Chapter 34: The fate i'm assigned to.
Something in me left that day, and I was quiet all day. Kira noticed and tried getting me to talk, but I kept mute and looked on. I didn't know what to do; I felt sick to my stomach having witnessed the dirty act the Queen did, and I could not depict which was worse, the King's affair or the Queen's affair. I was sure she felt desperate to do it, but doing it with a guard was really low. I sighed in confusion as I thought of myself. It's enough that I'm a pregnant single mother, yet I tend to see or hear dirty little secrets.
It kept me sleepless at night, and when it was time to head to work, I was reluctant at first; having to face the Queen poses a threat to me. I summoned courage and went to prepare for the day; whatever comes, I accept.
I got to the palace gates, and I was tempted to run back. I slapped myself for trying to see the Queen yesterday; had I minded my business, I wouldn't know anything. I went straight to the kitchens to work over there; staying in the kitchen will keep me away from the palace surroundings. I put myself into the chores and forgot about my worries.
We were soon interrupted by the head, who came in and selected a few of us. We were taken into a place, and she addressed us.
"I was asked to take a few people with me; your job is to clean up the palace treasury, and I trust you few to clean up and leave quietly". We all nodded as she took us and directed us to the palace treasury.
The workers were excited as we went to the Treasury. They said it was a privilege reserved only for those deemed most trustworthy, and only a few people got to see it during their years in service.
As the giant doors creaked open, I was met with a sight that stole my breath. The treasury stretched out before me, a huge chamber adorned with glistening gold and radiant jewels and artifacts. The air felt charged with the weight of its riches, and I couldn't help but stare at its beauty.
Armed with soft clothes, my hands trembled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. We spread out, each assigning a section to tend to. My fingers grazed the cool metal of an ancient chest, a thrill coursing through me.
Hours slipped by in a haze of cleaning and dust, the workers and I caring for the treasures. I lost myself in the rhythm of my task until we were done and assembled to be searched before leaving.
A sudden commotion shattered the atmosphere. The palace guards burst into the chamber.
"What's happening?" I heard someone whisper, her voice shaking.
The captain of the guards, a beta with piercing eyes, shouted. "Seal the exits! No one leaves until we get to the bottom of this!"
Confusion went through us like a shockwave. I exchanged worried glances with my coworkers, and our faces expressed fear.
Then, with an accusatory finger, the captain pointed straight at me. "You! Step forward!"
My legs felt like stones as I approached him, my breaths coming fast and shallow. "What is it, sir?" I stammered. I did nothing; why did he point me out?
The captain's eyes bore into mine, cold and unyielding. He looked at his other guards and shouted at them, "Search her."
My heart skipped. What is happening? I didn't do anything. I had been working diligently, focused solely on my task. Panic surged at my insides, threatening to consume me.
"But I swear, sir, I didn't do anything!" I pleaded, my voice trembling.
The captain's gaze remained fixed. "We shall see about that."
The guards began their search, rifling through my pockets and examining my clothing. They found nothing. Yet the captain's suspicion did not shake.
"Take her into custody," he ordered, his voice like steel. "We will conduct a full investigation."
I was led away, my heart heavy with sadness. I knew I had seen something I was not supposed to see, and I was being punished for it. The palace, once a place of safety, now felt like a prison. I was confined to a dimly lit cell, the weight of my consequences settling heavily on my shoulders.
Hours passed, and nothing happened. I clung to my stomach as I rubbed my baby, pacifying him. I never knew the Queen would go such lengths to keep me shut. I was brought food by some workers who offered their sympathy.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the guard came and took me to the beta's office.
I was released, but the scars of the accusation lingered. I emerged from the ordeal stronger, my resolve unshaken. The palace treasury, once a source of wonder, now holds a bitter memory.
I was taken outside, where I saw Kira, and I followed her home. I knew she had heard about it and had intervened for them to release me. I followed Kira meekly, having witnessed one of the highest disgraces of my life. People looked at me as I left and spoke in hushed tones.
On getting home, Kira paced around furiously as I sat, tears in my eyes. I then told her everything about the affair between the queen and the guard and how the pregnancy wasn't the king's own. Kira looked on in shock as she sat down to process the information I just told her.
"Wow, that's a lot, Lola; why didn't you tell me?".
I told her I couldn't tell her because I was afraid and I had to keep it away from her.
"We need to do something. Kira, the Queen isn't going to leave me after this. I don't think I can work at the palace anymore. I have just a few weeks left, Kira. I can settle down with work and leave the palace issues.
Kira came closer as she held my hands, fear in her eyes.
"You don't get it, Lola, The queen isn't an easy person to deal with; her pride is her dignity, and she will go to any lengths to cover her secret. This is a royal issue, and you are just a stain they can clean off; even my influence can't help you.
She paused as she held my hands tightly. "We have to go with plan 2. We are leaving this pack".
I shook my hands as I stared at her, trying to check if she was doubtful about it, but her eyes were as clear as the message she passed around.
I'm leaving the pack for a new life in a new country where I know nothing, leaving the past behind and running for my life again.
I sighed laying my back as I accepted my fate in defeat.