Chapter 124

I kept my expression calm despite the storm raging inside me. Lucian's demand hung heavy in the air between us, an ultimatum that threatened to unravel everything I had fought for.

"You want the throne?" I repeated slowly, tilting my head as if considering his words. "That's a bold request, Lucian."

Lucian's lips curved into a smirk. "It's not a request. It's a necessity. You've been playing queen long enough, Arin. Oh wait, that's not even your real name. 

"The truth is, my brother's reign is built on lies. If I go to the council with what I know, your time in Zaire will be over."

I folded my arms. "And what do you think will happen after that? Do you believe they'll just hand you the crown? It's common knowledge that you've always wanted the throne, they'll see it as another tactic of yours." 

Lucian chuckled. "I think they'll realize that a queen who hides her true identity isn't fit to rule. When I show them your otsayak mark, then they'll know. And without you, Rowan's claim weakens. Besides, if they find out that he knows about this, he'll also go down with you too." He leaned in slightly. "But, if you help me secure my place, then I have no reason to speak out. You and my brother can leave and live happily ever after far far away from here." 

My mind raced. Giving Lucian the throne was out of the question, but I couldn't let him go to the council. He was right—if he spoke, the noble houses and wolf clans would turn against me. I needed time.

"I see," I murmured. "And how exactly do you expect me to do that? Rowan is king. The council and the clans are loyal to him. You think they'll just accept you? We can't let go of the throne without good reason. They'll want to know why." 

Lucian smirked. "That's where you come in, dear queen. You have influence over my brother. I am sure if you convince him, he'll do anything for you. I don't care what you plan, as long as you leave the path to the throne open and free for me. That's all I need." 

I scoffed. "You overestimate my influence. I don't think I have that power." 

"I don't think so," Lucian said, his gaze sharp. "I've watched the way he looks at you. You are his greatest weakness. If you tell him to leave everything now for you, I know that he will. Don't play coy." 

I exhaled slowly, feigning contemplation. "If I were to consider this... what assurance do I have that you'll keep your word? That you won't come after us and try to kill us when you become the Alpha King?" 

Lucian's expression darkened. "You don't. But it's better than being executed for your lies isn't it? For the deceit you and my brother are showing." 

My stomach tightened. He was enjoying this. The power he held over me. The way he thought he had me cornered.

Lucian stepped closer. "You have until tomorrow to give me an answer. If I don't hear what I want, I'll go to the council myself. I will have guards hold you down and they will reveal your otsayak mark to the world to see. I will tell them that you are an impostor and the Alpha King was aware of what you were." 

I forced a smirk. "You're awfully confident, Lucian. But be careful. Threats have a way of turning on their makers."

Lucian's smirk only widened. "And secrets have a way of unraveling. Sleep well, Queen."

He turned and walked away, leaving me standing in the courtyard, my heart pounding.

Without hesitation, I hurried back to the castle, my mind spinning. I needed to tell Rowan. This was bigger than just a threat—it was a war waiting to explode.

I pushed open the doors to our chambers, finding Rowan standing near the fireplace. He turned at the sight of me, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto mine.

"Ariadne?" He strode toward me. "What happened? I turned around and I didn't see you. Where did you go?" 

I shut the door behind me and took a steadying breath. "It is confirmed. Lucian really knows." 

Rowan stilled. "You are sure? How much does he know?"

I hesitated before whispering, "Everything."

Rowan's expression darkened instantly. "What did he say?"

"A lot of things," I said. "He told me he wants the throne. He threatened to go to the council to reveal all that he knows. He’s going to use this to his advantage.” 

Rowan clenched his fists. "I knew it. I knew that was what he was going to do.” 

"He wants the throne in exchange for his silence.” 

Silence filled the room. Then Rowan let out a sharp laugh, though there was no humor in it. "He truly has lost his mind. We can’t even believe him to stay silent on this. I mean, it’s Lucian.” 

"He's serious, Rowan. What do we do now? 

"I don't care about how idle threats,” Rowan snapped. "I'll have him arrested before he can even step foot near the council."

I grabbed his wrist. "No. We can't act rashly. They will be suspicious. And I’m sure he has precautions in place. What if they really launch an inquiry into me. And they find out that he’s right?” 

"Rashly?" Rowan's voice was tight with fury. "He's blackmailing us. Threatening our family.  You expect me to just stand here and let it happen? Don’t worry, they won’t know that I was the one who took him. I’ll have my men stash him somewhere really safe and secure, until we figure out what to do with him.” 

I tightened my grip. "Listen to me. What if he told someone already?! You know how close he is to his mother. The Royal Concubine might already be aware. If we act too soon, we look guilty. If we arrest him and stash him away, she will start looking for him. We have to be smart."

Rowan breathed heavily, his jaw tight. "I don’t agree with you Ariadne. Sometimes brute force and violence does get the job done. But what do you suggest?"

I exhaled. "We wait. For now. I must make plans to leave the castle. We’ll come up with an excuse or something. If I’m not here, there can’t be an inquiry right? Then you can do to him as you please. I think that’s the best way.” 

Rowan growled lowly. "No. Where will you go?! Especially with Braam breathing down our neck. The safest place for you is next to me. I cannot afford to lose you again. No no.” 

"Rowan please. Just think about it, if I’m not here and Lucian makes a move, no one would believe him. Even the words of Lilian wouldn’t sway them,” I countered. 

Rowan sighed. He shook his head. 

“Ariadne you’re not leaving me. I’ve made up my mind. Tonight, I’ll have my men kidnap Lucian. They’ll take him out of the kingdom.”

“What?!” I said incredulously but Rowan continued. 

“We’ll forge a letter, blame it on Lilian. We’ll expose Lilian as a Braamin spy, she should be captured, she would take the fall for his absence. We will use the assassination attempt in your favour, to show that Braam was not happy that you were going to be queen instead of Lilian. In that moment no one would believe  whatever she says. It’s the perfect plan.” 

“No! Rowan if you do that, Braam will attack! We have already captured Kaelin. Doing this will only cause war.”

Rowan shrugged. 

“We’re already at war anyways. It’s safer this way. This way you remain safe and you would never have to leave my side.”

“This is how I protect you. Just trust me and let me protect you and our child.” 

He said softly as he placed a hand on my belly.

I didn’t have the heart to tell him. To tell him about the vision that I saw.

Rowan’s plan would make things worse. There would be war, all because of me.

I had to prevent that. 

I had to run.

To go far far away.