Chapter 77
The morning was crisp, the air heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth. The entire courtyard was buzzing with activity as the wolves prepared for their journey to the borders. I stood near the castle steps, trying to school my expression into one of sorrow, but it was hard to keep the smile off my face. Lucian was leaving.
Lucian stood at the front of the pack, giving orders and inspecting their weapons. His voice boomed over the clamor, but I hardly paid attention. I knew he was capable of commanding their respect, but for once, I didn't have to endure his overbearing presence.
As I watched, someone stepped beside me, her perfume cloying and sweet. Royal Concubine Elana.
"You look a little too happy to see your husband leave," she said smoothly, her tone laced with suspicion.
I turned to her, forcing a sad smile. "That's not true," I replied. "I'm just trying to be strong for him."
Elana's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, really? Because your face tells a different story. You can't fake sorrow if your heart isn't in it, girl."
I bristled but tried to stay calm. "I'll miss him," I said, trying to sound earnest. "But I trust in his strength. He'll come back victorious."
Elana raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Hmm. I'll be keeping my eyes on you, Arin. You're a little too... indifferent for my liking."
I turned to her fully, tilting my head. "Maybe you should keep your eyes on your children instead," I said, my voice low. "They seem to need a lot more attention than I do."
Her eyes narrowed dangerously, but before she could respond, Lucian's voice cut through the air. "Arin!" he called.
I stepped forward as he approached, his brow furrowed. "Come," he said, taking my hand. "I want you to see me off properly."
I nodded, following him to where the wolves were mounting their horses. He pulled me into a tight embrace, his hands gripping my waist.
"Remember your promise," he murmured into my ear. "I'll be counting on you to keep me informed."
"I will," I said softly, hoping he couldn't hear the insincerity in my voice.
He pulled back and cupped my face. "I'll miss you," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
I forced a smile. "And I'll miss you too."
He kissed my forehead before turning to his men. "Let's ride!" he commanded, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
The wolves cheered as they prepared to leave.
"You're terrible at pretending, you know," Elana said, her voice cutting through my thoughts.
I turned to her, feigning confusion. "I don't know what you mean."
She smirked. "Oh, I think you do. But don't worry, dear. I'll make sure your little act doesn't go unnoticed."
I didn't respond, instead turning and walking back toward the castle. I had just reached the grand hall when I overheard voices.
"She's rude and uncouth," Isabelle said sharply, her tone dripping with disdain.
"You don't have to like her, Your Majesty," Elana replied, her voice smoother than silk. "But she's here, and she is part of this family now. She is Lucien's wife"
"I don't care for either of you," Isabelle snapped. "But at least I can stomach her more than I can stomach you."
I froze, my breath catching. Isabelle was speaking about me, but her words for Elana were harsher.
Elana laughed, the sound bitter. "Oh, Your Majesty, your dislike is a badge of honor for me. But don't forget—I am the reason you are here in the first place."
I didn't stay to hear more. Their words, though harsh, filled me with a strange sense of satisfaction. Elana's hold on the court wasn't as unshakable as she pretended.
As I made my way to my chambers, I couldn't help but feel a small flicker of hope. With Lucian gone, maybe I could find a way to make my situation a little less unbearable—and a little more advantageous.
.........
The moonlight filtered through the narrow corridor as I crept through the darkened halls of the castle. My heart raced, my pulse quickening with each soft footstep. I had found the secret entrance after Rowan had told me where it was, and tonight, I planned to use it. Lucian was gone, and I knew it was the perfect time to visit Rowan.
I had to see him, I had to talk to him and the only way I could do that was by seeing him. As I reached the familiar wooden door of the secret passage, I hesitated, wondering what I would say once I was inside. Would he help me? Would he even listen to me?
I pushed the door open, the heavy creak of the hinges barely audible, and stepped inside. The passage was narrow and winding, but I had memorized the way. My heart pounded in my chest as I made my way deeper into the castle, my mind set on what I needed to do. I couldn't afford to waste time.
As I approached the entrance to Rowan's chambers, I saw the faint flicker of light spilling out from under the door. My hand reached for the handle, but as I paused, I heard voices from within. At first, I thought it was my imagination—perhaps Rowan had guests or was meeting with someone important. But then, I recognized the voice.
Queen Isabelle.
..............
I barely made it to my room before the full weight of what had just happened hit me. I stood in the middle of my chamber, my chest tight with emotion I couldn't begin to untangle. Isabelle and Rowan—together.
I should have expected it. I should have known. But the rage that burned in my chest made everything else seem distant and unimportant.
For the first time since I arrived in this place, I felt truly alone. Lucian was off at the borders, Rowan was entangled with Isabelle, and I was left to wonder what I was really doing here.
I had been a pawn in someone else's game—maybe I still was.
But I wouldn't let it continue. Not anymore.
I couldn't trust Rowan. I should never have fallen for him.
It was time to stop pretending. Time to stop playing by their rules.
I just had to find my way out of this web I had been caught in, no matter the cost.
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