Chapter 94
Rowan raised a hand, silencing them. "You think I can simply depose the queen without consequences? Is it that easy for you to discard and get rid of people? Do you understand what that would mean for this kingdom?"
"It shouldn't be that hard. After all, she is an exile," the man argued. "What use has she been since she ascended the throne as queen? She schemes behind your back, undermines your authority. Do you think we don't see it?"
Rowan's gaze hardened. "And what would you have me do? Cast her aside like she means nothing? That's unfair."
"She is no queen," another voice called out from the crowd. "She is an exile! That's what she is. She should have never been made queen in the first place! We shall withdraw our support for you if you don't leave her and marry someone else!"
The tension in the room was intense. I pressed myself against the wall, trying to stay out of sight, but my heart was racing.
Rowan's voice cut through the rising murmurs. "Enough. I will not have this discussion here, not like this."
"You have a choice to make, Alpha King Rowan," the leader said, his tone low and dangerous. "When you fought to be the crown Prince again, we threw our backs behind you and gave you all our support. Now is the right time for you to repay us. Without an heir the throne is unsafe! Your brother Lucian has married an outsider, a woman from Braam, the niece of the Emperor, could you possibly imagine what would happen if he ascends the throne instead of you?!"
The room fell silent, all eyes on Rowan.
He took a step forward, his presence commanding. "I will not be dictated to," he said coldly. "If you have concerns, you bring them to me in private. But do not think for a moment that you can sway me with public displays of rebellion. This meeting is over."
The leader's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
I wondered if this had anything to do with Lucian's plan. I remembered the letter I had seen in the Royal Concubine's room and o wondered if they were plotting to remove Isabelle as Queen. But what use would that do?
If Isabelle wasn't Queen anymore, how would that help them?
I knew I shouldn't stay any longer, but I couldn't tear myself away. Watching Rowan like this, commanding and unwavering, was... captivating.
As the wolves began to disperse, muttering among themselves, I slipped away quietly, my heart pounding in my chest.
Milla's words echoed in my mind.
Be careful of everyone except Rowan.
For the first time, I truly understood what she meant.
...............
I was pacing in my chambers, still thinking about the scene in the grand hall. The tension was thick enough to suffocate me, and Rowan's refusal to take sides only added to my unease.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something big was brewing, and I was stuck in the middle of it all.
A sudden knock at the door broke my thoughts. I hesitated before calling out, "Come in."
The door opened, and to my surprise, Royal Concubine Elana entered, her head held high as always. Behind her was a woman I didn't recognize—a petite figure with her head bowed and a nervous air about her.
"Royal Concubine," I greeted, forcing a polite smile. "What brings you here?"
"I've been looking for you," Elana said, her tone overly sweet. "I just arrived. And I recalled you were looking for me, I thought you’d come find me after the full moon but you didn’t. Are you okay? I’ve heard you’ve been a little under the weather lately.”
"Is that so?" I asked, my voice careful.
She gestured to the woman behind her. "This is Beatrice. She's the new handmaiden I've chosen for you. I thought it was time you had someone properly trained to assist you."
I frowned. "I don't need a new handmaiden. I’m fine on my own.”
"Nonsense," she replied, waving off my protest. "Your current one, Milla, is... gone now, isn't she? You'll need someone else, and Beatrice comes highly recommended. You should be grateful.”
"I prefer to choose my own handmaiden," I said firmly.
Elana's smile didn't falter, but there was steel in her gaze. "This isn't up for debate, Arin. Beatrice will be staying with you from now on."
I glanced at the girl, who seemed to shrink under my scrutiny. Something about this didn't sit right with me.
"Why the sudden interest in my staff?" I asked, crossing my arms.
Elana's smile widened. "Oh, it's not sudden. I've always taken an interest in ensuring that everything runs smoothly around here. Besides, with my son returning soon, it's only fitting that you're well-prepared for his arrival. Everything is all set isn’t it?”
My stomach twisted, I faked a surprise. "Lucian is coming back?"
"Yes," she said, her tone almost gleeful. "Very soon. Isn't that wonderful? You must have been waiting for him for so long.”
"Wonderful," I echoed, my voice flat. "And what exactly should I be prepared for?"
Elana tilted her head, her expression feigning innocence. "Why, to welcome him back, of course. It's been so long since we've had him here. I'm sure you're as excited as I am. Especially now that the two of you can finally consummate your marriage. You see Lucian can’t wait to have kids.”
Excited wasn't the word I'd use. Terrified, maybe. Suspicious, definitely.
"You seem very pleased about his return," I said, watching her closely. "Is there something else I should know? Nobody hardly ever tells me anything here, so I’m curious.”
Elana's smile turned sharper. "Only that everything is falling into place, dear. Now, do get ready. I'm sure Lucian will be expecting you to look your best when he arrives."
She turned to leave, but I wasn't done yet. "Royal Concubine," I called, making her pause. "Why now? Why is Lucian coming back now and so sudden too. Has he finished the mission the Alpha King gave him?”
She looked over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with something I couldn't quite place. "All in due time, Arin. You'll understand soon enough."
And with that, she swept out of the room, leaving me alone with Beatrice, who looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.
I turned to her, my patience wearing thin. "Did you agree to this?"
She flinched. "I... I was told it was an honor to serve you, your highness.”
"By who?"
"The Royal Concubine," she said quietly.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Did she hire you to spy on me?! Is that it?!”
Beatrice looked away, shifting uncomfortably. The timid girl didn’t say a word.
“Fine. Stay out of my way, and we'll get along just fine."
"Yes, your highness," she murmured.
Something was going on and I had to find out what it was before it was too late.
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