Chapter 106
The announcement of the dinner celebration came as no surprise, but it left an uneasy weight on my chest. Rowan had planned it as a grand occasion—an opportunity to bring the family together and formally introduce Lady Lillian, the soon to be queen. A spectacle, no doubt, to show the Royal Concubine and Lucian that whatever they had been planning would not work. And that he has thwarted their plan. I didn't want to go. I had no interest in witnessing Lilian with Rowan, seeing their dynamic or even watch them all swoon over the perfect lady Lillian who was going to be queen soon. But I had no choice, my curiosity was piqued, even though I didn't want to admit it.
Lucian, too, had been excused from attending due to his condition, but he had insisted on going. Stubborn as ever, he would not be left out of an opportunity to see whatever it was he believed Rowan was planning. Special arrangements were made to ensure his comfort, including additional attendants and a chair designed to help him sit comfortably through the evening. Even though I wondered why he had even bothered in the first place.
By the time the dinner was set to begin, I had forced myself into composure, dressed in a gown of soft lavender silk. I had arranged my hair in loose waves, securing a delicate comb at the side of my head and Beatrice had helped me with my dress. I barely glanced at myself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at me was someone I hardly recognized these days. I was getting paler and I felt different, the pregnancy somehow made my face plumper.
I stepped into the hallway, preparing to make my way to the dining hall, when I spotted Princess Blanca standing near the balcony. The moment our eyes met, I knew she had been waiting for me. She smiled, a sharp, knowing thing that sent a chill down my spine.
"Princess Arin," she greeted smoothly, stepping forward. "I was just about to visit your chambers. I know you must have been very busy with the preparations for the dinner. Especially with my brother in law wanting to be in attendance."
I kept my expression neutral. "Yes, there is much to do. Is there something you need? Or something you want?"
Blanca tilted her head slightly, a glint of amusement in her gaze. "Oh, nothing urgent. Only... I had an interesting sight earlier. I was on my way to your room the night before when I saw a guard entering. It was very late in the night. And I was wondering why a guard would be entering your chambers so late."
My breath hitched, but I kept my face impassive. "A guard?" I repeated calmly. "That would have been Matthias. He came to assist with something in my room. Beatrice my handmaiden was inside the entire time."
Blanca hummed, studying me carefully. "Is that so?" She took a slow step closer. "You know, Arin, I would advise you to be cautious. My brother-in-law is not a forgiving man. You saw clearly what happened with Delilah. Lucian might appear kind and patient, but betrayal... well, that is something he does not take lightly."
My stomach twisted at her words, but I stood my ground. "If you are implying something, Princess Blanca, I suggest you speak plainly."
She let out a soft laugh, folding her hands in front of her. "I only mean to look out for you, dear sister-in-law. Rumors can be dangerous, and they spread so easily. Imagine what people would say if they believed you were... entertaining a guard in your chambers so late at night." She glanced meaningfully at my abdomen before her gaze flickered back to mine.
A cold chill ran through me. I clenched my fists at my sides. "You are making baseless accusations. I have done nothing inappropriate, and I would appreciate it if you refrained from spreading such lies about me."
Blanca's smile didn't falter. "Oh, of course. I wouldn't dream of spreading rumors." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "But be careful, Arin. If there is even a whisper of something improper, you won't be able to talk your way out of it. And if Lucian ever felt truly betrayed, not even the Alpha King's favor would protect you."
Anger flared in my chest, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Perhaps you should mind your own business, Blanca," I said evenly. "Unless, of course, you enjoy meddling in matters that do not concern you."
She laughed softly. "Oh, but it does concern me. Family matters always do." She took a step back, her expression still entirely too amused. "And u have to say, this isn't the first time I've noticed you being so sneaky. You've been caught more than once roaming around the hall late at night. I remember when Isabelle complained to me about it. You might think you have the final say now, that you have a way to hide whatever it is you are doing, but secrets have a way of surfacing at the most inconvenient times. I do hope, for your sake, that nothing... unexpected comes to light."
I narrowed my eyes. "You are wasting your time with all of this advice. I have done nothing wrong."
Blanca's smile remained, but there was something sharper beneath it, something almost gleeful. "We shall see," she murmured. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding against my ribs.
I exhaled slowly, willing my hands to stop shaking. More people were noticing me, and I couldn't help it. If Blanca had noticed something like that, who could tell what the rest also noticed?
I had to be more careful. And I had to beg Rowan to be more careful too, before we end up being caught.
Straightening my shoulders, I forced my mind back to the evening ahead. There was still a dinner to attend, and I could not afford to show any weakness. Blanca was watching. They all were
................
The grand dining hall was filled with murmurs as everyone took their seats. The long table gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, the finest silverware and goblets set before us. Servants moved quietly around the room, pouring wine and making final adjustments.
I sat beside Lucian, my hands folded in my lap, trying to ignore the heavy feeling in my chest. I knew this dinner wouldn't end well. Something about the way Rowan had planned it—so sudden, so deliberate—felt wrong.
Rowan stood at the head of the table, his face impassive as he raised his goblet. The room fell silent.
"I have gathered you all tonight for an important announcement," he began, his deep voice echoing across the hall. "I am to take a new bride. Lady Lilian and I will be wed in two days."
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