From Ruins to Royalty: Long Live The Queen

Chapter 3:Introduction

He held my hand in his as he led me out of the throne room. "What matters, My King? I asked, curiosity plaguing my mind.

He did not respond immediately. His hand remained wrapped around mine, grip firm but not crushing as he led me through the palace corridors. His expression gave nothing away.

"You will meet Lirielle, "he finally responded. "My first concubine." he continued as his thumb traced a slow circle against the palm of my hand.

"She has been ... difficult lately. Her status is now shared with you, and she does not handle such things with grace." He stopped before a set of ornate doors, releasing my hand in the process of pushing them open. Inside was a lavish sitting room bathed in silver moonlight, and standing by the window was a woman — tall, ethereal, draped in flowing white silk.

Lirielle. She finally turned, her ice blue eyes locking onto mine with clear disdain. "So..., this is the human."

"Hello Lirielle." I greeted her politely, but I did not cower from her gaze. I would not allow her to believe me being weak.

Her ice-blue eyes swept over me from head to toe, assessing until it landed on the curve of my neck. She spotted Silvan's mark on me. Her lips curved into a cold smile.

"Polite. How quaint." She stepped forward, circling me, like a predator circling prey. "Tell me, human, do you truly believe you belong here?" Her voice was dripping with condescension as she ceased her movements, now standing directly in front of me. She definitely towered me.

"You are a curiosity. Nothing more. When he grows tired of you, which he will, you will be discarded like all the others before you." She titled her head, a wide grin plastered on her face. "Enjoy your fleeting moment little mortal."

I offered her a smile of my own. "What I believe does not matter. The only thing that matters is what he wants," I said softly, referring to Silvan, who still had not spoken since we entered Lirielle's chamber." Careful now, Lirielle. Jealousy does not suit a beauty such as yourself. Besides, it would also be best not to make an enemy out of me. I am not competing with you," I said, my voice firm yet calm.

"Not competing?" she said. "How noble of you." She said with a clear mock tone. " You misunderstand human. I have been by his side for decades. You are a passing fancy. A distraction." She spat at me.

"Enough Lirielle." Silvan spoke, his voice cutting through the tension. His silver eyes fixed on her, cold and absolute.

"You will treat her with the respect she is owed simple due to her being my choice. Or you will find yourself removed from this palace entirely," he continued. I saw Lirielle's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Her gaze flickered towards me one last time before she turned away and walked back to the window.

"As you wish, my king." She said flatly.

I was stunned for a moment at Silvan's words. He defended me. It made my heart flutter a little.

"I am his marked Lirielle. You know what that means. When you are in need of a friend, find me. I won't let any harm come to you. Not even from the king." I said to her softly, hoping she could hear my sincerity. After a moment, I went to Silvan's side, gently placing my hand into his.

When I looked at Lirielle, I could see the surprise and confusion warring in her eyes. "You offer me friendship?" Her voice incredulous laced with disbelief at what I had offered her. "You ... The human who stands where I once stood alone?"

Her eyes searched mine looking for any deceit. Her lips pressed thinly upon finding nothing but truth. "You know nothing of what he is capable of," Lirielle said quietly, voice brittle for the first time since she had uttered a word in my presence. "Nothing of what it means to be bound to him."

Silvan's hand tightened around mine, his silver eyes fixed on Lirielle. "Leave us," he commanded coldly.

Lirielle hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on mine before she turned and left the room without another word.

Silvan turned to me, expression unreadable. "Why did you offer her that?"

I turned to him holding both his hands now. I looked up at him," Because, above all else, she fears you. Fear is crippling my king. Especially when fear turns into hate in a woman. Besides, she has spent far too long fighting others to remain your favored. She fears being discarded and abandoned one day by you. She would be left with nothing and I doubt she has family or anyone she could to. I couldn't bare the thought of her enduring that because of me, whether I would be the cause or not. I am not here to replace her or compete with her. I am here because you chose me," I said, wrapping my arms around his waist slightly. "I have chosen you as well. I am giving her an option that would benefit her. One that ensures she will remain with a place in the world. Where she will not tread down the path of revenge. One that doesn't gain you another enemy," I explained to him softly.

"Are you angry with me?" I asked softly, looking down, my confidence fading slightly.

I felt his hand gently grip my chin, lifting my head until our eyes met. "I am not angry," he said quietly, his voice steady but cold. " Your reasoning is ... sound." His thumb brushed my jaw.

"However, do not mistake my tolerance for weakness. If Lirielle becomes a problem, I will handle her. Not you." He released my chin but placed a hand on my waist. "You are not responsible for her choices. Only your own." His silver eyes flared a bit. "Understood?"

I nodded softly, "I know not to mistake your tolerance for weakness, my king. I understand," I assured him softly. Are there any other matters we need to tend to?

He took a small step back, releasing his grip on me. "Yes. You will meet with the council of elders this afternoon. They will assess your suitability. Your fate."