118

118
Chapter 118

The palace was glowing with soft golden lights, every corner alive with music and laughter. It was the night of the success banquet, a celebration of the kingdom’s victory and resilience.

In her chamber, Azalea stood before the mirror as Vicky fastened the last piece of her flowing silver gown. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, her hair braided and pinned with small jeweled clips. Vicky stepped back, eyes shining with pride.

“You look breathtaking, my queen,” Vicky whispered.

Azalea smiled, though her stomach fluttered—not from nerves, but from anticipation. “Tonight, the whole kingdom will know,” she said softly.

The door opened, and Federico appeared, dressed in a dark, regal suit embroidered with gold thread. His eyes lit up when he saw her.

“You look like a goddess,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it.

Azalea’s smile softened as she rested her free hand on his chest. “Are you ready?”

“Always,” he murmured, and together they stepped into the hallway.

The sound of music and chatter grew louder as they descended the staircase. The moment they appeared at the top of the grand stairway, the hall erupted into applause. The courtiers and pack members bowed as they made their way down, Federico’s hand firmly holding hers.

When they reached the center of the room, Federico raised his hand in silence. His deep voice carried through the hall.

“Tonight,” he began, his expression proud, “we celebrate not only victory but unity. The attacks we faced were meant to weaken us, but instead, they made us stronger. Together, we overcame every obstacle, and for that, I thank you all.”

The crowd cheered, raising their glasses. Federico turned to Azalea, his hand slipping to her waist as he led her onto the dance floor.

As the music swelled, they began to dance, moving gracefully across the polished floor. Azalea’s heart raced—not from the dance, but from what she was about to say.

When the song ended, Federico kissed her hand and gestured for her to speak. Azalea stepped forward, her clear voice filling the hall.

“My people,” she began, her tone warm and regal, “tonight is not just a celebration of survival—it is a celebration of new beginnings. I am honored to share with you what your queen is expecting.”

The hall fell silent for a beat, and then cheers erupted, louder than before. The applause thundered, people smiling, some even wiping tears.

Federico beamed with pride, pulling her into his arms as the crowd celebrated around them. But Azalea’s sharp eyes weren’t on the cheering faces. She scanned the room, and her gaze landed on Leandro’s mother and Thomas’s mother.

Their expressions were frozen, shock painted across their faces. Azalea smirked and let out a soft, triumphant laugh.

“Something wrong, my queen?” Federico murmured under his breath, sensing her amusement.

“Nothing,” she replied, her lips curving. “Just enjoying the moment.”

As the crowd began to approach to offer their congratulations, Maya was the first to step forward. She bowed slightly, her lips curved into a sweet smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty,” Maya said smoothly. “This is truly wonderful news. The kingdom will be blessed.”

Azalea returned her smile politely. “Thank you, Maya. Your words mean a lot.”

Bennett approached next, his face schooled into polite neutrality, though Azalea could sense his discomfort. He bowed low.

“A child for the kingdom is always good news,” Bennett said formally. “May your reign grow stronger with this blessing.”

“Indeed it will,” Federico replied firmly, his protective arm tightening around Azalea’s waist.

As more courtiers stepped forward to offer their well-wishes, Azalea felt the weight of the night settle on her shoulders. This announcement changed everything.

But it was only the beginning.

___

Leandro’s office door slammed shut behind them, the force rattling the books on the shelves.

Leandro’s fists met the wall with a loud thud, leaving a faint mark. “Damn it!” he growled, his jaw tightening as he paced the room. “They just had to announce it tonight. Couldn’t even wait until the situation was calm!”

Thomas sat back on the edge of his desk, his cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He exhaled slowly, watching the smoke curl toward the ceiling. “Calm down. Panicking won’t solve anything.”

Leandro spun around, his eyes blazing. “Panicking? We spent weeks planning the perfect timing to make the council question Federico’s strength, and now this? An heir will make them worship him even more. You know what this means, Thomas—he’s no longer just a rival king, he’s the father of the next ruler!”

Thomas stubbed out his cigarette, his expression darkening. “Then we take the fight to the queen,” he said flatly. “If she loses the child, all that celebration tonight will turn to grief. Federico will be too distracted to rule, and the kingdom will spiral into chaos.”

Leandro’s lips curved into a dangerous smile. “You want to kill her pregnancy?”

Thomas stood, brushing ash from his trousers. “It’s the fastest way to end this game before it goes too far. We can’t afford to wait.”

Leandro crossed his arms, thinking. “And how exactly do you plan on getting close to her? You know Federico has tightened security since the attacks. They won’t just let anyone near her, not now.”

Thomas smirked. “That’s the easiest part. We use her as a maid.”

Leandro’s brows furrowed. “Vicky?”

“Yes.” Thomas walked to the window, peering out as if he could already see the plan unfolding. “She’s the one who prepares Azalea’s food and drink. All it would take is one tainted dish. No one would suspect us. The blame will fall on Vicky. Federico will punish her, and we’ll be clean.”

Leandro chuckled darkly, the tension in his body easing slightly. “That’s actually brilliant. Vicky is loyal to Azalea, which makes her the perfect scapegoat. No one would believe she’d do it willingly—it would look like betrayal or carelessness.”

Thomas nodded, his tone cold and precise. “I’ll have the poison arranged. Nothing too obvious—just enough to end the pregnancy and leave Azalea weak. That way she survives, but Federico suffers.”

Leandro smirked, finally letting out a breath. “Good. Let’s finish what we started. This kingdom won’t stay under Federico’s thumb forever.”

Thomas lit another cigarette, his eyes glinting through the smoke. “Then it’s settled. We strike soon.”