Learning About the Assassination Attempt

I replied softly, my voice tinged with sadness, "My mother requested a private conversation with me."

With a mischievous grin, he swiftly tugged me closer, his hand tenderly placed on my stomach. It was as if he wanted the whole world to witness our undeniable connection, to prove that I carried his precious seed. I played my part, beaming with joy as his gentle touch caressed my growing belly. The atmosphere in the hall was hushed, all eyes fixated on us, on the enigmatic duo we had become.

At that moment, I realized that this was my new reality, a life where Jacob held the reins, and I simply had to adapt. Deep down, I knew he yearned for more little ones, and I was prepared to fulfill his every desire. Surrendering to his wishes would undoubtedly make life smoother, and easier.

The morning sun cast its warm glow over the castle. The bustling sounds of breakfast filled the air. The aroma of sizzling bacon wafted through the hall, enticing the hungry guests to gather and indulge in a hearty meal. Little did they know that this peaceful morning would soon be shattered by the weight of a dark secret.

The last crumbs were devoured. The crowd slowly made their way from the hall to the courtroom. The anticipation hung thick in the air, as everyone knew that justice was about to be served. Amongst the sea of faces, Jacob took his seat, his eyes filled with determination.

Suddenly, the doors swung open, revealing the prisoner - a figure cloaked in darkness, their face hidden from view. My heart skipped a beat as I locked eyes with the mysterious intruder. With a commanding presence, Jacob rose from his seat and addressed the prisoner, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and anger.

"What was your purpose in invading this castle?" Jacob's voice echoed through the room, demanding an answer.

The prisoner's eyes darted around, searching for an escape, before finally settling on Jacob.

"We were hired to assassinate the queen," the prisoner confessed, their voice laced with a chilling determination.

Gasps filled the room as the gravity of the situation sank in. Jacob's eyes narrowed, his mind racing to uncover the truth.

“Who hired you to assassinate my queen?"

Jacob's voice boomed, his words dripping with authority. The prisoner hesitated, their lips trembling, before finally uttering the words that sent shockwaves through the courtroom.

"I cannot say, Your Majesty," the prisoner replied.

Jacob's eyes widened, his mind racing to uncover the identity of this traitor lurking in their midst. The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation hanging heavy in the air.

"Council, take note that there is a traitor in our midst," Jacob declared, his voice filled with a mix of anger and determination.

The room erupted in whispers and murmurs, as the realization of betrayal settled upon them all.

Jacob was not finished. He turned his gaze back to the prisoner, his eyes burning with a fiery determination.

"Do you deny trying to kill the queen?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

The prisoner's eyes met Jacob's, their resolve unyielding.

“I stand firm in my decision, for I have no regrets.”
“The audacity we possessed, daring to plot the demise of the queen!”
“We were so close, so close to achieving our goal, if only that meddling guard hadn't intervened, thwarting our plans.”

“Alas, my dear brother paid the ultimate price for our audacious endeavor.”
“His life was tragically snuffed out, a casualty of our daring ambition.”
“The sentence for attempting to kill the queen is death, you will be joining your brother soon.”
“You will die before sunset by hanging till dead.”
“This court is dismissed.”

They dragged the prisoner out of the room. He shouted to me, “There will be others my queen.”

I tried to hide the terror on my face. I had to be in fear for my own life, and my children’s life. If Jake had not been there, I would have been dead. Jacob immediately walked over to me.

“You will have three guards with you at all times.”
“I will not allow you or our child to be assassinated.”
“Guards move her things to my chambers.”
“She will be safer staying with me.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jacob's voice echoed through the grand hall as he addressed the council, his words dripping with urgency.

"Find out who the traitor is," he commanded, his eyes blazing with determination.
"I want them found as soon as possible."

The council members nodded in agreement, their loyalty unwavering.

"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied in unison, their voices filled with unwavering loyalty.

The council meeting ended. Jacob's demeanor changed. He grabbed my arm and swiftly pulled me into the sanctuary of the library, his eyes searching mine for answers.

"Did you know about this, Jacob?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine surprise.
"I had no clue, if I had, I would never have sent you back to your chambers," he confessed, his voice tinged with regret.



In that moment, I realized the depth of his emotions. Despite his anger towards me, he didn't want to see me harmed. His voice softened as he reached out to me, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.

"Katherine, can we start over?" he asked, his voice laced with vulnerability.
"Can you find it in your heart to forgive me for everything that has happened?"

The air in the library seemed to hold its breath as I considered his words. There was a flicker of hope in his eyes, a genuine desire for redemption. In that moment, I knew that our story was far from over.

"I shall endeavor, my lord," I replied with a determined smile. Jacob's eyes lit up at my response, a glimmer of hope shining through.
"Fear not, for I shall ensure your safety," he assured me.
"What about your mistress?" my voice held a hint of concern, my eyes searching his for answers.

He took a deep breath, preparing himself to reveal the truth.

"Katherine, there is something I must confess," he began, his voice tinged with a mix of guilt and resolve.
"Vivian is indeed my mistress, but not for the reasons you may think," he confessed, his words hanging in the air. He continued, explaining the true nature of their relationship.
"She sought my help in conceiving a child, a task she knew Jake would refuse."
"Their marriage had been consummated, and Jake could not deny the child as his own."

"I shall purchase a house for Vivian in the village and find her a wealthy husband who will raise the child as his own."
"I shall have no part in the child's life, and no one shall ever know of its true parentage.”
"That is, of course, if she is indeed pregnant," he added, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his words.

My mind was reeling with this bombshell of news. Vivian, his mistress, was a fact I had already come to terms with. But the fact that he had gone to such lengths just to spite me and Jake was beyond comprehension. What was the point of hiding the child? It wasn't like the little one had any legitimate claim to the throne. And let's not forget about Vivian - she was not one to go down without a fight.

"Katherine, my dear, I can see the weariness etched on your face," Jacob's voice was filled with concern as he gently placed his hand on my shoulder.
"You've had an incredibly long day, and I believe it's high time you took a well-deserved break."
I protested weakly, my voice barely a whisper, "Jacob, please, I can manage on my own.”
“I don't want to be a burden."

He wouldn't hear of it. With a determined look in his eyes, he scooped me up effortlessly, his strong arms cradling me like a fragile treasure.

"No arguments, my dear.”
“You need to rest, and I won't take no for an answer."

He carried me through the grand halls. I felt a sense of security enveloping me. The guards, recognizing their master's intent, swiftly opened the doors to his chambers, revealing a room shrouded in darkness. It was a stark contrast to the opulence of the rest of the castle, with minimal decor and curtains perpetually drawn shut.

The bed, however, was a sight to behold. Covered in a luxurious black satin sheet, it was adorned with a thick velvet canopy that cascaded down like a waterfall of midnight. It was a sanctuary, a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos of the outside world.

Jacob gently laid me down on the plush mattress, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"Rest now, my dear Katherine," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing melody.
"Let the worries of the day melt away and allow yourself to be embraced by the serenity of this sanctuary."

I closed my eyes. The weight of exhaustion finally lifted from my weary body. I couldn't help but feel grateful for Jacob's unwavering care and his ability to create a haven where I could find solace. In this moment, surrounded by the velvety darkness and the promise of rest, I knew that I was safe.

"Sleep tight, my dearest," he whispered, gently placing me on the bed before gracefully exiting the room. Just as I thought I was alone, Macy emerged from the depths of the closet, concern etched across her face.

"Are you alright, Miss?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine worry.
A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I replied, "I've just discovered that I was a target for assassination."

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on me, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine.

"Thank goodness they apprehended those men, didn't they?" Macy inquired, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.
"Yes, they did manage to catch them," I replied, relief washing over me momentarily.
"There's more to it.”
“The man who was captured mentioned the existence of a traitor within the court."

A gasp escaped Macy's lips, her hand instinctively covering her mouth.

"That would certainly explain why the prince insisted on moving you to his chambers," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of shock and realization.

Feeling a sudden urge to escape the confines of my restrictive dress, I turned to Macy and pleaded, "Could you please help me out of this gown?"

Without hesitation, Macy rushed to my aid, skillfully unfastening the intricate buttons and laces that held the dress in place. The fabric fell away. she gently guided me into a comfortable nightgown, her touch soothing and comforting.

I sank into the softness of Jake's bed. I felt grateful for the comfort it provided. It was a far cry from the lumpy, uncomfortable mattress I had tossed and turned on the night before. My eyelids grew heavy and I felt myself slipping into a peaceful slumber.

Almost as if on cue, Jake's voice echoed through my mind. The sound of him saying "I love you" was enough to make my heart skip a beat. Then, in my dream, I looked down and saw blood on my hands. Panic set in and I woke up screaming.

Thankfully, Jacob was there to comfort me. He pulled me close and wiped away my tears as Macy handed him a handkerchief. I took a few deep breaths, but my body was still shaking with fear.
Jacob reassured me that I didn't have to go to the execution that night. I needed to rest and recover from the nightmare. He held me close and I tried to calm my breathing, hoping to drift back into a peaceful sleep.