Rain fell softly outside the palace windows.
Not enough to create a storm.
Just enough to make the night feel heavier.
Quieter.
The King stood near the open balcony doors of his private chamber, one hand resting behind his back while the other held a glass of dark wine. The cold air moved through the room, brushing against the loose strands of hair that had fallen near his face.
Behind him, the chamber glowed in warm gold light.
Large velvet curtains framed the walls. Candles flickered softly around the room. The bed near the far side looked untouched despite the two women seated there.
His concubines.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
Patient.
One wore a silk robe of deep red, the material sliding softly over her shoulders whenever she moved. The other wore black, her dark curls falling down her back as she watched the King carefully.
But tonight—
He wasn't paying attention to either of them.
"You've been silent since dinner," the woman in red said softly.
