Chained to old wounds

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Morgan

My face heated. Ari sputtered.

“I’ve always been your closest confidant!”

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“No, Ari. You have been a confidant. My wife is my closest confidant from the moment we married. until our deaths.”

His voice was laced with a possessiveness that sent a thrill down my spine. The walls then fell silent, leaving me with a newfound understanding of the complex dynamics at play within the palace walls. But for now, the most important thing was clear Tsuneo had chosen me. But, could I really do the same?

“Well… then, I suppose I should go and see her, then.”

I think not, Tsuneo said. “I’ll escort you to your study so you can get through your work. Maya is looking after her.”

She scowled, but she didn’t argue. The way he handled Ari sent a wave of satisfaction crashing. over me. I was exhausted, but it wasn’t like me to just lay around. The palace walls thrummed with a nervous energy.

With a sigh, I pushed myself off the bed and began to dress. My usual attire held little appeal today. Instead, I reached for the familiar weight of my sword, the cool leather of the hilt a comforting constant against my skin. Over that, I slipped on one of Tsuneo’s robes, the rich silk whispering against my skin. It was far too large, the sleeves pooling around my hands, but the scent of him lingered in the fabric, a subtle reminder of his presence.

It made me feel safe.

Stepping out of the bedchamber, I braced myself for the day ahead. The prospect of remaining within the confines of the room, reliving the events of the night in my head, was unbearable. Maya came back with light soup. I got it down and when I was done we left the room.

The palace, usually bustling with activity, seemed strangely subdued. Servants skirted around me with downcast eyes, their whispers a hushed counterpoint to my footsteps. I ignored them, my gaze fixed on the direction of the study I had been given.

But it seemed that was not to be. As I rounded a corner, a figure materialized from a side A woman. Her face, contorted in a mask of grief and rage, was one I recognized all too well. She

passage.

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was Keiji’s mother.

She lunged, a guttural scream ripping from her throat. Her nails, long and sharpened, swiped at me, but I was too on edge. I dodged her and had my sword out seconds later. My blade flashed in the dim light of the hallway. The tip of my sword pressed against her throat. Her face, flushed. with fury seconds ago, was now drained of color, eyes wide with terror. A choked scream died in Keiji’s mother’s throat as the cold metal pressed against her skin.

I pressed it firmly against her throat and she shut up.

“Next time,” I said softly. “You’ll end up like your son.”

“My Lady,” Maya said, her voice full of worry. “Are you alright? His Highness won’t be happy if you strain yourself.”

“I’m fine.”

I withdrew the blade barely an inch and she stared screaming.

“She’s attacking me! Help! Someone help!”

The commotion echoed through the hallway, drawing attention like a beacon. Before I could respond, the king himself materialized at the end of the hall, his normally regal posture marred by a deep frown. His entourage followed close behind, their faces etched with concern.

In an instant, the entire scene shifted. The king’s voice, a deep rumble that commanded respect, boomed through the hallway.

“What are you doing?”

“She–”

“Silence!” Keiji’s mother shut her mouth. He stared at her, his gaze hardening with each passing.

moment.

She slumped against the wall, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

“Thope you will forgive her as she is lost in her grief,” he said. “Guards, please take her to her chambers and have her confined there until she can manage to apologize to the queen, unless she thinks herself capable of doing so now.”

She set her jaw and glared at me.

He sighed and waved his hand. The guards took her by her arm and escorted her away, her

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muffled protests echoing down the hallway.

The king turned back to me, his expression softening into a concerned smile. “Morgan,” he said, his voice gentle. “Are you unharmed?”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“Thank the heavens, he murmured, his gaze flickering to Maya. He smiled. “You and I can only imagine what Tsuneo will do if you are found to be hurt anymore than you already are.”

Maya chuckled. He eyed my sword.

“You were taught well. Who taught you to wield your sword?”

I swallowed and sheathed it. “My father.”

His eyes softened, and he nodded. “A man I can respect and wish I could have met.”

The king sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. Please don’t hold it against her. Her grief is… profound,” he said, his voice softer now. “She will apologize to you, Morgan, for this outburst. But for now, I believe she needs time to… reflect.”

“I will not hold my breath waiting for that.”

He chuckled. “I would hope not. Tsuneo is clearly enamored with you.”

My face heated.

“Morgan,” he said, his voice gentle yet firm. “Would you care to take a walk with me? There’s much ‘ to discuss.”

“Of course,

Your Majesty,” I replied, the weight of the situation settling on me. “But first, perhaps…” I gestured towards Maya, who stood stiffly nearby.

The king’s gaze followed mine, his lips curving into a knowing smile.

“Ah, yes,” he chuckled, his voice warm. “Maya, could you tell Tsuneo that I have stolen his wife for a brief stroll in the garden.”

Maya chuckled, nodded, bowed, and disappeared down another passage.

The King gestured towards a nearby balcony overlooking the palace gardens. “Shall we?” he asked, his voice gentle.

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I nodded, following him out onto the balcony. The cool morning air washed over me, carrying the sweet scent of blooming roses. The morning sun cast long shadows across the neatly manicured gardens, painting a tranquil scene. But the events of the day all felt a world away from this peaceful haven.

“I must apologize for her behavior, Morgan,” the king said once we were settled on a stone bench. overlooking the gardens. “Keiji is her only child.”

“I understand, Your Majesty,” I replied, my voice a little hoarse. “She must be in a great deal of pain right now… as are you.”

The king nodded, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. “She is. I am. Keiji was… flawed, jealous, overzealous, and insecure, but he was still my son.”

He sighed. “I know Tsuneo enough to know that he would not have killed Keiji and the others. lightly. And for that, I am sorry as well. You have already been through great ordeals. To have your safety under question here hurts my heart.”

I remained silent, unsure what to say.

“You’re apologizing for his actions… I can’t say that I expected that.”

“I suppose we will talk more about why when we talk more about your life before you arrived her,” the king continued, his voice firming. “His actions were inexcusable. His death, while tragic, was a consequence of his choices. You, Morgan, are a survivor, a victim. I would never blame you for that.”

My eyes burned. I swiped at my face.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”