57.

As the royal shuttle descended onto the gleaming marble landing platform of Alex’s kingdom, the tension between the couple was palpable. Queen Aeryn sat beside Alex, her fingers entwined with his, but her mind wandered back to the horrors of her captivity. Though they had escaped Jack’s clutches, the memories of his vile laughter and the terror of that night clung to her like shadows.

Alex glanced at her, his expression softening. "You're safe now, Aeryn. No one will ever hurt you again," he promised, squeezing her hand gently.

Aeryn nodded, but she couldn’t shake the sense of unease. She felt… different. Something was wrong, and it wasn’t just the mental toll of the past days. Her body had been feeling weak and unsteady since their escape, but she hadn’t told Alex. He was already burdened enough with protecting her and managing the kingdom’s affairs.

As the shuttle door opened, the familiar sights of the kingdom greeted them. But something was wrong. Instead of cheers and welcoming faces, there were whispers, sharp and accusatory. Aeryn could feel the weight of their stares as they stepped out onto the platform. The air was heavy with tension, and a chill ran down her spine.

"Alex, why are they looking at me like this?" Aeryn whispered, her voice trembling.

Before Alex could respond, one of his advisors hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Your Highnesses," he said, his voice filled with unease, "there have been… rumors circulating."

"Rumors?" Alex’s voice was filled with a dangerous edge. "What rumors?"

The advisor looked nervously at Aeryn before lowering his gaze. "The people… they’ve heard that during Queen Aeryn’s time in captivity, she… spent a night with Jack."

The accusation hit Aeryn like a physical blow. Her eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back, her breath catching in her throat. "What?" she whispered, barely able to comprehend the words.

Alex’s expression darkened with fury. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he glared at the advisor. "Who dares to spread such lies?"

The crowd murmured among themselves, some avoiding eye contact while others gazed at Aeryn with thinly veiled suspicion. The atmosphere was thick with distrust.

"I swear, Alex," Aeryn said, her voice cracking. "I would never…"

Alex turned to her, his eyes softening. "I know, Aeryn. I know the truth, and that’s all that matters."

But as much as Alex’s words comforted her, the reality of the situation gnawed at Aeryn’s heart. The kingdom, the people she was meant to rule alongside Alex, didn’t trust her. They believed the worst.

"Your Majesty, the people are scared," the advisor continued, trying to sound diplomatic. "They fear Jack’s power and what might have happened while the queen was in his captivity. They don’t understand, and fear breeds mistrust."

Aeryn’s head began to spin, and she felt her legs weaken beneath her. The whispers around her grew louder, the faces of the crowd blurring together in a haze of judgment.

"Enough!" Alex’s voice boomed, silencing the murmurs. "Anyone who spreads these vile rumors will answer to me directly. Do you hear me?"

The crowd quieted, but the atmosphere remained tense. Aeryn’s vision began to blur, and a sudden wave of dizziness overcame her. She tried to steady herself, but it was no use. Her legs buckled, and she collapsed.

"Aeryn!" Alex shouted, catching her just before she hit the ground. His face was a mask of worry as he cradled her in his arms. "Someone get the healers!" he barked.

---

Aeryn awoke to the soft glow of light in their private chambers, her body weak and her mind foggy. She could hear Alex’s voice, low and urgent, nearby. Slowly, her vision cleared, and she saw him standing at the foot of her bed, speaking with one of the royal healers.

"What’s wrong with her?" Alex demanded, his voice strained with worry. "Why did she faint?"

The healer bowed slightly before speaking. "It appears the queen is suffering from extreme stress, Your Majesty. Her body has been through much, and the emotional toll has weakened her."

"Is it because of what Jack did to her?" Alex’s voice was barely controlled, anger simmering beneath the surface.

The healer hesitated, his eyes flicking to Aeryn before he answered. "It’s possible, but there’s something else, Your Majesty. We’ve found traces of a foreign substance in her bloodstream. Something… unrecognizable to our medical knowledge."

"A foreign substance?" Alex’s voice grew sharp with alarm. "What does that mean? Is she in danger?"

"We can’t be certain yet," the healer replied cautiously. "It’s possible she was exposed to something while she was with Jack. We need more time to run tests and understand what this substance is and how it’s affecting her."

Aeryn groaned softly, trying to sit up, but the weight of her body kept her pinned to the bed. "Alex…" she whispered weakly.

Alex was at her side in an instant, his hand gently brushing the hair away from her face. "Aeryn, you’re awake," he said, his voice filled with relief. "Don’t move too much. You need to rest."

"What… what’s wrong with me?" she asked, her voice faint.

"You’ve been under a lot of stress," Alex said gently, though his eyes betrayed the worry he was trying to hide. "But the healers are looking into it. You’re going to be fine."

Aeryn’s eyes filled with tears. "I didn’t… I didn’t do anything with Jack, Alex. You have to believe me."

Alex’s face softened as he leaned closer, cupping her cheek in his hand. "I believe you, Aeryn. I know you didn’t. But I won’t let these rumors hurt you. I’ll do whatever it takes to clear your name."

Aeryn closed her eyes, exhaustion pulling at her, but she forced herself to stay awake. "I’m so tired, Alex. Everything feels… heavy."

"I know," Alex murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "But you’re strong. You’ve been through worse than this, and you’ve always come out stronger."

The healer cleared his throat gently, catching Alex’s attention. "Your Majesty, with your permission, we’d like to begin a deeper analysis of the queen’s condition. It may take time, but we need to understand what this foreign substance is."

Alex nodded grimly. "Do whatever you have to. I want her healthy again."

The healer bowed and exited the room, leaving Alex and Aeryn alone. Silence fell between them, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Alex remained by her side, his thumb stroking the back of her hand as he watched over her.

"I’ll stay with you," he said softly. "I’m not leaving your side until I know you’re safe."

Aeryn smiled faintly, her eyelids growing heavier by the moment. "Thank you, Alex. I love you."

"I love you too," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

As Aeryn drifted back to sleep, Alex stayed true to his word. He didn’t leave her side, his mind racing with the thoughts of the rumors, Jack’s possible schemes, and whatever mysterious toxin was running through Aeryn’s veins. Whatever was coming next, he would face it—alongside his queen.