CHAPTER 95: AN HEIR

Rhynera sat before her mirror, brushing through her long hair with slow, distracted strokes.

Her reflection seemed almost lifeless, her lips pressed into a thin line. e Mia, hovered at her side, adjusting the folds of her gown and humming softly. But the quiet was broken by a sudden knock at the door.

Mia went to answer me the moment she opened it, but the smile on her face disappeared. Standing there was Lady Serena.

Mia’s hands tightened against the doorframe, but she did not dare to stop the woman.

She knew better than to show the kind of boldness that would land her in trouble. To disrespect Serena would mean disaster, and her lady would not be able to protect her.

"Good morning, Lady Serena..." Mia murmured, bowing slightly.

Serena only snorted and pushed her aside, sweeping into the chamber like someone who believed the palace itself belonged to her.

Rhynera’s eyes lifted to the mirror, and in its glass she saw Serena’s reflection draw near.

The faint smile that had lingered on her lips disappeared instantly.

"Well," Serena purred, her voice honeyed with malice, "Good morning to you too. I can see you are not delighted to have me in your private chambers so early."

"I am grateful you can tell that," Rhynera answered instantly, turning in her seat. "Then you will also know to get out."

Serena smirked, leaning closer, "If I were you, I would mind my tone."

Rhynera scoffed and began to rise, but Serena’s hand came down swiftly on her shoulder, forcing her back into the chair with surprising strength.

Mia gasped and stepped forward, ready to protest, but Serena turned her head.

Her eyes locked onto Mia. "If I were you, little mouse, I would suggest to your mistress that her girl excuse us. This conversation is not for other ears."

Rhynera hesitated, glaring at Serena through the mirror, but the warning in her eyes was too sharp to ignore. At last, she sighed and flicked her hand at Mia. "Leave us."

Mia wanted to object, but she only bowed her head and retreated. The door closed softly behind her, leaving the two women alone.

Serena’s smirk widened. "So obedient. I like that."

"What do you want, Serena?" Rhynera demanded, folding her arms tightly across her chest.

"I have no time for your games this morning. I must go to the Queen’s chambers."

Serena tilted her head, her eyes glittering with mischief. "I came to share news. I have made a choice. I want Adam to take me in as his concubine."

Rhynera’s breath caught. "You..." She sprang half out of her seat, but once again Serena’s hand shoved her back down with force.

"I did not seek the title of Crown Princess," Serena said, "so why should you be so offended by my ambition? I see no reason for you to be upset."

"No reason?" Rhynera’s voice shook with fury. "You dare to tell me you want to be my husband’s concubine when our marriage has only just been sealed?"

"Ah..." Serena drew closer, her lips nearly brushing Rhynera’s ear.

"But I wonder if Adam would still call you his beloved wife if he knew you met that man last night?"

Rhynera froze. Her eyes widened in the mirror as the memory returned.

The mysterious stranger she had encountered before Adam had entered, and the way she had prayed he had not noticed.

She was so terrified but Adam had not. He had only scolded her lightly and warned her never to speak with him again in public. She had thanked the stars for her luck.

And now Serena knew.

"You sent him here to me, didn’t you?" Rhynera spat, her hands trembling.

Serena’s smirk deepened. "Well, I figured you enjoyed his company so much. He made you feel so very good, didn’t he? You released more than once for him..."

Heat rushed to Rhynera’s cheeks. She gripped the arms of her chair so tightly her knuckles turned white.

"And it was not even your first time," Serena whispered against her ear, her claws grazing the skin of her neck. "Shall I tell Adam?"

Rhynera swallowed hard. The words struck deep because they were true.

Back in the Celestial realm she had several countless men without her parents’ notice. She had planned to deceive Adam into believing he would be her first.

But Serena had destroyed everything for her. Here she stood, holding her secret like a dagger.

"You... bitch," Rhynera hissed.

Serena only chuckled, shaking her head. "You make it too easy for me. Bold of me, isn’t it? But then, you are so very stupid."

Her hands suddenly encircled Rhynera’s neck. Rhynera’s eyes widened as she stared into the mirror, watching Serena’s fingers shift, claws sprouting where nails should be.

A shiver of fear swept down her spine. She is aware that the Drakonis’ dragon blood allowed them to shift partially, but she had never seen it until now.

"I had planned to respect you," Serena let out.

"But when you plotted against me, you made me lose my patience. You can keep your title, little Crown Princess, but Adam will be mine. I can give him everything you cannot."

She bent down, her lips brushing Rhynera’s ear as she whispered,

"Whenever you are desperate, I can always send that man to you. He will keep you satisfied while I keep Adam."

Rhynera bit her lip until she tasted blood. Serena straightened and stepped back, satisfied, and released her.

"But do not imagine Adam will ever touch you," Serena added cruelly as she turned toward the door.

The moment the door closed. Rhynera’s scream tore through the air. It echoed off the walls, loud enough to make Serena smile in triumph as she walked down the corridor.

"I will have Adam," Rhynera yelped, gripping the edge of her table until the mirror shook.

Her teeth ground together as hatred filled her chest. "I will make him mine, and you will be nothing but a discarded mistress."

Her mind raced, thoughts clicking together. Adam was the key. If she could bear his heir before anyone else, her position would be unshakable.

Neither Serena nor the Queen herself would be able to strip her from her place.

"Yes..." she whispered, her eyes gleaming. "An heir...I must be the first to give him a child. That will secure the throne for me."

The corners of her mouth curved into a smile, dark and triumphant.

At that moment, the door creaked open and Mia slipped back inside. She froze at the sight of Rhynera’s expression, the wildfire dancing in her eyes.

"Mia," Rhynera said sweetly, her smile widening, "we have work to do. First, we must find a way to drive Serena from this palace. And if we cannot chase her out..." Her voice dropped to a whisper, her smile sharpening like a blade. "...then she must die."

Mia’s breath caught. "What?"

Rhynera rose to her feet, her gown flowing around as she clasped Mia’s hands with sudden urgency.

"If Serena is gone, Adam will be mine," she declared. "And no one will ever dare challenge me." Her eyes glittered like she was mad.