Chapter 34

The sea breeze carried a chill as I sat by the window of the private inn perched on the edge of a cliff, its wooden beams creaking slightly with every gust. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks below was almost hypnotic, the rhythm lulling me into a trance I so desperately needed. While leaving the castle was by far one of the best decisions Rowan and I made, my thoughts wandered back to Rowan and the castle.

The inn was quiet, tucked away from the bustling roads that led to the town, its solitude both comforting and unnerving. Isabelle and I were at a place like this, I thought absently. Somewhere similar to this was where she had her final moments.
The memory of her sudden death just months ago, in a different inn not too far from here, still lingered in my heart. It was like a shadow that never quite left, no matter how much sunlight broke through the clouds.

I spent most of the day in bed, wrapped in soft, warm blankets, watching the sky shift from the pale hues of morning to the vibrant blues of midday. My handmaiden, Maria, peeked in every so often, her eyes filled with concern. I could feel her questions without her needing to voice them.

"Are you well, my lady?" she finally asked, standing by the bedside, her hands clasped nervously.

I turned my head, blinking against the light streaming in from the window. "Perhaps it's the change in the environment," I replied, my voice soft and distant. "Or maybe I just need some rest."

Maria nodded but didn't seem convinced. "It's a lovely inn, isn't it? Peaceful." She tried to lift the mood, but I could only muster a small smile in response.

"It is," I agreed, though my heart wasn't in it. My thoughts drifted back to the castle, to Rowan. It's been an agonizing couple of days with no word from him or anybody else. The full moon was only two days ago and the temple visit was a few days ago. I had imagined how it had all went, silently praying things went well. I should have been there, beside him, but my presence would make it worse. I was not a werewolf, that much I knew. Even though I had been able to mask it for so long, being in the temple would expose me in a second. Staying away, during a full moon and during the temple visit was the best thing I could do.

I closed my eyes, willing sleep to come again, but a soft knock on the door pulled me back to the present. A messenger stood in the doorway, his tunic dusted from the long ride, holding a letter sealed with the Royal crest. My pulse quickened as I took it, my hands trembling ever so slightly.

Maria watched silently as I broke the seal, unfolding the letter with a careful touch. Rowan's familiar handwriting greeted me, every stroke carrying the warmth I had missed so much.

"My loving wife," it read, "the temple visit was successful. I have missed you more than words can express. Come back to the castle. I am waiting for you."

My heart soared at his words, and I felt a rush of emotion so overwhelming that it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Maria's face brightened when she saw the smile that spread across my lips, the first genuine one I had felt all day.

"He's calling for me," I whispered, a quiet joy bubbling up inside me. "Prince Rowan wants me to come back."

Elara beamed. "Shall I ready your things, my lady?"

I nodded, excitement bubbling up inside me.

"Immediately!" I murmured.

The cliffs, the waves, the inn that reminded me of loss—they were all behind me now.

I was going home to Rowan. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

...........

Rowan and I walked side by side, our steps slow and unhurried as we took in the beauty around us. It had only been a few hours since my arrival and I went straight to find Rowan. After a while of waiting for him to come out of the dreadfully long council meeting he was in, I manage to find him in and we wanted to take a turn in the gardens before finally heading to our quarters. Roses bloomed in bursts of red and pink, their scent mingling with the crisp air, and birds flitted between branches, singing a melody that seemed composed just for the two of us.

Rowan's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining naturally with mine as if they'd been made to fit together. I glanced at him, smiling softly, but beneath my joy at being reunited, I sensed a tension in him, a heaviness that hadn't been there before.

"You've been quiet," I said gently, squeezing his hand. "What's on your mind?"

Rowan sighed, his gaze fixed ahead on the twisting ivy climbing the stone walls. "I'm sorry...."

"How were things in my absence? Was there any trouble?"

"None. Despite learning of the news of your pregnancy my brother has been solemn about it."

"That's a good thing."

"Is it not?" I added as I saw the withdrawn look on his face.

"I didn't want to burden you with this, not today, but... there's something you need to know."

My smile faded. I knew the tone in his voice too well, a mix of frustration and anger. What was it now? I wondered as my chest began to heave and fall very quickly.

"Is it about your brother?"

Rowan nodded, his expression darkening. "Yes. I've been looking into some things while you were away, things that didn't sit right with me. His dealings, the people he's meeting with... it's all underhanded. He's been making alliances with those who would see our kingdom fall, all for his own gain."

I felt a chill despite the warmth of the day. Rowan had mentioned once, that Crown Prince Lucian's ambitions went far beyond his brotherly rivalry with Rowan, but hearing it from Rowan himself made it all the more real. "What do you plan to do?"

"I'm going to expose him," Rowan said, his voice edged with resolve. "To our father, to the court—everyone. It's the only way to get my throne back. I'm close to gaining Father's trust. If I present this evidence, he'll have to listen."

My brow furrowed in concern. "Rowan, if you do this... your brother won't take it lying down. And if your father doesn't believe you, it could all backfire. And you know we have secrets. Secrets of our own. Are you sure this is the best course of action?"

Rowan paused, turning to face me fully. "I've thought of every possible outcome, every risk. But if I don't act now, right when Lucian is vulnerable, he will only grow stronger and start working on getting rid of me. I have to strike first before he does." His eyes softened as he looked at me. "But I can't do this alone. I need your help in this too."

My heart ached at the desperation in his voice. Rowan had always been the steadfast one, the one who kept his emotions in check no matter the storm raging within. But now, with everything on the line, he was letting me see the cracks in his armor.

"Of course, Rowan. Whatever you need, I'm here," I said, my voice steady. "But what can I do?"

Rowan smiled, though it was tinged with weariness. "I need you to keep your ears to the ground. The Royal Concubine, the princesses, the Queen dowager, all of them at court. Now is the time to suck up to them. Get closer with them. There are things they may say in passing, things they might let slip when they think you aren't paying attention. If you hear anything—anything at all—it could be the piece that finally tips the scales."

I nodded, determination settling in my chest. "I'll do it. But you have to promise to be careful. We both know how dangerous these people are. And how much they don't want us. If they figure out our plans they can kill us."

Rowan squeezed my hand. "You're right. I'll be careful and you should too. But you need to understand this is the only way."

Rowan's hand softly grazed my cheek.

"When I become Crown Prince and regain my power, then I would be able to protect you. No one would ever hurt you again."