Chapter 53 THE JOURNEY TO THE TOWER
By midday, the palace gates were quiet again but the city beyond them was not.
Rumors moved faster than wagons.
“They say the Queen is about to give birth,” one merchant whispered at the market.
“No,” another replied. “She’s going to be taken away to somewhere hidden.”
“For protection,” a woman added. “So nothing goes wrong like before.”
Princess Emelia’s name was spoken carefully, always in lowered voices.
“The Queen fears the same fate,” someone said.
“And who wouldn’t?” another answered. “An heir must be protected.”
By evening, the story had settled into something simple and believable:
The Queen had to be taken far from the palace to ensure a safe delivery.
Guards watched over her and physicians attended her.
Everything was going to be under control. The King truly loves the Queen and is devoted to her safety.
The people accepted this. Kings, after all, had always hidden what they feared losing.
The tower stood complete after three days.
Its stone walls rose cleanly from the forest floor, pale against the dark trees that surrounded it. It was not beautiful, but it was solid with narrow windows marking its height, and placed carefully to admit light without offering easy access. A single door faced the narrow path that led back toward the main road that was guarded day and night.
King Adrain stood at the edge of the clearing, his cloak drawn tightly around him. He studied the tower in silence.
“It will hold,” the chief architect said, standing beside him. “The stone is strong and the foundation is deep.”
Adrain nodded. “It must.”
Behind them, servants moved carefully, loading supplies onto covered wagons. Crates of food, linens, medicines, and water were packed with care. Guards stood watch in every direction, alert and quiet.
Selene observed everything without comment.
One day, Athalia sat in her room, her hands folded over her stomach.
“Is it far?” she asked softly when Adrain joined her.
“Not far,” he replied. “You won’t feel the journey.”
She studied his face. “You’ve thought of everything.”
He forced a small smile. “I’ve tried.”
Selene stepped closer. “The forest air will help you , My Lady,” she said. “Quiet will help even more.”
Adrain nodded again, grateful for certainty wherever he could find it.
The procession left before the sun rose fully.
Two riders went ahead, clearing the path and guards surrounded the carriage on all sides. Another wagon followed behind, carrying supplies and a small number of trusted servants. Lira rode near the carriage, watching Athalia closely.
The road narrowed as they entered the woods. Light filtered through the trees in thin bands, shifting across the carriage walls.
Athalia leaned back, closing her eyes.
“It’s peaceful,” she said.
Adrain watched her carefully. “Rest if you can.”
She hesitated. “You’ll return to the palace?”
“Yes,” he replied. “But I will visit often.”
Selene spoke calmly. “You will be safe there with the Kings guards to protect you.”
Athalia opened her eyes. “You seem certain?”
Selene met her gaze. “As certain as anyone can be.”
The tower came into view as the carriage emerged from the trees.
Athalia sat up slightly. “That’s it?”
“Yes,” Adrain said.
She studied it carefully. “It’s taller than I expected.”
“It gives you air,” he replied. “And space.”
Selene said nothing.
The carriage stopped. Guards dismounted quickly, forming a perimeter. Adrain stepped down first, then offered his hand to Athalia.
She accepted it, her weight lighter than it should have been.
Inside, the tower was simple but prepared. The lower level held supplies and sleeping quarters for guards. Above it, a wide chamber had been arranged for Athalia with clean linens, open windows, and a small balcony facing the forest.
“This will be your room,” Adrain said.
Athalia walked slowly, touching the stone walls. “It feels… quiet.”
“We will take that as you love it,” Selene replied.
Lira moved ahead, placing Athalia’s belongings carefully.
Adrain stayed with the Queen a week but then an urgent message came.
“Your Highness, there are invaders in our lands.” He said. “Ten thousand of them headed our way”.
Adrain rose quickly.
“Call all the ministers to the Council hall immediately. We need to strategize.”
“Yes, Your Majesty”
Adrain quickly informed Athalia.
As he stood with Athalia at the balcony, the forest stretched endlessly before them.
“I don’t like leaving you, but duty calls.” he said.
She placed her hand over his. “You’re doing this for us and for the kingdom.”
“For the child. If i win, i’ve protected you and our child from harm,” he corrected gently.
She nodded. “For us then.”
Selene watched from the doorway.
Adrain turned to her. “She is in your care.”
“Yes, Your majesty” Selene replied.
He hesitated. “Send for me at the first sign of trouble.”
“I will,” Selene said.
He kissed Athalia’s forehead, then stepped away.
The guards closed the door behind him.
That night, the tower settled into silence.
Athalia lay awake, listening to the wind move through the trees. The child stirred, slow and steady.
Selene sat nearby, pretending to read.
“Do you think they’ll believe the story?” Athalia asked quietly.
“They already do,” Selene replied.
“And if something goes wrong?”
Selene looked up. “Then no one will know until it is too late.”
Athalia turned her face away.
Below them, guards patrolled. Beyond them, the kingdom slept, comforted by a story of protection and hope.
Then that night the strangest thing happened.
The child had been restless as she slept, not in pain, not violently but with a slow, deliberate movement that felt purposeful.
“Selene,” Athalia whispered.
Selene looked up from her seat. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“It feels… different tonight.”
Selene rose and came closer. “Different how?”
Athalia hesitated. “As if it’s waiting.”
Selene placed her hand gently over Athalia’s abdomen. The skin beneath her palm felt warmer than usual.
The child moved but seemed to have turned.
Selene’s expression remained calm, but something tightened in her chest.
“Try to breathe slowly,” she said. “I’m here.”
Athalia nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling. “Do you hear that?”
Selene listened.
At first, there was nothing. Only the wind brushing against stone.
Then something deeper like a low sound, distant but present, like a long breath drawn beneath the earth.
The child stirred again.
This time, it swirled.
Athalia gasped softly, her hand tightening in Selene’s sleeve. “That...Selene...that wasn’t normal.”
Selene did not pull away. “No,” she said quietly. “It wasn’t.”
The movement came again, stronger now, not painful, but demanding. Athalia’s breathing quickened.
“It feels like it’s… reaching,” she said.
Selene straightened slowly.
She went to get the globe but it wasn't working. She stood confused. She had not brought it out before had she summoned anything and yet...
The air shifted. The lamps flickered.
Outside, the guards paused, glancing toward the forest.
“What was that?” one murmured.