The Dragon King's Breeder

Lies

I enter my room and find Jessa already inside, her hands folded in front of her, her shoulders tight. She won’t look at me. Her gaze stays fixed on the floorboards like they suddenly became fascinating.

“Embarrassed to be a lady’s maid to the one not chosen?” I ask, pulling the pins from my hair.

“No. No, of course not. I’m honored.” Her voice is small, and her cheeks flush with something that isn’t pride.

“Then what is it, Jessa? I’ve always told you that you can speak freely to me. I don’t think of you as a servant. You’re my friend. Titles don’t change that.”

She hesitates, twisting her fingers together. “It’s just that… I didn’t think the rumors were true.”

I pause, halfway through unbuttoning my dress. “What rumors?”

She glances at the door, then back at me. “Some of the staff said they saw Ravessa sneaking off last night. Meeting with a man.”

My chest tightens. I knew it. I knew something was wrong the moment the lord said her name. I finish changing into my house dress, my movements sharp, and head straight for Ravessa’s room.

I don’t bother knocking. I push the door open and step inside. She’s sitting at her vanity, brushing her hair like she’s already the lady of the territory.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing him?” I ask. “You’re my sister. Did you think I’d judge you? That I wouldn’t step aside? That I wouldn’t tell Father no? I never wanted him.”

Ravessa laughs. It’s cold, sharp, nothing like the giggles she used to have when we were children. She turns in her chair, her smile edged with something cruel. “Perfect little Valestra upset she didn’t get something handed to her on a silver platter? Father wasn’t even considering me for this choosing. It was all about you. Not what I wanted.” She stands, lifting her chin. “I wanted the title, so I went out and got it myself.”

I stare at her, the brush still in her hand, her smile sharp enough to cut. Something inside me goes cold.

“Who are you?” My voice comes out quieter than I expect. “It’s like I don’t even recognize you.”

Ravessa tilts her head, that same cruel smirk tugging at her mouth. The sister who used to braid my hair, who used to sneak sweets into my room, who used to cry when I cried… she’s gone. Or maybe she was never real. Maybe this version of her was always waiting underneath, hungry for a title she thought should’ve been hers.

She doesn’t answer. She just watches me, eyes bright with triumph, like she’s finally stepped into the life she thinks she deserves.