The Favored Heir Cassandra didnt hear the carnage behind them, and she didnt want to.
She cried silently against Kairens neck.
She couldnt endure any more emotions for the day.
She was angry, sad, and exhausted.
Her Prince carried her without a word, back to the Palace.
No one dared to bother them.
She didnt look up again until they reached the gates.
Kairen brought her to his apartment and gently placed her on the bed.
She wasnt crying anymore, but her eyes were red.
He hated seeing her like this.
Ill send people to look for your sister.
Cassandra sighed.
Back then, when I had just been sold to my first Master… I looked for her every chance I had.
I asked so many people… I was caught and punished several times for venturing outside when I wasnt allowed to.
I just wanted to find her so badly.
She always looked so much like me, I knew someone would recognize her right away if they saw me.
Whats her name? Missandra.
Kairen nodded, and rubbed her back.
Well find her.
She may not be in the Capital anymore, its been so long, cried Cassandra.
Before she could add anything else, Kairen gently kissed her, and pulled her into the middle of the bed.
He kept kissing her, until she finally began to slowly respond to his kiss.
Her sister had been lost for almost ten years.
Even if the news that she may have been sold to a brothel was hard, Cassandra still had hope.
If she was alive, with the Princes help, they would find her.
Right now, there was something important to celebrate.
Kairen was going down to her jawline, onto her neck, down to her collarbone.
Her skin was now all his to touch, caress, and kiss, as much as he wanted.
Even on Cassandras pale skin, one could see the thin tan line from her slavery days.

Eight years… For eight years her neck and shoulders had carried the weight of that heavy, rusted metal.
I want to bathe, she suddenly said.
Now? Cassandra nodded, and Kairen quickly kissed her before leaving the bed, allowing her to sit up.
He had gone to give orders to the servants in waiting.
After a few minutes, they had her bath ready, lukewarm water with flowers and oils, right in the middle of the room.
They dismissed the servants that were waiting with towels in order to be alone.
Cassandra undressed, revealing the little belly under her dress.
Her breasts, too, had gotten a bit fuller and more firm during those last weeks.
Kairen helped her step inside the bathtub, sitting behind her as she liked.
She could finally relax a bit inside the water, with the Princes warm torso against her back.
Kairen brushed her hair back, kissing her neck and shoulder.
We should celebrate, he whispered.
That Im no longer a slave? That and… this, he said, caressing her tummy.
Cassandra nodded, smiling a bit for the first time in a while.
She put her hand over his, feeling a lot better just from his touch.
How do you celebrate? she asked.
Probably a feast… Gifts… I want to get you something.
She chuckled.
She would never have guessed the War God was into gifts.
So far, all he had given her was gold bars! He was so rich he didnt need to buy anything for himself, as was all of the Imperial Family, More dresses? She asked.
No…a necklace.
Cassandra was a bit surprised.
A necklace? What kind of necklace was he thinking about? I understand my brothers better now.
What do you mean? she asked, a bit confused.
Youll see tonight.
He was probably talking about the Feast.
Since they were in the Imperial Palace, they would probably have to attend.
Last time, Cassandra had been there as a slave.
Now she was a free woman.
That feeling was still too new to her.

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Despite the weight being taken off her neck, she had yet to get used to not being a slave anymore.
Her status had risen considerably in just a few seconds.
She was a low-rank Concubine, now, which meant she had gone from the lowest status in this country to one of the highest.
Why did you ask your father to… take you out of the running as his heir? she asked, suddenly remembering that issue.
Kairen glanced at her pregnant belly, his dark eyes bearing a solemn expression.
To protect you…and our son.
As long as I can inherit the throne, youll both be in danger.
Constantly.
But…its such an important matter.
He sighed, and pulled her closer, pouring water on her back, washing her gently.
I dont care about being an Emperor.
I dont want you to be scared or unhappy.
Cassandra shook her head.
You cant make this kind of decision like that.
No wonder the Emperor was so unhappy about it.
Wasnt he the most favored of the six sons? The Emperor may act childish when his favorite Concubine was around, but Cassandra knew how smart he really was.
He wouldnt act that way towards Kairen if he wasnt a good Heir.
Moreover, he was the best Dragon-tamer, that fact alone spoke volumes about him too.
Kairen frowned, confused by her reaction.
You dont like that? Its not just about me.
There are so many more people than just me in this country.
What if whoever becomes the Emperor is bad or an incompetent person? Hundreds, or even thousands, of people could die.
She gently brushed his hair, looking at him.
He was such a powerful and respected man, yet all he could see was her? Cassandra leaned closer to kiss him, enjoying this sweet taste between them.
At first, she was so scared of him, but now…now he was her refuge, the one person she wanted to be with, unconditionally.
They kept kissing and caressing each other for a long time in the bath.
Kairen had a new and embarrassing game; leaving a trail of hickeys from her neck to her breasts.
When she noticed them in the mirror, Cassandra sighed.
I didnt think you would enjoy my collar being gone to this extent.
The Prince smirked behind her, putting his pants back on before calling the servants back.

A dozen of them ran in to help them prepare for the banquet.
Kairen only had his scaled braces on and stayed shirtless, as he chased and scared anyone who tried to get close to him.
Hence, the servants focused on Cassandra, helping her get ready from head to toe.
With her collar gone, it was a whole new attitude they had toward her.
They were extremely careful with each movement.
They kept bowing and avoiding eye contact until Cassandra begged them to stop.
Its alright, youll hurt your back or neck if you keep bowing like that.
They seemed surprised by her attitude.
It was probably very different from the usual Concubines.
It took a while before they stopped bowing continuously.
Yet, they still tried not to look at her directly.
If the Imperial Concubine has a preference..
They kept showing her dozens of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, confusing her.
Everything was shining with gold and gems, in all the colors she could think of.
How come they had so much jewelry available for her? She had some that she had bought while at the Onyx and Diamond Palaces, but not here! The Emperor has insisted, Your Highness.
the Third Princes Imperial Concubine shall be entitled to own anything she likes.
Cassandra was speechless.
Now, even the Emperor was treating her like a Princess! Had The Concubine Mother played a part in this? Kairen didnt seem surprised one bit.
He stood up, glancing at the jewelry.
Father is probably trying to calm Mother through you.
And hes happy about the baby, too.
Kairen picked a thin gold one, with emeralds, diamonds, and handed it to her.
Cassandra chuckled, putting it on with the help of two maiden servants.
They helped her put on the rest of the matching jewelry, which included bracelet.
After picking a very light, off-shoulder dress that had thin layers and a long skirt, the servants put Cassandras hair up beautifully.
Once she was ready, Kairen took her out of the room.
It would be her first time attending the Imperial Banquet as an official Concubine, as well as meeting the Imperial Siblings and their Concubines.
Of course, she was nervous.
Half of those people were wishing for her and her babys death.