Chapter 93
The full moon hung high in the sky, its light streaming through the curtains of my chambers. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands cradling my stomach. It still didn't show, it would take a while till it did but the truth weighed on me more heavily than the child itself. How was I going to hide this? How long before someone noticed?
A long, mournful howl echoed through the night, followed by others. The wolves were out. Their hunt had begun. My chest tightened as I imagined Rowan among them, his powerful form leading the charge beneath the silver light.
But then another thought crept in—an opportunity. The castle was nearly empty tonight. Most of the wolves and the entire royal family, nobles and their attendants were either out hunting or attending the full moon procession. The halls would be quiet, the rooms left unguarded.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to act. Something was happening, something I didn't understand, and I couldn't just sit here in the dark waiting for it to catch up with me.
I dressed quickly, slipping into a simple dark gown that wouldn't draw attention. My hands moved on their own, pushing aside the old tapestry that concealed the secret passageway I'd taken to Rowan's chambers so many times. Tonight, though, my destination was different.
Royal Concubine Elana's chambers.
Her chambers were a mystery to me, but Milla's words about her secret dealings with the wolf clan had planted a seed of suspicion. If anyone knew what was going on, it was her. I wanted to know what she was planning. Why she had seemed so confident and even dismissive when she saw.
Besides, the thought of Prince Lucian coming back was enough to give me sleepless nights.
The passageway was narrow and dimly lit, the air stale and heavy. I moved as quietly as I could, my footsteps echoing faintly. When I reached the hidden door that opened into Elana's chambers, I hesitated. Was this truly wise? If someone caught me, I'd have no excuse, they would know I was looking for something. But what? But the urge to know outweighed my fear.
I pushed the door open and slipped inside.
The room was dimly lit by a single lamp, the shadows stretching long across the floor. It was unnervingly neat—almost like she hadn't been staying there at all. The bed was perfectly made, the furniture free of dust.
But something felt off.
It was clean, but too clean.
I noticed a chest tucked into the corner of the room. Its brass lock gleamed in the lamplight, and I could tell it hadn't been touched in some time. I knelt beside it, running my fingers over the smooth wood. Locked. Of course, it was locked.
Frustration bubbled up inside me, but I forced myself to stay calm. If I couldn't get into the chest, I'd look elsewhere.
That's when I saw it—a piece of paper on the edge of the vanity. It looked out of place, hastily folded and left behind in a rush. I picked it up, my hands trembling as I unfolded it.
The handwriting was neat, precise. The words sent a chill down my spine.
Mother,
You were right about everything. This is the only way. It's time to commence phase three of our plan. I can't wait to take back my rightful throne. I will be back soon to personally oversee it.
\- Lucian
I read the letter twice, my heart pounding. Phase three? What plan? And why did it involve Lucian coming back to the castle?
I clutched the letter tightly, my mind racing. This wasn't just some petty scheme—this was calculated, deliberate. And if Lucian was involved, it couldn't be good.
"What are you up to, Elana?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.
...............
I woke up with the weight of the previous night still pressing heavily on my chest. The letter from Lucian was tucked safely under my mattress, but the questions it raised wouldn't leave my mind.
As I tried to shake off the lingering exhaustion, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," I called, sitting up slowly.
The door opened, and Milla stepped inside, her face brighter than I'd ever seen it. She looked... free.
"Good morning Princess," she greeted, shutting the door behind her. "I came to say thank you."
"For what?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"For helping me release him," she said, her voice softer now. "My mate... he's free because of you."
I nodded, my lips pressing into a thin line. "I just hope he's safe now. Are you sure you're both going to be okay out there?"
"We'll be fine," Milla said firmly. "We've been planning this for a long time. This castle... it's not a place for people like us."
I stood and walked over to her, hesitating before placing a hand on her arm. "I wish you well, Milla. I really do."
Milla smiled faintly, then leaned in as if she had something important to say. "Princess Arin," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "be careful of everyone in this castle. Everyone except the Alpha King. They despise you. They're all waiting for your downfall."
Her words sent a chill down my spine. "Everyone?"
She nodded. "Even those who smile in your face. They're just waiting for the moment you slip, they’ve been looking for whatever they can to bring you down and I pray they would never find it. Unfortunately I won’t be here to shield you from it. So please be careful."
I swallowed hard, her warning echoing in my mind. "Thank you, Milla. For everything."
She stepped back, her expression softening. "Goodbye, Princess Arin. I hope you find a way to survive this place."
And with that, she left.
I sat by the window for a long time after she was gone, staring out at the sprawling grounds of the castle. The air felt heavy, even oppressive. Milla's warning lingered in my thoughts.
Needing a distraction, I decided to get some fresh air. The halls were quieter than usual, but there was an underlying tension I couldn't ignore.
As I made my way toward the courtyard, voices echoed down the corridor. Loud, insistent, and growing louder with each step I took. I turned toward the commotion, my curiosity getting the better of me.
When I reached the grand hall, my breath caught in my throat.
The wolf clan was gathered there, their presence commanding and intimidating. Their leader, a burly man with sharp features and piercing eyes, stood at the forefront, addressing Rowan, who was standing tall and calm in the center of the hall.
"We've tolerated her long enough," the leader said, his voice booming. "Queen Isabelle has brought nothing but division to this castle. She is unfit to rule by your side, King Rowan."
Rowan's expression remained neutral, but I could see the tension in his jaw. "And what would you have me do?"
"Depose her," the man demanded. "Remove her from power. She is not fit to be queen if she cannot provide you with an heir.”
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