"Yes, your majesty." The servants bow as I walk past, lifting their heads only when I'm gone from sight. We reach her chambers, and I hand the queen over to Rose.
"Give her a bath and prepare a meal. Should she complain, I'll assume you aren't doing your job."
Rose bows with the queen in her arms. The warmth in mine quickly fades. Nalorie Constantine has grown into a fine woman and warrior; her baby fat has long since disappeared. The fates decided to entwine our destinies.
My thoughts are interrupted by Rowena, one of the concubines in my harem.
"Y-Your Majesty." She bows.
Kimora and Rowena are my favorites, though they serve different purposes in my harem. Rowena is the woman I once had eyes for... until I saw the ugliness beneath her beauty.
"Walk with me, Rowena."
"Yes, your majesty."
We walk in tense silence, her anxiousness almost palpable. Passing the royal gardens, we head to my reading room. The guards bow and open the door, and Rowena trails behind me. I settle into my chair, picking up a scroll while she stands stiffly.
"I won't fault you for breathing or sitting, Rowe." I don't need to look up to know she's shifting from foot to foot.
"Your majesty, I know you're angry, but I can..."
"Explain how you killed my child, Rowe."
She falls silent, tears slipping down her face. One word, and she's weeping—women in my harem are not only conniving but skilled in theatrics.
"Your majesty, it wasn't intentional. I swear, I was just..."
"You were reckless and arrogant. You killed our child out of pettiness."
"She goaded me, your majesty. That... that crow called me a w***e to the crown!"
I slam the scroll onto the table. I've had enough of her childishness; she doesn't even feel remorse. It's all about her ego.
"You got into a fight, knowing you were with child. You could have reported her to Kimora—what did you think your rank was for? Did you think I'd rush to coddle you? What madness led you to endanger my firstborn? I've waited for you to recover so I could decide your punishment."
She drops to her knees, crying harder. Once, this might have swayed me. Not anymore.
"Get on your feet. You won't sob your way out of this punishment. Drago!"
My personal guard enters, bowing.
"Summon Head Concubine Kimora and Third Royal Concubine Elysa."
He leaves without a glance at Rowena. Minutes pass, and Rowena remains kneeling, tears slipping silently. In my early reign, this might have broken through my defenses, but not now. I've come to see her cruelty.
A knock jolts Rowena. She glares at the door, her face twisting with anger.
"Enter."
Kimora steps in, dressed in royal blue, her hair styled impeccably. Elysa hides behind her, shrinking at the sight of me. Rowena rises, pulling her shoulders back with forced dignity.
"Your majesty , you sent for us," Kimora says.
"I'm giving you back control of your duties since you've neglected them."
Kimora bows. "My king, I'm afraid..."
"Where were you when Rowena and Elysa threw fits like common hussies? She lost my child! And I had to step into female court matters myself, as though I had no head consort. What punishment is fitting?"
"I apologize deeply, your majesty. I've been absorbed in preparations for the season's hunt and neglected my duties. I accept any punishment, and I will see to theirs according to court laws."
"Rise, Kimora. You may all leave."
Kimora exits, Elysa and Rowena trailing behind like chastened children.
The kingdom is draining enough without women and their endless schemes.
"My lord?"
"Enter, Drago." He bows, looking uncertain.
"Have you swallowed your tongue?"
"The... the Northerner..."
"Speak."
"She's awake, and she demands your presence."
My little fire is awake.
- Writer
