Chapter 71
As we lay together, our limbs entwined and our bodies glistening with sweat as the warmth from our intimacy slowly faded, I reflected on the man beside me—he was my entire world. Every time he was near, I felt a sense of safety. Tomorrow, I will become his wife, and I can only hope that his brother, Carlton, will leave us alone and accept that he will never take on the role of king. However, a nagging feeling in the back of my mind told me that it wouldn't be that simple.
We skipped the evening banquet, choosing to spend our pre-wedding night alone in our apartment. Servants brought vast amounts of food to us along with many messages from various guards and associates within the castle. The air felt thick, and everyone in the castle was on edge and apprehensive. Something was coming, and they could all feel it. The castle was now under lockdown as the sun set, with guards positioned at every door and wall, eagerly scanning the shadows for any intruders.
“Do you think Carlton will attack tonight?” I whispered, glancing up at Kieran with concern. “I mean, this is his last chance before we get married.”
"I honestly don't know," Kieran replied with a deep sigh. "We need to be on high alert. That’s why the castle is on lockdown, and every guard has been stationed and instructed to remain vigilant. Carlton may be reckless, but I doubt he would be foolish enough to strike tonight. He knows we would be prepared for him."
I sighed with apprehension as a heavy, anxious feeling spread through my body. Something wasn’t right. The sun was setting, casting dusky shadows over the palace and the surrounding forest. The air was unusually quiet; no birds sang as they usually did, and a slight breeze carried an unnerving chill.
“You need to relax,” Kieran mumbled as he gently stroked my bump. “You will be giving birth to our child very soon. All this uneasiness won’t be good for you or the baby. You need to calm down."
"I know. I'm trying to relax," I admitted, my fingers tentatively trailing up Kieran's arm. "I just can’t shake this feeling of unease. Until he is truly gone, I will never feel at ease—not while my child's life is still in danger."
“No one will ever hurt you or our son,” Kieran said firmly as he shifted his body onto his side, cupping my face in his hands to make me look up at him. “I promise you that.”
"Son?" I asked, confused. "How do you know?"
"I don't know; I just have a feeling," Kieran replied with a sweet smile. "But I'd be happy even if they turn out to be a girl. As long as they are healthy, that's all that matters."
I smiled gently, feeling my cheeks warm with emotion as tears began to prick at the corners of my eyes. Before I could respond, the castle was suddenly filled with a deafening, ear-piercing wail. Instinctively, I covered my ears to dull the noise, but it was no use. Loud shouts and screams echoed off the stone walls and out into the courtyard, sending chills down my spine.
“What’s going on?” I gasped in panic, sitting up and wrapping the bed sheets around me protectively.
“Get dressed,” Kieran ordered as he stood up and started putting on his clothes. “Our intruder alarm went off. From what I gather, intruders have been spotted entering the other side of the dark forest.”
“Carlton,” I exclaimed, not entirely surprised. “I told you he was coming here.”
“Possibly. I’m going to take my men and check it out. We can never be too safe.”
In an instant, our bedroom door swung open with a crash, and there stood Nerissa, Brooke, Hollie, Rosa, and Lilly, their faces painted with fear. The air was thick with tension as they hesitated in the doorway, wide eyes darting around as if expecting something to jump out at them.
"A vast horde of intruders has been seen approaching the shadowy depths of the dark forest. They are marching steadily towards the castle," Nerissa declared, her voice a blend of alarm and determination. The fading light of dusk cast a sinister glow on her face, revealing the tension in her brow. "It appears that Carlton's army is on the advance. Prepare yourself, but set aside your armor for this confrontation, my son. We must rely on our wits and agility to confront the chaos that is about to unfold."
Kieren nodded slowly, rising to his full height as he crossed his arms tightly across his chest. His brow furrowed in deep contemplation as he fixed his gaze on Nerissa, the weight of the impending conflict settling heavily in the air around them. "I understand," he said, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of concern. "What lies ahead will be a brutal clash, a savage battle fought with teeth, fur, and claws. It's a grim reminder of the wild instincts that drive us, and I fear what it means for both our kind and the creatures we face. We have the numbers, and the strength to take them down. I urge each of you to please stand vigilant and protect my queen and our unborn child. Their safety is of the utmost importance to me right now. Elena is due to give birth any day; the shock of this attack could even put her into labour!"
“She will be fine,” Nerissa soothed as she walked up to Keran and threw her arms around him tightly. “I will stay with Elena. Lilly, and Hollie will accompany us. Brooke, however, wants to fight.”
"She does?" Kieren asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "But why?"
"We are going to need a reliable person down there who can keep Nerissa and Elena updated on all the developments. Given my strength, I know I can hold my own, and let’s be honest—Lilly is far too young and inexperienced to be thrown into a battle. I can’t shake the feeling that my skills would be better utilized in battle, rather than being stuck up here, watching and doing nothing."
"Fine. Have it your way!" Kieran turned his head to gaze at me while he smiled softly as he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on my lips. "Stay safe," he murmured, his eyes sparkling with a promise. "I’ll be back before you know it."