108

108
Chapter 108

Azalea sat on the edge of the bed, her knees drawn up, staring blankly at the carpet as though it could give her answers. Vicky entered quietly, carrying a small stool and a comb.

“You didn’t sleep again, did you?” Vicky asked softly, setting the stool behind her queen.

Azalea shook her head. “I couldn’t. Every time I closed my eyes, I kept seeing Federico… lying there. Bleeding. Trapped. I can’t shake the feeling that something terrible will happen if he leaves.”

Vicky sighed and gently began parting Azalea’s hair. “Then stop him from going, Your Majesty. Tell him what you saw, tell him what you’ve learned about the blade. And maybe…” She hesitated, catching Azalea’s gaze in the mirror, “Maybe it’s time to tell him about the baby.”

Azalea’s lips pressed together. Her hands instinctively went to her stomach, still flat, but now so much more significant. “It’s too soon, Vicky. The doctor still needs to come back to confirm it properly. And if I tell Federico now, he might think I’m just using it to keep him from going.”

“Maybe you should use it to keep him from going,” Vicky said gently, braiding another section of Azalea’s hair. “It’s not just about you anymore. You have to think about the child as well.”

Azalea’s shoulders slumped. She wanted to argue, but Vicky was right. Federico had enemies, too many of them, and every day the danger seemed closer.

“I keep thinking about everything that’s happened,” Azalea murmured. “Bennett is pretending to care about him while secretly working against him. Maya acts like his loyal friend while plotting behind his back. And now this attack on the neighboring pack.”

Vicky paused mid-braid. “You think someone from here is involved?”

“Yes,” Azalea said, her tone sharp with certainty. “This isn’t just random rogue activity. It’s too convenient. Too timely. And Leandro was far too quick to question Federico’s decision in that meeting. Almost as though he knew what was coming. Federico told me.”

Vicky’s eyes darkened. “You’re saying someone inside the royal house could be feeding information to whoever sent that blade?”

Azalea nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. And if they are, then sending Federico out there is exactly what they want; they want him exposed, vulnerable.”

Vicky tied off the braid and moved to face her queen directly. “Then don’t let him go.”

Azalea gave a sad little laugh. “You think it’s that simple? He’s king now. He believes it’s his duty to protect not just this kingdom but every neighboring pack as well. If I try to stop him without a solid reason, he’ll think I’m letting my fear control me.”

“Then give him a reason,” Vicky said firmly. “Show him the report from the blade. Tell him you suspect someone on the inside is working against him. If anyone will listen to you, it’s Federico.”

Azalea nodded slowly. She knew Vicky was right; Federico trusted her more than anyone. But a part of her hesitated, worried that telling him all of this would only make him more determined to leave, to fight back harder.

“I’ll talk to him tonight,” Azalea finally said. “Before he leaves. I have to try.”

Vicky smiled approvingly and stood. “Good. And I’ll keep an eye on the palace while you do. Whoever is behind this won’t stay hidden forever.”

Azalea reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, Vicky. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Vicky smiled softly. “Just stay strong, Your Majesty. That’s all I ask.”

As Vicky left to prepare breakfast, Azalea turned to the window, staring out at the courtyard where soldiers were already preparing for the journey. Her chest tightened.

If they think they can take him from me, they’re wrong, she vowed silently. I’ll protect him, no matter what it takes.

___

Azalea stood near the window, her fingers twisting the hem of her robe as she watched the first rays of dawn filter into the room. Federico was just finishing his morning preparations when she finally spoke, her voice soft but steady.

“Federico… I have to tell you something,” she said, turning to face him.

He stopped, sensing the weight in her tone. “What is it?”

She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. “Last night, I had a dream. No, it was more like a nightmare. I saw you, caught in a trap, bleeding, and I woke up terrified. It felt so real, Federico. And with everything going on, with the blade and the attacks, I can’t ignore it.”

Federico’s expression softened. He walked to her and took her hands in his. “Azalea, you should have told me sooner. But I’m glad you did. I’ll take it seriously.”

She nodded, her eyes glistening. “Please… don’t go with the guards today. Let them think you went, but stay here. I can’t shake this feeling that something terrible will happen if you leave.”

He thought for a moment before exhaling deeply. “Fine,” he said at last. “But no one else can know I stayed behind. If word spreads, it might embolden whoever is behind these attacks.”

Just then, Miles entered the room. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing.

Federico looked at him. “Miles, we’re changing the plan. The guards will leave as scheduled, but I will not go with them. Make sure it appears as though I’m traveling with the group. No one must know the truth.”

Miles nodded firmly. “Consider it done, sire. I’ll take care of it.”

“Good,” Federico said. “And, Miles… no one is to suspect anything. Not even the other council members.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Miles bowed once more and slipped quietly from the room to handle the arrangements.

When the door closed, Azalea finally let out the breath she had been holding. Federico pulled her into his arms and held her close.

“You’ve saved me twice now,” he murmured into her hair. “First, when you came into my life, and now by trusting me enough to share this dream.”

Azalea wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. “I just couldn’t bear it if something happened to you. Not now. Not when everything is so fragile.”

He kissed the top of her head gently. “Then we’ll face this together, Azalea. Whoever is behind these threats, we’ll find them. And when we do, they’ll regret ever thinking they could touch this kingdom.”

She smiled faintly, feeling the tension in her chest ease just a little. For now, he was safe — and that was enough.