"Are you sure you want to enter the palace?" Lord Reevan asked, his voice as smooth as velvet yet heavy with centuries of caution. His crimson eyes, rimmed with gold, flickered with something between disbelief and admiration as they lingered on the woman before him.
Ruby stood unwavering, cloaked in black silk that clung to her form like a shadow. Her hair was pinned in a way that exposed the nape of her neck—a bold statement in a world where survival was often veiled. Her gaze, unflinching, met his.
"Yes," she said, her voice low, calm, almost amused. "What could be a better day than the Choosing of the Maiden ceremony?"
Reevan's lip twitched, revealing the faintest flash of fang. "After all that has been done to you… after the blood spilled in your name, after he left your body cold on the floor—you still want to enter the harem? As a concubine?" He scoffed and shook his head, disbelief bleeding into frustration. "You're either fearless or insane."
"Who said I'll enter as a concubine?" Ruby's smile curved like a blade. "That role is too small for me."
Reevan's brow rose. "Then… what are you?"
"I will enter the palace as a goddess," she said, stepping forward until the space between them grew taut with energy. "And for that, Lord Reevan, I require your help."
The vampire lord studied her, his gaze sharper than any sword. "Goddess?" he repeated, more to himself than to her. "You carry no divine blood. No blessing. You reek of vengeance, not divinity."
"I was mortal once," Ruby said. "I carried life inside me. I loved a king who made promises under moonlit lies. I died with a name cursed by those I trusted." Her voice turned icy. "But I returned… not as a woman who forgives. I returned as a storm."
Silence fell between them, broken only by the rustle of her cloak and the faintest shift in the shadows behind Reevan, where other vampires stood—watching her. Not with hunger. Not with disdain. With something far more dangerous: curiosity. Respect.
Reevan's jaw tightened. "You shouldn't have been able to walk into our territory. They should've attacked you on sight."
"They didn't."
"They watched you."
"They recognized me," she corrected, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Something in them knew I was no longer prey."
Reevan turned toward the vampires in the trees, their eyes glinting like coals. He gestured once, and they stepped closer, but not to threaten. They bowed their heads slightly, acknowledging her presence like wolves to a returning queen.
"They feel your blood has changed," Reevan said slowly. "Yet your heartbeat still echoes like a human's."
Ruby touched her chest lightly. "My soul returned with a curse… and a purpose. I am neither human nor undead. I am becoming."
"You frighten them."
"Good. They'll fight for me."
Reevan crossed his arms. "And what do you want from me, Ruby?"
"Access. Information. The Queen's seal. The harem's schedule. The movement of guards. I want your eyes where mine can't reach. I want your silence where I speak too loud."
He gave a low, dry laugh. "You're bold."
"I've been dead, Lord Reevan. Boldness is all that's left."
He studied her a moment longer, weighing risk against instinct, past against future. She was dangerous. Reckless. But perhaps she was what this broken kingdom needed to finally crumble.
At last, he inclined his head. "Very well. I'll help you. But be warned—once you enter that palace, you're playing a game with serpents."
"I won't play," Ruby whispered. "I'll burn the board."
The air around them shifted as if the night itself was listening.
Reevan turned to leave but paused. "One more thing," he said. "If you become what you claim—a goddess—don't forget who opened the gates for you."
---
The Temple of Moonpetals sat in quiet readiness, its lanterns already hung and the ceremonial space arranged with precision. Shithal stood at the center, her gaze drifting over the golden cushions and silver-threaded drapes she'd chosen. Every detail had been handled by her hand.
She turned slowly, taking in the finished work. "Perfect," she said to herself.
"My lady, it's beautiful," Xioli said behind her. "I've never seen the temple look like this. When the nobles arrive, they'll be stunned. His Majesty too."
Shithal smiled faintly. "He should be."
She adjusted a small decorative tray, satisfied when it aligned perfectly with the others. "This place gives off a divine vibe—even without a priest. A shame, though. The temple's been without one for months, and no time to bring one from outside."
"No one will notice," Xioli assured her. "You've made it radiant. Even the Moon Goddess would approve."
Shithal's smile widened. "You're good with flattery."
"It's not flattery if it's true," Xioli said sincerely. "The king will reward you for this."
Shithal paused at that. "He hasn't been to the West Palace in days."
Xioli looked up. "That's only because he cares about you, my lady. He doesn't want to disturb your work. He trusts you to handle everything."
"Hmph," Shithal said, though not displeased. "You think so?"
"I'm sure of it. His absence is respect, not neglect."
Shithal let out a soft laugh. "You always know what to say." Then her tone turned sharper. "At least I didn't have to go to Roselin for the seal."
Xioli kept her face neutral. "That must have been a relief."
"She sits there like a swollen melon, pretending she still matters." Shithal scoffed. "Even her smile makes me sick."
"Her seal wasn't needed?"
"No," Shithal said with satisfaction. "I found a loophole. This temple falls under ceremonial grounds, not domestic palace affairs. I used the High Steward's seal instead."
Xioli blinked. "That's clever."
"Of course it is." Shithal smirked. "I don't need her permission to shine."
Xioli hesitated, then said gently, "Shall we return to the palace, my lady? Tomorrow is a long day. The ceremonial trays need final touches, and your gown must be fitted."
Shithal nodded, giving the temple one last glance. "It's going to be magnificent. Everyone will see what I'm capable of." She tilted her chin slightly. "Let Roselin watch from her tower. Let the king see who truly understands beauty and duty."
Xioli bowed slightly. "They already do, my lady."
Shithal said nothing, but the small, satisfied curve of her lips said enough.
The two of them turned and began the walk back, their footsteps light on the stone path, leaving behind the quiet glow of the Temple of Moonpetals—ready for its moment at dawn.
---
Kuku fastened the final button of the sapphire-threaded gown, her fingers nimble as she worked around Concubine Fifi's slender waist.
"My Lady, this dress…" Kuku trailed off, stepping back to admire her work. "It's the fifth gift this week. His Majesty has surely been thinking of you."
Fifi turned slightly, studying her reflection in the tall mirror with a satisfied smirk. "Mm. The embroidery suits me," she said, trailing her fingers down the intricate patterns. "Although the King visits my hibiscus garden now and then, let's not fool ourselves. His heart?" She tapped her chest lightly. "Still tangled in Concubine Shithal's web."
Kuku frowned. "You think so, Lady?"
Fifi laughed softly, her voice light but sharp with irony. "Shithal has something, no doubt. A slithering grace, an aura of seduction that's hard to ignore. She wears her desires like a crown—bold, unapologetic. But you see…" Fifi's eyes glittered, "that very hunger for power will be her undoing."
Kuku tilted her head. "You don't want the seal or the title?"
Fifi waved a hand dismissively. "Let her dance for those. I want the King, not his signatures."
A long silence followed, filled only by the gentle clink of bangles as Kuku reached into a velvet-lined box and pulled out a sapphire-blue necklace, gleaming with delicate fire.
Fifi took it into her hands, her smile widening. "Ah, this one. The necklace he gave me after he stayed the night. Said it reminded him of my eyes." She gave a dramatic sigh. "Men and their metaphors."
Kuku giggled. "Everyone's talking about you now, Lady Fifi. Even the palace maids whisper. They say His Majesty has been spending more nights in your chamber than in the royal bed."
"They say that, do they?" Fifi tapped a painted nail on her chin, feigning innocence. "Well, it would be rude to confirm… and foolish to deny."
Kuku leaned closer, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial hush. "They're also saying concubine Shithal hasn't smiled in days. Ever since the Choosing of the Maiden ceremony was announced."
Fifi's lips curved slowly into a sly grin. "Of course. It's the perfect trap for her. She's been so busy preparing, controlling every detail. She doesn't even realize what she's losing."
"His attention?"
"His time. His thoughts. His confessions." Fifi's voice dropped. He said a lot of things last night.
Kuku gasped, clutching the necklace. "He said that to you?"
Fifi nodded, eyes narrowing with satisfaction. "Yes. And he only ever shows his truth when he's here, with me. Not in the council. Not with Shithal. Here."
Kuku fastened the necklace around Fifi's neck, her fingers slightly trembling. "Do you think he'll make you queen one day?"
"Queen?" Fifi laughed again, louder this time, the sound rich with amusement. "Oh no. That would make me a target. No, darling. Let me remain his flower—soft, forgettable, yet always blooming in his mind."
Kuku's brows knit in confusion. "But isn't that dangerous, my Lady? To love the king and not want the title?"
"It's only dangerous if you stand too tall." Fifi winked. "Shithal plays the long game of power. I play the quiet one of intimacy. And trust me, the King needs warmth more than he needs counsel."
A knock interrupted their exchange.
"My Lady," called a voice from outside. "The head servant has sent the final list for tomorrow's ceremony. Shall I bring it?"
Fifi raised a finger. "Not now. I'll see it later.
Kuku looked nervous. "You don't want to see the names? Or the maidens?"
Fifi leaned in closer to the mirror, adjusting a strand of hair. "No. It doesn't matter who stands in the line. The King already made his choice, the moment he started staying past midnight."
"Then… should we prepare for the ceremony?"
"Oh, absolutely. Hand me that silver anklet. And tomorrow…" she paused, eyes flashing, "give me that fire-colored shawl too. I need to stun the court—subtly, of course."
Kuku scrambled to obey. "You'll outshine them all, Lady."
"I don't need to outshine them, Kuku." Fifi held her head high. "I only need to remind them that I've already won. Shithal may hold the queen's seal one day… but I hold the king's secrets."
She turned once more to the mirror, the sapphire necklace resting perfectly against her skin, catching the light.
"Tomorrow," Fifi said, voice like velvet, "let them watch. Let them whisper.
...