Chapter 114
The grand council chamber was tense with anticipation. The air was thick with the murmurs of high-ranking officials, elders from the wolf clans, and nobles who had been hastily summoned for the emergency meeting. Rowan sat at the head of the long table, his golden eyes sharp as he watched the proceedings unfold.
I stood beside him, my hands folded tightly in front of her. Across from them, Royal Concubine Elana's face was a mask of thinly veiled fury.
"This is absurd," Elana declared, slamming her hand against the table. "You cannot simply discard tradition because it suits you, Your Majesty!"
Rowan's expression remained impassive. "I am not discarding tradition," he said smoothly. "I am following it. The bond between Arin and Lucian was forced upon her, and now that I have claimed her as my mate, I will ensure that she is rightfully mine."
One of the elder councilmen, a gray-haired man named Lord Gareth, cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, while you have every right to take a mate, the laws of the Moon Goddess must still be upheld. We must determine whether Lady Arin's union with Prince Lucian can be annulled. Tell us—has the marriage been consummated?"
All eyes turned to me.
My throat tightened, but I forced myself to speak clearly. "No. It has not been consummated."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the chamber.
Lord Gareth exchanged glances with the other council members before nodding. "Then by the laws of the Moon Goddess, it is not a true union." He turned back to Rowan. "An annulment can be granted, and you will be free to take Lady Arin as your queen."
Elana's face twisted in outrage. "This is madness! You would let this girl replace Lady Lilian?"
Another council member, Lady Miriam, frowned. "The Alpha King's wishes must be honored. If Lady Arin is to bear his heir, then it is in the best interest of the kingdom that they be wed."
Elana's nostrils flared. "And you just believe her? What if she is lying? What if this is a trick to gain power?"
Rowan's growl rumbled through the chamber, but before he could respond, another voice cut in.
"Then let us put it to rest," Lord Gareth suggested. He gestured toward the royal physician standing nearby. "A test can be conducted to confirm Lady Arin's condition."
Elana's lips curled into a smirk, as if she believed the test would prove Arin a liar. "Yes. Let's see the truth, shall we?"
My heart pounded as the royal physician, an elderly man with keen eyes, approached her. "If you will allow me, my lady," he said gently.
She nodded, steeling herself.
The physician pressed his hands lightly against my lower abdomen, concentrating as he used his senses. The room was deathly silent as everyone watched.
Then, he looked up, his eyes flickering with surprise.
"It is as she says," the physician announced. "Lady Arin is with child."
Elana's expression faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. "That means nothing! She could have lied about the father!"
Another figure stepped forward—an elderly healer, a wolf shaman from one of the sacred clans. He placed his hands over my stomach and closed his eyes.
Minutes passed in unbearable silence.
Then, the healer opened his eyes and looked directly at Rowan. "There is an extra heartbeat. It is strong and hearty," he confirmed. "This child carries the blood of an Alpha."
Rowan exhaled sharply, his shoulders relaxing for the first time. He turned to me, his expression unreadable, but I could see the raw relief in his eyes.
The council members exchanged looks.
"The child is his," Lord Gareth said finally. "The Moon Goddess has spoken."
Some of the council members nodded in agreement, while others still looked uneasy, but none spoke against the ruling.
Rowan rose from his chair, his powerful presence commanding the room. "Then there is no further discussion needed. Arin will be my queen."
Elana's fists clenched at her sides, her face pale with fury. "You will regret this," she hissed under her breath.
Rowan's golden eyes burned with warning. "If you so much as whisper against my mate again, you will regret it more."
Elana turned on her heel and stormed out of the chamber, her robes billowing behind her.
The council remained silent as Rowan looked over them one last time. "This meeting is over."
As I let out a quiet breath, I felt Rowan's hand brush against hers beneath the table. His fingers curled around mine, firm and steady.
I wasn't alone in this. Not anymore.
.........
As soon as I step out of the council chamber, I barely make it a few steps before Lilian appears in front of me, her eyes blazing with fury.
"What the hell are you doing?" she hisses, grabbing my wrist and dragging me into a quieter corner of the hall. "Are you actually pregnant with Rowan's child?"
I yank my wrist free and cross my arms. "What does it matter to you?"
She scoffs, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable. You were supposed to be part of the mission, not—" she gestures wildly, "—whatever this is!"
I lean in slightly, lowering my voice. "It's part of the plan, Lilian."
She narrows her eyes, her fingers curling into fists. "You expect me to believe that?"
"You should." My voice is steady, calm. "Just watch and wait. Everything is still in motion."
Lilian lets out a sharp breath, clearly struggling to contain her emotions. "You lied to me."
I give her a bitter smile. "That's how I felt when I found out you were here, working behind my back."
Her jaw clenches. "This is different. I was following orders."
"And now you're upset because I'm not following yours?" I tilt my head. "Maybe now you know how it feels to be left in the dark."
Her glare sharpens. "I don't trust you anymore."
"That's fine," I say coolly. "Do whatever you want."
Lilian's eyes flash with anger. "I'll report this. Our superiors will know what you're doing."
I shrug. "Go ahead."
She stares at me, waiting for me to flinch, to back down. But I don't.
With a huff of frustration, she turns on her heel and storms off.
I exhale slowly before hurrying back to my chambers.
Once inside, I grab parchment and ink, my hands steady as I write.
Kaelin,
Don't be shocked by what you hear. I'm working on a plan to take the kingdom down faster than ever. Trust me. This is bigger than all of us. Just wait.
—Arin
I seal the letter and call for a servant. "I want this delivered to Frida Hollows in the west wing. It's about my new dresses, it's very urgent."
As the servant leaves, I lean back in my chair.
I know it's a lie.
But for now, it's a necessary one.
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