Chapter 33: The Palace Walls
After my little moment with Sarah, she had to go home, and I escorted her home. She was scared they would come looking for her, but I assured her none of that was happening. I went home tired; my pregnancy was weighing me down, and I needed to rest. After a little rest, I decided to go see Kira at her store; at least Robin should be off by now. Well, that was a mistake on my part; I shouldn't have gone.
I was on my way to her store when a procession passed and I bowed thinking it was the king, I raised my head after and our eyes met. We stared at ourselves before he looked away and went like nothing happened. Surprisingly enough, I wasn't scared; I didn't run or look away; I just stood.
As if I were shaken out of a trance, I realized my surroundings and left immediately. I didn't run back home or anything; I went to Kira's store. Seeing her made me more relaxed, and I was soon distracted by market activities. I was introduced to other people, and I got to play with their kids. It was a fun day in the market, and I was beginning to contemplate resorting to market sales.
I knew Robin wouldn't back down like this; he would either come back soon or act like it never happened. Whatever happens, I'm prepared to face it. I soon forgot about Robin, and when we were about to go home, I checked in with Sarah before heading home.
After a few talks with Kira,I went inside to prepare for work at the palace and rest my head.
The next day at the palace felt like I had left for months. I realized I had grown attached to the palace, and it felt good to be back again. Sarah was back, and I was so happy to see her. Although she had to form a lie before they could let her in, as long as she was back, I didn't care.
The workers kept asking me why I didn't come, and I had to find a lie about my pregnancy, which they believed. I wasn't called or queried for disappearing without telling anyone, and I knew Kira had helped. I smiled at the thought of using Kira's influence in the palace.
I soon got to work, and I was more active than ever. I didn't hear any rumors about Robin or something, and I knew I was safe for now. I wanted to talk to someone, and I need to see the Queen.
I was a bit scared about meeting the Queen. I honestly can't predict her behavior nowadays, so meeting her was a bit skeptical for me. I knew there was something around her I could not point to, but I just wanted to talk to her.
After my chores, it was late, and I went to the Queen's Chamber. The moonlight shone through the palace gardens, casting shadows across the path. My steps were deliberate, as I was rethinking my actions. The workers were not at the cyber, which I found odd.
As I approached, my breath held in suspense. I beheld a sight that turned my blood to ice. Queen Isabella, usually the very image of regal composure, stood before me. Beside her, a guard who seemed slightly familiar stood by her.
They were deep in conversation, so engrossed that they didn't sense my presence. I hesitated, hidden in the shadows, my heart hammering in my chest. This was the moment I had feared, and yet, a part of me had known it to be true.
Their voices reached my ears in murmured tones, but the urgency was unmistakable. I strained to hear, piecing together fragments of their exchange.
"You must be cautious, Alaric. The king—"
"—suspect anything?"
My breath caught. The puzzle pieces fell into place, forming a picture I didn't want to acknowledge. My instincts, always sharp, now screamed in confirmation of my worst fears. The child the queen carried was not the king's. Why do I have to hear this? This is an abomination and should not be heard of. It was a secret that could unravel the kingdom's delicate balance.
As minutes passed, my mind raced, contemplating my next move. I tried withdrawing my steps to run before they could notice me; my steps attracted them as they turned to see me.
The queen's eyes widened in shock, with guilt and fear swirling within them. The guard turned immediately as he hid against the wall. The Queen looked scared as she spoke.
"Lola," she stammered, her voice trembling. "This is not what it seems."
My jaw clenched, each word heavy as I spoke, "I believe it's exactly what it seems, Your Majesty."
He moved forward, attempting to intercede, but I raised a hand, silencing him.
The silence was palpable, a heavy shadow that hung over us all. My heart ached, torn between my duty and the personal toll of exposing this treachery. This is a stain on the throne, and I respected the Queen more than this.
"You must understand, Lola." The queen implored, desperation trailing her voice. "There are reasons."
"My Queen, I know you were desperate, but this is uncalled for," I finished, my tone resolute.
In that moment, lines were drawn, alliances shattered, and trust irreparably weakened. The truth hung in the air, and the consequences could not be hidden.
Turning to leave, the weight of the revelation pressed upon me. I felt heavy with fear and the weight of what I had seen. I can't uncover this secret, but the kingdom's fate rested on uncertain ground. It was a path I hadn't chosen, and I was confused with what lies ahead of Mallapers Pack.
As I walked through the palace corridors, the echoes of that meeting echoed in my mind.
I couldn't keep this revelation to myself, yet the idea of exposing it sent shivers down my spine. The consequences were too much. It wasn't just a matter of personal loyalty; the stability of an entire pack hung in the balance. I was a stranger in the pack. Who will believe me if I tell anyone?
I sought refuge in the palace library, its shelves lined with volumes of wisdom and history. It was a place of solace, where the weight of decisions often found clarity. As I traced my fingers over the leather-bound spines, my thoughts churned: This is a weight on me, and I need to protect the Queen's dignity.
I concluded in my mind to keep this secret to my grave; exposing it would pose a lot of threat to my life and the kingdom. What they don't know won't hurt them. I hurried as I left the palace library and headed home.