Chapter 118
Rowan sat beside me in our chambers, his expression dark with calculation. Even though he had told me not to, I had brought up the situation with Lilian again, I wanted us to find a solution to her. "We need to handle Lilian carefully," he murmured, his fingers brushing over my hand. "If we accuse her outright, Braam will know we're onto them. But if we set the right bait..."
I nodded, already seeing the plan unfold in my mind. "Well yes. We can't risk exposing her now, not with my own identity being on the line."
"Are you sure we can't just send her away from the castle without drawing suspicion? That would be better wouldn't it?" Roman asked and u shook my head.
"Oh no. We need her where we can see her, where we can have her watched. So it would be better if she's close enough to us, but not close enough to cause any real damage. I have an idea."
"What is it?" Rowan asked as he inched closer to me.
"We tell her you're offering her compensation—marriage to Lucian. That way, she'll remain here. What do you think?"
Rowan arched a brow. "That's an insult more than a reward."
"Exactly," I said. "It's not meant to be a reward, but Batam will quickly jump on the idea, after all, for them it's an opportunity to continue working in the castle and trying to dethrone you. What they don't know is that being with Lucian is even worse. But I'm sure at this moment they'll think it's a good idea to unite with him."
Rowan smirked, the wolf in him relishing the hunt. "I like the way you think."
By midday, word was sent to Lilian. Rowan summoned her privately and delivered the news. Even though I wasn't supposed to be there, I was present, trying to show some remorse.
"Lilian, even though you might not believe me. I am sorry... we never meant for things to happen this way." I said softly. She only glanced at me, then looked away.
"I understand your... disappointment in recent events," Rowan said, voice calm but firm. "To compensate, I have arranged for you to be wed to my brother, Prince Lucian. After all, he's still looking for a bride and you are the perfect option."
Lilian stiffened, her lips pressing together. "Your Majesty, that is hardly compensation. Marrying your brother was never part of the plan!"
"Is it?" Rowan feigned innocence. "You would remain in the royal family, with power and status. It would be a considerate match. My brother is still looking for a wife and you're perfect for him."
"Your Majesty, I don't want your brother. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I never really saw myself marrying someone like him."
Rowan shrugged. "How so? My brother is a prince. A lot of women will kill to be his wife" He leaned in, eyes flashing. "I understand if you don't want it, I won't force you, but if you reject this offer I'm afraid you'll have to go back home."
Lilian paled, barely masking her shock. She dipped her head. "Your Majesty. I will consider your offer."
Rowan dismissed her, and as soon as she left, he turned to his guards. "I want someone following her. Every day. Every hour, every minute. I want her every move reported. Be discrete about it, but do not let her out of your sight."
"Yes your majesty." They answered.
\---
The next morning, with only one day left on Kaelin's deadline, Lucian blocked me while I was in the gardens enjoying the fresh air, his fury barely contained. I remained seated, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me unsettled.
"You betrayed me," he hissed. "Humiliated me."
I met his gaze with steel. "You should address me properly now. I'm your queen remember?!"
A look of disgust settled on his face and he shook his head wearily.
"I was doing you a favour when I asked you to marry me. Do you think I wanted to marry Braamin scum to begin with?? I was going to elevate your status, I was going to make you queen and you betrayed me."
"Lycian I never betrayed you. I was never yours to begin with. Besides, did you think I wanted to marry someone like you either? So power hungry and selfish. You only cared about what you could get from me."
"You were only using me because you needed my support in bringing down your brother. And now, you're just angry you won't be able to do that again."
He stepped closer, his presence looming. "You will regret this, Arin. You think Rowan can protect you forever? The moment he tires of you—"
"Then I will still be the mother of his heir. Will I not?" My voice was steady. "And you will always be the man who lost. You should get used to this by now. You're never going to be Alpha King."
Lucian's jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists. "You will pay for this. I swear you will pay for everything you have put me through! You vile wicked woman!"
I smiled. "Perhaps. But not today."
"Enjoy your time as Queen Arin, I assure you it won't last. I will do everything in my power to bring you down!"
"You're threatening your queen? I could have you hung for that. Don't push me Lucian, I will fight back if you dare."
He opened his mouth, but then he quickly closed it and stormed out, and as soon as he was gone, I grabbed parchment and ink. A letter had to be written.
Kaelin,
You gave me three days. One remains. I assume you will not change your mind, so neither will I. I have no intention of betraying Braam, but I will protect myself, my child and my husband.
Lilian's identity as a spy will remain safe with me—as long as mine does. So will the identity of other spies. If you or anyone else attempts to expose me, I will expose what I have learned about Braam during my eight months there. Do not assume I am not aware of those secrets, of how the Emperor spends his time in the clouds. I assure you, those secrets will not be taken lightly.*
Choose wisely.
Arin.
I folded the letter and sealed it. Braam’s well hidden secret that I had uncovered why living there, in the inner courts. The Emperor was mad and his brother ruled secretly. If the need ever got out, their enemies would rise up against them, which is one of the reasons they sent various spies out, attempting to conquer more territories and kingdoms that may rise up against them should they know of the Emperor’s status. If Kaelin thought I would cower, she was mistaken. The game had just begun.
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