123

123
Chapter 123

Breakfast had been unusually quiet that morning, the air thick with the weight of the coming day. Federico cut into his bread, his expression pensive, before finally breaking the silence.

“Today will be the day,” he said, his tone calm but resolute.

Azalea looked up from her tea, her eyes steady. “The day for judgment?”

“Yes.” Federico nodded, placing his knife down. “Ophelia, Mack, and Maya will all have their verdicts delivered. No more delays. No more excuses.”

Azalea’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Good. I want their judgment to pass before Leandro and Thomas get theirs.”

Federico’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “And they will. Their time will come soon enough. For now, this is about justice—for you, for our child, for this kingdom.”

A faint smile touched her lips. “Then let’s end this chapter.”

He reached across the table, squeezing her hand gently. “Stay here and rest. I’ll handle everything.”

By midmorning, the council chamber was filled. Federico, dressed in his formal king’s attire, entered with Miles at his side. Guards flanked the walls, their presence a reminder that today was not a day for mercy.

The council proceedings began with Bennett. He stood before them, his posture arrogant, though his disguise had been stripped away.

“The investigation is complete,” Miles announced, unrolling a scroll. “Bennett is not of noble blood. He infiltrated this kingdom under pretenses with the intent to sabotage the crown.”

Federico’s jaw hardened. “For that, he is banished. Effective immediately. He will leave this kingdom today and never set foot here again. Guards—see to it.”

Bennett’s face went pale, his arrogance slipping as two guards stepped forward and dragged him away.

Next came Maya’s case. Her parents had returned from their travels and had begged for an audience. They stood now, tearful, pleading on behalf of their daughter.

“Your Majesty, she is young,” Maya’s father said, bowing deeply. “Spare her life. Give her a chance to redeem herself.”

Federico’s expression did not waver. “She plotted against the queen. She conspired with enemies of the crown to harm both Azalea and our unborn heir. That is treason.”

“Please—” her mother sobbed, falling to her knees.

Azalea’s face flashed briefly in his mind, her voice that morning telling him she wanted this resolved before moving on to Leandro and Thomas.

Finally, Federico nodded. “Very well. The council has agreed. Maya will not face execution. Instead, she will spend the rest of her life imprisoned within the kingdom’s dungeons. Her punishment will stand as a warning to all who dare conspire against the throne.”

Maya was dragged forward, her face pale and defeated. She tried to shout her innocence, but the guards silenced her, binding her wrists before leading her away.

Finally, Mack and Ophelia were brought forward. The entire chamber was still as they were stripped of their royal insignia.

“By order of the king,” Miles declared, “Mack and Ophelia are stripped of all titles, privileges, and lands. They are hereby banished and returned to their clan. They are never to step foot in this kingdom again.”

Ophelia’s eyes blazed with hatred, but she said nothing. Mack looked away, shame etched across his features. Guards escorted them out as whispers spread through the chamber.

When the meeting concluded, Federico exhaled slowly. Justice had been served, but the tension in the room made it clear the kingdom’s troubles were not yet over.

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Azalea had been waiting anxiously in her chambers. When Federico returned, she rose to meet him.

“It’s done,” he said simply.

Relief flooded her face. “Good. Now I can finally focus on the next step.”

The following day, she visited the royal physician for her scheduled appointment. The doctor ran his tests and smiled reassuringly.

“The baby is strong, Your Majesty,” he said. “Perfectly healthy. You should continue your vitamins and get enough rest. That is all.”

Azalea smiled, relief washing over her. She couldn’t wait to tell Federico the good news.

That evening, the royal dining room was prepared for an intimate dinner. Federico joined her, and the two ate quietly, both still processing the events of the past week.

Azalea raised a glass of wine, smiling softly at her husband. “To peace,” she said.

“To peace,” he echoed, touching his glass to hers.

They had just finished their meal when Azalea suddenly began to cough. At first, it seemed mild, but then it grew violent, her face turning pale as she struggled to catch her breath.

“Azalea?” Federico shot up from his chair, rushing to her side.

She clutched at her throat, gasping. “I—I can’t—”

Panic surged through Federico. He called for Miles and Vicky at once. The doctor was summoned immediately.

Within minutes, the royal physician arrived, checking Azalea’s pulse, her throat, and the remnants of her meal. His expression darkened.

“She’s been poisoned,” the doctor said grimly.

Federico’s blood ran cold. “What?”

“Yes,” the doctor confirmed, his voice grave. “Not a large dose, but enough to harm both her and the child if we do not act quickly.”

“Do whatever you must to save her,” Federico barked. “Save them both!”

Vicky was trembling, tears in her eyes as she held Azalea’s hand. Azalea’s breaths were shallow but steady, her gaze locked on Federico’s as though silently pleading with him to stay calm.

“I will find out who did this,” Federico said, his voice shaking with fury. “If this was an inside job, if this was part of Leandro and Thomas’ plan…” His hands clenched into fists. “Then they will regret ever being born.”

Miles was already barking orders to lock down the kitchen and interrogate every servant who had handled the food. Federico stayed by Azalea’s side, refusing to leave even as the doctor began treatment.

“Stay with me,” he whispered, gripping her hand. “Don’t you dare leave me now. Not after everything we’ve been through.”

Azalea blinked slowly, her lips moving as though she wanted to speak, but the doctor urged her to stay silent and save her strength.

Federico’s heart pounded. First, the attacks, then the threats, now poison. Someone was still out there, still trying to destroy them — and this time, it was personal.