Chapter 87
I froze, the weight of her words crashing down on me. She was right. I hadn't noticed in the chaos of recent events, but now that she mentioned it...
Milla tilted her head, studying me with an almost predatory gleam in her eyes. "Something to think about, isn't it?"
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's probably nothing. Do not make a big deal out of nothing. My cycle isn't very regular sometimes. Stress, the flu—"
"Sure," Milla said lightly, though her smirk said she didn't believe me for a second. "But if it's not, well... you might have a much bigger problem on your hands."
"I mean... with Prince Lucian gone... would anyone even believe that he is the father? You've only been married for about two weeks."
"I also don't even think you consummated the marriage. Did you?"
Before I could respond, she straightened her skirts and moved toward the door.
"Rest well, my lady," she said sweetly, glancing over her shoulder. "You'll need your strength for what's to come."
With that, she was gone, leaving me alone with a whirlwind of thoughts and fears.
I lay back against the pillows, my hand resting on my stomach as doubt and dread consumed me. Was she right? Could it be possible? And if it was... what did it mean for me, for Rowan, and for everything I had planned?
...........
The next morning, despite my fatigue and troubled mind, I had one last meeting with Kaelin before she left for Braam with the others, so I dragged myself out of bed to prepare to see her.
The morning air was crisp and cold as I pulled my cloak tighter around me. My steps were cautious as I made my way to the hidden grove where Kaelin waited. The weight of our last conversation lingered in my mind, though I tried to suppress the unease gnawing at me.
Kaelin stood by the stream, her sharp gaze cutting through the mist as I approached.
"You're late," she said without turning around.
"I had to be careful," I replied, glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one had followed me.
Kaelin turned to face me, her arms crossed. "You're always careful, Arin. That's what I like about you." She paused, her piercing eyes scanning my face. "But you look awful. Are you all right?"
I forced a weak smile. "It's just the flu. Nothing to worry about. I'll be better in no time. I've asked for a tonic for it."
I hoped she didn't suspect my lies.
She frowned, stepping closer. "You've been fatigued since yesterday. Are you sure it's just that? You're not hiding something, are you?"
"What's there to hide? I'm fine," I said quickly, shaking my head. "I just need rest. A lot has happened these past few days."
Kaelin studied me for a long moment before nodding. "Fine. But you need to stay strong. We're so close, Arin. You can't falter now."
"I won't," I said firmly, though my heart felt heavy.
Kaelin's expression softened, and she placed a hand on my shoulder. "The wolf clans will need a little more nudging, we need to divide them, make them believe that Rowan is unfit for the throne. Eventually there will be so much chaos that Rowan will be too occupied with that to do anything else. And when the country is at its weakest, that's when we shall strike."
I nodded.
"Yes I'll do that."
Kaelin smiled slightly.
"I also took the liberty of talking to the Queen Isabelle. Her desperation will work in our favour. She was so desperate that she asked me for help for a tonic after I briefly mentioned it to her. You were right about the Alpha King and her having a strained relationship. That could also work in our favour."
My mind went to what Milla had said earlier, about the Queen looking for a particular tonic.
"The queen? That was you?"
I asked and Kaelin smiled proudly.
"Nice touch isn't it? I have her something, but it won't be of much help. Hopefully with all the traps we have laid, in the next few months Zaire will be in a deep civil war. Prince Lucian will be eager to fight for the throne too, everything will fall into place soon."
"By making the wolf clans believe that a faction of them want Prince Lucian as King while the other want the Queen deposed, do you think this would motivate Prince Lucian enough to fight for the throne?"
I asked and Kaelin nodded.
"It would. We made sure the rumours reached Prince Lucian, right now he thinks the wolf clans are in favour of him being king and his working twice as hard to come back home and contest for the throne. That's what we heard."
"Our plan will work. Don't worry."
She assured me, but I was far from convinced. I was worried even.
"I'll okay my part," I promised, though the words felt hollow in my chest.
Kaelin nodded, satisfied, and turned to leave. "Stay hidden. I'll contact you soon."
As she disappeared into the trees, I turned to leave, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. But the relief was short-lived.
"Arin," a deep voice called from behind me.
I froze, my blood turning to ice. Slowly, I turned around, and there he was—Rowan. His dark eyes burned with anger, his jaw clenched tightly. How? What was he doing here?!
I couldn't believe it.
"Rowan," I stammered, my mind racing for an explanation. "What are you doing here?"
He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "That's what I should be asking you. What were you doing here with her?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came.
"I heard everything," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You've been planning my downfall, haven't you? Spreading lies, sowing discord... plotting against me. That's why you're here isn't it?"
"Rowan, I—"
"Don't," he snapped, his voice sharp as a blade. "Don't lie to me."
"Tell me the whole truth this time. Nothing but the whole truth Ariadne."
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