Chapter 108

I moved quickly through the dimly lit corridor, my heart pounding in my chest. I needed to clear my head, to think, to figure out what I had just uncovered. The realization of what they had done—the cold, calculated murder of the dowager queen—left me shaken.

Just as I turned a corner, I heard footsteps behind me.

"Leaving so soon?" Rowan's voice was low, but I could hear the sharpness in it.

I stopped, exhaling slowly before turning around. He stood a few steps away, watching me carefully. His dark eyes held a storm of emotions—anger, suspicion, frustration.

"I needed air," I admitted. "That room was suffocating. It felt like I couldn't breathe. I didn't want to make a scene in front of the others." 

Rowan studied me for a moment, then took a step closer. "You know, don't you?" he said quietly.

I tensed. "Know what?"

His jaw tightened. "That Elana was behind this.  This is her doing. 

I blinked. He was blunt—too blunt.

"You suspect her?" I asked cautiously.

Rowan gave a short nod. "She and Lucian are the only ones who would benefit from this. The timing is too convenient. They weren't expecting that I would be getting married so soon. I ruined their plans and now they have ruined mine. If they knew that I was preparing to take a new bride sooner, they wouldn't have tried something so drastic." 

I inhaled sharply. "I suspect her too," I admitted. "The night before, when she learnt that I was working with the Dowager queen to pick a new bride for you, she made it clear that they would stop the wedding. I was going to tell you, but I didn't expect that it would be this soon, that they would do this so soon." 

Rowan's expression darkened. "And they did," he muttered. "At least, they think they did. I knew they would go far, but not in this way." 

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He crossed his arms. "The wedding will still happen as planned."

I stared at him. "But they just—"

He waved a hand dismissively. "The burial rites will last seven days. After that, the wedding will proceed. I don't care whatever they have planned, I will marry again as planned." 

I shook my head. "Rowan, they killed the dowager queen to stop this marriage. Do you really think they'll just give up now? If they can do that, do you know what else they can do?! Are you really willing to find out?" 

His lips curled into a humorless smirk. "No. I knew they wouldn't give up so easily. But they made a mistake."

I frowned. "What mistake?"

"They think I will cave to tradition," he said. "That I will honor the mourning period by postponing everything indefinitely. But I won't." His voice was steady, unwavering. "They wanted time. I won't give it to them." 

I let out a slow breath. "You're playing a dangerous game Rowan. What if someone else dies?!" 

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, something unspoken passed between us. "Who else? They can't come for me, they know I am untouchable and they think you're on their side. Besides, I have been playing this game since I ascended the throne." 

I hesitated, then shook my head. "I still can't believe they would go this far."

Rowan exhaled sharply. "You shouldn't be surprised. They've always wanted the throne. But I didn't think they would go after the Queen dowager." His voice hardened. "That was a mistake on their part."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "If they're willing to do this... what else are they capable of?"

His expression softened slightly as he stepped closer. "Don't let them scare you. You are under my protection. They don't know that, but don't worry." 

I swallowed, realizing too late that my hands were shaking. Rowan noticed too.

He reached out, his fingers brushing against my arm. "I'll protect you," he said quietly.

I let out a shaky breath. "You can't promise that."

His grip tightened slightly. "I can. And I will."

For a moment, the weight on my chest lifted just a little. Rowan was ruthless, but he wasn't blind. He saw what was happening, and he wasn't going to let them win.

I nodded slowly. "Then I suppose we'll see who makes the next move."

His lips curved slightly. "Yes. We will."

..................

The letter sat on my lap, the ink still fresh, the message unsettlingly brief.

We will proceed without you, if you don't deliver.

Kaelin's words sent a chill down my spine.

Proceed without me?

I read it again, searching for a hidden meaning. He had never been this cryptic before. What was I failing to understand? I had gotten into my chambers and was delivered the letter shortly after. I wondered why Kaelin would send a letter so soon after we had just seen each other. But now that I had read the content, I wondered what it even meant in the first place. I was confused. 

I barely had time to think when a knock came at my door.

I hesitated. It was late. Too late for a social visit. I silently prayed it wasn’t Rowan. If they suspected us together again, it could lead into more problems, especially with Blanca being able to tell that someone entered my chambers the last time. 

What if I was being watched?! 

I planned on telling Rowan to go back if I found out that he was the one. 

Taking a deep breath, I folded the letter and slipped it under my pillow before standing. "Who is it?"

"It's Lady Lilian," came the soft reply.

Lady Lilian? The woman Rowan was set to marry? What was she doing at my door. 

I frowned but opened the door cautiously.

She stood there in a pale lavender gown, her golden hair braided elegantly, her expression gentle. "May I come in? I’m so sorry for coming at this odd hour your highness. But I just arrived shortly at the castle and heard the news.” 

I didn't trust her, but refusing her would only make me seem suspicious. Forcing a polite smile, I stepped aside. "Of course."

She walked in gracefully, her hands folded before her. "I wanted to offer my condolences," she said softly.

I blinked. "For what?"

She tilted her head. "The dowager queen, of course. I know she was family to you in some way. Losing someone so suddenly must be difficult."

I studied her carefully. There was something about the way she spoke—too measured, too calculated.

"Thank you," I said carefully. "That's very kind of you."

I expected her to leave after that, but she didn't.

Instead, she glanced around the room before her eyes landed on me again. "You seem troubled."

I tensed. "It's been a long day," I said simply. "The events at dinner were unexpected, everyone is worried and shocked by what happened.” 

She smiled, but there was something sharp in her gaze. "You can stop worrying," she said. "I'm here to relieve the burden on you."

My brows knitted together. "What do you mean?"

Lilian stepped closer, her voice lowering. "I know who you truly are Ariadne.” 

My heart stopped.

"What?" I whispered.

"I know why you're here," she continued, watching my reaction. "You see, we're not so different."

I took a step back, my mind racing. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lilian laughed lightly. "Oh, Arin. Don't insult me." She leaned in slightly. "I know you were sent by Braam, just like I was. You can drop the act now.” 

My stomach dropped.

How did she—

My eyes widened as realization struck me.

Kaelin's letter.

We will proceed without you, if you don't deliver.

She wasn't threatening me. She was warning me.

Another spy had been placed in the castle.

And she was standing right in front of me. Rowan’s future bride was another spy from Braam.