33!

BRIANNA

I took a deep breath looking at Layla walking around the room. Myself and Trish shared a look but that didn't help at all.

“Layla stop moving,” I said to her but it didn't look like she heard me.

“Layla, it might be possible she wasn't ready to speak to you,” Trish said and I glared at her immediately.

“That's supposed to make me feel better,” Layla said. I guess she heard that.

“Did your mom's look like they were ready to talk to you either?” She asked and that's a very good question.

“No, they didn't. They just went straight to the point to avoid unnecessary questions,” Trish said.

“Exactly,” Layla pointed out

“We all just need to take a deep breath and figure this out,” I said to her.

“What's there to figure out?she asked, “My Mom is out there probably in hiding or even worse in the captivity of that monster!” She yelled.

“You need to bring your voice now,” i said to her but that didn't help she continued to pace around.

“I'm going to find out answers about my mother. Even if that includes being a double agent for his highest Alpha king,” she said and walked out of my chambers.

“This must be difficult for her,” Trish said, about a minute after Layla had left.

“Yes, it is and she is not thinking straight,” I said and she gave me a puzzled look.

“And you have been thinking straight?” She asked me and I scoffed.

“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked her and she folded her arms.

“You could have not accepted the King's betrothal idea but you did because that's the only way for you to be closer to him,” she said and I smirked.

“Well, too bad that plan has backfired because that was the King's exact idea,” I said to her.

“You should give Layla a break, that's all I'm asking,” she said and I looked at her.

“What makes you think I'm not giving her one. Our lives are being targeted whether we want to know about it or believe it,” I said to her.

“I know that,” she said before I could speak.

“I'm not saying you don't. I'm saying there is more to all of this that we know. Layla's mother is not dead. How sure are we that the king doesn't already know about that?” I asked her and she didn't say anything.

“We need to tread carefully, Trish. Like you told me when we first got here. There are a lot of forces at play that we may not be seeing,” I watched her take a deep breath and I walked towards her.

“I know this isn't exactly how a mating courtship is supposed to be,”

“Stop Bri,” she cuts me off, “I'm not thinking about right now,”

“It's okay if you are. Since I have known you, I have never seen you serious about anybody the way you are with Ethan,” I said to her.

“That's because I had things to take care of which will be the order of business from now,” she said, taking her hands away from me.

“I will get the maids to have a dress brought up and your bathroom ready,” she said and I sighed. I don't have it in me to get dressed in front of many people right now.

“Just let them get the dresses, I will go have a swim in the stream,” I said and she raised an eyebrow.

“What's that look for?” I asked her.

“You cannot tell Liam about his Mother,” she said and I gave her a puzzled look.

“You don't expect me to lie to him,” I said, sounding down.

“Of course not, which is why you can't talk to him about our magical adventure,” she said and I sighed.

“He will sense if I'm hiding something from him,” I said, taking my robe.

“No, he won't. Not if you hide your feelings exactly the way I taught you,” she said and left my chambers.

I dropped on my bed and held my head in my hands. I don't feel overwhelmed but angry and frustrated.

It seems like anytime we get a breakthrough there is always a wall waiting for us.

I summoned the courage and walked outside of my chambers. There were two guards in front and I rolled my eyes.

As I moved they walked behind me, “stop,” I ordered and they stopped immediately.

“I'm going to stream for a shower, do you care to join,” they both looked at themselves.

“No, your grace. Our apologies,” one of them said. I gave out a relieved breath and walked out almost immediately.

I didn't spend a lot of time in the stream, it felt like someone was watching me. I might have my powers but fighting off some men isn't a place I am just yet.

I quickly got out of the stream and walked towards the palace building.

“There you are,” I heard a sound behind me.

“Goddess!” I screamed, turning around, “damn you scared me,” I hit his chest.

“Goddess?” Liam asked, “you are warming up to us,” he said and I smiled.

“I have to. I'm about to be queen,” I said and he smiled bringing me close to him.

“What are you doing?” I asked, looking around.

“I'm about to take you for the second time,” he whispered in my ears.

“Your father shouldn't see us.” I said as he moved my back against the wall, I felt Dia ache in pleasure.

“I'm starting to not mind what my father thinks.” He said in my ear.

I bit my lips, “What do you mind, Alpha Liam?” I whispered in his ears.

“I like how that sounded,” he said with his lips on my neck. Suddenly we heard a sound.

“We can't be seen together, Liam,” I said and he nodded.

“I know, I can't wait for all of this to be over,” he said and walked away.

Not even a goodbye kiss. Is he sensing that I'm keeping something from him?

I took a deep breath and walked back to my chambers. I heard some giggling as I walked into my bedroom.

“Your grace!” They all quickly stood up immediately.

“What's going on here?” I asked, sounding pissed, staring deeply at each one of them.

“Why is that on you?” I asked, referring to the one putting on one of my favorite gowns.

“It was a silly mistake, your grace,” she bowed down. I noticed some red spots on her neck.

“What's that?” I asked, walking towards her.

“Don't touch her, your grace,” one of the ladies shouted. “That gown has been poisoned!” She yelled.