Chapter 89
“You don't know what it's like to lose everything, to have it all taken from you. To think that the man who loved you had left you for another woman. To think that he probably never even loved you or cared for you as much as you thought he did.”
"And you think betraying me will fix that?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief.
"What other choice did I have?!" I shouted, the words spilling out before I could stop them. "Your ancestors took everything from my people—our homes, our lives. They gave us a name, Otsayak, like we're less than human. I had a chance to recover everything that we had lost. And you expect me to stand by and do nothing?"
Rowan's expression faltered, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "Ariadne... I'm not my ancestors. You know that. You more than anyone should know that.”
"Do I?" I shot back, my voice cracking. "Because from where I'm standing, you're no different. You did toss me aside pretty easily. How am I to believe you really knew nothing about my execution? Even if your father didn’t tell you anything, I’m sure the Royal Concubine Elana would have said something. Or Prince Lucian.”
“I’m sorry I don’t believe you.”
He took a step back as if I had struck him. "You really believe that? That I knew about your execution and would have let you die?”
I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. "I don't know what to believe anymore."
The silence between us was deafening, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on me.
"I wanted to trust you," Rowan said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to believe that the woman I..." He stopped himself again, shaking his head. "But maybe I was wrong."
He turned to leave, and panic surged within me. "Rowan, wait—"
He paused, looking over his shoulder. "You've made your choice, Ariadne. Now live with it."
And then he was gone, leaving me alone with the crushing weight of my decisions.
I stood there, frozen, my mind reeling from his words. He had known all along—about me, about my lies. My legs felt like lead as I made my way back toward the palace, the weight of the confrontation pressing down on me.
He knew.
The thought repeated in my mind like a mantra, growing louder with every step. How could he have known and said nothing? My chest tightened with a mix of guilt, anger, and confusion.
The air felt heavy, and my vision blurred. My breaths came in short gasps as I reached the hallway leading to my chambers. My legs buckled, and I collapsed to the cold stone floor.
When I woke, I found myself lying on a plush bed. The scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. My eyes fluttered open, and I was met with the concerned gaze of the palace physician, an older man with a kind face.
"Princess Arin," he said gently, leaning closer. "You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?"
"I... I'm fine," I murmured, though my voice was weak. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced me back down.
"Easy now," the physician said, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "You've been overexerting yourself. When was the last time you ate or rested properly?"
"There’s been so many recent activities in the palace. I honestly don't remember having a proper meal or resting well," I admitted.
He frowned and reached for a small vial on the bedside table. "Drink this. It will help with your strength. I have called for your handmaiden, I would be giving her strict orders for you and your meals in the next few days. You need to eat more proper meals.”
I took the vial reluctantly, the bitter liquid burning my throat as I swallowed. The physician watched me closely, his expression turning thoughtful.
"Princess Arin," he began hesitantly, "I need to ask you something personal. I hope you won’t take offence at it.”
I stiffened. "What is it?"
"When was the last time you had your monthly cycle?"
His question hit me like a bolt of lightning. My heart began to race as I tried to think back. I realized, with growing alarm, that I couldn't remember. It was the same question Milla had asked me. And I had no reply for her. I honestly couldn’t remember.
"I... I'm not sure," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
The physician's expression grew serious. "It's important. Think carefully."
"I—" My mind raced. "It's been... I don't know. A couple of weeks, maybe? I may be a little late. But I heard that could also be caused by stress. So maybe it will turn up in a few days.”
The physician nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. "You've been experiencing fatigue, dizziness, and... have you felt any nausea?"
I swallowed hard, my hands clenching the bedsheets. "Yes. A lot of that. It’s been particularly hard to stomach breakfast, so most times I just go on without it.
He leaned back, his gaze softening. "Princess Arin, based on your symptoms, I believe you may be with child."
The words hung in the air, suffocating me. "What?"
"You're pregnant," he said gently, his tone cautious.
"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "That can't be. I can still have my monthly cycle can I not? It can’t be that easy to get pregnant can it?!”
He gave me a reassuring smile. "It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed at first, but this is good news, princess. Does Prince Lucian know?"
My stomach twisted painfully. Of course he assumed that Lucian was the father. But how could it even be Lucian, we were married not less than two weeks ago. Nobody would believe I was pregnant that fast. Especially with the marriage not even being consummated.
I blamed myself and all the frolicking I did with Rowan. This was the result of it all.
No," I said quickly. "And... and he can't. Not yet."
The physician looked at me curiously. "Why not? Surely the prince would be overjoyed to hear such news."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I want to tell him myself," I lied, forcing a weak smile. "Prince Lucian deserves to hear it directly from me. I also want him to be the first person I tell the news.”
The physician nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Very well. But you must take care of yourself, Princess Arin. No more skipping meals or overworking yourself. The child's health depends on yours."
"I understand," I said quietly.
"I will keep this between us," he added, his tone reassuring. "But I advise you to share the news with Prince Lucian soon. I know he is out of the palace now, but perhaps you can send word to him. Secrets in this palace have a way of unraveling at the worst possible time."
I nodded, though my mind was spinning. As the physician gathered his things and left, I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Pregnant.
The word echoed in my mind, each repetition filling me with a mix of fear and uncertainty.
What would Rowan do if he found out?
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