Chapter 20: Revealed Secrets

Kate smiled with a faraway look in her eyes.

"Being abandoned at a young age comes with its disadvantages. I was taken in by a woman whose job it is to take in girls and offer them entertainment. I was lucky to be chosen to entertain the king, and here we are. You may see me as an opportunist, but I prefer this to going back to my life. The king has been all shades of kind to me; it's a pity the situation was complicated".

Well, that didn't clear up my dislike for her; it actually made my speculations correct. She is actually an opportunist. I wanted to rush up my work; I could not bear to stay in the same space with her.

"Is it possible to be taken to the palace?

The king says I will soon be brought to his palace and leave all these behind", Kate said as she smiled in excitement.

I furrowed my brows at that statement. "What do you mean the palace?".

"You don't expect me to keep the king's heir from the palace; it's only right that I'm in the palace". She justified herself.

"And that's the right thing for you", I scoff as I keep quiet to avoid uttering any nonsense that may put me in trouble.

She noticed my reaction and kept quiet. I was done and left. She offered me food, but I declined, smiling with my gritted teeth. I gave her the excuse of going to see the king to give him the report. There is no way you expect me to warm up to her.

My heart raced as I tried to take in the news. The king was intending to bring his pregnant concubine into the sacred walls of the palace. This was a taboo, a disregard for the traditions that had held our pack together for generations. I knew I had to speak to him to make him understand the gravity of his decision.

I sighed as I made my way through the halls of the palace.

As I approached the chamber, my steps faltered for just a moment, rethinking my decision. But I was determined, reminding myself of my duty.

The heavy doors creaked open as I entered the chamber. The King sat upon his throne, his presence commanding the room.

"Kira," the King greeted, his voice thick as it went through the chamber. "How was your visit?"

I bowed my head in a respectful manner. "Your royal highness, I come with great concern. It has come to my attention that you plan to bring her into the palace."

The energy of tension passed through the room. "And what concern is it of yours, Kira?"

"It is the concern of every citizen who holds our customs dear," I replied, gaining some courage. "Allowing a concubine to reside within these walls goes against the principles that have guided our kingdom.

The king's gaze bore into my eyes. "You question my judgment?"

"I dare not, my king," I said, bowing my head.

"This decision could weaken the unity that has held our people together. The people look up to you, and whatever you do, they follow".

The silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the faint rustle of wind.

Finally, the king spoke. "Your words are true, Kira. But you must understand my situation; times change. Our kingdom must adapt to thrive. Trust me, I was forced to make this decision for the growth of our kingdom."

"I implore you to reconsider, for the sake of our people and the legacy we leave for future generations."

The king's expression softened, a sign of contemplation in his eyes as he looked deep into thought.

"I hear you, Kira. I will reconsider my actions."

A wave of relief washed over me. Though I knew her battle was far from won, a part of me hoped the king would see reason with me. I bowed my head in gratitude as I turned and left the chamber.

Leaving the palace, I hope that my words will make the king change his decision. This is the least I can do to protect the Queen's dignity.

****Celio Pov(Queen)

The moon hung low across the courtyard of the palace as I admired the night creatures. Ever since the king arrived, the tension between them hung around the air, leaving them to speak in monotones.

As I turned to enter my chamber, the door creaked open, revealing Alaric. Alaric is one of the guards I have been able to pull to my side. After deciding I couldn't stay in the dark any longer, I sent Alaric to spy on the king to clear my doubts. His face looked concerned, and I knew something was wrong.

"Your Grace," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "there's something you must know."

I arched an eyebrow, urging him to say his words. "Speak, Alaric.

He cleared his throat.

"It has come to my attention that the King has a concubine; she is pregnant, my Queen."

The words hung in the air, heavy. My heart skipped as I clung to my chest in disbelief. I knew the King was cheating, but pregnancy—that's what we have been hoping for, and it had to come through his affair? Hitler had always been unpredictable since his early days, but this was a stain on our marriage. I fell to my ground as Alaric raced to my side.

"How... how is this possible?" My voice trembled. "He knows the rules; what happens to the bond we share?"

Alaric's gaze looked on. "It seems, My Queen, that he has forgotten."

I turned my back as I went to the balcony, my hands gripping the railing. The night air felt colder as I shivered. I replayed the memories of our union and the vows they'd exchanged in the presence of the citizens and his parents. I remember him promising to cherish and protect me. What's happening. What if he decides to bring the child in as the heir?

No, he can't; it's taboo; it's against the tradition; the council will fight against it; no one can take my position. As different thoughts raced through my heart, Alaric came to meet me.

"My Queen, there is more". What more can be hard than what he said? I told him to talk, and I staggered as he talked.

"Kira knows about it; she is involved in it with the king".

Wow, that explains her closeness to the king. Wishing he saw wrong, I asked him again, and he seemed sure about his findings. Why, Kira, did Kira have a hand in this?

Kira and I once shared a tight friendship; why did she have to be involved in this? Even if we were not as close as before, she shouldn't have stabbed me like this. When I thought I was all alone in this world, Kira showed me love and supported me through my maiden days. She told me I can stand strong as a woman, and I shouldn't let anyone see me as a weakling. She withdrew from me after her husband's death for reasons best known to her. Although we speak once a while, she feels more inclined toward the king than me.

I kneeled slowly, tears escaping my eyes as I hugged my knees. Alaric ran to me, concern in his eyes as he guarded him. We shared a close look as I did the unthinkable. I kissed him.