Chapter 159
I swallowed hard. "Yes."
He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "Your Majesty, that is incredibly dangerous."
"But is it possible?" I pressed.
He hesitated. "There is a possibility the baby could be born early and survive." He met my gaze, his tone turning grave. "But it would put both you and the child at great risk. The baby's lungs may not be fully developed. There could be complications. And you—" he hesitated again, his voice softening "—you may not survive it. It is a huge risk your Majesty."
I bit my lip. I had expected this answer, but hearing it out loud made it all the more terrifying.
Aldric sighed, stepping closer. "My Queen, I understand your desperation. But forcing labor early is not something to take lightly."
I exhaled shakily. "And doing nothing guarantees that Lucian takes the throne. What will I do when Rowan comes back?! And I can't even hold down the throne for him!"
Aldric was silent for a long moment. Then he placed a hand on my shoulder. "You need to think carefully about this. This is not just about preventing Lucian from taking power—it's about your life. Your child's life."
I closed my eyes briefly, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me.
Could I risk it?
Could I gamble my life—and my child's—for the sake of protecting Rowan's throne?
I wasn't sure.
But I had three days to decide.
.......................
I walked back to my chambers, my mind heavy with the impossible choices before me. Every step felt like dragging a boulder behind me. I had no allies, no real options, and time was slipping away too fast.
But before I could even reach my door, a low chuckle echoed through the hallway.
"Poor little Queen, she has no one to protect her," Lucian's voice drawled mockingly.
I turned sharply to see him leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a smug grin playing on his lips.
"I heard you've been ransacking the library," he mused. "Desperately searching for a loophole." His golden eyes gleamed with amusement. "How adorable. You really think that would help?"
I clenched my fists. "You will never be king, Lucian," I spat. "Rowan will make sure of it. I will make sure of it."
Lucian let out a full, rich laugh, shaking his head as if I had just told the most ridiculous joke. "Rowan?" he echoed. "Rowan is miles away, waging a war he might not even survive. Do you think he has any idea what's happening here? Of what goes on within these walls?"
I swallowed, trying not to let my panic show.
Lucian smirked. "No, he doesn't. And in fact—" he reached into his coat and pulled out a parchment "—I made sure he would never know."
He handed me the parchment, and my blood ran cold as I recognized the handwriting, my handwriting.
Somehow he had managed to forge my handwriting!
I snatched it from his hand and read it, my fingers trembling.
Dearest Rowan,
All is well at the castle. The council and I are ensuring things run smoothly in your absence. I miss you terribly and I cannot wait for your return. But there is no need to worry or rush back. Focus on the war. We await your return when the time is right.
Forever yours,
Ariadne.
I lifted my gaze to Lucian, horror creeping up my spine. "You forged this?"
Lucian grinned. "Oh, come now, Arin. I couldn't have you warning your dear husband, could I?" He gestured toward the parchment. "I must say, my forger is quite talented. Even the little curves and flourishes of your script are identical. He would never find out the truth."
I crushed the parchment in my fist. "You won't get away with this. I promise you won't."
He stepped closer, his breath brushing my cheek. "Oh, but I will. In three days, I'll be appointed as Alpha King, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."
I swallowed my fury. I couldn't afford to let him see how rattled I was.
Lucian's eyes glinted with amusement as he added, "And I suggest you don't try anything... unless you want to regret it."
I glared at him, refusing to back down. But inside, panic clawed at my chest.
Lucian turned on his heel and walked away, humming as if he had already won.
I stormed into my room, slamming the door shut. My breath came in short, angry bursts. My fingers dug into my palms. I have to get out of here.
Anywhere else was better than this hellhole. I was tired of fighting a losing battle. I would even be better off on the battlefield than here.
If I couldn't send a letter to Rowan, I needed to warn him somehow. I needed to meet him at the battlefield.
Escaping was a cowardly thing to do, but it was all I could think of.
..........................
That night, after the castle had fallen into silence, I wrapped myself in a dark cloak and slipped into the shadows. My heart pounded as I made my way down the dark corridors, careful to avoid the guards.
I was almost to the side entrance when I heard voices.
I froze, pressing myself against the stone wall.
Lucian's voice carried through the night air.
"After my appointment, I want her gone."
I peeked around the corner and saw him speaking to two guards. My guards. I recognized them because they were stationed in front of my chambers.
One of them shifted uneasily. "Gone where, your highness."
Lucian smirked. "To Braam. They're waiting for me to deliver her to them."
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