Chapter 26: The Seer

****Lola's Pov

I felt someone following my steps, and I became alert. I tried checking the person's face, but the person turned. The path I'm passing is a silent and bushy area. I just left the palace to head home, and I notice this person following me. I hastened my steps, and when the person did the same, I ran. I ran without looking back; the person started chasing me, and I ran till I could not see the person behind me. I didn't want to go home, seeing as the person might trace me, so I ran into the market.

On getting to the market, everything was in disarray. A woman was crying profusely on the ground. Her child is nowhere to be found. I sat down and thought about what I saw yesterday; it was slowly becoming reality. Some things need to be done before things get out of hand. Forgetting the reason for being in the market, I ran home, hoping to meet Kira at home.

On sighting Kira, I talked before she could greet me. "There is something going on in the pack, so I wanted to tell you yesterday, but you weren't around. I touched the relic, and the things I saw were not good, Kira. The pack is in trouble, and we need to do something. I don't think I can keep the relic with me anymore; we need to see the king". I said, panting heavily.

"Calm down, Lola; take a deep breath. What happened?".

I have explained everything there, including how I escaped being kidnapped and how one of the citizens is missing. Kira looked calm, like she knew about it. She was silent and then spoke.

"This is the work of the rouges; they are really planning to threaten the kingdom". Kira then told me about the mines and the issue of ownership with the king. After a long thought, she decided to take me to the pack, so I hurried and went along with her.

The path was a lone road, and I was scared having experienced what happened earlier. The seer place is isolated from the main pack; even the cold from the surroundings makes me shudder. We entered, and an old man with hair as white as snow came in. We greeted him as he replied with a grunt.

"And what's the occasion?"

"Seer, this is Lola; she has been staying with me for some time now, and she works with the palace. She saw something disturbing, so we decided to come to you". Kira said. She signaled for me to speak, and I said everything from my encounter with the relic to the vision I saw and the incident that happened today.

The seer looks on as he acts unsurprised at the whole event I told him.

"Hmm, it took you long enough; the king has to heed or he will bear the consequences. Your work here is done, my daughter; the relic has shown you the truth, and it will be back to its rightful place. This is happening sooner than expected, but the king needs to learn his lesson."

His words only made me confused. Did he know about this yet keep quiet? Did the goddess appear to him also? We stood up and proceeded to go, as he said.

"You have a gem in you, Lola. Keep it safe".

Does he mean my baby? I patted my stomach as I bowed and left his presence.

We got home, and I decided to have a talk with Kira.

"So are you going to inform the king or?".

"Well, I don't think anyone should do that; it's the seer, and since he said something about the king being aware of the situation, it's enough reason to back off". I nodded in approval as I turned, smiling at her mischievously.

"So how was yesterday?".

Kira acted ignorant:Yesterday was fine; we had dinner, and that was it".

I rolled my eyes and said, "Well, that wasn't what I expected; anyway,  I'm rooting for you".

"Keep yourself busy, Hun; I'm going for a nap." Kira said as she entered her room.

I smiled, knowing something had happened at Alex's place.

I entered my room, and something urged me to check on the relic. I tiptoed around it as I opened the cloth covering it; it was not there". I didn't take it with me; why is it not here".

"Maybe it's now in its rightful place". Ayraa whispered into my head. I thought about it and was kind of relieved that it wasn't in my possession anymore. I freshened up and went to bed.

The morning sun bathed the capital in a golden glow as I made my way towards the towering gates of the palace. As I entered the palace grounds, the air seemed charged with anticipation. Workers bustled about with their tasks with a sense of urgency. The halls, usually quiet at this early hour, were alive with whispered conversations and furtive glances. I was soon caught up in the business, and I had no chance to ask what was happening. I didn't realize Sarah wasn't around until I was done with work. Sarah didn't say anything about staying off work today. I placed it in my mind to see her after work.

As I approached our quarters, a murmur of voices reached my ears. I was curious and went into their gathering as I asked.

"What's happening? The palace atmosphere seems to have changed."

"Aren't you aware". She asked as I nodded my head.

"Well, it isn't confirmed, but someone saw the Queen vomiting in the chamber, and it looks like she is pregnant.

"What?" My eyes popped as she walked away from me. I know I'm supposed to be excited, but I don't understand the feeling rushing through me. I felt a bit of hurt. I thought the Queen was close with me; why didn't she tell me about it? This is what we have all been waiting for.

As I worked, I couldn't shake the thought that passed through my head. I actually feel happy for her; at least it won't be awkward meeting her again.

The Queen's pregnancy, if confirmed, held the promise of a new era, a continuation of the royal lineage. It was a hope that resonated with the people—a glimmer of light in us.

The rumors would continue to circulate, I knew and I wish there was an official announcement soon to confirm the rumors.

And as the Queen's pregnancy hung in the balance, so too did the destiny of an entire pack.