Chapter Two-Hundred-and-Fifty-Nine
**3rd Person POV**
King Armand eyed his queen furiously but Agatha was not paying attention to him. She wanted to believe she was right. In her world, her precious stepdaughter was incapable of evil and therefore, Harlin was the only possible villain as of now. It did not matter if the young Prince's life hung in the balance, Harlin had to be the villain. There was no situation that could convince her that werewolves were inherently evil especially when Thaddeus was sitting across from her.
“It is clear that you still hold grudges against me, but Agatha, you must realise that what has happened is bigger than us,” Thaddeus' voice was soft and delicate when he addressed her.
King Armand watched his wife furiously try to blink back tears. He was curious more than ever to know the history between the two.
Agatha on her path could not believe that after about three centuries, Thaddeus still had that effect on her. It had been so long since anyone had called her name so fondly. She tried though not to show that his voice had affected her. She could not even bring herself to tell him that she was Queen Agatha and he could not call her name just like that.
“We want to hear from the princess. We need to know what happened. It would be helpful if she can recall anything from the shooting,” said Elder Davis.
“She's still unconscious. The second she is awake we will let you know.”
****
Everyone had forgotten all about Lowell. The truth was that Lowell had been living in fear since the day Major Drieden had died. He had tried to pin the murder on anyone besides himself with the note but it had not worked the way he had wanted.
He had not murdered Major Drieden but he knew who had done it.
He also knew that if the murderer was ever caught, his execution would follow.
The reason was simple. He was a traitor.
He was in charge of snuggling vampire goods into his pack and many neighbouring packs. He knew of course that some of the items that came in through him were laced with poison and many had died mysterious deaths as a result. He had also made a deal with Major Drieden in the event that the vampires overran the werewolf lands. The deal ensured his security in the entire debacle.
So, he has been frightened.
****
When Gabriella’s eyes sputtered open, the first thing she asked was if Harlin had made it.
It was her stepmother who sat by her side and who she enquired about Harlin.
In whispers, Queen Agatha had said, “If you did it, I will ensure he never breathes a word of it.”
Gabriella's eyes widened in horror and she sat up.
“Mother! He prevented me from getting shot. It was a silver bullet; if the bullet had pierced my skin, I would be dead. I owe my life to him,” said Gabriella.
Queen Agatha relaxed. She looked at her daughter with love.
“I'm just relieved you're home,” said Agatha, hugging her daughter tight.
“Won't you ask me why?”
“Why? Of course not. I already know you came home because of Ashton. I told you he was trouble but what did you do? You married him the second I left and even invited the werewolves just to spite my authority,” returned Queen Agatha. She said this with no malice. She could never be angry with her children for long.
It surprised her most times how she loved especially Kristoff and Gabriella so fiercely seeing that they were not biologically hers. In her eyes, they could do no wrong.
“I'm sorry Mother,” Gabriella apologised.
“It's okay, princess. Now, I have a reason to crush the bastard. Did he really think he could get away with hurting my child?” The look in Agatha's eyes made Gabriella realise that Ashton's days were numbered.
“I still love him,” confessed Gabriella. A part of her still believed that Ashton would come back to his senses and do right by her.
“You are living in a dream world, love. And you need to wake up,” Agatha pinched her daughter's cheeks with warmth.
“Ah! The werewolf! Will he make it?” asked Gabriella with concern.
“He has not improved,” came Agatha's response.
“Mother? Is he going to die?” quipped Gabriella.
“It is uncertain and he cannot be your problem right now. You have to get your story right, Gabby. You cannot tell…”
“Mother, I must tell the truth,” said Gabriella. Agatha nodded her head painfully. She had raised her daughter right, perhaps too right, she thought.
“Okay. Do not implicate yourself in the process,” admonished Agatha.
“Can I see him?” asked Gabriella.
“I do not think so.”
“Mother, I would like to give my testimony now.”
****
He was looking for her. He had to finish what he had started. If she was caught alive, she would certainly tell everyone who he was and the things he had done.
He had to find her before it was too late.
****
With trembling hands, Lady Francesca approached the clinic where Harlin lay looking deathly pale. She had not realised up until this minute that she had cared for the young werewolf. Of course, she had started her relationship with Harlin basically to exploit him.
That day at the party, their chance coincidence had been planned.
Lord Lowell had singled him out in the crowd and had told her, “Take him upstairs and give him the time of his life.”
She had not been surprised at the command because it would not be the first time Lowell had coaxed her into bedding another man. He had always done so saying that it was for the greater good and their shared future. She had questioned him at first but she had soon learnt to stop asking questions. She had been so blinded by her love for Lowell that she had ignored the truth.
“What do you want with him now?”
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