Chapter 27: The Con artist

Cielo Pov(Queen)

Standing over the balcony, I smiled. After putting on a show, my plan seems to be working quite well. The rumors have started spreading, and knowing the king, he would barge in here at any moment from now

"Just a few nights with you, and rumors of your pregnancy seem to be flying about". I turned slowly toward him.

"Maybe if we had done it faster, we wouldn't be saying this just now."

"Ouch, that hurts". He said this as I laughed out loud.

"Maybe the goddess is finally answering our prayers", I said as I moved closer to him. He smiled, then pulled me in with a smirk.

"Maybe we should do more of it to prove them right". I burst out laughing, surprised at the king initiating sex at first. This wasn't his attitude a few weeks ago.

Seeing as my monthly visits were late this month, I had to think of a strategy to make the king less suspicious. I sneaked into his chamber as he looked deep in thought. I cleared my throat to announce my arrival, and he turned

"We need to talk". He nodded as I took a seat.

"I'm sorry I have been far away these days; the kingdom issue has been making me busy, and I had no time to see you". He said, which I was surprised about. Here, I am willing to confront him, but she is making it easier for me.

"What happened to us, Hitler? It's like we are being drifted apart; this was not how you promised to be with me forever". I said, tears spilling down my eyes. He came closer, held my hands, and kissed me. It led to a night with him, and nights led to nights. I had to dispose of Alaric. It was beautiful all over again. I think he feels guilty about having someone outside and is trying to redeem himself. We were romantic towards each other, and we started eating together again.

I noticed my pregnancy when the medics came for my monthly checkup. I told her to keep it a secret until I told the king. I felt bad and confused. How do I know whose child this is? Is it the King's or Alaric's? The medic confirmed I'm just a few weeks pregnant, and I was back with the king a few weeks ago. I summoned courage, saying that as long as it's a child, it doesn't matter whose it is. I will just have to find a way to silence Alari.

I went to the king with the good news, and he was excited about it, although he told me to keep it a secret for now. But I wanted to scream it and laugh in the faces of those who thought I could not give birth. I had to think of something. When the chamber workers came for their duty, I pretended to vomit and then slightly rubbed my stomach, and that was what it took for the rumors to spread.

I was excited; finally, I'm going to carry a baby. The pressure from the council won't be there anymore. I did a quick happy dance as my mind suddenly went to Lola. I have avoided her since the incident with her, and I feel dirty after resorting to that. I feel bad for comparing myself to her. I feel like the reason I didn't meet her was because she might fish out my lie, but I decided it was time to face her head on. I sent a worker to call on

Lola came in soon after, and I smiled at her. Realizing how much I had missed her made me feel guilty. Looking at Lola heavy with pregnancy, she seems stressed, and I made the decision to speak with the head to reduce her chores. It isn't easy doing both with a baby. She bowed her head as she greeted me.

"How have you been?

"I'm fine, my queen,", she said, bowing once again.

"I'm sure you've heard the rumors." She nodded, confirming my thoughts.

"It's true, Lola; I'm pregnant". She looked in surprise and broke into a big grin.

"I told you, my Queen, the goddess has answered our prayers; the truth always wins in the end, my Queen."

I felt a pang of guilt hearing her statement, but I masked it up with a smile. "Yes, Lola, I can finally rest now.

There was a minute of awkwardness as silence grew between you.

"Did the king know". She said it in a silent whisper, and I knew what she was talking about.

"No, Lola, he thinks I don't know, but it's better that way; let the sleeping dogs lie". She looks like she wanted to tell me something but hesitated against it. I dismissed her, and after she left, I breathed a sign of relief. That was hard.

Lola's Po

The meeting felt awkward; there was something missing that I could not pinpoint, although I knew the Queen wouldn't need my services anymore. Leaving the palace, I headed to Sarah's place to check on her, but she wasn't at home. I was surprised to see where she went aside from the palace or home. I went home with the thought of coming later in the day.

I have been meeting Kira at home these days; yeah, I like it, but it seems like she is neglecting her store. I honestly feel happy for Kira's new obsession, though, hoping it will take her away from the king's dirty work. I sat down to have a little talk with Kir.

"Do you think leaving this pack is a good option". Now, where did that come from? I looked at her, seeing that she was serious. I knew Alex had asked her to come with her. I really want Kira to be here with me until my child's birth. I don't know how I will cope without her, but she needs her own happiness, so I had to tell her what she needs to hear.

"If it's for a cause, it's good, Kira. Besides, you get to leave all these behind and start a new life away from the critics and issues.

"I don't know. Alex wants me to come with him, but honestly, I don't know if it's the right decision. What if we get there and he leaves me stranded?

"You know, you can just go and visit there first to see things out before deciding". I said I was hoping to hear her beg me to come along.

"But will you be okay being here?". I smiled at Kir.

"I'm a big girl; I can handle situations here myself".

Wanting to change the topic, I said

"The Queen is pregnant". Kira looks so surprised as she stoo

"Really", I nod my head. "Yes, she confirmed it with me.

"Wow, that's great news; the pack will finally be at rest". I nodded my head in approval. Although I wanted to tell her something was missing, I went against telling her.

"Well, then I should prepare for the council meeting with the king; he should call us soon". She smiled as she entered her room, humming a song.

I know Kira feels relieved about the Queen's pregnancy, and I understand why. I also went in to prepare myself for the night.