His Highness’s Concubine
“I’ve always wondered what the mansion of the second prince looks like inside out. We could get to know each other on the way. After all, we’re going to be living together soon.”Almost immediately, Elora chastised. “We won't.”Zireya lifted an eyebrow. “Lady Elora, are you saying that you’ll go against the Prince and the entire royal family?” She walked past the princess to the root of the tree and then ran her hands over it. “This is quite a durable tree.”“It is.” She gritted her teeth and curled her fingers into a fist. She didn’t like that the lady was touching the tree she’d spent hours trimming and nurturing.“But I believe it’s too tall. I’d do something about it after I start living here.”“It’s definitely in its right shape, Lady Zireya. It doesn’t need a cut. Besides, it’s not confirmed if you’ll live here or not.”After running her hands over the neighboring trees, Zireya turned around to face her again. She wore a smile on her face but Elora was aware that it might just be fake.“Nothing is stopping it. This has been my position since I was born and I only lent it to you for the betterment of our country.” She stepped closer until she towered over her. “It’s time I have it back, right?” cocking her head to the side, she leaned over and whispered. “And trust me, you have no say in this. We’ll have a cordial relationship if you cooperate. I’ll go wait for his highness.”She sharply turned and walked away from the courtyard. Once she was out of sight, Elora let out a loud groan. She kicked off a bucket of water that lay at her feet beside her and groaned again when it sent a sharp pain to her legs.“My lady, are you okay?”“Why are the nobles in Elyria overly arrogant?” First it was the first princess, then the Crown Prince, and now, Zireya, her husband’s so-called future concubine. She cursed Rafael inwardly. As if deceiving her and her people wasn’t enough, he had almost killed her the other night and now, he dared think of concubines?“Your highness. Lady Zireya has been betrothed to his highness for years,” Hula announced. “I think this union is inescapable.”“If she starts living in the mansion, we’re done for,” this time it was Brenda who spoke. “Lady Zireya is quite harsh.”Deciding she’d heard enough about the new girl, she narrowed her eyes and began to walk out of the courtyard.“My Lady, please wait.” The maids tried to catch up with her but she was just too fast and too fed up to slow down.Meanwhile, Rafael strolled into his mansion for the first time in two days. Handing his coat to a servant, he walked through the foyer while unbuttoning his undershirt. But he paused when his eyes fell on Draven and Adam.“Your highness.” They both bowed their heads.“What?” Seeing the tensed look on their faces, he asked. “Speak.”“Your highness, Her Majesty, and Lady Zireya arrived an hour ago. You must go see them in the dining hall.”His brows shot up immediately. “And who let them into my mansion?” He snapped.“The servants dared not stop them. The Royal mother might request their heads.”“Where are they?”“At the drawing room, your highness.”It took Rafael less than two minutes to arrive at the drawing room. He flung the double door of the large space open and barged in.“Oh you are finally here, your highness,” Zireya announced, turning away from the few portraits on the wall. “Your highness.” She bowed her head in greeting. “The royal mother was just suggesting how good my portrait would look next to yours. Don’t you agree, your…”He cut in. “What are you doing here?”“Second prince,” the queen spoke beside Zireya. I’m sure you know…”“And I don’t think I gave you permission to set foot in my estate unannounced.”“We have a discussion about…”“I don’t remember scheduling a discussion with either of you.”After his words, silence reigned in the drawing room for a while. The Royal Mother stood with her hands clutched in a fist by her side and Zireya cautiously watched both of them.“Your highness,” she broke the silence. “It’s a punishable offense to interrupt the queen.” The queen had been offended twice in one day by a couple and from where she stood beside her, she could feel the anger emanating from her. “She only wanted us to talk about the ceremony.”“Remind me. What ceremony again?”“I’ll leave you both to talk things out.” The queen walked to one of the armchairs and took her seat on it.Zireya continued. “Our declaration ceremony. Everyone is aware you’re taking me as a concubine. It…It’s been a known fact since we were younger.”“I didn’t know that.”“We’re betrothed. I only let the princess take my spot to bring peace to both Elyria and Yvlies.” She sauntered closer to the prince, her words dropping off softly like salt in water. “That was a huge sacrifice but I’m ready to take the spot of your first consort even at that.”She tried to touch his arms but a step he took backward away from her, like her arms contained silver that burned.“That’s never happening. I never agreed to the betrothal.”“But you never disagreed either. It’s been years.” Her eyes burned with tears that threatened to fall. Although the prince never agreed to the union, he never disagreed either and that made everyone conclude that he was cool with it.“You’re not stupid to assume. Leave now.”He turned his back to walk away from her but her next words caused him to stiffen. “Is it because of her? That witch! Did she turn your heart against me?” She spat.He sharply turned. “Keep her out of your mouth.”“She’s only been here for a few days but is already changing things around. First your courtyard and now your mind.”“Zireya!” His voice increased.“Are you going to choose a mere human over me? If that’s the case, I’d rather get rid of that trash this instant.”She whooshed passed him in speed but she’d barely been out of the door when he took to his heels after her, caught her by the throat, and threw her to the strong wall of the hallway.