Chapter 2

When Rayena finally gained consciousness and opened her eyes, she found herself lying down in a moving carriage. She blinked slowly, rubbing away the crust from her eyes. How long had she been asleep?

Looking around her, she found the figure who had given her the pills sitting opposite her, arms crossed and gaze fixed on her. Her heart skipped multiple beats as she pulled herself upright onto the seat.

"How long was I asleep?" she asked, her voice painfully hoarse. Her throat felt parched and wanted to drink water to quench her thirst. He rolled his eyes, glancing out the window as his feet tapped incessantly on the floor.

Seeing that the man wouldn't respond to her, she looked out the window, and a gasp escaped her lips. The last time she was aware of her surroundings, she had been in her father's premises. Now, the carriage was traveling through another kingdom, much grander and more beautiful than anything she had ever seen.

"Are we in the Shifters' territory?" she asked, scooting close to the window, her hands gripping the rim as she looked around, watching beautiful people dressed in attires that seemed centuries old, endowed with otherworldly beauty.

"The Shifters' Realm, you mean," the man in front of her ground out, his jaw clenched tightly in irritation. She glanced at him, resisting the urge to shrink away in fear. The man had a very strong, intimidating aura.

"Are we here already?" she asked again, peeking at him.

"Well, what do you think?" he snapped, his voice tinged with irritation. It was at the tip of her tongue to retort, but she thought better of it. One hit from this man could send her flying out of the carriage, and it didn’t seem like he liked her at all.

Her stomach growled, reminding her of how hungry she was, but nothing was offered to her—not even water. She had to sit and endure until the carriage rode into one of the most colossal structures she had ever seen.

Several times larger than her father's palace, it bustled with at least a thousand servants. Some hurried with their chores, while others moved at a more relaxed stride. They all turned to watch her, curiosity etched on their faces, while she stared back, unsure of what to do. Embarrassed, she pulled back and closed the curtains.

They had just gone through the first gates when a kopel rang out and orders came for the drawstrings to be lowered. Her curiosity urged her to peek outside and see what was happening, but she held back, not wanting to seem snoopy.

The carriage drove on for several moments before finally slowing to a stop. Rayena let out a breath, exhaustion swamping her all at once. She didn’t even know how long they had traveled, and now she was in an entirely new environment. The man stepped out first, and she followed after him, squinting against the harsh sunlight that spilled across her face.

The entrance doors to the large building were open, and a man stepped out, accompanied by several female servants.

"Welcome back, Second Commander. How was the journey? Was your mission successful?" the male figure with salt-and-pepper hair called out as he descended the stairs, a warm smile on his face. Rayena watched quietly, her confusion growing.

"Uneventful. But we are back now. How is the king?"

"He's doing well. Currently in a council meeting with the nobles from both clans," Salt-and-Pepper responded, now close to him.

"Has there been any...?" the one called Second Commander asked, a tinge of worry in his otherwise brusque tone.

"None, Your Grace. The king is well," he answered, before his gaze shifted and landed on Rayena. She straightened, chills racing down her spine as his eyes narrowed.

"A human?" he repeated, sounding surprised. "Is she the one you went to find?" he asked the man who had accompanied her in the carriage.

"Yes. Apparently the human king promised her to him, and you know His Majesty—he never forgets."

"Will he even have any use for her? He barely even summons his own kind," Salt-and-Pepper argued, sounding disconcerted. Rayena looked back and forth between the two men, shocked at how casually they discussed her as if she weren’t even there.

"That’s for the king to decide. I’ve done my duty and would like to rest before I see him. You can take her to the harem." Rayena's eyes widened at that statement.

Harem? Why would they take her to a harem?!

When Salt-and-Pepper directed his gaze at her again, Rayena shrank into herself. His barely concealed expression of disgust only made her more anxious, and her palms started to sweat.

"Come with me," he ordered in a curt tone, starting his way back up the stairs.

Rayena looked around her, but the man addressed as Second Commander had already started to walk away with his subordinates. Several servants were unloading her boxes, and no one was paying her any attention. Sullen, she took a deep breath and hurried after Salt-and-Pepper.

The stares were unnerving. The second she stepped into the building, everyone's attention turned on her, and some people even gasped in shock, stunned that a human was in their premises. The nausea in her stomach doubled, and she wanted to turn back and run away. However, she would not give them the pleasure of seeing her weak and helpless. That was not how she was raised.

Shoulders squared and head held high, she followed the Salt-and-Pepper man through the winding corridors he led her through, across a huge courtyard, and finally, into another wing of the palace.

Here, she met a dozen women going about their day, all dressed in beautiful attires, faces perfect, with silky hair flowing across their shoulders. Rayena looked around the structure, awed. It looked like they had just arrived at the harem.

"Another woman?" they murmured amongst themselves as she walked past them, some coming forward to watch her, their different-colored irises piercing her skin. Rayena kept her gaze fixed on Salt-and-Pepper.

"And she's human? What does His Majesty need her for?"

"She wouldn't survive the night with him," one mumbled, then snickered as they huddled together.

"One night? That's too much. What about a second in his presence? No doubt she would give up the ghost there and then. Do you know how terrifying His Majesty is?" another piped up, and everyone chuckled.

Rayena swallowed the lump in her throat, trying her best not to show how affected she was by their words.

"Silence, everyone!" another voice rang out, and everyone fell mute, looking around. Even Salt-and-Pepper paused.

Footsteps approached, and someone cut through the crowd of women that had gathered. It was another woman, several inches taller than the rest, with a mean scar across her left cheek that only served to make her look more terrifying. She was beautiful, no doubt, but her eyes held no warmth, and that chilled Rayena.

"We have a new guest in the harem, and this is how you welcome her?" she said, addressing the women. They lowered their heads in guilt, mumbling apologies.

The new woman turned to Rayena. "What is your name, dear?" she asked, cocking her head to the side.

Rayena opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Clearing her throat, she tried again.

"My name is Princess Rayena Stonebriar," she answered, her voice thankfully calm.

"Rayena..." the woman tasted the name on her tongue, then offered a small smile. "Welcome to the harem. My name is Lady Ysolde, and I am one of the members of this harem. As you may have already guessed, each one of us has been brought here to serve the king. Have you been shown your room?"

"I was about to take her there, Lady Ysolde," Salt-and-Pepper answered, giving the woman a respectful bow.

"I'll handle things from here, Ludovico. You can take your leave now," she said, nodding her head.

Rayena’s heart dropped to the bottom of her feet, her eyes flaring with panic. She didn't want to be left alone with this woman. Ysolde caught the expression and smiled.

"Don't worry, you're in safe hands," she muttered.

"Your things will be brought to your room, while Lady Ysolde helps you settle," Salt-and-Pepper told her, his expression stern. "Have a wonderful day, ladies," he said to the women and walked away.

"Come with me," Ysolde said, stepping forward, leaving Rayena to follow. The other women stayed behind, and her back prickled with their stares.

They finally reached the end of the hallway, and Ysolde turned to her right, reaching for the door by her side. Opening it, she gestured toward the grand room, and Rayena let out a gasp.

It was much bigger than the chambers she had back home, that was for sure. Everything was draped in silk and gold, screaming wealth and authority. The ground was polished marble, and when she glanced down, she could see her reflection staring back at her.

Carved wooden arches and heavy curtains framed sweeping views of pine trees and stunning mountains. A grand canopy bed sat at the center, surrounded by plush rugs, low couches, and greenery. A sturdy writing desk held scrolls, ink, and ornate chess pieces, adding quiet sophistication.

"Wow..." Rayena gasped, stepping into the room. Whoever she was promised to was a very powerful person, no doubt.

Wait, didn't they mention he was the king?

"I hope it is to your liking?" Ysolde asked as Rayena paced around, admiring the view.

"Yes, it is." Rayena answered, keeping her voice neutral even as excitement warred within her. She couldn't wait till explore the entire chambers.

"This is going to be your new room. Every lady who has been promised to His Majesty lives here."

Lady Ysolde informed her and she nodded, balling her hands into fists.

"Were..." Rayena started but stopped herself. "Were you promised too?"

"Betrothed, actually. Unfortunately, our union ran into complications, so I'm staying here instead."

Rayena brows furrowed at her response. Was there a difference? Rayena wanted to ask but kept her opinions to herself.

"I'm sure the journey here was long, so I shall ask the maids to serve you some food while you rest. Do make yourself at home," Ysolde said and started to take her leave.

"Um, excuse me. I just wanted to know... would I be meeting the king soon?"

"That I cannot answer, but I hope that for both our sakes, you don’t," Ysolde said and walked out of the chambers, closing the door behind her.

Rayena remained standing, stunned. Why did that sound like a threat?