Chapter 30

Rowan's breath was warm against my shoulder, his arm draped lazily across my waist. We were cocooned in our bed, the world outside forgotten for a while. I loved these moments, these rare, precious slices of peace where it was just us, without the shadows of the past or the weight of our plans hanging over us.

"Do you ever think about the future?" Rowan's voice was soft, his fingers tracing idle patterns on my skin.

I turned my head slightly, enough to catch his eye. "All the time. Why do you ask?"

A mischievous glint sparked in his eyes, the kind that always made my heart skip a beat. "Well... I've been thinking about the future lately. And I have a plan."

I sat up a little, propping myself on one elbow. "A plan? For what?"

His hand moved to my cheek, his thumb brushing my lips. "To get my throne back from Lucian."

The air seemed to grow heavier, the peaceful cocoon suddenly feeling very very fragile. "What is it?"

He shifted closer, his expression growing serious. "I've known Lucian for many years, he's never been able to keep his hands clean. He's always involved in one shady dealing or another."

"And this time, my instincts tell me he is up to no good. Something that could finally give me the leverage I need. I am going to find out what it is and expose it to the Alpha King."

A shiver ran down my spine, a mix of trepidation and fear. "Rowan, you need to be careful. Even when you were on that wheelchair, he and his mother still plotted your death. They were threatened by you then, we don't know what they might be planning now."

He nodded, his eyes steady on mine. "I know, Ariadne. But we can't waste the chances we have been given. Now we have free access to go and do as we please, this is perfect chance to execute all of our plans."

I rested my forehead against his, closing my eyes. "Just promise me you'll be safe. I can't lose you."

His arms tightened around me, a silent vow. "You won't. I can promise you that."

As we lay back down, I clung to that promise, hoping it would be enough to protect us from the storm that was surely coming.


........



Stepping out of the castle for the first time in what felt like an eternity was both exhilarating and terrifying. This time, I wasn't sneaking out of the castle, or on horseback with Rowan, I would be stepping out in a carriage, like a true royal. The vast open world stretched before me, and the weight of the castle walls seemed to lift off my shoulders.

The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of pine and distant flowers, a stark contrast to the musty, enclosed atmosphere of the castle halls.

My handmaiden, Maria, was by my side. Obedient and docile as she may seem, I still couldn't fully trust her. I had to be weary of all of them, all the staffs we were given, because I couldn't possibly know which one of them was a spy and which one wasn't.

"Ready, my lady?" Maria asked, her voice soft yet firm.

"Yes, let's go," I replied, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

The carriage rolled out of the castle grounds, and I couldn't help but peek through the window, watching as the familiar walls grew smaller and smaller, eventually vanishing from sight. The capital outside was bustling with life, a stark contrast to the quiet, regimented life within the castle. People moved about with purpose, vendors shouted to attract customers, and children played in the streets.

Our first stop was a small boutique that sold fine fabrics and dresses. I ran my fingers over the delicate materials, marveling at the intricate designs and vibrant colors. It felt surreal to touch something so beautiful, so freely. Maria and I spent some time there, picking out a few designs that caught my eye. I wanted to make some new dresses, hopefully they would be befitting enough to dine with the royal family. I thought as I remembered Delilah's cruel remarks towards me.

Next, we visited a bookshop, where the smell of aged paper and ink filled the air. I loved books, I read every book I could get my hands on voraciously. But in between so many chores and the Carstairs vehemently warning me never to touch any of the books they owned, most of my life was spent looking at books longingly, never able to own one. I had struggled to teach myself to read. Reading and basic arithmetic were as far as I got myself. Nobody in my childhood cared enough to properly teach me so I did my best teaching myself with the little resources I had.

Now that I had the opportunity to own and read books, it would be beneficial for me and Rowan for me to improve myself, I thought as I selected a few books. One was on the History of our country Zaire. The other two were romance books and the last one was on the Mythical Magical Kingdom of Atlantia, the ruins of the ancient magical city the castle was said to be built upon.

After a few more stops, we arrived at a quaint tea shop. It was the same tea shop that I used to get herbs and tea from. I hesitated stopping there for a moment. Then I noticed the attendant was a young girl and my mind eased a little bit. If the owner of the shop wasn't there, then there was no need for me to worry about someone recognizing me. I would get some herbs for tea for Rowan and leave.

"Good afternoon, my ladies," the young girl said. A small plump dark girl with piercing eyes, smiled warmly at us. "How can I assist you today?"

"I need some herbs for tea," I said, returning her smile.

As we perused the selection, the girl quietly provided suggestions.

"Amber eyes."

A voice called out from within the shop.

I froze. My hand instinctively went to my veil, I wondered if I should have covered up my hair and face, if it would have made a difference. I turned to face him, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm sorry, do we know each other?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The shopkeeper, Damien came out of the shadow, nodding slowly. "Yes we do, Ariadne. I never forget a face."

Panic surged through me. If he knew who I was, who else might he tell? I was already towing a dangerous line, pretending to be someone I was not, now there was someone else that knew me. That knew my real name. I wondered why I had told him my real name in the first place, now I felt foolish for making such a mistake. I needed to act quickly.

"Maria," I said, my voice calm but firm, "could you please fetch me some powder from the apothecary? I believe I saw one down the street."

Maria looked at me, her brow furrowed with concern, but she nodded and left without a word. Once she was gone, I turned back to Damien, my hands trembling.

"Please," I whispered urgently, "you must never call me that. Ever again. My safety depends on it. I will do anything to keep your silence."

I fumbled with the edge of my clothes, attempting to bring out the bag of coins I had been holding on to all day.

"How much for your silence??! I will pay your price."

Damien shook his head. "I don't want your money, Lady Ariadne. Your secret is safe with me. I swear it."

Despite his words, doubt gnawed at me. Could I really trust him? "How do I know you won't tell someone?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"I swear on my life," Damien said, his eyes sincere. "I have no reason to betray you."

His words eased my fears slightly, but I couldn't afford to be careless. "Thank you," I said, my voice still shaky. "I am sorry, but this is very important to me. I hope you understand."

"I do," he replied. "I promise you have nothing to fear from me. I have no intention of telling anyone that I know you."

We stood in silence for a moment before I nodded and turned to leave. As I stepped out of the shop, Maria returned, holding a small package from the apothecary.

"Everything alright, my lady?" she asked, her eyes searching mine.

"Yes, everything's fine," I replied, forcing a smile. "Let's continue."