The Slave Queen - Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Winter in the Anoruso was as harsh as ever, the wind biting straight through to the bone.
Raelynn Lennox walked with her head lowered, clad in a thin maid's robe as she followed the palace matron out through the grand gates.
"Raelynn," the matron snapped, her voice cold, "you caused the noble consort to lose her unborn child. She wanted you to spend the rest of your life as a servant in Aether Sanctum. But Lady Margot from the Duke's estate offered Royal Pardon in exchange for your freedom. Only then did the noble consort agree to let you go."
The matron gave her a sharp look. "You should be grateful Her Highness showed you mercy. Even after leaving the palace, don't forget the sin you've committed. You'd better pray for the noble consort and the little prince she lost—every single day."
Raelynn pressed her lips together, her gaze drifting to the red palace gates. A carriage stood waiting outside, its side marked with the Duke's estate's crest.
When she was first thrown into Aether Sanctum, she had dreamed countless times that her family would come for her, rescue her from that living hell.
But she had waited, and waited, until hope turned bitter—and still, no one came.
Now, four years later, even her anger and sorrow had dulled. The joy of leaving the palace couldn't even compare to the worry she felt for her grandmother Margot Lennox.
"I understand, ma'am." she murmured.
She bowed meekly to the matron, then slowly made her way toward the gates.
Waiting beside the carriage was a tall, familiar figure—handsome and sharp-featured.
It was Gabriel Lennox, heir to the Duke's estate. Her older brother.
He looked much the same as she remembered—still poised and dignified—but the look in his eyes now held a flicker of annoyance.
"What took you so long? Don't tell me you're actually reluctant to leave Aether Sanctum?"
His tone was brisk, almost scolding. "Grandmother's been worried sick. She's been waiting at home for ages. Get in the carriage."
Raelynn lowered her eyes, a quiet pain welling in her chest.
A moment ago, she had still been holding onto a fragile hope—that when Gabriel saw her, he'd ask how she'd been these past four years, what she'd gone through. That he might even reach out like he used to, and gently pat her head.
But he didn't.
Looking back, even though they were bound by blood, they'd only spent four real years together. To Gabriel, it was the sickly, delicate Julia Lennox who had always been the one who needed looking after—the "real" little sister in his eyes.
Whatever he gave Raelynn—whether it was a painting by a famous master, the finest silks, or rare jewelry—Julia would always get one too.
But what Julia had, Raelynn didn't necessarily have.
"Sorry, Lord Gabriel. I was wrong."
Raelynn lowered her head and spoke softly. Just like all those times she was punished in Aether Sanctum, she sank to her knees. Her tone was polite, but distant. "I shouldn't have kept you waiting, Lord Gabriel. Please forgive me."
Gabriel froze.
He thought, 'Lord Gabriel...?
'Why is she calling me that?'
He still remembered the day she was brought back to the Duke's estate—hiding behind the maid, eyes full of fear, wanting to speak but too afraid to open her mouth.
That had been his first time meeting Raelynn. She was small, thin, and looked so lost—her features strikingly similar to their mother's.
She and Julia had been switched at birth by a wet nurse and had grown up in the countryside, enduring years of hardship. His heart had softened immediately. He'd walked over, gently rubbed her head, and scooped her into his arms. "Raelynn, I'm your brother. From now on, you don't have to be afraid of anything. I'll always be here for you."
She'd thrown her arms around him, teary-eyed, and clung to him ever since—always calling him Gabriel, sweet and close. But now...
It felt like a sledgehammer to the chest. Pain surged through him, making it hard to breathe.
Seeing her bowing there with that cold, detached expression, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her. "You're still angry? We used the Royal Pardon to get you out of there—what more do you want?"
A sharp pain shot through her wrist. Raelynn flinched, her brows knitting together. Instinctively, she pulled away. "I wouldn’t dare, Lord Gabriel."
The one who used the Royal Pardon hadn't been the Duke's estate—it had been Margot.
And she could imagine the pressure Margot must have been under. That Royal Pardon had been earned with her grandfather's life—meant to protect the entire family. To use it on her meant taking a huge risk. If the Duke's estate had truly wanted to save her, they wouldn't have waited four years.
Gabriel stared at his empty hand, fury burning hotter by the second. "Lord Gabriel? Is that it, then? You think we favored Julia and you just can't let it go?"