Juni needed to get rid of that new concubine. He’d been anxiously eating sweetmeats ever since that Apple had been named your eighth concubine. Apple, what a disgusting name. Juni had only ever heard of Rodentia being called that. Or foolish Leporidae. He hardly cared to distinguish the two groups. Leporidae had larger issues that flopped uselessly on their heads. Juni did not see the appeal.

Apple, however, was no Musculus or Ochotona, he was apparently a Felis just as Juni was. He stuffed another candied plum into his mouth at the thought. He couldn’t be. Juni refused to believe it. Felidae of his kind were rare, rarer than any Leo or Onca. Juni was meant to be special. He needed to be special to you.

In a perfect world he’d be your first and last concubine. In a perfect world you’d only have eyes for him. In a perfect world you’d rule over Felidaris Empire with him at your side governing over the other kingdoms.

This was not his perfect world. Juni wouldn’t be selfish, however. You were a Leo, the ruler of Felidaris for little over a year now; you had responsibilities to uphold. Juni wouldn’t get in the way of that. He couldn’t, lest he gain your ire. Every time envy curdled in his stomach, he ignored it. Perhaps he’d go off to cry in his chambers afterwards, but never to your face. He loved pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Confident, naive, clumsy, sweet. That was what a good concubine should be. They should be loyal to you, never stray from you, commit themselves to you. Your other concubines were not nearly as loyal as he was.

He’d been your very first concubine, named when you were merely the heir to the throne. Empress Ysoria, your mother, was still alive then. She had dozens of children, some killed or left for dead if they were too weak, but you were her favorite. Juni understood why. None of your siblings held a candle to your radiance. The crown was made for you. Even as a child he’d known you’d be the next ruler.

Juni was ten winters old when he’d first seen you. You were surrounded by your other siblings and mother, parading through the streets of the capital for Empress Ysoria’s most recent birth. It was meant to be a celebration, and those that could afford such luxuries attended. Poorer Felidae such as Juni were told to leave. Hunger had been gnawing at him for days. It was foolish, yes, but he’d snuck into the feast. Just a piece of bread or meat was all he wanted. Surely that could be spared. Juni had always been a small child, slipping past the guards was a simple task. He’d barely grabbed a fresh roll when he rammed straight into you. For a moment Juni thought you—a child his age with so much more than he’d ever had—would scream for help.

You hadn’t.

Juni ran.

That was when his yearning began. Juni could see no other future for himself that didn’t involve him becoming your concubine. He’d worked himself to the bone for coin, made himself look expensive, never spoke of his past, and finally, finally met you again. He did not mention meeting you at the festival years ago; he played pretend. Juni would be whatever you needed. He was beautiful, charming, meek, smart, blundering.

All of that would prove for naught because of this new concubine. His maid—and his only noteworthy acquaintance—had told him you were seen spending time with him. Juni wanted to rip his hair out and scream. Instead, he shut himself into his chambers and stuffed his face. He sniffled as he wiped sugar off his cheek. Of course you deserved whatever you desired, but couldn’t you want him as he wanted you? Juni loved lounging at your side, purring until you’d lay beside him. All he wanted was your love.

“Brisen, I told you I was not to be disturbed—Your Majesty!?” The sweet meat fell from his hand. Juni barely noticed the bowl clattering to the floor. Why were you here? You weren’t supposed to see him like this. Never this weak. “My apologies.” He rushed to clean himself up, ears pinned back in utter humiliation. “I am not up to your standard, Your Majesty, please.” Tears clouded his vision, throat tight.