Chapter 50 THE DECISION
Athalia looked at me when I returned, her eyes sharp despite exhaustion.
“Where did you go?”
“I went to see the King”
“ What for?” Athalia asked.
“ I need to take you somewhere you’ll feel much better with the help of my master.”
“ Your Master?”
“Yes, my lady. I believe we will find a solution faster. The King has granted me full authority to do whatever makes you feel better,” I replied. “I will take you somewhere safe. The King is building you a tower for the time being. Once it's completed, we can leave.”
Her breath shook. “But will it really stop the pain? If it does, will I also look much prettier?”
“Yes, your highness.” I said.
She closed her eyes. “Then I'll go with you.”
Lira watched from the corner, uncertain but hopeful.
“Pack lightly,” I told her. “We leave soon.”
She nodded at once.
Athalia reached for my hand.
“Selene,” she whispered, “Thank you. I hope you stay by me.”
“I won’t leave, I promise,” I said softly.
But I lied. I just wouldn’t let her free of the consequences of defying an oath. I wanted to watch closely.
That night, as Athalia slept, I stood alone again.
Outside, the palace slept peacefully, unaware that the solution they trusted would change everything.
And I smiled, just once because the hardest part seemed to be over. But the following days decison came as a surprise.
"What happened? I want to know what happened next." One of the kids said, half awake.
I looked towards the children and noticed they were all sleepy.
"Why don't we continue the story tomorrow. " I said.
The child nodded in approval, half awake.
I called out their names as i took them to bed. As i lay the last child to sleep, i went back to my chair as it rocked slightly. Then i picked up the book i had written the story which was a memory of my early days. I flipped the pages to the very point i ended the story with my grandchildren. And from there, i continued reading.
King Adrain had already agreed but kings were not men of only one thought. Time reshapes decisions and by morning, everything had changed.
Athalia sat by the window of her chamber, pale light resting on her face. She looked thinner than before, her cheekbones sharper, her eyes deeper in their sockets. The child stirred within her, a slow pressure that made her shift carefully in her seat.
Selene stood near the door, composed, hands folded neatly. Lira moved quietly between them, adjusting cushions and bringing water.
The door opened. King Adrain entered, followed by two guards who remained outside. His expression was calm, but his eyes carried a weight that had not been there before.
“Athalia,” he said gently.
She stood with effort. “You came early.”
“I did not sleep,” he admitted.
Selene inclined her head. “Your Majesty.”
He nodded briefly to her, then returned his attention to his wife. “We need to talk.”
Athalia gestured toward the chairs. “Then sit.”
They did.
“I have reconsidered,” Adrain began.
Selene remained silent but Athalia did not.
“Reconsidered what?” she asked.
“The journey,” he said. “I no longer believe it is wise.”
Athalia’s stared “But you agreed.”
“Yes,” he said calmly. “But I have spoken with the council, with the royal physicians. There are many skilled healers within the kingdom.”
Selene stepped forward slightly. “Your Majesty, the Queen’s condition...”
“I know her condition,” Adrain interrupted, though not unkindly. “I have seen her pale, its pregnancy symptoms and that is precisely why I cannot allow her to leave.”
Athalia’s voice trembled. “You think I am safer here?”
“I know you are,” he replied. “Beyond these walls, I cannot protect you.”
Selene folded her hands more tightly. “My master...”
Adrain raised his hand. “You mentioned your master before. A physician of distant lands.”
“Yes,” Selene said evenly. “One whose knowledge surpasses...”
“Enough,” Adrain said. “I do not doubt your skill, Selene. But I will not send my queen away to someone I have never met.”
Athalia looked between them. “You trust her with my life, but not with my movement?”
“I trust her as a physician,” Adrain replied. “Not as a guide beyond my reach.”
Athalia’s breath grew shallow. “You don’t understand.”
“Then help me understand,” Adrain said softly.
She hesitated. Words crowded her mind, but none felt safe. She could not speak of the pact and could not explain the child’s hunger or that every night she felt herself slipping further from the woman she had been.
“I feel weaker each day,” she said instead. “The palace walls do not protect me from that.”
Adrain reached for her hand. “Then we will bring every healer in the kingdom here.”
Selene spoke again, carefully. “Some knowledge is not found in courts.”
Adrain turned to her. “And do not speak when i speak.”
Then he turned to Athalia “Some dangers are hidden behind calm words.”
Silence fell in the room and even Lira lowered her eyes.
“Your Majesty,” Selene said, choosing each word, “what grows within the Queen is… unusual.”
Adrain’s jaw tightened. “All children are.”
“This one is not,” Selene replied.
Athalia flinched.
“I have managed the pressure so far,” Selene continued. “But there will come a moment when my methods will not be enough.”
“And your master can?” Adrain asked.
“Yes.”
“And where is this master?” he pressed.
“Far from here.”
“Exactly,” Adrain said. “Too far. Send him here.”
Athalia stood abruptly, and swayed. Selene moved at once to steady her.
“You would rather keep me close and watch me suffer,” Athalia said bitterly, “than risk losing control.”
Adrain stood as well. “I would rather keep you alive. And a child isn’t suffering, my love. You speak as if it’s a curse”
He turned to the window, hands clasped behind his back.
“I have already lost much,” he said quietly. “I will not lose you too.”
Athalia’s voice softened. “You will if you refuse to listen.”
He turned back to her. “I am listening. But I will not gamble with your life.”
Selene observed him closely. Fear, she realized, was the strongest force in the room.
“Your Majesty,” she said, “fear clouds judgment.”
He looked at her sharply. “And secrecy invites danger.”
They studied each other in silence.
Finally, Adrain spoke. “The Queen will remain in the palace.”
Athalia’s heart sank.
“You may continue your care,” he added to Selene. “You have my trust for now but no more journeys and no more masters. Everything happens here.”
Selene bowed slowly. “As you wish, your majesty.”
But selene wasn't satisfied and needed to act fast.