Chapter 101

I spent most of the day in the temple, as Lucian had asked, kneeling before the great stone altar with my hands clasped and my lips moving in silent prayer. At least, that was how it must have looked to the temple attendants. In truth, I was bored out of my mind. Bored and sleepy as hell.

He wanted me to remain in the temple praying for his quick recovery but that was akin to madness. I couldn't do this everyday, I thought, annoyed that I had even come to the temple in the first place. 

The temple was quiet, save for the flickering torches and the soft murmurs of other devotees scattered around. Incense filled the air, thick and heavy, making my head ache. I shifted uncomfortably on the cold stone floor, wondering how much longer I had to keep up this act before I could leave.

I decided I would stay a while, a respectable amount of time before I left, just saw I wouldn't look weird or disrespectful. 

I had just decided to slip away when a shadow fell over me. "You look miserable," a low voice murmured.

I didn't need to turn to know who it was. Rowan.

I glanced up at him, his familiar green eyes staring down at me with amusement. Something about him stirred something deep in me, but I quickly ignored it. I ignored him. Dressed in a dark cloak, he blended into the dim temple lighting, his presence commanding as ever.

"I'm praying," I whispered, lifting my chin.

His lips twitched, he seemed to find the thought of me praying very funny. "Is that what you're doing? I had no idea." He extended a hand. "Come. We need to talk." 

I hesitated but eventually took his hand. His grip was firm, warm against my cold fingers. He led me toward a secluded corner of the temple, away from prying eyes. Once we were alone, he leaned against the stone wall, watching me carefully.

"Well? What are you truly doing here?!" he asked.

"I told you. I'm praying. For Lucian." 

Now Rowan looked at me as if I had horns for head. 

"Interesting. I don't remember you praying in the temple for me while I was crippled." 

"That was different. Listen, there is something I want to tell you...."

I started. He shrugged, as he gestured that I should continue." 

I swallowed, suddenly nervous. "I wanted to say... I'm sorry."

His brow lifted. "For what?"

"For not believing you in the first place," I admitted. "When you said you had no idea I was supposed to be executed. I— I thought you were lying, that you were just playing with me. I didn't want to believe that you hadn't left me." I looked away. "But I was wrong."

Rowan studied me for a long moment before nodding. "I accept your apology. I also want to apologise to you, for everything that you have been through in the hands of my family." 

"If I didn't meet your family, I would have never have met you. I'd still be in the Carstairs house. I'd still be a slave. So I'm grateful I met you, regardless of everything that has happened." 

Relief flooded through me. "Thank you."

Silence stretched between us, neither of us knowing what to say next. Eventually, I cleared my throat. "How are you holding up? With everything? People won't stop talking about what happened with Isabelle." 

His expression darkened. "Well, her words were very convincing, she has managed to divide the kingdom. The wolf clans are deliberating."

"About what?"

"About what to do with me," he said bitterly. "Isabelle's accusation has shaken their trust. If I don't prove to them soon that I'm not impotent, they'll start losing faith in me." 

I frowned. "And how exactly do you prove something like that?"

He exhaled sharply. "I don't know yet. But one thing is certain—I have to marry again. And I have to marry very soon."

"The next wolf I marry, she must be with child soon so I can prove that I am potent." 

The words hit me like a blow to the chest. "Marry again?" I repeated, my voice quieter than I intended.

Rowan nodded. "It's the only way to silence the doubts. A new queen, an heir. That's what they expect. It's what they want. If I don't give the people what they want, they'll start thinking Isabelle's words are true." 

I forced my face to remain neutral. "And... do you have someone in mind?"

He sighed. "The Queen Dowager—my grandmother—has been tasked with selecting my next wife. She will have someone ready by the end of the week. We will marry in less than a fortnight." 

The idea of Rowan marrying again, felt like a punch to the guts. I clenched my fists, willing myself to remain composed. "I see."

Rowan must have noticed something in my expression because he softened. "Ariadne—"

"It's fine," I cut him off. "It's not my place to care."

"It is," he said quietly.

I looked at him, my heart pounding.

"You are the one I truly want. I want no one else. You know that. If I had my way, I would marry you instead."

His words stole my breath.

For a moment, all I could do was stare at him. The intensity in his eyes, the weight behind his words—it was almost too much.

I opened my mouth to respond but found nothing to say.

"You should leave before someone catches us." With that, I turned and left him.

..........

That evening, as I sat in my chambers, staring at the wax-sealed letter in my hands that Beatrice just gave me, my heart pounded in my chest.

Kaelin wanted to meet me. 

I read the letter again, my eyes scanning the carefully written words. She hadn't said much—only that she needed to see me urgently and that I should meet her by the eastern gate at midnight.

I had no progress she would like to hear, knowing Kaelin, she has probably learned about Isabelle being removed as Queen. She might want us to use that to our advantage. 

I sighed, folding the letter and tucking it into the sleeve of my robe. Sneaking out would be difficult enough, but with Beatrice, my new handmaiden breathing down my neck, it would be nearly impossible.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Beatrice pushed open the door without knocking. "Your highness, it's late. You should rest. The physician said you need lots of rest." 

I forced a smile. "I was just about to."

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. "Good. Then I'll stay with you till you fall asleep." 

I barely held back a groan. "That won't be necessary."

"But you have been unwell," she insisted, stepping further into the room. "I should watch over you. I wouldn't want the Royal Concubine to think that I'm not doing my job. 

I clenched my fists beneath the table. "Beatrice, I appreciate your concern, but I just want to be alone. Can you do that?!" 

She crossed her arms. "If you want to be alone, then you must not  be feeling better. I should stay with you just in case." 

I swallowed my irritation. "Fine," I said with a sigh. "If you insist on staying, at least join me for tea on the terrace first."

Beatrice hesitated. "Tea?"

"Yes," I said smoothly. "I find it helps me sleep. I'd like some company before bed."

Her suspicious gaze lingered on me for a moment before she finally nodded. "Alright."

I moved to the small tea table on the terrace, my hands steady as I poured two cups. As I reached for the vial hidden in my pocket, I kept my movements slow and deliberate, pretending to examine the tea leaves. A few drops of the sleeping tonic mixed seamlessly with her tea. If she wasn't going to leave me alone, she might as well go to sleep. 

I had gotten the tonic to help me sleep at night, but in the moment she needed it more. I wondered if the Royal Concubine somehow asked her to keep an eye on me. Was that why she was being so persistent. 

I handed her the cup with a smile. "Drink."

Beatrice took a sip, smacking her lips. "It's a little bitter."

"It's a special blend," I said, hiding my impatience, silently praying that she would drink it all.