Chained to old wounds

CH56

Ari

The other servant tried to pull me off, but I swung my arm back and knocked her to the ground.

“Wait your turn, wench!” I growled, my focus still on the one pinned against the wall. The servant in my grip struggled, her eyes wide with fear.

“Please calm down. This isn’t helping your–

“I don’t need advice from servant trash!” I screamed.

I could feel my control slipping, the rage taking over completely. I’d d tear them to pieces. My claws ripped through her dress. She crumbled. Blood filled the air. Their surprised shrieks quickly turning into screams for help. The mouthy one tried to fight back, throwing the tray she’d been. carrying at me. The world dissolved into a blur of movement and rage as I unleashed my frustration on the unsuspecting servants.

But even in the throes of my anger, a sliver of fear wormed its way into my heart. Their words echoed in my mind.

….lost her favor

…throw her out.

Could it be true? Was Tsuneo truly ready to cast me aside?

No! It couldn’t be. I wouldn’t let it be. I had to make him see reason, to remind him of our bond, of our destiny together. But first, I had to silence these gossiping fools, to make sure no one else dared question my position. My roar echoed through the empty corridor. A slice of pain went across the back of my head. I heard the mouthy one talking to the other one. She kicked me in the face and then they were running away. I got up rushing after them, but then, I noticed a guard and backtracked. There was no sense in getting in more trouble. I should have killed them both, but it wouldn’t have helped my case. Tsuneo always had a soft spot for servants. He’d be mad if I killed them, and until I was queen, I couldn’t afford to make him angry.

With a final, withering glare, I stormed away, the scent of blood was a small comfort amidst the storm raging within. Every muscle in my body felt coiled tight, a live wire buzzing with unspent

anger.

Reaching the sanctuary of my chambers, I slammed the door shut with a resounding boom that rattled the paintings on the wall. The room, once a reflection of my meticulously cultivated

CH56

image, became a battleground. Ornate vases toppled, their contents spilling like blood onto the plush carpets. A priceless silk tapestry was ripped from the wall, the threads raining down like a grotesque

snowfall. I didn’t care how many times the stupid servants would have to fix it. That’s what they were for.

my world The destruction was a pitiful echo of the devastation inside me. The very foundation of

my future with Tsuneo – felt like crumbling sand slipping through my fingers. The human had wormed her way into his heart, stealing a place that was rightfully mine.

No. It was still mine. She wasn’t even a placeholder no matter what anyone thought.

I sank onto the edge of the shredded bed, the room a chaotic reflection of my inner turmoil. Tears welled in my eyes, a torrent of frustration threatening to break. But I wouldn’t allow it. Weakness was a luxury I couldn’t afford. No, I had to fight back, and reclaim what was mine.

Tsuneo was blinded by this infatuation, but surely, with time, he would see sense. He would remember our bond, the years we’d spent together, the way I was always by his side, all the training I’ve undergone to be the perfect wife, and the destiny that awaited us. I had to make him see it, to remind him of the loyalty and unwavering devotion I offered, qualities that human could never hope to match.

92

And if you wouldn’t see reason, I would just have to force him. After all, if he was still in a coma, I could have him all to myself, and no one would be able to fight me about it. I would be quee killing her would be easy. But that would have to be a last resort. Maybe I could even blame the president who were originally put him in the coma for it.

Taking a deep, shuddering breath, I forced myself upright. The tantrum, a childish indulgence, had served its purpose. Now, it was time for action. I would not be cast aside. I would win Tsuneo back, and together, we would rul

A pounding on my door shattered the tense silence of my trashed chamber. Wiping the remnants of a tear from my cheek, I stalked towards the sound, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. Perhaps it was Tsuneo, who had come to his senses finally. I hesitated and adjusted my robe just to make sure I was as alluring as possible.

Throwing the door open, I found myself face–to–face with a young messenger, his face etched with a mixture of fear and urgency. He bowed hurriedly, thrusting a rolled parchment into my hand.

“For Lady Ari,” he stammered, before scurrying away down the hallway.

My fingers trembled slightly as I unfurled the note I recognized the writing. The message was brief.

10:16 Wed, Oct

CH56

Kingfisher’s Perch at dusk.

Hope flared into a raging inferno. It wasn’t exactly how I wanted things to go, but it would do.

And if I could kill two birds with one stone, I would.

I closed the door. Dusk was still hours away, but I couldn’t afford to waste a single moment. This was an opportunity. I bathed first, making sure to be as alluring as possible. I’d need every weapon

were eves I had to make this go the way I wanted. Then, I needed to disappear. The palace walls and ears, and it was already clear that human was already tapping into it. I went to the box in the far corner of the room and opened it. A perfect replica of myself popped out. I put it on the shredded bed. It would deceive any servant who came in for long enough. Then, I put on a dark cloak and headed out of my room. I slipped out of the palace. The familiar route felt alien under the cloak. No one noticed me, or they didn’t care. My heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. If I got caught heading out of the palace like this, there would be questions.

The Kingfisher’s Perch wasn’t a tavern, but a cleverly disguised bookshop nestled in the heart of the city’s labyrinthine alleyways. It was where we met whenever we needed to. The key to the hidden door leading to the true purpose of the building was tucked under the third brick of the building.

Reaching the unassuming storefront, I located the brick and pressed down. I grabbed the key and unlocked it. A satisfying click echoed as a section of the wall swung inwards, revealing a narrow passage bathed in flickering candlelight. With a deep breath, I stepped inside.

The passage led to a dimly lit corridor, the air thick with the scent of dust and something… else. Power, perhaps? Anticipation coiled in my stomach as I followed the path, the rhythmic thud of my boots the only sound in the oppressive silence

Finally, the corridor opened into a richly furnished office. A tall, imposing figure stood behind a mahogany desk, his back to me. He turned at the sound of my entrance, a surprised smile lighting up his face.

“Ari!” he boomed; his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. “A most expected pleasure. Come in.”

Chapter Comments