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She shook her head. “I’ll grab you a tray. Come on.”
“I’ll just meet you back at the suite,” I said, patting my stomach. “I’m not feeling well.”
Her eyes widened, and she squeaked. “Of course. I’ll get you some tea to settle your stomach as well. Go straight down these stairs two levels and turn right to get back to the Marshal’s rooms. I’ll see you in a moment.”
I nodded and set off down the hallway. As soon as I rounded the corner, out of sight from Mirijana, I started trotting towards my destination—the Beast’s set of rooms. I had to move fast—if anyone caught me in the corridors; I didn’t know if I could talk my way out of it. Thank Ydonja for the dress; at least I wouldn’t have my ass and tits on display and attracting attention.
The halls seemed to stretch on forever as the castle creaked and moaned around me like a living thing as the desert sun heated the stone. Every time a door opened or closed, my heart almost beat out of my chest—but thankfully, no one ever found me along my way. After what felt like hours of winding around the austere castle but had likely only been minutes, I discovered the Beast’s suite. On the opposite side of the castle to Theron’s, it appeared to be a mirror image of it.
The room was fit for a king, with velvet couches and gilded furniture. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries and paintings of naked women mid-coitus. At the far end of the suite, a massive patio overlooked the courtyard below, complete with outdoor tubs to take in the starry night sky in comfort. The patio was golden and shimmered in the light of several braziers that lined its edges. Black silken fabric hung from above to shield those bathing from the sun’s harsh rays. It was an oasis amidst all this desolation, a place where one could forget their worries - at least temporarily. And I hated that a monster enjoyed it every day.
An ornate hookah sat on top of a nearby table, its elegant stem encrusted with jewels and shining against its black lacquer base, the scent of Areca smoke drifting from it. Arrangements of datura flowers hung from the ceiling, adding vibrant color to the otherwise neutral tones of beige and gold that permeated throughout. A luxurious carpet stretched into the living space, where almost a dozen women lounged.
My heart sank as I realized that this was the Beast’s harem, and they were all staring at me. I scanned their faces, searching for Aella, but the woman was nowhere to be found. I cursed under my breath as Zija, the lead concubine I recognized from the colosseum, stood and approached me with an air of authority. She was a beautiful Inferi Remnant, with dark hair, bronze skin, and twisting horns adorning her head. Her features drew back in mild disgust as she surveyed me before dropping into a curtsey.
“Hello, my lady, what can I—“ Her deferential attitude dropped the moment she realized I wasn’t one of the Elven nobles. “What are you doing here?” Zija demanded, crossing her arms over impressive breasts that were only covered by a smattering of beads.
“I’m—“
“Nevermind,” she spat, turning away and giving me a dismissive wave of her wrist that caused her harem-mates to laugh. I noticed that they all had similar horns to Zija’s - not uncommon among Inferi - but also that some of them had wings, too. Clearly, the Beast preferred his women to be of a certain race and nature. “Your presence here is unwelcome. Leave.”
“Gladly.” I turned to walk out when sharp nails dug into my wrist as she grabbed me. “Wait a minute. I recognize you. You’re Prince Theron’s concubine. The one he keeps parading around.”
I raised a brow. “Is that right?”
She sneered at me, stepping into my space. “He might think it’s entertaining to dress you up like a lady, but we all know where your place truly is.” She pressed a finger on the tip of my nose, pushing me back. “In the trash.”
Before I could react, the door opened and Mirijana hurried in. Her eyes darted around until they fell on me. She seemed relieved to find me, her shoulders dropping as a smile lit up her face.
“Oh, there you are, my lady! Did you get lost on the way back to your room?”
At Mirijana’s interruption, Zija let go of my wrist and stepped away from me with a smirk. “I see. She’s simple,” she stage whispered to her harem-mates who tittered, before turning her attention back to me. “You should be more careful where you wander.”
Mirijana grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Zija. “Yes, yes she will,” she promised before spinning to face Zija again with a deep bow of apology. “I apologize for any trouble we have caused you, miss.”
Zija pursed her lips as if irritated Mirijana hadn’t called her ‘my lady’ as well, before waving her hand in dismissal. “Go,” she spat before turning her back on us.
Mirijana ushered me out, her fingers tightly gripping my arm as we left the Beast’s harem behind. I let out a relieved breath as we rounded a corner, trying to shake off the chill of Zija’s words and the sight of the Beast’s women.
“Thank goodness that’s over,” Mirijana said.
I bit my lip, anger still boiling inside me. “That woman was a piece of work.”
“Yes, she is,” Mirijana agreed, casting a nervous glance behind us. “I don’t know why they let her stay here. She’s unbearable.”
“The Governor must have a strange set of preferences,” I replied, still angry at the way Zija had treated me.
“Indeed.” Mirijana chuckled and shook her head. “Come now, let’s get back to your suite before the Marshal returns.”
I blew out a frustrated breath, my mind already racing as I tried to figure out a new plan.
Chapter 11
Theron
Iwentintomysuite as the sun was setting, exhausted but pleased after capturing three rebels for questioning. We’d never been able to catch any in the wild before, only ones already in the city, and they knew nothing about the rebel hideouts. Lily looked up from where she was seated as I entered, her expression shuttering as we made eye contact. She wore a lovely green gown that intensified her eyes even more. They reminded me of the pines on my father’s estate, the towering trees creaking like an old door as they swayed in the breeze.
“Lord Marshal,” Mirijana stood and curtseyed. “How was your hunt?”
