Chapter Seventeen: Shadows of before
Rieka sat alone in her chambers, they were dancing light of the fireplace that casted a long, sprawling shadow along the room. The night was strangely still, disturbed only by the intermittent howl of a wolf in the darkness. She stared out the window, her silhouette showing off against the blackness of the sky, her mind filled with the memories of a life she no longer lived.
Her hand absently belled the delicate embroidery of her dress, but her mind was elsewhere. The images of her past life flooded her consciousness, unbidden and relentless.
She remembered the council chamber, the disapproving glare of elders that cut into her like a dagger. Their voices still echoed in her mind cold and dismissive.
"She is not fit to be queen," Elder Marthus had sneered, his disdain evident.
"She is of weak stock," another chime in. "She will ruin the kingdom."
At the time, Rieka had sought to prove herself. She had bent over backward, sacrificing her pride and her voice in hopes they would finally approve of her. She remembered sleepless nights, silent tears shed, gnawing fear that she would never be good enough.
And in the end, it wasn't enough. They had turned the king against her, his love faltering as they poisoned his ear with their lies. The people she had tried to please were responsible for her downfall, their scheming leading to her death.
Rieka's hands clenched into fists, her nails biting into her palms. The pain centered her, kept her in the now.
"This time, it will be different," she whispered to herself, her voice smooth, even though the storm stirred in her soul. "They will pay for what they did."
The thought of her rebirth solidified in her mind. The second chance was a gift-one that gave her an opening to rewrite her story and get the justice she never had.
A sudden knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. "Come in," she called, her voice calm and measured.
The door creaked open, revealing Elena and Margot, two of the palace's noblewomen. They stepped inside with smiles that didn't quite reach their eyes.
"Lady Rieka," Elena began, her tone syrupy sweet. "We hope we're not disturbing you."
Margot chimed in, her voice equally saccharine. "We thought we'd visit and see how you're settling in. After all, it must be quite the adjustment for someone like you."
Rieka rose gracefully from her seat, her expression polite but unreadable. "Not at all," she replied, gesturing to the chairs by the fireplace. "Please, have a seat."
The two women exchanged glances before complying.
"Such a beautiful room," Elena commented, her eyes wandering over the elaborate ornamentation. "The king, really, has been quite generous."
"To say the least," Margot extended, her eyes resting on Rieka. "There must be something truly special that he finds in you."
Rieka smiled thinly, her eyes icy and calculating. "The king has a soft heart," she said, so plain and simple.
Elena leaned forward, her tone feigning concern. "You must be overwhelmed. Being thrust into palace life so suddenly… it can be quite daunting, especially for someone unaccustomed to such. grandeur."
Margot chuckled softly. "Yes, but we're here to help. After all, we're practically sisters now."
Rieka's smile didn't falter, but inwardly, her mind was racing. She grasped at the thinly veiled condescension, the mockery dancing behind their feigned kindness. These were the same women who had accused her of stealing the former queen's jewelry in her past life. Their lies had defamed her reputation and fueled the council's disdain for her.
And now they're here again, she thought, her stomach churning in anger and determination. But this time, I know better.
"That's so thoughtful of you," Rieka said, her voice light. "I'm so lucky to have such considerate company."
Elena and Margot exchanged a look again, their smiles becoming a little more strained.
"Of course," Margot said, her voice oozing with mock sincerity. "We only want what's best for you."
Elena added, "And for the kingdom. A queen's role is an important one, after all."
Rieka inclined her head slightly. Her expression was serene. "I couldn't agree more. A queen must be strong and make firm decisions, do whatever is needed to protect her people."
The slight edge to her words wasn't lost to Elena and Margot, who shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.
"Well," Elena said after a moment, getting to her feet. "We won't detain you further. I'm sure you have much to attend to in preparation."
"Yes," Margot echoed, rising too. "After all, the wedding is not so very far off."
Rieka showed them out, her manner unchanging. "Thank you for coming," she said coolly and politely. "It's always such a pleasure."
As soon as the door closed behind them, Rieka allowed her mask to slip. Her jaw tightened, and her eyes burned with a fierce intensity.
"They think they can play their games again," she muttered, pacing the room. "But this time, I'll be the one pulling the strings."
She sat down again by the fire, her mind filled with plans. First targets, Elena and Margot: she did not know yet how, but she would bring them down and show them in their true colors.
Now, she would have to play the waiting game-to pretend to be the meek and inexperienced bride-to-be-but when the time came, she would strike with precision and ruthlessness.
The dancing flames lashed a golden glow across her features, but there was nothing soft about her expression. Deep in her heart, she had vowed that she would make full use of this second chance and come out on top, having set right the wrongs of her past.
And as she sat staring into the fire, her thoughts burned brighter than ever within her.
'I'll just have to play my card right. They will all pay. My past life might not go away but I won't let them mess me up again." sha said to herself and furrowed her brow.