Chapter 149: That's unfortunate
~Raphael's POV~
I woke with a start, my body drenched in sweat. The sheets clung to my skin as I sat up, my breath coming in short gasps. My heart hammered against my chest as Alasia's words resounded in my mind.
"Your beloved mate is the crown princess of the Mesodomica people."
It wasn't just a dream. The realization hit me. I had destroyed Ava's people. Alasia had actually visited me, taunting me with that information that could destroy everything I had with Ava.
Mesodomica. The name alone brought back memories I had tried so hard to bury. The screams, the blood, the bodies scattered across the land. And now to learn that Ava was one of them, the crown princess, no less.
"What have I done?" I whispered into the darkness of my room.
Grey rose within me, offering a comforting presence that did little to ease my guilt.
Funny how I had spent three days in Nordic's kingdom without seeing either Nordic or Elias. At first, I had thought nothing of it, but now suspicion crept in, darkening my already troubled thoughts.
Had Elias known? Had he kept Ava's identity a secret all this time? Anger flared within me, directed not just at myself but at Elias and Alasia for hiding the truth.
I threw the covers off and stood up. My legs felt unsteady, but I forced myself to move. I needed answers, and I needed them now.
I quickly dressed, pulling on simple black robes. Three days had passed since my arrival, and in that time, I had been using my powers to read the queen's mind. What I had discovered was troubling.
Isla still hadn't gotten her son back, and even Nordic was missing. According to her thoughts, she had poisoned both Nordic and Elias with an aphrodisiac and locked them in the North wing of the palace. The reason wasn't clear, but I suspected it had something to do with control.
I made my way downstairs, knowing the queen would be waiting for me in the dining hall. Perhaps it was time to confront her directly.
As I approached the dining hall, voices drifted through the partly open door. I slowed my steps, choosing to observe before making my presence known.
What I saw made my blood boil.
Queen Isla had Caleb pressed against the wall, her lips locked with his in a passionate kiss. Just a few feet away stood Gemma, Caleb's mate and wife. Her face was a mask of pain and hurt, but she remained silent, biting her lips to keep from crying out.
I hadn't seen Gemma since arriving at the Northwest kingdom. I had wondered where she had been, and now I had my answer.
Using my abilities, I gently probed Gemma's mind. The images I found there made me clench my fists in anger.
Isla had been holding her hostage, using her as leverage against Caleb. The queen had desired Caleb for herself, even knowing he was mated and married.
When he had refused her advances, she had resorted to more extreme measures.
"Disgusting," I muttered under my breath, revolted by the corruption I was witnessing.
I shifted my focus to Isla's mind. What I found there was equally troubling. She was doing this deliberately to provoke Gemma, to show her that no man could resist her charms. It was a twisted game of power and dominance. What a first fit, both husband and wife.
But there was more. Caleb wasn't acting of his own free will. He was under a powerful spell, one that Alasia had placed on him at the request of Isla. The pieces were starting to fall into place now.
Alasia's words from my dream came back to me: "Caleb, Elias, and the Dragon are all in trouble. Their powers are probably being drained as we speak."
She hadn't been lying. Caleb was clearly under her control, and if what she said was true, then Nordic and Elias were in danger as well. And Ava... my heart clenched at the thought of my mate in the hands of the priest.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I needed to act carefully. Releasing Elias might be a good first step, he could help find Drogon and Caleb. But first, I needed to deal with Isla.
I pushed the door open fully and stepped into the dining hall.
"Good morning, " I said, my voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.
Isla pulled away from Caleb immediately, her surprise quickly masked by a practiced smile. "Your majesty, how wonderful of you to join us for breakfast."
Caleb's eyes were glazed, unfocused. He didn't even acknowledge my presence.
"I apologize for interrupting your... morning ritual," I said, my tone deliberately cold.
Isla laughed, a high, false sound. "Don't be silly. Caleb and I were just discussing some kingdom matters."
Gemma's eyes met mine, a silent plea in them. " Help him," her voice sounded in the mind-link. I nodded at her.
"I see," I said, taking a seat at the dining table. "And where are Nordic and Elias? I've been here for three days and haven't seen either of them."
Isla's smile tightened. "They're attending to important matters. I'm sure they'll join us when they can."
I nodded, pretending to accept her explanation. "And what about Drogon? I was told he would be here as well."
A flicker of something, fear? crossed Isla's face before she composed herself. " Your man Drogon is... indisposed at the moment."
Liar, I thought, but kept my face neutral. "That's unfortunate. I was hoping to speak with him about a matter of great importance."
Isla waved a dismissive hand. "In time, your majesty, I am sure, he will come around soon. For now, let's enjoy our breakfast. Caleb, Gemma, please sit."
Ordering my people iny presence? I like her bravery. I gave her a tight smile as she looked at me expecting me to say something. She doesn't need to worry, I will have her head soon.
Caleb moved like a puppet, taking a seat beside Isla. Gemma hesitated, then sat across from them, her eyes never leaving her mate.
I felt Grey stirring again, a low growl building in my consciousness. I agreed with the sentiment. Something was very wrong in this kingdom, and it was time to set things right.
But first, I needed more information. And for that, I would have to play along with Isla's game a little longer.
As servants brought in plates of food, I caught Gemma's eye again and gave her a subtle nod.
'Hold on,' I said through the mind-link, hoping she could somehow understand my intention for saying so. I'm going to fix this. I promised her. She nodded her head and then looked away.
I just hoped I wouldn't be too late to save Ava as well. The thought of her in danger, her finding out what I had done to her people
, was almost too much to bear. Mu worst fear coming to pass though, I never imagined it would be through this manner.
But I would face it. I would face all of it.
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