Chapter 125
The morning air was thick with tension as I sat in my chambers, my mind spiraling with thoughts I couldn't control. My paranoia only deepened when the Royal Concubine arrived, bearing gifts wrapped in silk and a smile that barely reached her eyes.
"My Queen," she greeted, her tone soft, almost too sweet. "I've brought these for you. Tonic herbs, blessed linens... things to keep you and the child strong."
I stared at the offerings, my stomach twisting. "That's thoughtful of you." My voice was cold, and I didn't bother hiding it.
She hummed, setting the items down on a nearby table. "I know you must be surprised, but this is customary. I did this for Delilah and Blanca.”
“How nice of you.” I murmured, my thoughts were far from the offerings she laid in front of me.
“Even though your pregnancy is still in the early stages, you must take great care of yourself during this time. Rest, eat well, and—" she reached out as if to touch my belly, but I took a sharp step back. Her lips pressed into a thin line before she schooled her expression into one of gentle concern. "—stay away from unnecessary stress. It's bad for the baby. You are carrying the heir of Zaire. That is a great thing.”
I met her gaze, my suspicion deepening. "I'll take that into consideration."
She studied me for a moment before smiling once more. "Good. You'll need all your strength in the days to come. Soon you’ll have to start preparing for the coming of the baby and that is when you will realize you don’t have enough time to plan for the little things like this. I have made your job easier.”
I didn't reply, and after a lingering silence, she finally turned and left. Only when the doors shut behind her did I allow myself to exhale.
What was that old woman doing in my chambers.
Was she there to taunt me?!
To remind me that she knew what was going on?? Could that be it?
How could she?
I wondered if Lucian told his mother.
Not long after, a knock sounded at the door. One of the guards stepped in, bowing slightly. "Prince Lucian requests an audience with you, Your Majesty."
I barely let him finish before I cut in, "Tell him I am not receiving any guests. I don’t want to see anyone today. I have had enough of guests.”
The guard hesitated. "Shall I inform him when you are available?"
"No. I do not wish to see him at all. I won’t be available today, or any other day.” I said firmly. "From now on, no one enters these chambers except the Alpha King. Is that understood?"
The guards exchanged glances before nodding. "Understood, Your Majesty."
As soon as they left, I turned my attention to another matter. I sent for the private guards who had captured Kaelin, they were the only ones who knew of the capture. The only ones who Rowan trusted enough for that information. They were the only ones I wanted to speak to. They were skeptical at first when I requested to speak to Kaelin alone.
"Forgive us, my Queen, but why would you want to speak to the prisoner alone? She is a spy from Braam and many people on the castle do not know about her capture. If someone were to find out, it might cause some trouble.” one of them said cautiously.
I straightened my shoulders. "I know it seems irrational, but there are some questions I have to ask her. And she won’t answer to either or you or anyone else. All I need is for you to deliver her to the castle where I can talk to her. The Alpha King is already aware of this.”
Still, they hesitated, so I pressed further. "I want to question her myself. Away from watchful eyes. Perhaps somewhere like the temple would suffice? It’s secluded and far away from the castle. No one would notice and the two of you can keep watch.”
The guards exchanged another look before finally relenting. "Very well. We will take you to the temple. It will be private there and no one would know.”
I nodded, satisfied.
“Make the arrangements as soon as you can. Inform me when you are done. I must make haste and leave the castle tonight. I want to be back before dawn.”
“And the fewer people who know about this, the better. Keep this between us.”
“Yes your Majesty.”
They replied.
Not long after, Rowan arrived. His presence always filled the room, commanding attention with just a glance. The moment he stepped inside, I felt my shoulders loosen slightly.
Without a word, he walked over and cupped my face, brushing his lips against mine in a slow, lingering kiss. I melted into it, letting the warmth of him consume me. When we finally parted, he rested his forehead against mine.
"My plan is already in motion," he murmured. "Lucian will be arrested tonight."
My breath hitched. "Are you certain?"
He nodded, his grip tightening. "Yes, I am. The letter has already been planted. Lilian would be outed soon shortly after his arrest. Everything would move swiftly. Too fast for them to notice that something is wrong.”
“I can’t wait to see his face when I finally arrest him. He has been acting so snug, even at council meetings. You should have seen him, it took all that’s in me not to beat him into a pulp.” Rowan said angrily.
A flood of emotions surged through me. Relief, satisfaction... guilt.
It still wouldn’t be enough. All Lucian had to do was to shout that I was an otsayak. Once the doubt existed in their hearts, they would hunt for proof. I would have to prove that I wasn’t and I would fail immediately.
It was all fruitless.
And with the prophecy, I couldn’t stay. I wouldn’t allow Rowan to cause a war.
I forced a smile and wrapped my arms around him, holding him close. "Thank you my love. I love you so much.”
His lips found mine again, and for a moment, I let myself drown in him, savoring the way he held me, the way he made me feel safe.
But I knew what had to be done.
Later that evening, while the two of us were in bed naked, I poured him a drink, my hands steady despite the weight of what I was about to do. Rowan took the goblet from me without a second thought, lifting it to his lips as he leaned against the edge of the bed.
"Soon, this will all be over," he murmured before taking a long sip.
I nodded, watching him closely. "Yes. Soon."
It didn't take long. His movements slowed, his eyes fluttering. He tried to speak, but his voice slurred. His grip on the goblet loosened, and it clattered to the floor as his body sagged against the bed.
I caught him before he could fall completely, easing him down as his eyes closed in a deep, unnatural sleep.
I brushed a hand over his face, my voice barely above a whisper. "Forgive me, Rowan. I’m only doing this for us. For our child.”
Then, I stood, heart pounding, knowing there was no turning back now.
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