Chapter 58
I shut my door firmly behind me, leaning against it for a moment as I tried to calm the storm raging in my chest. My hand trembled as I unfolded the letter Lucian had given me, the seal of Braam glaring up at me reminding me of the price I had to pay. The promise I had made to Kaelin and all of Braam to bring Zaire to its knees.
Sitting at the edge of my bed, I carefully smoothed the parchment, my eyes scanning the familiar handwriting. Kaelin.
Ariadne,
The importance of your mission cannot be overstated. We have been waiting,we need detailed information about the strength of King Rowan's alliances, particularly the wolf clans. If they are loyal to him, we need to know. We need you to find out his weakness so we can bring down his kingdom. This is of utmost importance. Remember your promise to me, remember your promise to yourself and most of all remember your promise to Braam to bring down the kingdom of Zaire.
I exhaled sharply, my mind already racing. Kaelin was right—if I could identify even the smallest weakness in Rowan's hold over his pack, it would be a weapon I could use.
I also need to see you after the next full moon. We must discuss the next steps and recalibrate our strategy. Do not fail me, Ariadne. You are our only hope of justice.
\- Kaelin
Her words were like a dagger twisting in my chest. I had always known the weight of this mission, but it felt heavier now, tangled with the emotions I refused to acknowledge.
For a moment, the moment with Rowan flashed through my mind—his lips, his touch, the way my body had betrayed me. I shoved the memory aside and forced my focus back to the letter.
Kaelin hadn't mentioned Lucian. She didn't know he was rushing the wedding. I had told him of his proposal and she had agreed. The more chaos the better, she had said. She didn't know how little time I had left to act.
I grabbed a blank sheet of parchment and a quill, my hands steady despite the panic brewing inside me.
Kaelin,
Prince Lucian has decided to marry me in three days. He is rushing the process, and I suspect he has his reasons—perhaps connected to his rivalry with King Rowan. He wants to be king and he believes the only way he can be king now is by providing an heir. I will try to uncover more, but time is not on my side, this marriage to Lucian might slow down my progress.
I will gather what information I can, but if there's anything you can send to help me stall this wedding, I need it now. Please.
Arin.
I folded the letter and sealed it quickly, not allowing myself to second-guess the words. Time was too precious.
I paced the room, clutching the letter as I debated my next move. I couldn't deliver it myself, not without risking exposure. I needed someone I could trust.
My mind immediately went to Milla, my handmaiden. She had proven her loyalty time and time again, though I never let her see too much of my plans. She could send the letter for me.
Opening the door slightly, I called her name softly. Within moments, Milla appeared, her expression curious but calm.
"Lady Arin?" she asked.
"I need you to do something important for me," I said, keeping my voice low. "And you must tell no one."
Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Of course, my lady. What is it?"
I handed her the letter. "This needs to get to Braam as quickly as possible. Before the next three days. You must send it out with a messenger wolf. They will get it there in at least a day."
Milla hesitated, looking at the seal on the letter. "To Braam? That's a long journey, my lady..... the messenger wolfs only belong to the crown...."
"You have to help me. I don't care how you get them to help, but you have to get them to help."I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. "Find a trusted wolf messenger. I will pay them whatever it takes. But it must reach its destination on time."
She nodded again, her expression serious. "I'll see to it right away."
"Milla," I said, grabbing her hand before she could leave. "This is crucial. You must not fail me."
"I won't, my lady," she said firmly, her loyalty shining through her words.
I released her and watched as she left, clutching the letter tightly. When the door clicked shut, I sank onto my bed, pressing my palms into my lap.
The next three days loomed over me like a storm cloud. I needed to act quickly and carefully if I was going to find a way to stop this wedding—or at least delay it.
Kaelin's words echoed in my mind: Do not fail me.
I wouldn't. No matter what it took, I wouldn't fail.
Later that day, the lunch invitation from Queen Isabelle arrived early that morning, delivered by a servant who looked as though he would rather have been anywhere else. I almost refused outright but decided against it. If Isabelle wanted to play her games, I'd play along—for now.
I picked out a demure black gown, applying more of the makeup that covered my otsayak mark on my forehead before checking my appearance. The roots of my hair were beginning to show their true colours. Raven black. I would have to beg Kaelin to bring more of the dye I had used to colour my hair so I wouldn't be discovered. But for now, all I could do was arrange my hair in a style that wouldn't be noticeable.
I arrived in the Queen's private dining room at noon, a lavish space bathed in sunlight and filled with the aroma of freshly prepared delicacies. Queen Isabelle sat at the head of the table, dressed immaculately in a gown of deep
pink with trimmed white lacings.
"Lady Arin," she greeted me with a smile so sharp it could cut glass. "How lovely of you to join me."
I inclined my head slightly, taking a seat across from her. "Your Majesty."
The table was laden with an array of dishes—roasted meats, fresh fruits, decadent pastries. Yet my appetite was nowhere to be found. I couldn't help but wonder what she wanted again.
Everytime I sat with Isabelle, I was reminded of her. What she had done and the lies she had told against me.
"I thought we could discuss the preparations for your upcoming wedding," Isabelle began, delicately slicing into a piece of meat.
I arched an eyebrow, already weary of her condescension. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, I don't think your input is necessary. I can manage the arrangements on my own. I wouldn't want to bother you."
Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she recovered quickly. "Of course, but as the Queen, I do have certain responsibilities. It's tradition for me to guide the future princess in such matters. You should be honored that I am offering my help."
"I am sure you mean well," I replied smoothly, "but I prefer to handle things my own way. I don't need your help your Majesty."
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