Chapter 13: Road to Shadow’s Edge

Sorry! I changed the last two Chapters! They were causing a serious block, so I just scrapped them! Thank you for your patience, I’ll be posting four Chapters today!

~

Three days had passed since Karina had thoroughly humiliated that pack of gossiping nobles in the eastern corridor. And if she thought that would be the end of it, she was sorely mistaken.

The rumors had spread through the palace like wildfire.

"Did you hear? The Empress threatened Lady Tremaine! Said she’d strip her of her titles!"

"I heard she called her opinion ’worth less than dirt on her slippers.’ Can you imagine?"

"She’s changed. Completely. It’s like a demon possessed her."

"A demon or a spine. Either way, it’s terrifying."

Karina had heard every single whisper, every startled gasp, every wide-eyed glance thrown her way as she walked through the corridors. And she had loved every second of it.

Now, standing in the grand courtyard of the imperial palace, watching servants load the final trunks onto the massive black carriage that would carry her to Shadow’s Edge, she felt a strange sense of calm settle over her.

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.

She smoothed down her traveling gown, a practical but elegant deep emerald number with gold embroidery at the cuffs. It was far less cumbersome than her usual court attire, which she was grateful for. The last thing she needed was to trip over twenty pounds of silk while trying to escape a panther king’s ego.

Beside her, Valen stood rigid as a board, his small face carefully blank. In his hands, he clutched two massive rainbow lollipops, the ones she had just purchased from the system.

[SYSTEM: -20 YANDERE POINTS]

[REMAINING BALANCE: 35 YANDERE POINTS]

[SYSTEM: Your son appears to be adequately distracted. Well played, Host.]

Karina bit back a smile. Valen had been licking one lollipop furiously for the past ten minutes, his tiny tongue darting across the sugary surface like a hummingbird on caffeine. The second lollipop was clutched to his chest like a lifeline, ready to be deployed the moment the first one ran out.

Suck it, Leonidas, she thought smugly. My parenting skills are unmatched.

She glanced around the courtyard, taking in the scene one last time. Her three ladies-in-waiting stood in a small cluster nearby, their faces a mixture of concern and curiosity. Lady Sophie was wringing her hands so hard Karina worried she might twist them off, her pink eyes darting nervously between Karina and General Aldric.

Aldric, for his part, was standing near the second carriage, a smaller but still elegant vehicle that would carry him and Sophie on the journey to Shadow’s Edge. Karina had personally arranged this, knowing full well that the two of them needed some.....quality time together.

You’re welcome, Sophie.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Sophie said, stepping forward with a deep curtsy. "Are you certain about this arrangement? I could travel in another carriage if you prefer—"

"Absolutely not," Karina said firmly, cutting her off. "You and General Aldric will travel together. I insist."

Sophie’s cheeks flushed a shade that perfectly matched her pink hair. "But—"

"No buts. You’re my lady-in-waiting, and I am giving you an order. You will ride in the second carriage with the General. End of discussion."

Sophie opened her mouth to protest, but Aldric stepped forward. "Lady Sophie, the Empress has made her wishes clear. We should not question her."

Sophie’s flush deepened. "Of course, General. I would never—I mean—I’m happy to—"

"Excellent," Karina said brightly. "Then it’s settled."

Joan stepped forward, her eyes filled with affection and warmth in equal measure. "Your Imperial Majesty, if I may....be careful in Shadow’s Edge. The Panther Kingdom is not like the capital. The politics there are... vicious."

"I’m counting on it," Karina said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Vicious politics mean vulnerable egos. And vulnerable egos are easy to exploit."

Joan’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. "I am impressed. You have learned well, Majesty. And if I may say so, the way you handled those nobles three days ago? Word has spread far beyond the palace walls. The entire court is terrified of you now."

Karina’s smile sharpened. "Good. Let them be terrified. A terrified court is a manageable court."

Fayora, standing slightly apart with her arms crossed, gave Karina a nod. "Don’t worry. We will take care of the younger princes in your absence. If the Panther King gives you trouble, send word. I’ll challenge him to a drinking contest and make him regret ever being born."

Karina snorted. Fayora acted like a tomboy. It was oddly charming. "I’ll keep that in mind."

A heavy presence loomed behind her, and she didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. The wild scent and musk filled her nostrils, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

Speak of the devil.

"Empress," Leonidas’s deep voice rumbled, "the carriage is ready. We should depart."

Karina didn’t turn around. She kept her eyes fixed on her ladies, fixing her face in a cold expression. "I’ll be there in a moment. I’m saying goodbye to my staff."

Leonidas paused, clearly thrown by her dismissal. Karina could feel his gaze boring into the back of her head, but she refused to acknowledge it.

Ignore him. Don’t give him the satisfaction.

[SYSTEM ALERT: LEONIDAS HEART POINTS: -38 → -37]

[OBSESSION LEVEL: 2% (Curiosity intensifying)]

[Analysis: Your continued indifference is having an effect. He’s confused. Confused is good. Keep him confused.]

Karina’s lips twitched. Oh, I plan to.

She finally turned, granting Leonidas the briefest of glances before sweeping past him toward the carriage. "Valen, sweetie, let’s go."

Valen, still consumed by his lollipop, followed without complaint. Karina’s heart swelled with pride. Distraction: successful.

Leonidas stood frozen for a moment, his purple eyes tracking her movement with an intensity that would have made the old Karina faint. But the new Karina simply climbed into the carriage, settled onto the velvet cushions, and arranged her skirts without so much as a backward glance.

The carriage interior was surprisingly spacious, with plush seats, silk curtains, and a small table with refreshments. Karina settled herself on one side while Valen scrambled onto the opposite bench, still licking his lollipop with single-minded determination.

Leonidas climbed in a moment later, his massive frame seeming to fill the entire space. The carriage shifted under his weight, and Karina found herself pressed slightly closer to the window.

Great. Now I’m trapped in a confined space with a six-foot-five panther who can’t take a hint.

The carriage door slammed shut, and the driver’s voice called out, "Departing for Shadow’s Edge!"

The carriage lurched forward, and Karina felt her stomach drop. Here we go.

~

The first hour of the journey was excruciating.

Across from her sat Leonidas, his eyes holding her gaze just a second too long. He didn’t speak. He didn’t move. He just... watched.

Karina stared out the window, determined to ignore him. The landscape rolled by in a blur of green fields and distant mountains, but she couldn’t focus on any of it. A cold shiver raced down her spine under the intensity of his stare.

What is his problem? Does he think I’m going to crack?

She stole a glance at Valen. The boy was still working on his lollipop, his small tongue lapping at the rainbow surface. He was completely fixed on his treat, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze.

Leonidas cleared his throat.

Karina ignored him.

He cleared his throat again, louder this time.

Nope. Not looking.

"Valen," Leonidas said, controlling his voice so he sounded normal. "How are you enjoying the journey?"

Valen’s ears twitched, but he didn’t look up. "Fine."

"That’s... good." Leonidas shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable. "I hope you’ll like Shadow’s Edge. It’s a beautiful kingdom. The mountains are magnificent, and the forests are full of game."

Valen shrugged, taking another long lick of his lollipop.

Leonidas’s jaw tightened. "Do you.....have any questions about it? Anything you’d like to know?"

"No."