Chapter 69
"No, it isn't!" I said, stepping forward. "Why kill her? Even if you don't love her any more have you forgotten that she is your mate? That she was once your wife?"
Lucian's jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out at me. But then Rowan spoke, his voice calm but commanding.
"She has a point," he said, his gaze fixed on Lucian.
Lucian turned to him, his eyes narrowing. "You're taking her side?"
Rowan shrugged. "I'm taking the side of reason. Killing Delilah won't solve anything. It'll only create more problems. It's clear she's very disturbed, all thanks to you. Because of you she has been disowned by her family and everyone around her. All she needs is time to accept reality, that you're moving on."
The elders exchanged uneasy glances, their resolve wavering.
Lucian looked at me, his eyes burning with frustration. "What do you suggest, then?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Let her live," I said. "Send her somewhere she can heal. Somewhere she can start over. Don't take her life just because it's easier than dealing with her pain."
Lucian stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he turned to the council. "What say you?"
One of the elders cleared his throat. "If she is to live, she must be exiled. She cannot remain in Zaire."
"That's fair," I said quickly, relief flooding through me. "Just let her live."
Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine," he said finally. "She will be exiled."
The tension in the room broke, and I felt my knees go weak with relief.
"Take her away," Lucian said, his voice cold.
I watched as the guards led Delilah out of the chamber, her head hanging low. My heart ached for her, but at least she was alive. At least she had a chance.
As the doors closed behind her, Rowan caught my eye. He gave me a small, almost imperceptible nod, and I felt a surge of gratitude.
I had done the right thing. Even if it had cost me Lucian's favor, I had done the right thing.
The cold air outside the throne room was a sharp contrast to the stifling tension within. I stepped out, needing to clear my head, only to find Rowan standing by the balustrade overlooking the courtyard. His face was turned toward the horizon, his expression unreadable.
"King Rowan," I called softly, my voice trembling with hesitation.
He turned at the sound of my voice, his eyes narrowing slightly before softening. "Arin," he said, his tone guarded. "What are you doing out here?"
I swallowed hard and stepped closer. "I came to beg for Delilah," I said, my voice breaking. "I know they have decided to exile her, but I'm afraid even that is too harsh. Please, Rowan, she doesn't deserve this. There must be something else you can do. She doesn't have to leave. What do you think?"
His brows furrowed, and he leaned against the balustrade, crossing his arms. "She threatened to kill you, Arin. She nearly did."
"I know," I said quickly, feeling the weight of his words. "But she's not evil. She's just broken, Rowan. She needs help, not punishment. I'm begging you to intervene. Speak to Lucian, to the council. Please."
He studied me for a long moment, his piercing gaze making me feel both vulnerable and seen. Finally, he nodded. "For your sake, I will speak to them, have them rethink exile and find another punishment for her. But don't hold your breath, Arin. Delilah has made many enemies here."
Relief flooded through me, and I resisted the urge to throw my arms around him. "Thank you," I said, my voice barely a whisper.
His expression softened further, and for a moment, it felt like the world had quieted around us. But I knew better than to linger.
"I should go," I said, stepping back. "Thank you, Rowan. Truly."
He nodded, and I turned to leave, my heart still pounding.
As I made my way back to my chambers, I rounded a corner and nearly collided with Queen Isabelle. Her sharp features were twisted into a scowl, her eyes narrowing as she took me in.
"Lady Arin, you again," she said, her tone icy. "What are you doing wandering the halls alone? Or is this another one of your attempts to get close to my husband?"
Her words were like a slap, and I blinked in shock. "Excuse me?"
"Don't play innocent," she snapped, stepping closer. "Ever since you arrived, you've been trying to worm your way into the King's favor. I've seen the way you look at him. The way you were acting so dramatic, getting him to carry you. And now, talking to him alone. You're a bold little thing, aren't you?"
Anger flared in my chest, and I straightened, meeting her glare head-on. "I think you're mistaken, Your Majesty," I said, my voice steady. "Whatever you think you've seen, I assure you, it's not what you imagine."
"Is it not?" she hissed, her voice low but venomous. "You think I don't notice the glances, the way you talk to him so informally? Stay in your place, girl. The King is mine, and I won't let some... outsider ruin what we have."
I couldn't help it—I laughed. The sound escaped me before I could stop it, bitter and incredulous. "What you have?" I repeated, shaking my head. "Is that what you're calling it now?"
Her eyes widened in outrage. "How dare you—"
"How dare I?" I interrupted, my voice rising. "You're the one accusing me of something I haven't done. If your marriage is so perfect, maybe you should focus on fixing whatever's making you feel this insecure instead of blaming me."
Her face turned crimson, and she took a step closer, her finger pointing at me. "My marriage is none of your business! Rowan and I are deeply in love—"
"Stop lying to yourself," I said, cutting her off. "You can shout it from the rooftops, Isabelle, but it won't make it true. Everyone can see how strained things are between you two. Do the two of you even sleep in the same bed? Why don't you start being honest with yourself for once?"
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, I thought she might slap me. But instead, she turned on her heel, her gown sweeping dramatically behind her.
"Stay away from my husband," she threw over her shoulder before storming off.
I stood there, my heart racing, the echo of her footsteps fading down the hall. It took a moment for me to gather myself, but when I did, I realized something: I wasn't afraid of her. Not anymore.
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