Chapter 185

Chapter 185
Lina's POV

The sensation of awakening felt different this time—gentle, like emerging from the depths of the most restful sleep I had experienced in years. My body felt unusually warm and secure, wrapped in what seemed like an invisible cocoon of safety. As consciousness slowly returned, I became aware of the steady rise and fall of breathing beneath my cheek, the solid warmth of a muscled chest against my face, and the protective weight of an arm curved around my back.

My eyes fluttered open to find myself still nestled against Augustus, his powerful frame serving as my pillow throughout what must have been hours of deep, healing sleep. His large hand rested with deliberate gentleness over my still-flat abdomen.

The moment Augustus sensed my stirring, his golden dragon eyes snapped open with genuine concern mixed with something softer that I dared not name. "How are you feeling? Is there any discomfort? Any pain or nausea?"

"Better," I admitted softly. "Much better, actually."

Augustus's relief was visible in the way his shoulders relaxed slightly, though his hand remained protectively positioned over our unborn child. "Are you hungry? I can have the kitchens prepare whatever you might wish for—anything at all that sounds appealing."

The mention of food made me realize that my body was indeed craving nourishment. I nodded slowly, not trusting myself to speak as I watched this powerful man treat me with such exquisite care.

"Selas," he called. The heavy oak door opened almost instantly, revealing the grizzled features of his most trusted guard captain.

"Send word to the kitchens immediately," Augustus commanded. "I want the finest meal they can prepare. I want it served in the dining chamber within a quarter hour."

The urgency in his tone brooked no delay, and Selas departed with swift efficiency. Augustus turned back to me, extending his hand in a gesture that was both courtly and deeply personal. "Come. Let me escort you to the dining chamber. You need proper nourishment."

The short walk revealed the extent of the preparations—the long table had been transformed into a veritable feast of delicacies, each dish arranged with the precision typically reserved for state banquets. Augustus pulled out my chair with his own hands, then took the seat directly beside me.

"These have all been specifically chosen for their nutritional value during pregnancy," he explained. "The moon deer is rich in minerals essential for the child's development, the elven fruits contain natural healing properties, and the herbal drinks have been blessed by the court's most skilled healers."

As I began to sample the carefully prepared feast, I became increasingly aware that Augustus was barely touching his own plate. His entire focus remained centered on ensuring that I ate adequately, his golden eyes tracking every bite I took with obsessive attention. When I paused between portions, he would gently encourage me to try another dish.

"A little more of the soup perhaps," he would suggest quietly. "The healers emphasized that you need to rebuild your strength, and the herbs in this particular recipe are especially beneficial for both you and the child."

This level of devoted attention should have felt suffocating, yet instead I found myself oddly moved by his obvious concern. As the meal progressed, I felt my strength gradually returning.

Setting down my silver fork with deliberate care. "Your Majesty, I have a request to make of you."

Augustus immediately abandoned his own utensils, turning his full attention to me with complete alertness. "Tell me what you need. Whatever it is, I will see it done."

"I want to visit my father, Horace, in the dungeons. I want to see him one final time before... before whatever fate awaits him."

The change in Augustus was immediate and dramatic. His face darkened, his jaw clenching with barely contained displeasure. "Absolutely not. The dungeons are no place for you, especially not now. The environment is filthy, filled with disease and corruption. Your condition makes such an expedition completely out of the question."

"I understand your concerns," I said softly, meeting his gaze without flinching. "But this isn't about politics or revenge. This is about something I need to do for myself, and for someone who can no longer speak for herself."

Augustus's expression remained stern, but I could see curiosity beginning to temper his immediate refusal. I pressed on, knowing that I had only this one chance to make him understand.

"I'm not going to plead for his life," I continued, my voice growing stronger with conviction. "I'm not going to beg for mercy on behalf of our child. This is about my mother, and a wrong that has gone unaddressed for far too long."

The mention of my mother seemed to give Augustus pause.

"I want Horace to release my mother from the elven blood contract that binds her soul to his bloodline," I said.