115

115
Chapter 115

The royal palace was unusually quiet as Maya made her way toward Azalea’s chambers. The guards barely gave her a second glance; she had been in the palace enough times lately under one pretense or another.

She adjusted her jacket and slowed her steps as she neared the queen’s private wing. The heavy double doors stood closed, but voices drifted through the wood.

Maya’s hand paused mid-air just before knocking. She pressed herself against the wall, straining to listen.

It was Vicky, Azalea’s personal maid.

“Yes, Doctor,” Vicky said softly. “Please send in her medication tonight. We cannot risk any delay.”

Maya’s brows furrowed. Medication?

Vicky’s voice dropped even lower. “Yes, I know how delicate the situation is. The queen’s condition must remain private for now. No one — and I mean no one — can know, especially with the council watching her every move.”

There was a brief pause before Vicky added, “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll be waiting for the delivery.”

The door opened suddenly, and Maya ducked back into the shadowed hallway just in time. Vicky stepped out, still speaking into the phone, oblivious to Maya’s presence.

Maya’s lips curved into a triumphant smirk. Whatever this “medication” was, it was important — important enough to be kept secret. She waited until Vicky disappeared down the hall before pulling out her own phone and dialing Ophelia.

“She’s hiding something,” Maya said the moment Ophelia answered. “Vicky just called a doctor — she said she needed Azalea’s medication sent urgently and that the queen’s condition must remain private. Doesn’t that sound… suspicious?”

There was silence on the other end for a moment before Ophelia’s voice came through, sharp and amused. “Oh, I know exactly what’s wrong with Azalea. She’s pregnant.”

Maya stopped in her tracks. “Pregnant?”

“Yes,” Ophelia confirmed, her tone dripping with satisfaction. “That’s why Federico has been so protective. That’s why she’s suddenly braver. She has an heir growing inside her, and she thinks that gives her power.”

Maya’s grin widened, her mind already racing with possibilities. “This changes everything. A pregnant queen is vulnerable. We can use this.”

“Exactly,” Ophelia said. “Make sure you confirm it. Then report back to me. If Azalea is with child, we strike now — before the entire kingdom rallies around her.”

Maya hung up, her heart pounding with exhilaration. This was the advantage they needed.

Inside the chamber, Azalea sat on the edge of the bed, her hands resting protectively on her stomach. Federico was beside her, his expression soft as he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

“Everything all right?” he asked quietly.

She nodded. “Vicky went to fetch the medicine. She’ll be back soon.”

Federico kissed her forehead. “Good. I don’t want anything to risk you or the baby.”

Azalea smiled faintly, leaning against him. “I still can’t believe we’re going to be parents.”

“You’ll be the best mother this kingdom has ever seen,” Federico said, his voice full of conviction.

Unseen by them, danger lurked just outside their chamber door in the form of Maya, who now knew their greatest secret and intended to turn it into a weapon.

Back at the cottage, Ophelia poured herself a glass of wine and sat by the window, savoring her victory before it was even won.

“Pregnant,” she murmured to herself. “Perfect. That will make it even easier to destroy her. One move at the right time, and both Azalea and her precious heir will be gone.”

Her phone buzzed again — a message from Mack.

I’m on my way back. Don’t make a move without me.

Ophelia’s lips curved into a wicked smile. “Don’t worry, Mack,” she whispered. “By the time you get here, everything will be set in motion.”

She raised her glass in a mock toast to the dark night beyond the window.

“To the end of Queen Azalea.”

Maya didn’t wait until she was back in her house before dialing Bennett. She stood outside near the stables, her voice low but urgent as soon as he picked up.

“She’s pregnant,” Maya said without hesitation.

There was a beat of silence on the other end. “Pregnant?” Bennett finally repeated, his voice a mixture of shock and disbelief.

“Yes,” Maya confirmed, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. “I overheard Vicky talking to the doctor. They’re keeping it quiet for now, but I heard enough to be certain. That’s why Federico has been so careful, why she’s so bold now. She thinks being the mother of the future heir makes her untouchable.”

Bennett exhaled sharply, as though the news had just shifted his entire strategy. “This… this changes everything,” he said. “Maya, you’ve done well. This is exactly the leverage we needed.”

Maya’s chest swelled with pride. “So what’s the next step?”

“We work quickly,” Bennett replied, his tone suddenly steely. “A pregnant queen means time is against us. Once the kingdom knows, it will strengthen her position — and weaken ours. We need to make sure she doesn’t have the chance to secure her power.”

Maya smirked. “Leave it to me. Ophelia already has a plan brewing. With this new information, we can make it foolproof.”

“Good,” Bennett said, his voice lowering. “But be careful. If Federico even suspects you’ve been near Azalea’s chambers, he’ll have your head. He’s more ruthless than people give him credit for.”

Maya rolled her eyes. “I know how to cover my tracks, Bennett. Don’t worry about me.”

She ended the call and slipped her phone back into her pocket, a thrill running through her veins. She felt powerful, almost giddy. For the first time in weeks, everything seemed to be falling into place.

When she finally returned home, the moon was high and the air cool. She moved around her room slowly, savoring the satisfaction of the day. Every detail of her encounter with Vicky replayed in her mind, each word, each clue that had led her to this discovery.

Maya showered, changed into a silk nightgown, and climbed into bed. As she lay back against the pillows, she allowed herself a small, triumphant laugh.

Azalea thought she was winning — thought she was becoming untouchable. But Maya knew better. Now she held the queen’s most precious secret, and she would use it to dismantle her piece by piece.

With that thought, Maya closed her eyes. For the first time in a long while, she slept soundly, her lips curved in a satisfied smile.

Tomorrow, the real game will begin.