CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
The word slices through me.
My lips tremble before the question even forms.
“So… that’s what I’ll be? A concubine?”
My voice cracks.
I hate how small I sound, how desperate.
I never asked for any of this.
I never wanted him like that.
And I definitely didn’t want to be kept like some hidden ornament in a golden cage.
My lips tremble as I whisper, “So… that’s what I’ll be? A concubine?”
I feel small. Hurt.
I lift my eyes, desperate for someone, anyone to see how wrong this is.
And that’s when my gaze collides with hers.
Queen Katerina.
She’s seated gracefully, hands folded on her lap, her crown catching the light like a weapon.
And on her face… a curved, satisfied smile.
A smirk.
Cold. Delighted.
Like she’s been waiting for this moment.
Like she is the
