Chapter 22
The sun had just begun to climb above the horizon when Rowan and I left the inn, it was finally time for us to head back to reality. The early morning air was crisp, and a light mist clung to the ground, giving the world an ethereal glow. We decided to walk most of the way, to give Rowan's legs a chance to grow accustomed to being used. We walked in comfortable silence, the only sound the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath our feet.
After a while, we approached the market square, the quiet was replaced by the bustling energy of the early risers. Merchants were setting up their stalls, and the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with that of blooming flowers. I glanced at Rowan, his face illuminated by a serene smile. The sight of him at ease brought me a quiet joy.
Our presence unfortunately did not go unnoticed. A murmur ran through the crowd as people recognized their long forgotten prince. The murmurs quickly turned to cheers and shouts of joy. "Prince Rowan!" they called, and he responded with a wave and a warm, genuine smile. They seemed genuinely happy to see him.
A group of children, their faces alight with excitement, ran up to us, their small hands tugging at Rowan's cloak. "Prince Rowan! Tell us, how did you learn to walk again?!" one of them pleaded. He laughed, kneeling down to their level.
"Maybe another time," he said kindly.
The crowd began to gather around us, some wanting to see their Prince with their own eyes and touch him, their numbers growing as we moved toward the castle. They paid homage and recounted tales of Rowan's bravery and kindness.
When we finally reached the castle gates, the crowd parted to let us through, but their voices continued to lift in cheer and chatter. As we stepped through the archway, a familiar figure appeared before us.
Crown Prince Lucian was returning from his morning run, his chest slick with sweat and his expression dark. His eyes flickered with something sharp and dangerous as he took in the scene. The cheers of the people for Rowan seemed to sting him, but he made no mention of it. After all he was the son of the Royal Concubine. His mother was not of noble purebred Lycan blood like Rowan's mother was. He was born out of wedlock and if not for the fact that Rowan's father the Alpha King had no more heirs, he would never be an option for the throne.
Lucian's gaze shifted to me, and his lips curled into a menacing smile. I pulled my veil closer around me, hoping it hid my mark well.
He approached, his steps slow and deliberate. "Enjoying the adoration, are we?" he said, his voice low and filled with venom. He leaned in closer, his breath hot on Rowan's ear. "Mark my words, brother. You will get what is coming to you."
A chill ran down my spine, but I stood my ground, I looked at him with as much defiance as I could muster. He straightened up and strode past us into the castle, leaving a cold, tense silence in his wake.
I turned to Rowan, my heart pounding in my chest. "What did he mean by that?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly despite my effort to keep it steady.
Rowan placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his expression calm but serious. "Lucian enjoys playing mind games," he said. "He's probably just trying to rile me up for no reason. Don't let him get to you."
I nodded, trying to absorb his reassurance. But the unease lingered. Lucian's warning echoed in my mind.
......
As Rowan and I stepped into his chambers, I halted, stunned by the sight before me. It was was in complete disarray; drawers pulled out, their contents strewn across the floor, books haphazardly scattered, curtains and tapestries torn down and personal items tossed about carelessly.
"Rowan," I said, my voice tinged with concern, "do you think we've been robbed?"
Rowan's brow furrowed as he surveyed the chaos. "I don't think so, but it seems more like they were searching for something specific." His voice was calm but carried an undertone of worry.
"What could they possibly be looking for?" I asked, my mind racing through the possibilities.
He shook his head. "I don't know, Ariadne. But let's not dwell on it now."
"We will deal with this later. You should get some rest." Rowan's hand was gentle but firm as he guided me toward the bed.
Just as I was about to slip under the covers, a sharp, insistent knock echoed through the room. My heart skipped a beat, and Rowan's eyes narrowed as he moved to answer the door.
"Stay here. Let me go get that."
He said as he walked away.
I started arranging the sheets again, because even the bed and the pillows were not spared from the disarray. Then I heard noise from the door. I wondered what was happening as I looked to the direction of the door.
What could possibly be happening again?
I thought as I stood straight, wondering if I should go take a look.
I didn't even need to take a single step because four guards, clad in their uniform, stormed into the room, their expressions grim and determined. Panic surged through me as they advanced, their eyes locked onto me.
"What is the meaning of this?" Rowan demanded, stepping in front of me protectively.
One of the guards, a tall man with a stern face, spoke in a cold, detached tone. "This woman is under arrest for the disappearance of Lady Isabelle Carstairs."
Shock froze my blood.
Disappearance?
Lady Isabelle?!
The truth was out. They finally found out that I had something to do with her death. It was all over. All over for me.
Just when I was beginning to get a little happiness, just when things were looking up for me, everything came crashing down again. Like it always did.
Rowan's grip tightened around mine, his eyes ablaze with determination. "I will not let them take you," he vowed, his voice fierce with conviction. "I will find the truth, whatever it takes."
His words offered a flicker of hope in the encroaching darkness, a lifeline amidst the suffocating despair. I clung to his promise like a drowning woman, willing it to guide me even though I knew what the inevitable was.
They would find out that Lady Isabelle was dead and they would declare me guilty. They would say I had a hand in her death. They would blame me for it all.
There was no going back from here. It was the end. It was my death.
I thought as I watched as the guards dragged me away.
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