Chapter 18

The news of Prince Rowan's miraculous recovery echoed through the castle halls and even out of the castle. It was all everyone could talk about, it was all everyone was whispering about.

Whispers of disbelief mingled with murmurs of hope, creating an atmosphere tinged with uncertainty. Some people simply couldn't believe it was true, the ones who did were either happy it happened or sceptical about his recovery all together. With the Alpha King also not saying his thoughts about the whole situation, people didn't know what side to choose. Or how to feel about the news.

The conflicting views on Prince Rowan's newfound ability to walk again seemed to mirror the conflicting emotions within me.

I was summoned to the Royal Concubine's quarters to see her. A visit that I dreaded. I wish I could have evaded her invitation, but Prince Rowan told me that would be more suspicious. And he was right. So I had no choice but to honour the invitation.

As I made my way through the opulent corridors, I couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that gnawed at my insides. I had dressed proper, trying to make myself as unrecognisable as I could with heavy makeup and a veil, but I could only hope that the Royal Concubine did not remember Lady Isabelle Carstairs. I also went with Prince Rowan by my side. He insisted on going with me, so that she wouldn't be able to ask me too many questions. I hope his plan worked.

After what seemed to be an eternity of walking and climbing spiral staircases, I found myself standing before the grand doors of the Royal concubine's quarters, hesitating for a moment before mustering the courage to enter. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the sight of the woman who was my first master.

Royal Concubine Elana. A dangerously beautiful woman with long black hair and eyes as dark as her soul. I served her faithfully all my teenage years, until she decided that she had no more use for me and sent me with the ex Beta Jude Carstairs.

The royal concubine sat regally on a plush divan, her gaze piercing as it settled on me. "Ah, lady Isabelle," she purred, her voice like silk. "So lovely of you to join me."

I inclined my head in a respectful nod, though my heart pounded with apprehension. Prince Rowan's presence beside me was a source of comfort, his hand gently squeezing mine in silent reassurance.

The concubine's eyes flickered with curiosity as they landed on Prince Rowan, a calculating gleam dancing within their depths. "My dear prince," she began, her tone honeyed yet tinged with underlying intent. "I couldn't help but hear the news of your miraculous recovery. It seems the entire kingdom is abuzz with speculation."

Prince Rowan's jaw clenched, a steely resolve hardening his features. "Indeed," he replied, his voice carrying a note of defiance. "The rumors may be plentiful, but the truth remains unchanged."

The concubine's lips curled into a knowing smile, though there was a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "And what, pray tell, is the truth?" she inquired, her tone laced with subtle mockery.

"It was a miracle," I interjected, unable to remain silent any longer. "A divine intervention by the moon goddess that made Prince Rowan walk again."

The concubine's laughter rang out like tinkling bells, though there was a sharpness to its melody that sent a shiver down my spine. "A miracle, you say?" she mused, her gaze sweeping over us with a keenness that made me squirm beneath its scrutiny. "Forgive me if I find such tales difficult to believe."

Prince Rowan's expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "Believe what you will," he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But the truth remains unchanged, regardless of your skepticism."

The concubine's smile faltered, her mask of indifference slipping for the briefest of moments. "You wound me, dear prince," she murmured, her voice tinged with an edge of bitterness. "I didn't mean for you to take offence at my words. Is it not natural for a mother to be concerned for her son's well-being?"

Prince Rowan's gaze hardened, his resolve unyielding as he met her gaze head-on. "Where was this same concern when I lay crippled for years?" he countered, his words laced with a bitterness born of years of neglect. "Did you even visit? No. You never did. Like everyone else you were content with letting me rot and die."

The concubine's eyes flashed with a mixture of guilt and indignation, though her composure remained intact. "I apologise for that. Affairs of the crown kept me very busy," she replied, her tone defensive yet tinged with remorse. "But rest assured, my dear prince, I am here now. And I am happy to see you hale and hearty."

A bold lie. Very bold considering what we had overheard her son and her saying just few days before the banquet ball.

Prince Rowan's expression softened slightly, though I knew that the walls around his heart remained firmly in place. "Thank you," he said. "Despite the circumstances, your good wishes and blessings are welcome."

The concubine's smile returned, though I could notice the smile was not genuine. It didn't reach her heart, at all. Seeing Prince Rowan walk again had probably caused her great distress and I wondered if she was plotting a new plan with her son.

"Thank you, my dear prince," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I only wish to see you happy and whole once more."



......

After we left the Royal Concubine's chambers, we thought it was all over until another urgent knock on our door. I went to open it and I saw two guards outside.

I called Prince Rowan's attention to them and I left them to talk, but I overheard their conversation.

Lark's body had been found and there was to be an investigation. I was to be interrogated by the royal investigator. Nothing got past the royal investigator, nothing at all. He could tell if you were lying or telling the truth just by listening to your heartbeat. He was very good at getting the truth out of people. Hearing that I was going to be meeting with him made me very tense.

"Don't look him in the eye. Never do that. Keep your answers short and to the point. Do you hear me Ariadne?"

Prince Rowan said as I walked back inside to pick up my cloak.

I nodded.

"Okay."

He then held my hand and looked into my eyes.

"I'll come with you. Don't worry. I won't leave you alone."

He said. I felt relief flooding through me as he said that.

We were escorted to the royal investigator's office. Which was right in the bowels of the lower castle.

I was led to a small room where the royal investigator was already seated and waiting for me. The royal investigator's accusatory gaze pierced through me, I felt the weight of suspicion settle like a leaden cloak. "Lady Isabelle. My name is Bort. I apologise for the inconvenience."

"It's alright."

I replied curtly as I sat down. I could see Bort's eyes dart to Prince Rowan's at my side. He gave a small bow.

"Your highness."

Prince Rowan acknowledged him with a nod.
Bort turned to me.

"You know Lark didn't you?"

"Briefly."

I replied.

Bort nodded.

"Yes. But it is highly possible you were the last person he saw before his sudden disappearance."

"And how do you know that?"

I asked and Bort shrugged.

"Well, according to the guards he makes a stop at Prince Rowan's chambers nearly every day."

I didn't say anything. I only folded my hands and kept on looking at the table between us, trying my best not to look too nervous.

"Do you know anything about his disappearance?"

Bort asked and I shook my head.

"No. I don't."

"We found his body yesterday night. Did you know about that?"

I shook my head.

"No."

There was a short silence in which Bort was staring at me intently, I tried my best not to look too flustered by his intense glare.

"You're lying to me."

He finally said.

In that moment I felt all my emotions unraveling, I couldn't keep the facade any longer, I was about to break under his intense gaze.

Then, like a beacon in the night, Prince Rowan emerged, his presence a flicker of hope in the darkness.

"Why would she have reason to lie? Why would a lady like her know about the disappearance of some lowly steward?!" he asked, his voice a clarion call amidst the clamor of suspicion.

Bort looked up at the prince, somewhat surprised by his statement. After a while he nodded in agreement.

"You are right your highness."

"My wife would like to leave now. I believe we're done here."

Prince Rowan said as he stretched our his hand to hold mine.

"Let's go my love."

He said to me as he looked into my eyes.

I nodded, relief flooding through me.

It was over.

At least for now.