Chapter 5 The Night of Masks

The sky above Ikora turned dark with rainclouds that never cried. The palace, lit with torches and gold, hid a ruler drowning in silent rage.

King Kael sat alone in his chamber. His crown rested on the table, untouched. The wine in his goblet was full. His fists clenched, jaw tight. No servants dared enter.

His thoughts were heavy.

He had spared Seraya- Her face haunted him. Her betrayal rang fresh in his memories, and his judgment felt hollow even to himself.

He did not know what to feel anymore.

A soft knock came at his door.

Before he could answer, it creaked open-and entered Lina, the second wife.

Behind her followed Velira, Rhana, and Eshara all draped in silk, bare shoulders glowing under candlelight, eyes painted and lips full.

"My King," Lina purred, stepping forward, "you need us your majesty "

Velira brushed against him from the side, whispering, "Let us remind you what power feels like..."

Rhana pressed a cup of wine to his lips, while Eshara knelt before him, undoing the ties of his robe.

Kael didn't move at first.

Then, as if needing to drown his own rage, he let go.

He gave himself to them that night. Their bodies, their whispers, their hunger-they wrapped around him like vines. He didn't think. He didn't feel. He only escaped.

The four wives shared him until the candles died, and their laughter echoed through the halls.

**

But far below, in the servants' quarters-

Seraya sat starving.

Her cell had been changed for a servant's mat, but no food had been brought since morning. Her stomach twisted in pain, her lips cracked from thirst. Still, she did not beg.