CHAPTER 36 How do you do it when you feel so burdened by everything around you? Because, I had not been able to breathe properly lately and that's because I had not been able to get rid of the thoughts in my head and it had been weighing me down. In the depths of my being, a suffocating weight bore down upon me, burdening my every breath. It seemed as though the thoughts swirling in my mind had become an indomitable force, an unyielding darkness that gripped my soul. I could no longer dismiss the tumult within, for it grew louder with every passing moment. In the grand halls of the palace, I had caught sight of the princely figures, their regal demeanors leading them towards the intimate quarters where the concubines resided. As my eyes followed their path, a chill ran down my spine, for I sensed a sinister purpose concealed within their actions. Doubt clouded my mind, like a fog rolling in from the distant moors. What intentions could drive the princes to seek the company of the co
"It's a lovely day today, isn't it?" The Headmaid chuckled as she strolled along the basement. "It sure is, Headmaid. It's a very lovely day." The maids responded. The laundry room was abuzz with activity as Cleo and the other maids worked diligently, scrubbing, wringing, and hanging clothes to dry. The space was filled with a soothing sound, the rhythmic swishing of fabric being washed and the soft chatter of the maids as they shared stories and caught up on the day's happenings. Cleo, with her hair tightly pulled back, found solace in the repetitive motion of washing. As she scrubbed a shirt in front of her, her mind wandered, paying half-attention to the stories being exchanged around her. She heard snippets of conversations about funny incidents in the kitchen, rumors of new arrivals in the household, and even a few playful arguments about which maid had the highest pile of laundry. Suddenly, the laundry room door creaked open, and a maid from the bustling kitc
"What are you planning to do Melina?" Meemaw asked me. "You just watch, please come with me," I held onto Meemaw's hand tightly, my heart pounding in my chest as we sprinted through the corridors of the castle. The weight of the impending execution pressed down on me, fueling my determination to reach the king's chamber. I wasn't a good runner but I was trying as much as possible to carry my legs. Beta Kristen might have refused to give me any information, but I had an entirely different plan in mind. I knew what I had to do. My breath came in jagged gasps as we finally approached the entrance to the king's chamber. Meemaw and I came to a halt, panting and trying to catch our breath. The guards stood tall and imposing, their curious gazes fixed upon us. They must be wondering what drew of crazy! One of the guards stepped forward, his voice laced with authority. "What brings you here in such a hurry?" he asked, suspicion coloring his tone. If I were to choose the most a
My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at Elder Ryan, his words hanging heavily in the air. The weight of his declaration seemed to suffocate me, the pressure of expectation bearing down on my shoulders. I glanced at the king, searching for any hint of doubt or hesitation in his eyes, but his expression remained impassive. The entire field seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable. The crowd around us gasped, their murmurs rising in confusion and intrigue. Some wore expressions of elation, while others mirrored my own shock. The realization began to set in that everything was about to change, that my life was about to be irrevocably altered just because of this old people. They were trying to instigate the king against me or what? As the silence stretched on, my gaze locked with the king's intense eyes. They bore into mine, an unspoken question hanging between us. I didn't know what was in his mind but would he truly declare me as his breeder? Do you even know wha
"So sorry, Melina, but you will never be able to run away from here," the voice sneered, its chilling tone freezing us in place, leaving us to ponder the ominous consequences of our defiance. Silently and deliberately, I pivoted to meet the source of the voice that resonated from behind me, only to find myself face-to-face with the formidable figure of Beta Kristen. His gaze remained unyielding, his expression unwavering. "W... w... what..." I stuttered, my trembling lips barely able to form the words I wanted to speak. "I heard it clearly. You have acquired a new responsibility now. This unfortunate turn of events might have been avoided if you had not ventured here. Our intentions were to prevent this precise scenario, which is why you were kept in the dark. However, your actions compelled the king to act against his own desires, and now, you must endure the consequences. Your movements shall forever be monitored within these palace walls, because you are now part
I entered the doctor's office, feeling a mix of nervousness and apprehension. The air was heavy with the scent of medicinal herbs, and the room was adorned with shelves filled with ancient tomes and glass jars containing various concoctions. As I approached, the doctor motioned for me to sit in the cushioned chair in front of his desk which I did immediately. I sat down anxiously, smoothing out the fabric of my dress. My heart was pounding in my chest, and the silence in the room seemed almost suffocating. I cleared my throat, breaking the stillness, and spoke softly, "Beta Kristen asked me to come, sir." The doctor nodded, his silver hair gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the window. "Yes, I am aware of that, I have been waiting for you," he replied calmly. "The king informed me of your visit." I sat silently, unsure of what to say next. The doctor's eyes were kind, yet held a hint of weariness. He said nothing after that, making me more nervous as each moment p
I woke up slowly, stretching my limbs as I blinked away the remnants of sleep. Whatever made me fall asleep last night, I couldn't help but appreciate it. Falling asleep last night was really difficult, I just had to pretend I was asleep when Meemaw came in last night, so she wouldn't ask me how the day went. Morning light filtered through the heavy silk curtains, casting a warm glow across the ornate bedchamber. The events of yesterday weighed heavily on my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled deep within my chest. Lost in my thoughts, thinking about what today had in stock for me, I barely noticed as Meemaw approached and took a seat beside me. Concern etched lines upon her face, her gaze filled with worry. She reached out and gently placed a hand on my trembling shoulder. "What troubles you this morning, dear Melina? I would like you to let bygones be bygones," she asked softly, her voice like a soothing balm to my troubled soul. Despite livin
As I heard the unexpected knock on my door, my heart fluttered nervously in my chest. A sliver of curiosity and caution mingled within me as I slowly opened the door, peering outside through the narrow gap. To my surprise, three handmaidens stood before me, their faces adorned with smiles so wide it seemed as though they had been waiting for this moment their entire lives. Like seriously!? So, this really was going to happen for real? In their hands, they held platters, each adorned with various items. "Good evening, Breeder Melina," They curtseyed. "Firstly, I would like to let you know that you are not allowed to address me that way. I will not be able to answer that unnecessary title. I hope you understand?" I said, trying to sound too harsh but definitely authoritative. "Yes, Ms. Melina," They responded, this time, there was no smile on their face and I would really love them to stay like this all through. "So, tell me, how may I help you? What are you doin
Cleo's eyelids fluttered open, her eyes momentarily struggling to adjust to the golden sunlight that bathed the world around her. As realization slowly settled in, she glanced at the sand glass hung in the castle, her eyes shot wide open with a surge of panic. They had slept for nearly an hour, and Cleo knew they couldn't afford to waste any more time. Turning her gaze towards her Melina, who was still rubbing the sleep from her face, Cleo leaned over and tapped her urgently. "Melina, wake up! We slept away, Melina. That's dangerous. We need to leave immediately. I have a feeling that the king's soldiers are closing in on us." Melina groggily blinked up at Cleo, her expression one of confusion and concern. "Daphne... Daphne... I... reckon... she must have added something to the water she gave us. A sedative, perhaps," Melina said, her voice laced with worry. Cleo nodded grimly, her mind racing with thoughts of their predicament. "You are so right about that. But why
In the dim light of dawn, Cleo urged the horse to push harder, its hooves resounding against the forest floor. The carriage glided through the woods like a shadow, propelled forward by Cleo's determination. Melina, seated in the passenger's seat of the carriage, felt the weariness of the ceaseless journey take its toll on her body. Beads of perspiration adorned her brow, evidence of the harrowing trek. She didn't want to complain because this was all his decision. Concern etched across her face, Cleo stole a glance at her niece through the window outside. "Are you alright, Melina?" she inquired, her voice laced with genuine worry. Melina managed a weak smile, her voice betraying her fatigue. "I'm fine, Aunt Cleo," she reassured her. Though her words were brave, her exhaustion painted a different truth. Cleo's gaze lingered on Melina for a moment longer, but she refrained from probing further. Determined to see their journey to its end, Cleo continued urging the hors
As the king's words faded into the air, the pack members dispersed, their focus shifting to more pressing matters. The carefully crafted plan for Melina's birthday surprise had crumbled into disappointment, leaving everyone disheartened. Daphne, keenly observant, couldn't help but notice the somber expressions that adorned everyone's faces. This unexpected turn of events puzzled her. She had always assumed that most of the pack despised Melina, making their melancholic demeanors all the more irritating. In an attempt to avoid arousing suspicion, Daphne discreetly slipped away from the crowd, navigating the hallway cautiously. The weight of a troubling conversation still clung to her, causing her heart to throb anxiously. Her thoughts were consumed by the state of Melina's wellbeing and the unborn child she carried. The notion that she might not be the monster she believed herself to be tugged at her conscience. Lost in contemplation, Daphne was startled by the sound of
The guard took a deep breath, steeling himself to explain further. "Your Majesty, they have departed our lands, making their escape in secret. They must have had assistance from someone within the kingdom, someone who helped them evade detection. Only few people know about the secret door and, I would say, only you possess the key. It is imperative that we act swiftly to bring them back, otherwise, they would be gone forever." Beta Kristen's shock morphed into deep concern, her mind racing through the potential consequences of such a sudden departure. Thoughts of Melina's well-being flooded her mind, overshadowing the grand announcement that had previously commanded her attention. Without uttering another word, the king sprang into action, his strides quickening as he headed straight for Melina's chamber. The guards, grudgingly acknowledging their monarch's urgency, followed closely behind, endeavoring to keep pace with their determined ruler. The labyrinthine corridors
The king strode purposefully out of his chamber, his regal presence imbued with an air of authority as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon. He woke up happy and he just couldn't stop smiling. The morning dew clung to the blades of grass, giving the palace grounds a glistening sheen. It was a new day, ripe with possibilities, but the king's mind was preoccupied with a pressing matter. At least, that was exactly his major source of joy. The king's urgency was unmistakable as he beckoned a guard stationed at his entrance. His voice carried a weight that resonated through the corridors of the palace. "Summon Beta Kristen immediately," he commanded, his words laced with an undeniable sense of determination. The guard nodded, acknowledging his orders, and swiftly departed to convey the urgent message. Within a matter of moments, Beta Kristen arrived, bowing respectfully before the king. The regal figure gestured for him to enter, and together they walked into t
Daphne took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with trepidation. She walked further into the room, her eyes darting between the princes. Her voice quivered as she questioned their intrusion. "Why would you come to my room without my permission? When you saw that I wasn't present, you could have left. You almost scared me to death," Daphne said, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and annoyance. Prince Roderick arched an eyebrow, his voice laced with concern. "We apologize for startling you, Daphne. But you must understand that there is something of utmost importance that we must discuss. By the way, where were you coming from? It's just dawning for goodness sake? Tell me, where were you coming from?" Daphne's eyes narrowed, her mind racing as she tried to conjure a believable lie. She hesitated before finally speaking, her voice trembling and unsure. "Why are you even asking me such question? It's none of your business. I... I was in the garden, seeki
Eirene stood defiantly before the towering guard stationed at the forbidden back entrance of the castle. The weight of his distrustful gaze bore down on her, challenging her audacity to breach the boundaries of this restricted domain. Her decision to confront him head-on was met with an equal intensity, revealing a resolute resilience in the face of authority. Perplexed by the guard's recent appearance, Eirene's brows furrowed with annoyance. What could she possibly tell him that would convince him of her innocent intentions? If she were to exploit her privileged status, the guard would surely suspect her of participating in some nefarious scheme which she believed she genuinely wasn't. "I am asking you for the last time, what brings you to this forbidden place at such an hour, Lady Eirene? You know well that you should be in your chambers, and not even His Highness is allowed to venture here. So, you either tell me the truth, or I tell his Majesty that I saw you doing
As Melina, Cleo, and Daphne hurriedly made their way towards the back of the castle, their breaths came in ragged gasps. The weight of their escape bore heavily upon them, their hearts pounding in their chests. Their eyes darted anxiously, searching every nook and cranny for the lurking presence of guards or prying eyes. Melina, her voice trembling with urgency, turned to Daphne. "How much farther, Daphne? We have been running for what felt like decades now, I have never been to this side of the castle before," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And where is this hidden door you spoke of?" Daphne, her eyes scanning the surroundings, answered in a hushed voice, "We're almost there, Melina. Just a little farther. But we must hurry. Dawn is upon us, and the castle will soon awaken with guards and maids bustling about. You won't be able to leave once they start coming out." As they hurried on, their panic-stricken gazes caught sight of a solitary lamp in the distance. It cas
As Daphne gently opened the door, the hinges creaking softly in the stillness of the corridor, anticipation thrummed through her veins. She peered cautiously into the dimly lit hallway, her eyes scanning for any sign of guards or wandering maids. Satisfied that the coast was clear, she beckoned Cleo and Melina herself to join her, their pale figures emerging from the chamber like ghosts in the night. "Are you sure no body is going to see us? I have the feelings we are going to regret this Melina." Cleo said, her eyes scanning around while her heart thumped faster in her chest. "Can you just calm down and let's follow Daphne's lead? We are still in a very secured place... I reckon you need to save your fears for when we get outside of this corridor," Melina whispered, giving Cleo an unwanted reassuring gaze. The trio moved with utmost care, their footsteps barely audible on the cold stone floor. They stole glances over their shoulders, their eyes darting nervously, wa