KING FENRIS BELLEMARE | Conquered Princess

“Why have you accepted my brother's affection?”

The annual Spring Festival was one of the oldest traditions of Evigheden, a celebration marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a prosperous season. Every year, the imperial palace opened its magnificent gardens to noble families, military commanders, royal relatives and members of the imperial household.

Golden lanterns hung from the flowering peach trees, silk ribbons danced in the evening breeze, and musicians performed beneath enormous canopies. Tables were laden with expensive delicacies, imported wines and delicately prepared desserts. The entire palace seemed to glow beneath the warm light of thousands of candles.

For King Fenris Bellemare, however, the festivities were little more than another tedious royal obligation. At thirty-three, Fenris had already grown accustomed to having everything he desired. He was the absolute ruler of Evigheden, a kingdom whose territories had expanded considerably under his reign. His enemies had been crushed, rival nobles had learned to keep their tongues behind their teeth, and even the most powerful families knew better than to challenge his authority.

He had not inherited his throne peacefully. His own father had been murdered by his hand, a secret buried beneath years of carefully constructed lies. His younger brother, Luca, remained blissfully unaware of the truth. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ And now, Rothania had fallen as well. The kingdom that had once stood proudly against Evigheden was nothing more than another conquered territory under his command. Its King and Queen had been executed, its royal palace occupied, and its treasures transferred into the imperial treasury. There had been one unexpected discovery during the occupation, however.

The hidden princess. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The last surviving daughter of Rothania's royal family had been discovered concealed in the basement of her own chambers. Rather than allowing his soldiers to execute her, Fenris had brought her back to his palace and claimed her as one of his concubines. She was the youngest woman in his harem, considerably younger than the others, and unlike the ambitious women who constantly sought his attention, she had remained remarkably quiet. Fenris had barely bothered to acquaint himself with her.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ To him, she was simply another reminder of his victory over Rothania. Yet, he had noticed certain things. She rarely attended gatherings unless summoned. She never competed with the other concubines for his attention, and she seemed to possess very little interest in the extravagant privileges available within his palace. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ An unusual creature, certainly. But not particularly important. At least, that was what he had thought.

The Spring Festival — Evening Fenris occupied the elevated imperial pavilion overlooking the gardens. His long dark hair fell neatly over the shoulders of his black and gold imperial robes, while an assortment of expensive rings adorned his fingers. His scarred left eye was partially concealed beneath a few loose strands of hair, and his amber-gold gaze moved lazily across the gathering.

A servant poured wine into his golden cup. Several noblemen approached to offer their greetings, while a few senior concubines occupied the seats reserved for the imperial household. Elowen was among them.

Once his favourite, the thirty-year-old concubine had enjoyed considerable privileges within the palace. She was elegant, beautiful and sufficiently intelligent to understand the importance of maintaining her position. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Fenris listened to her occasional remarks without showing much interest. His attention was elsewhere. More specifically, it was drawn towards a familiar figure seated beneath one of the flowering peach trees. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ His youngest concubine. She was seated somewhat away from the other women, appearing rather detached from the celebrations surrounding her. Fenris recognised her immediately, although he couldn't recall the last time he had actually spoken to her. He took another sip of wine. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Then his younger brother appeared. Prince Luca Bellemare had always possessed an irritating talent for making himself welcome wherever he went. At twenty-nine, he was handsome, charming and considerably more sociable than his elder brother. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Fenris watched him exchange a few words with the former princess. Initially, he paid little attention. Until Luca reached into his coat. An embroidered pink handkerchief appeared between his fingers.

Fenris's movements stopped. He watched his younger brother offer the handkerchief to the girl beneath the peach tree. A tradition. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A harmless little gesture of admiration, perhaps. Except Luca was offering it to one of his concubines. His concubine. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Fenris's fingers tightened around his golden wine cup. He watched the exchange carefully, his amber eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly when the handkerchief was accepted.

For several seconds, he remained completely still. Then he leaned back against his throne. "How generous of my brother," he remarked quietly. The nobleman standing beside him immediately fell silent.

Fenris's gaze never left the garden. He watched Luca smile, apparently rather pleased with himself, before continuing his conversation with the former princess.

Something about the sight irritated him more than it reasonably should have. He could not understand what had possessed Luca to approach her. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ There were countless unmarried noblewomen in the kingdom. There were princesses from neighbouring territories, daughters of powerful dukes and women who would gladly have accepted the prince's attention. ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Yet he had chosen a conquered princess. A concubine belonging to the emperor's own household. How amusing. ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ "Your Majesty?" Elowen's voice interrupted his thoughts Fenris turned his eyes towards her. The woman had noticed his attention and followed his gaze towards the gardens. A small, knowing smile appeared on her lips. ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ "Prince Luca seems rather interested in your youngest concubine," she remarked delicately. "How unexpected." Fenris said nothing. ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Elowen continued, carefully choosing her words. "She has certainly become quite charming. Perhaps His Highness has developed a particular fondness for the former princess."

The emperor finally looked at her. "Have I asked for your observations, Elowen?" Her smile immediately faltered. "No, Your Majesty."⠀

"Then enjoy the festival." ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ He dismissed her with a small movement of his fingers. Yet his gaze returned to the gardens. The handkerchief.⠀

That ridiculous pink piece of embroidered silk. He found himself wondering whether Luca had offered similar gifts to the other women in the palace. Whether he had been visiting her residence. Whether the two had been speaking privately. The questions irritated him.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ And Fenris Bellemare despised being irritated.

That Evening — The Emperor's Private Chambers

The festivities continued for several hours, but Fenris's patience had long since worn thin. He returned to his private quarters before the celebrations officially concluded. His attendants removed his outer ceremonial cloak, leaving him dressed in a dark silk robe embroidered with subtle golden patterns. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ His enormous chambers were illuminated by candlelight. A fireplace burned quietly against one wall, while the tall windows overlooked the moonlit gardens.

He poured himself another glass of wine. "Send for the youngest concubine." The attendant bowed immediately. "At once, Your Majesty." ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Fenris stood beside his desk, one hand resting against the polished wooden surface. He had no intention of explaining himself. She was his concubine. Whatever her previous title had been, whatever royal blood ran through her veins, she now resided within his palace under his authority. And he certainly had no intention of watching his younger brother parade around the imperial gardens offering her romantic tokens.

The doors eventually opened. Fenris lifted his gaze. His amber eyes settled upon the entrance, his expression unreadable. "Come here."

His voice was low, deep and authoritative. He waited until the doors closed behind her before setting his wine glass aside. For a moment, he simply observed her. Then his gaze lowered towards the pink handkerchief. A faint, humourless smile touched his lips. "Well, well..."⠀

He slowly approached, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the candlelit floor. "I see my younger brother has developed rather expensive tastes." ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ He stopped before her, looking down with an expression that revealed very little of what was going through his mind. "Tell me, princess."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Did you enjoy receiving his little gift?" A brief silence followed. Fenris tilted his head, his scar catching the warm candlelight.

"Or have you already forgotten that you are a concubine of this imperial household?" He reached towards the handkerchief, inspecting its delicate embroidery without taking his eyes off her. "Luca has always been rather generous with his smiles. I would advise you not to mistake them for anything particularly meaningful."⠀

He let the pink fabric fall back into place. "And another thing..." His voice became noticeably colder. "Do not encourage my brother's attention merely because you find it entertaining." Fenris stepped away, retrieving his wine glass. "Now, explain something to me." He turned his head towards her, those golden eyes fixed upon her once again.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ "Why did you accept his handkerchief?"

“Did you honestly believe you could leave my kingdom without my permission?” The palace of Evigheden was a place of extraordinary beauty, built from pale marble and decorated with golden pillars, intricate carvings and enormous chandeliers. Its gardens were filled with rare flowers, its halls echoed with music, and its countless chambers housed some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the kingdom.

Yet, beneath all that splendour, it was still a cage.

At least, that was what the conquered princess of Rothania might have thought.

Ever since the fall of her kingdom, she had been living within the imperial palace as one of King Fenris Bellemare's concubines. Once a princess surrounded by servants and royal privileges, she was now merely the youngest woman in the emperor's household.

Fenris had never bothered to pretend otherwise.

He had conquered her kingdom, executed her parents and brought her to Evigheden as a living reminder of his victory. Her former title meant very little to him, and he had never considered returning her freedom.

She was under his protection, his authority and, ultimately, his control.

But Fenris had been occupied with matters of the kingdom lately.

For nearly two weeks, he had been away from the palace, leading a hunting expedition through the northern forests alongside several noblemen, military commanders and royal guards.

His absence had left the imperial palace under the supervision of his ministers and senior attendants.

And perhaps, for the first time since her arrival, the youngest concubine had found an opportunity.

The Northern Forest — Midnight

The night was unusually cold.

A thick layer of mist covered the forest, drifting between the enormous trees while the moon cast pale silver light over the narrow hunting trails.

Fenris was not a man who particularly enjoyed sleeping in tents. Even during military campaigns, he preferred a proper residence, but the hunting lodge provided little opportunity for luxury.

His black hair was loosely tied behind his neck, and he wore a dark riding tunic beneath a heavy fur-lined cloak. A sword rested at his waist.

His horse, Dovie, stood nearby, occasionally shifting its weight as a stable boy tended to the animal.

The hunting party had retired several hours earlier.

Fenris, however, remained awake.

He stood outside the lodge, examining a map by the light of a lantern when one of his guards approached.

"Your Majesty."

Fenris did not look up.

"What?"

The guard hesitated.

"We have received a message from the palace."

That finally caught his attention.

Fenris folded the map.

"Speak."

"The youngest concubine, Your Majesty..."

The guard paused, seemingly uncertain how to phrase the news.

"She has disappeared."

Silence.

For several seconds, Fenris simply stared at him.

Then he slowly raised his eyes.

"Disappeared?"

"Her attendants discovered her chambers empty. The guards at the eastern passage reported seeing someone leaving the palace grounds shortly before midnight."

Fenris's expression remained remarkably calm.

"Someone?"

"The description matches the youngest concubine."

A humourless smile appeared on the king's lips.

How interesting.

He had left her in a palace filled with guards, servants and locked gates, and somehow she had managed to slip away.

For a moment, he considered the possibility that she had simply wandered into another part of the palace.

But the eastern passage.

The outer gates.

The timing.

No.

She was attempting to flee.

"Prepare my horse."

"Your Majesty?"

"Did I stutter?"

The guard immediately bowed.

Within minutes, Fenris was mounted upon Dovie, accompanied by a handful of armed riders.

He had no intention of allowing a runaway concubine to disappear into the countryside.

Especially not one who seemed to have forgotten that the kingdom surrounding her belonged to him.

The Forest — Shortly After Midnight

The search did not take long.

The palace guards had discovered traces along the narrow road leading away from the royal grounds. A few broken branches, footprints in the damp soil and a piece of fabric caught against the thorns.

Fenris followed the trail himself.

He was growing increasingly irritated.

Not because he feared she might escape.

There was nowhere within his kingdom she could go without eventually being discovered.

What irritated him was the audacity of it.

She had been given a residence, servants, fine clothing and everything required to live comfortably. Yet apparently, none of it had been sufficient.

He tightened his grip on the reins.

"Spread out," he ordered.

His guards immediately separated, searching the surrounding paths.

Fenris continued forward, Dovie moving steadily beneath him.

Then he noticed movement between the trees.

He pulled the reins.

The black horse stopped.

For a moment, he watched the distant figure.

There she was.

His youngest concubine.

Alone in the middle of the forest, far beyond the palace grounds.

Fenris stared at her in disbelief before a low, disbelieving chuckle escaped him.

"Well..."

He dismounted.

His boots pressed against the damp earth as he handed the reins to a nearby guard.

"Leave us."

The men exchanged brief glances.

"Your Majesty, the forest—"

"Unless you wish to spend the rest of your life guarding stable doors, I suggest you obey."

The guards immediately retreated.

Fenris began walking towards her.

His tall figure emerged from the shadows, his dark cloak shifting behind him. The scar over his left eye was visible beneath the moonlight, and his amber-gold gaze remained fixed upon the girl who had apparently decided to challenge his authority.

He stopped a few steps away.

For several moments, he said nothing.

Then he tilted his head, looking her over with an expression of cold amusement.

"How ambitious."

His voice was deep and quiet, carrying easily through the otherwise silent forest.

"Did you imagine you could simply walk out of my palace and return to your little kingdom?"

He glanced towards the dark path behind her.

"Or perhaps you were planning to find another kingdom willing to shelter the daughter of a dead king?"

A faint smile touched his lips.

"How unfortunate that you chose mine."

He stepped closer, his height making the difference between them rather apparent.

"I leave for a fortnight, and this is what you decide to do?"

His gaze briefly moved over the forest surrounding them before returning to her.

"Do you have any idea how many men are currently searching these woods?"

He paused.

"Actually, don't answer. I doubt you've given it much thought."

Fenris removed one of his gloves slowly, his expression remaining unreadable.

"You seem to have misunderstood something, princess."

His voice lowered.

"Your kingdom is gone. Your parents are dead. And the palace you once called home belongs to me now."

He leaned slightly closer.

"You may still wear silk, sleep beneath embroidered canopies and have servants attend to your every need, but none of that changes what you are here."

A brief silence followed.

"Mine to command."

He straightened, looking towards Dovie.

"Come."

It was not a request.

Fenris turned and began walking back towards his horse, seemingly expecting her to follow.

After a few steps, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

"And do try not to make this more troublesome than it already is."

His amber eyes narrowed.

"Because I assure you, princess..."

A cold smile appeared on his face.

"I am considerably less patient when someone makes me ride through a forest at midnight to retrieve what already belongs to me."

“You seem to have forgotten whose attention you should be seeking, princess.”

The Imperial Palace — Late Afternoon

The imperial palace of Evigheden was never short of whispers.

Behind its magnificent golden doors, beneath the painted ceilings and between the marble corridors, servants exchanged rumours, noblewomen competed for influence, and the emperor's concubines fought quietly for the smallest signs of his favour.

Among them was Elowen.

At thirty, she had once been the most favoured woman in Fenris Bellemare's household. Her chambers were among the finest in the imperial residence, her jewellery was frequently replenished, and the emperor had once summoned her more often than any other concubine.

But that had been before the arrival of the conquered princess of Rothania.

Elowen had never openly admitted how much the younger woman's presence bothered her. She considered herself far more experienced, elegant and deserving of the emperor's attention. Yet the princess's arrival had unsettled the delicate order of the harem.

And now there was Prince Luca.

For several weeks, the younger prince had been making his interest increasingly obvious. He sought opportunities to speak with the former princess, offered her small gifts and seemed particularly entertained by her company.

Elowen had noticed everything.

And she had decided it was time to make use of it.

The Emperor's Study — Evening*

Fenris Bellemare sat behind his enormous dark oak desk, reviewing several documents concerning the northern territories.

His long black hair was loosely tied at the back, and his black silk robe was embroidered with gold along its sleeves. A golden signet ring rested upon his finger as he turned another page.

The king had spent most of the afternoon dealing with his ministers. His patience was wearing thin, and the pile of correspondence before him seemed to grow with every passing hour.

A knock interrupted his reading.

"Enter."

The doors opened.

Elowen stepped inside, dressed in an elegant burgundy gown, her blonde hair arranged in elaborate curls. She approached with a graceful curtsy.

"Your Majesty."

Fenris barely lifted his eyes.

"What is it?"

"I hope I am not disturbing you."

"You're already here. Speak."

Elowen lowered her gaze momentarily, concealing the faint satisfaction in her expression.

"It concerns your youngest concubine."

His hand paused over the document.

"What about her?"

Elowen hesitated, pretending to consider whether she should continue.

"I thought you ought to know that Prince Luca has been spending a considerable amount of time with her."

Fenris slowly raised his eyes.

"Explain."

"His Highness has been visiting the gardens whenever she is there. He has been giving her gifts, speaking with her privately..." She paused, allowing the words to settle. "And I have heard that their conversations have become rather affectionate."

Fenris leaned back in his chair.

"Have you?"

Elowen nodded.

"She seems quite comfortable with his attention. In fact, I would say she has been encouraging it."

For a moment, the study was silent.

Fenris placed his pen down.

"And what exactly makes you so certain?"

Elowen offered a delicate smile.

"I have eyes, Your Majesty. I am hardly the only person who has noticed."

The emperor stared at her.

He knew Elowen well enough to recognise the satisfaction she was trying to conceal. She had never been particularly generous towards the other women in his household, especially those she considered potential rivals.

Still, the possibility of Luca pursuing one of his concubines was enough to sour his mood.

"Leave."

Elowen blinked.

"Your Majesty?"

"I said leave."

She bowed immediately, though a small smile remained hidden beneath her lowered face.

She had planted the seed.

Now she only needed to wait.

The Emperor's Private Chambers — Later That Night

Fenris was not a man who appreciated being made a fool of.

He could tolerate his brother's endless flirting, his ministers' incompetence and even the occasional insolence of the nobility.

But the thought of Luca openly pursuing a woman from his own household was another matter entirely.

He stood beside the fireplace, holding a glass of wine. The flames illuminated his sharp features, catching the scar that crossed his left eye.

He had been thinking about Elowen's words for far longer than he cared to admit.

The pink handkerchief from the Spring Festival came to mind.

Luca's smile.

The princess accepting his gift.

And now, apparently, the two had continued their little arrangement.

Fenris took a slow sip of wine.

"Send for her."

His attendant bowed.

"Which lady, Your Majesty?"

"The youngest."

"At once."

Fenris returned his attention to the fireplace.

He was not going to ask his brother for permission to discipline a woman belonging to his household. Nor was he going to entertain the idea that a conquered princess could simply choose which member of the imperial family she wished to favour.

She needed to understand the boundaries.

And he intended to make certain she did.

A Few Minutes Later

The doors to his private chambers opened.

Fenris stood near the fireplace, his dark robe loosely fastened at the waist, his sleeves rolled slightly above his wrists. His expression was unreadable as he watched the entrance.

"Close the doors."

The attendant obeyed, leaving the two of them alone.

Fenris took another sip of wine before speaking.

"Come closer, princess."

His voice was calm.

Almost too calm.

He studied her for a moment, then placed his glass upon the mantelpiece.

"I have heard something rather interesting this evening."

He began walking slowly across the room.

"Apparently, you have been keeping yourself rather entertained lately."

A faint smile appeared on his face, though there was nothing particularly pleasant about it.

"My brother seems to have become a frequent visitor of yours."

He stopped a short distance away.

"Luca has always been an affectionate little fool. He smiles at everyone, flirts with half the women in the kingdom and thinks the world is his personal playground."

His eyes narrowed.

"But I find it rather curious that he has chosen to spend so much time with you."

Fenris tilted his head.

"Tell me, princess. Have you been enjoying his company?"

He did not wait long before continuing.

"Perhaps you have forgotten that you are not a guest in this palace. You are not an unmarried noblewoman attending court, free to entertain whichever prince catches your fancy."

His voice dropped.

"You are a concubine of the King of Evigheden."

He stepped closer, his amber-gold eyes never leaving her.

"And I do not particularly appreciate my younger brother behaving as though he has some claim over what belongs to me."

For a moment, he remained silent.

Then a quiet, humourless chuckle escaped him.

"How unfortunate. I had almost begun to think you possessed better judgement."

He turned away, reaching for his wine.

"Elowen seems to know considerably more about your little friendship with Luca than I do."

His gaze returned to her.

"Perhaps you would like to explain why."

Fenris set his glass down.

"Go on, princess."

His expression hardened.

"I'm listening."