Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 52: Annoying pests!

Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Annoying pests!

Elira could not care less; it was Selena’s nature to be dominiaring; she would have loved to teach her lesson, but she knows if she pushes too hard. She would retort against her.

She still needed this brainless queen for her purpose, and until her purpose is done here, she would act like a submissive, loyal servant towards her.

She had already regretted that day when she slapped this brainless queen; it took her so much time after that to coax her, and she didn’t want to do that again.

The queen gave a short, dismissive nod, but her eyes lingered on Elira, sensing the faint trace of doubt in her. She filed the observation away for later, choosing not to confront it now. There were more important matters at hand.

Selna gave her a short nod, but her eyes still lingered on Elira, doubt creeping in her mind. But she decided not to confront it now.

There is something more important for her now, far more important than her nanny’s unusual behavior.

Selnea dismissed this thought, but she would have never imagined that this would come back to bite her in the future.

Selena looks at Madam Elira, waiting for a measured response that will aid her in her plans. But she became shocked at the nanny’s reply that was abrupt and uncharacteristic.

"I have some urgent work to attend to," Elira said flatly; her tone was devoid of its usual deference. Her mind seemed distant, as though she was already halfway out of the room.

"If I don’t return by nightfall, don’t send anyone to look for me. I’ll manage."

The queen blinked. She was momentarily stunned. "Elira—" she began, but the nanny’s cold voice cut her off.

"I’ll be fine." Without waiting for further questions, Elira turned on her heel and left the queen chambers without sparing another glance at the queen. the soft rustle of her skirts trailing behind her.

The queen stared after her; she was too speechless to respond. Something gnawed at the queen’s mind—a growing sense that the nanny was hiding something.

Lately, Elira had been slipping away from the palace more frequently, disappearing without telling her whereabouts, and if asked, she would brush it off like it was not worth mentioning.

It was unlike Elira to behave this way. For years, the nanny had been unwavering in her love for her. She had always supported her, and because of her, she stood in this position.

But now... now there was something different about her, something she could not grasp. And that was infuriating.

She had a bad feeling about this; she couldn’t point it out, but it was disturbing.

The queen’s suspicion had grown steadily with every unexplained absence. She had sent many hidden servants and her loyal people to spy on the nanny, only to leave empty-handed; her spies always lost track of the nanny.

Every attempt had ended in frustration—Elira would vanish the moment she left the castle grounds, leaving no trail behind. No matter how carefully the queen planned, the nanny always slipped through her grasp, as though she were a ghost.

Each failed effort only fed the queen’s paranoia. What was Elira doing out there? Who was she meeting? And, most troubling of all—why did she feel the need to keep it from her?

The queen paced the chamber, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. This was not a matter she could ignore. Elira’s sudden shift was not a coincidence; She is determined to uncover the truth.

Whatever secret the nanny was keeping, she would find it. No one kept things from her—not without consequence.

Her eyes narrowed with determination. She would need to be smarter this time, more careful. If her spies couldn’t follow Elira, she would have to try a different strategy.

The queen allowed herself a small, grim smile. The game was far from over, and Elira’s mysterious absences would soon be transparent in front of her like a glass.

After all, no one in this palace escaped her grasp forever.

~~~~~~

Madam Elira slipped through the palace’s backdoor, and walked in the bustling market in front of the palace.

The air was filled with the scent of spices, the sounds of merchants shouting their deals, and the hum of people haggling. But Elira barely noticed them.

She knew she was being followed. She could feel it—the unwanted presence trailing just a few steps behind.

A scowl twisted her lips. "Damn them—and that wretched queen," she grumbled quietly. "Does she think I’m her pet to command? Foolish woman."

Stopping at a fabric stall, she pretended to browse through the colorful materials. But her sharp eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a way out. Her shadow wasn’t far. They were patient, waiting for her next move.

She held back a frustrated sigh. "Annoying pests," she muttered under her breath.

Then, the perfect chance came—a loud argument broke out between two customers. The crowd shifted toward the commotion, giving Elira the cover she needed.

Moving quickly, she slipped into the same shop she’d been pretending to browse and made her way into the back room.

In the dim space, an old man was waiting for her. His wrinkled face showed no surprise as she entered. Without a word, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small silver pendant.

"It’s ready," he whispered, handing it to her with a slight bow.

Elira gave a short nod, taking the pendant from him. The old man glanced at her one last time before leaving silently through a side door.

The pendant felt cold in her hand. It was small and dull-looking, but Elira knew better. There was powerful magic hidden inside. This was no ordinary trinket.

She pulled her hood low over her head, hiding her face. With a soft whisper, she chanted a few words under her breath, activating the magic. Then, with a swift squeeze, she crushed the pendant in her palm.

A burst of silver light filled the room, and in the blink of an eye, Elira was gone.

The dust from the shattered pendant shimmered briefly in the air, then disappeared, leaving no sign she had ever been there.

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