this is a short chapter from the POV of another character.
*.•.------.•.*

Carena was the leader of the concubines. She was from the highest household of all of them, skilled in many fields, and the most educated. She wasn't at all the best choice for queen as there were ladies from higher families that made her accomplishments look like nothing, but she was top dog in the king's concubine ranks.

When a servant boy joined those ranks, she was very interested in seeing how that played out. Concubine politics were ruthless when the king was fresh. There was no time to waste to gain partiality for yourself and your family to ensure a comfortable life and protection from the most hostile concubines. Not only was this boy a late starter, he had no skill other than cleaning and cooking. She was also sure he had no proper schooling.

The only thing going for him was his looks and the fact the fae in the area seemed to flock towards him. Nobody wanted to anger those tiny demons no good reason. Not only the fae, but most likely all the fair folk and animals as well if the incident from last week was anything to go by seemed to be attracted to him. He had a good arsenal if he knew how to use it, but she doubted he did. He seemed too innocent to sick the mischief making terrors that adored him on other concubines. Another sign that he didn't grow up being prepared to become part of the cut throats ranks of the concubines.

It was best for her to silently keep watching and see how this plays out. Maybe at some point she would take him in as her own if he proved to be of use. No point in taming a wild horse when others would domesticate it and you could buy it without the hassle.

Besides, watching his pretty face flushed with embarrassment was entertaining. She liked watching him naively navigate the palace with nothing, but luck and the advice of the fae. It was better than the drama the other concubines could make. The king seemed to think so too if the blatant amusement in his eyes was anything to show.