Chapter 85
Kaelin's gaze hardened. "People are already hurting, Ariadne. Our people. The wolves took everything from us. This is justice."
"This is what you've always wanted isn't it? Revenge for what they did to you."
I leaned against the cold stone wall, Kaelin's words echoing in my ears.
"Ariadne," Kaelin said, her voice softer now, "you've seen the cracks in their foundation. The discontent, the greed, the power struggles. This kingdom isn't as strong as it seems. If we push in the right places, it'll crumble."
My throat tightened. "And what happens after that? What's left for the people caught in the middle?"
Sylvia's expression softened, but only slightly. "We rebuild. For your people, for Braam. Under the Emperor's leadership we would give back the land to the rightful owners, your people. They deserve a future where they're not second-class citizens in their own land."
I looked down at my hands, torn between loyalty to the mission and the unwelcome attachment I felt for Rowan and the wolves of Zaire.
Kaelin took a step closer, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "This isn't just about revenge, Ariadne. This is about justice. About making things right."
I nodded slowly, though the weight of my decision pressed heavily on my chest.
"Play your part and we shall play ours."
As the sun set and the halls began to fill with guests, I retreated to my chambers to prepare. A golden gown had been laid out for me, its fabric shimmering like sunlight. There was just one card on it. I didn't need to look at it to know that Rowan had gotten me the dress. I didn't want to.
He was going to be completely blindsided in the next coming weeks and it was all going to be because of me. Because of what we were planning.
I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognised myself. I had dyed my hair again. The roots back to the unnatural blond color it was before. I didn't even recognise myself. I applied more of the powder that covered my mark, arranging my hair in a careful way to hide it even if the powder faded.
I was adding the finishing touches to my gown when Milla walked in.
"You look radiant, my lady," she said with a small smile.
I caught her reflection in the mirror, her gaze lingering on me with something that resembled pity.
"Do you think they'll believe it?" I asked quietly.
She raised an eyebrow. "Believe what?"
"That I belong here."
Milla hesitated, then gave a small shrug. "That depends on you, doesn't it?"
"You've been playing the dutiful and respectful Lady all this while and it has warned you a title."
"You're now a princess. I think you're the one who needs to believe it."
Her words lingered in my mind.
"I have a letter for you. Someone passed it to me in the hall."
Milla handed me the letter.
I didn't need to open it to know who it was. I could tell already. And from the looks on Milla's face, she could tell to.
"My lips are sealed. You don't have to worry about me. For now..."
She murmured slowly as she walked away.
I opened the letter, slowly. Of course, it was Rowan.
After the party. After all the festivities, I'd like to see you in your dress. Alone.
- R
I folded the paper and tucked it into my bodice, making a mental note to burn it later. I made my way to the grand hall, where the festivities were already in full swing.
The hall was filled with lovely colors and great music. Musicians played lively tunes as courtiers twirled across the dance floor, their laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses.
Rowan stood at the head of the room, resplendent in his ceremonial attire. His eyes found mine almost instantly, and for a moment, the noise and chaos faded away. We held each other's stare for a while
But then Kaelin's voice echoed in my mind, pulling me back to reality. I pulled my eyes away.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Ariadne," I muttered under my breath as I made my way toward the gathering crowd who were eager to welcome me as Princess Arin.
Kaelin's plan was already in motion. I saw one of the Braam delegates slip out of the hall, a stack of letters tucked under his cloak.
My role was simpler: talk, observe, and sow seeds of doubt where I could.
I approached a group of wolf clan elders, their faces lined with age and suspicion.
"It's a beautiful evening," I said with a smile, feigning innocence.
One of them, a gruff man with a thick beard, nodded. "Princess Arin. Congratulations on your marriage and your new title."
"Indeed. Thank you so much. How are you enjoying the celebrations?"
The old man shrugged.
"Beautiful party, though I can't help but wonder if the King should be focusing less on parties and more on securing an heir. He seems to use any opportunity at hand to avoid the question."
Another elder grunted in agreement. "There has been great difficulty in this year's hunting season. The Queen's failure to produce a child is a sign. The Moon Goddess must be displeased and she is punishing us in her own way."
I hesitated, then leaned in slightly. "Do you really think it's the Queen's fault? I could have sworn I heard something different today."
The elders exchanged glances, and I pressed on. "I've heard whispers from certain clans that are unhappy with Rowan's leadership. That they think he's... he's unfit to rule. They believe the throne should go to Prince Lucian."
The bearded elder frowned. "What whispers? From who?"
I shrugged lightly. "Oh, just certain things I've overheard in passing from some neighbouring clans. But I'm sure they're nothing."
I excused myself before they could ask more questions, my heart pounding as I melted back into the crowd.
The seeds had been planted. Now, all I could do was wait and watch.
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