Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

(Annabelle's Pov)

The king said nothing for a long moment.

Maximus paced across the room, the hem of his robe dragging lightly on the stone floor, as he got up and turned his gaze to the window. The earlier arrogance in his voice had disappeared and in its place was hesitation… and something else, something like fear.

Not fear of the man in the dungeon, but fear of what reviving the past might bring the fear of what would happen if the unhinged got out. But why …..why would be be scared

“The unhinged…” Maximus muttered under his breath. “I had hoped his name would never be spoken of again.”

“My lord,” I said softly, choosing my words carefully, “knowledge does not stay buried simply because we close our eyes to it.”

He was clearly irritated but unsure if he was irritated with me or with himself.

“You speak boldly, Luna, too oo boldly”

“I speak the truth, my king.”

He looked at me properly then, really looked. I could see confusion in his expression, as if he couldn’t understand how the meek, obedient wife he got married to five days ago, the wife he used to toss aside so easily, suddenly had a spine, and a voice.

If only he knew this version of me had lived life once already.

“You truly believe he can help you master alchemy?” he asked.

“I believe he is the only one who can my lord.”

King Maximus sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “He is dangerous my Luna. He has been locked away for twelve years now . No one sees him unless it’s to toss in food.”

“Does he still speak?”

“…Sometimes, .” Maximus’s eyes shifted to the side, he was remembering something unpleasant. “But his words make no sense. Rambling. Warnings. Claims of shadows listening from the walls. Sometimes it feels like he just says any word that comes to mind ”

I had heard those same kinds of accusations once… right after they accused me of murder, called me unstable and dragged me into the dungeon.

Maybe madness is simply what smart people look like when liars fear them.

“My lord,” I said quietly, “if he truly is mad, then I lose nothing. But if he is not… then the kingdom gains a weapon no enemy expects.”

That caught his attention. Maximus looked convinced at my words.

“A weapon…?”

A slow, calculated smile formed on my lips.

“Yes, my king. And with the King of Moonshroud arriving soon, we cannot afford weaknesses, we know nothing of his plans for us”

Maximus signed deeply. A sign that said he had no choice, a sign that I had won this level.

He nodded. “Very well. I will consider it. I will summon the elder council in the morning.”

My smile disappeared again.

The elder council, the same group who blindly believed his brother and sentenced me to my death.

I needed Maximus to approve this before anyone had the chance to interfere.

“My lord,” I said carefully, “may I give one suggestion?”

He waved his hand. “Speak.”

“The elders must not know. Not yet. If this man truly is dangerous as the rumors claim, the court will oppose you for being merciful. But if he becomes useful…” I stopped letting my words sink in , “then you can present it as a brilliant strategy. It could be your plan b my lord .”

Maximus blinked, he couldn't make a decision without his brother, and in my opinion he was not worthy to be king, but never was Adrian.

It was the first time anyone had ever suggested he make a decision on his own without consulting his beloved council or brother.

He seemed… pleased much to my surprise.

“My queen,” he said slowly, “you are… surprising.”

I bowed. “I only wish to serve you and the kingdom.”

He nodded, thoughtful. “Very well. At dawn I will take you down to the dungeon myself. You may meet this… unhinged alchemist. But you must not anger him or open the cell.”

“Thank you, my king.”

He dismissed me with a gesture, already lost in his thoughts.

And I was about to leave when I remembered, I had forgotten to ask him something else, the reason I was chosen.

“My lord”

“Yes Luna”

May I ask my lord, if you didn't know that I was an alchemist before you chose me to be your Luna, why did you?

He looked shocked at my ability to ask such a question, “ My Luna, how have you changed so much in just five days? Why do you ask so many questions?

I bowed “your majesty I might not disrespect, I merely wanted to find out if you fell in love with me at first sight my King.

“Very well then, because you have helped me tonight with such wonderful suggestions I will answer again, but next time my Luna I would not be so merciful.

I bowed, Thank you my king.

“The day we met, I was being chased by skilled assassins, I was on my way back from the peace treaty court of the kingdom of, Blue Moon when my chariot was attacked, they killed three of my men and i fled to safety, that was when i saw your shop and asked you to hide me, my luna. You did without a question and they didn't find me.

I remember that day well, it was a while after my father died and I was surviving the world alone.

It would have been hard for me , but thanks to Abel who had knowledge in entrepreneurship he helped me get her alchemy business running. And everything was going well until one day, the Alpha of their kingdom decided to hide in my shop.

At the time I didn't know who he was, or why he was hiding and realization only hit when the Alpha sent for me and decided to marry her. I didn't understand why, but due to how my life has been static I was excited for the new adventure.

But now it was clear, he married me to reward me.

I cleared my throat lightly, I didn't bother to smile anymore, I was beginning to get a headache from all the bowing and fake smiling.”So you married me to reward me, right my king.

“Yes you could say so Luna, I was looking for a way to reward you for saving my life, so I asked Adrian what he thought, my eyes shot back up, “and after seeing you he suggested I marry you, since I don't have a mate.

My head was spinning, but he continued.” Adrian seemed to really like you Luna, but I noticed you didn't really like him this morning at the royal court, please bear in mind that he is the only reason you are here, you should be grateful to him.

I wanted to speak but couldn't, I didn't know what to say, so I forced another bow and muttered “Good night your majesty, may your dreams be wonderful.

I didn't wait for a response before I left the chambers quietly. Tiana, who had waited outside the entire time, rushed to my side.

“My lady, is everything alright?”

I exhaled slowly.

“No,” I whispered. “Everything is about to get very dangerous.”