Chapter 35 Power
Althea smiled softly at the Queen Mother as she raised her hand to accept the cup.
“Thank you for the tea, Your Highness,” she said with a gentle hum, her tone calm, almost serene.
Melva gasped softly and crawled forward on her knees, reaching out. “My Lad—”
But she froze when Althea gave her a quiet, reassuring glance.
Without another word, Althea brought the cup to her lips… and drank.
The Queen Mother’s thoughts screamed in disbelief.
‘She really drank it?! Just like that?! What is she up to now? Is Cain’s daughter truly as naive as they say?’
Althea set the empty cup down and slowly raised her eyes to meet the Queen Mother’s stunned expression.
“If only I could make amends…” she said softly. “If my life could bring back those my father destroyed… or those who died because of him… I would offer it without hesitation.”
She meant every word.
No, she couldn’t undo the past. But if there was any way, any way at all, to pay for her father’s sins, she would carry that burden without question.
She wished she hadn’t been so afraid to read more of her father’s thoughts. Maybe… just maybe, if she had, she could’ve found a way to stop him. Maybe she could’ve saved the people he hurt… saved him, even.
But it was already too late.
All she had now was the present. And with it, the chance to atone for his wrongdoings, and for the lives shattered because of them. Because deep down, a part of her blamed herself for how things had spiraled this far.
She had stood by, paralyzed, not because she didn’t see the signs… but because she didn’t want to lose her father’s favor. His love. And in clinging to that love, she had done nothing.
‘You probably think I’ll ask you to kill yourself whore. That will never happen. I won’t give you an easy death! Cain must suffer—through you!’
The Queen Mother didn’t speak, but Althea had already read her thoughts. She turned to leave but before she reached the doors, she stopped and said coldly, “You are to join me at my table every lunch.”
Althea understood immediately. She wanted to poison her slowly, through her meals. To make her loose her sanity like Princess Riela.
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Althea replied, calm and composed.
The Queen Mother wallked out of the room with her servants trailing behind her.
The moment the doors closed, Althea fully collapsed to the floor with a heavy, shaky breath.
Melva rushed to her side, her voice full of panic. “Tell me what herbs I need to find. I’ll beg the guards to let me out, I’ll jump from the balcony if I have to!”
Althea gave her a tired smile and whispered, “I guess we really are back to the old days, huh? Just like in the pack.”
Since the Luna and mistresses in her own pack had tried to poison her, Melva became her trusted ally, helping her create antidotes. Althea had a natural gift with medicinal herbs and poisons, though very few knew about it, she had intentionally kept that part of herself hidden except from trusted friends.
She had learned everything from books, and for some reason, her mind absorbed and remembered it all. Now that her lost memories had returned, she realized that all the knowledge she possessed had come as well from her mother.
“My Lady, this isn’t the time to joke!” Melva cried, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “That drink… was it poison?”
Althea slowly nodded. “Yes. But it won’t kill me. She just wants to make sure I can never carry the Alpha King’s heirs.”
Melva’s breath caught in her throat. “Then we need to flush it out of your system. I’ll find a way–”
“No herbs,” Althea said gently, interrupting her.
“I can expel the poison myself…”
Melva’s eyes widened. “But how?! We always use herbs! Antidotes!” she gasped.
Althea smiled softly, already reading the flurry of questions racing through Melva’s mind.
“Trust me, Melva,” she said calmly. “All I need is time, quiet and undisturbed. Think of it like meditation. But… can you promise me one thing?”
Melva nodded right away. “Yes, My Lady. What is it?”
“No matter what you see… can you promise not to ask questions?” Althea’s voice lowered, almost trembling. “You’re important to me, Melva. And the more you know certain things about me… the more I fear it might put you in danger someday.”
‘Oh heavens, why is My Lady suddenly saying these things? Still… I promise. As long as it keeps her safe and out of harm’s way. But how can she expel the poison without antidote? Maybe I should ask Beta Osman for help!’
Althea couldn’t help but smile, touched by the sincerity in Melva’s thoughts and the way she truly cared for her. “Melva, promise me…” she interrupted her chaotic thoughts.
“I promise. I really do,” Melva said firmly. “Now go on and do whatever it is you need to do. I’ll keep watch at the door.”
She gently pulled Althea to her feet, her voice determined yet filled with worry. “You have to expel that poison. You must bear the Alpha King’s heirs, no matter what. Carrying his children could work in your favor. It might even draw him closer to you.”
Melva led her to the privy chamber and opened the door with care. “Here,” she whispered. “If anyone comes asking, I’ll just say you’re… relieving yourself. That should keep them from barging in.”
She hesitated, then gave a nervous gulp. “I’ll be right outside. Just call if you need me, alright?”
Althea nodded quietly. Once Melva was gone, she raised a light barrier around the room to ensure privacy. A small smile touched her lips, this was the first time she had been able to freely use the power within her. It had been sealed for years, ever since she lost her memories.
She lowered herself to the floor and placed a gentle hand over her lower belly. Closing her eyes, she whispered a spell under her breath. A soft blue glow bloomed from her palm as it flowed through her… cleansing, soothing, washing the poison from her body.
Then came a gentle warmth burning away whatever remained.
Suddenly, a deep voice boomed outside.
“Where is she?!”
Althea flinched at the sound of Gavriel’s voice, her breath catching in her throat.