“There is no training for you today so I want you not to step out of the palace or the consequences would be severe.” She muttered, I scoffed after realizing what she was after.“Why are you hiding me? Is something about to happen?” I said trying to put her on the edge but instead she chuckled,“You aren’t worth anything so why would I waste my time keeping things from you?” She said and after giving Martha one last stare she walked out, Martha rushed up to me with a panick look.“Shouldn’t we cancel this plan of yours?” She whispered with fright evident her voice, I scoffed at how scared she had gotten.“I am afraid it’s too late for that and I had already made up my mind nothing can change that.” I whispered back to her, “just because I am an half blood that doesn’t give them the right to hide things from me like I am a plague.”Martha sighed loudly meaning she couldn’t convince me to stop, and I wasn’t planning too.“Can you at least make me feel a little at ease by escorting you t
Emotions overwhelmed me as the memories of my past flooded back. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer, and they streamed down my face as Martha walked into the room. Without hesitation, I rushed towards Martha and embraced her tightly, holding onto her as if I would never let go."Martha," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I've missed you so much. I can't believe you're here."Martha returned the embrace, her own tears mingling with mine. "Oh, Naomi," she said, her voice filled with sadness. "The palace has been so miserable without you. We've all been worried sick."I pulled away slightly, looking into Martha's eyes. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble," I said, my voice filled with regret. "I never meant to hurt anyone."Martha shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You didn't cause any trouble, Naomi. It was the circumstances that forced you to make difficult choices. We all understand that."My heart swelled with gratitude for Martha's understanding.
Confusion and concern clouded my mind as I tried to comprehend my parents' urgent pleas for me to leave the palace. I couldn't understand why they would want me to abandon them in their time of need. But their words held a sense of urgency and fear that I couldn't ignore."Why do you want me to leave?" I asked, my voice filled with a mixture of confusion and desperation. "I can't just leave you here. We need to find a way to escape together."My mother's eyes filled with tears as she held my face in her hands. "Naomi, you don't understand," she whispered, her voice trembling. "The queen, she plans to take Liam. She wants him as the next heir to the throne."Shock coursed through my veins as my mother's words sank in. The realization that the queen, my aunt, would go to such lengths to secure her power hit me like a thunderbolt. She saw my son as nothing more than a pawn in her game of politics."No," I whispered, my voice filled with a mix of disbelief and anger. "She can't do that. L
As I left the queen's presence, a mix of anger and determination fueled my every step. I couldn't let the queen's threats and manipulation break me. I rushed back to my room, where Liam was still peacefully asleep.I entered the room and closed the door behind me, ensuring that we were safe from prying eyes. As I held Liam tightly in my arms, a wave of love and protectiveness washed over me. He was my most precious treasure, and I would do whatever it took to keep him safe.I placed Liam gently on the bed and sat beside him, watching his peaceful face as he slept. My heart ached at the thought of the challenges we faced and the uncertain future that lay ahead. But in that moment, as I held my sleeping son, I found solace and strength.I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer, asking for guidance and protection. I prayed that the queen's plans would never come to frition, that Liam would remain safe and free from the clutches of political manipulation. I prayed for the strength to face
As Reuben spoke of his struggle between duty and love, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and betrayal. How could he allow himself to be controlled by his mother, to put the queen's desires above our happiness? I took a deep breath, steadying myself before responding."Reuben, I understand that you're torn, but I can't bear the thought of our son being used as a pawn in the queen's game," I said, my voice filled with determination. "Liam deserves a life free from manipulation and political schemes."Reuben's eyes filled with sorrow as he reached out to touch my hand. "Naomi, I promise you, I will do everything in my power to protect Liam. I will make sure he is not caught in the crossfire of the queen's plans."I looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of sincerity. "How can I trust that you will keep your promise?" I asked, my voice tinged with skepticism.Reuben's grip tightened on my hand, his voice filled with conviction. "Naomi, I love you and Liam more than anything.
As Reuben processed my proposal, a mixture of emotions played across his face. I could see the internal struggle he was facing, torn between his loyalty to his mother and his love for me and Liam."Naomi, I understand the importance of protecting our son, but claiming the throne won't be easy," Reuben finally spoke, his voice filled with a hint of desperation. "Rachel already has the support of the nobles, and going against her could lead to chaos and unrest in the kingdom."I took a deep breath, suppressing the anger and resentment that swelled within me. It wasn't Reuben's fault that Rachel had manipulated him into marrying her while I was away. I couldn't let my personal feelings cloud my judgment."Reuben, I know it won't be easy, but we can't let fear dictate our actions. We have to fight for what we believe in, for our son's future. I'm willing to face any challenge that comes our way," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.Reuben's eyes met mine, and I could see the flicke
The room was all echoing my name, that’s was all I could hear from left to right as just as I planned to escape from this spotlight Reuben won’t also let go of me…he continued to hold me tight but to my surprise the queen didn’t make a move to come close to me in anyway. I was expecting to come and pull me out of the ball and maybe embarrass me with a slap but all she did was stare back at me with a frown and anytime the cameraman's attention is on her she smiles like everything is perfect.“Wow, I guess I made a really good pick..it is none other than my wife-to-be who ended up being my dance on my birthday night.” Reuben said into the microphone which was handed to him after the dance ended, I looked up at him in surprise to why he was suddenly acting so nice to me but all he did was whisper to me.“Smile to the camera, the world is watching and I am more than sure you won’t like them to see a frown on your face.” After those words I immediately had a wide smile on my face as I wave
I was soon tossed to an unknown person who was still the only one with his mask, I could feel his grin even with the mask on and it made me confused.“You look beautiful, you always look beautiful..I always told you that but tonight I mean it.” With those words I realized who it was, it was none other than Demetrius. I tried to pull away from him but he was holding on to me so tightly while Rueben stood still waiting for me to return to his arms, He could notice that I was being held too tightly and I was also clearly aware that he knew it was his brother and that’s why he hadn’t come to pull me away.“Let go of me Demetrius.” I whimpered hoping he would listen to me but he clearly wasn’t going to.“Rueben can never love you and if you think marrying him would make you the queen then stop dreaming because I am still the rightful king.” He muttered to me before letting go of me harshly.“Naomi.” Rueben called as I walked towards him but instead of walking into his arms which was opene
lThe weight of Demetrius's words hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart raced, and a sense of dread settled in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't believe what I had just revealed to him in my moment of desperation. I had unknowingly given him a weapon to use against me and Reuben."You can't be serious," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You wouldn't stoop so low as to deceive the Queen and claim my child as your own."Demetrius's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, but I would, Naomi. I would do anything to secure my place on the throne. And what better way than to present the Queen with an heir, one that she believes is mine."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the extent of Demetrius's wickedness. He was willing to manipulate everyone, even his own mother, just to fulfill his lust for power."But the Queen will see through your lies," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "She knows the truth, and she will never accept you as the rightful King."
The events of the past few hours came rushing back to me, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. Demetrius had captured me once again, and I was at his mercy.Before I could gather my thoughts, the sound of the door creaking open filled the room. Demetrius stepped in, his eyes filled with a sadistic gleam. My heart pounded in my chest as he approached me, his presence filling the room with a suffocating aura."Well, well, well," Demetrius sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Look who's finally awake. Did you miss me, Naomi?"I shrank back, trying to create as much distance between us as possible. "Demetrius, please, let me go. I beg you. There's nothing between us. I want to be free."Demetrius chuckled darkly, his voice laced with contempt. "Oh, Naomi, you always did know how to make me laugh. But you see, you're mine now. And I won't let you slip away again."Tears welled up in my eyes as I pleaded with him, my voice trembling. "Please, Demetrius, I'm begging you. Think of the
Chapter 156Jade pleaded with me to reconsider my decision, I could feel my resolve weakening. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the love and happiness I had shared with Reuben. But deep down, I knew that returning to the palace was not the right path for me or my child."Jade, please understand," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "I can't go back. I can't live a life that isn't true to myself. And I can't bear to grow up in a world of duty and tradition."Jade's eyes filled with tears, and he reached out to gently touch my arm. "Naomi, I can't force you to do anything you don't want to do. But please, consider the consequences of your decision. Reuben loves you, and he wants to be a part of your life."I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of my choices. "I understand, Jade. But for now, I need to do what I believe is best for myself and Please, respect my decision and don't come back."Jade's expression was filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. He nodded slowly,
It had been two weeks since I left the palace and settled down in the bakery with my parents and sister, Salie. Life had taken a drastic turn, and while I missed Rueben dearly, I knew that leaving was the right decision. The weight of tradition and duty had become too heavy to bear, and I needed time and space to sort through my emotions.But lately, something unusual has been happening to me. I had been feeling nauseous in the mornings, and my appetite had changed. The thought crossed my mind that I might be pregnant, but it seemed impossible. Rueben and I had never been intimate more than once, and I couldn't fathom how it could have happened quickly.The morning sickness persisted, and I couldn't shake off the worry that gnawed at the back of my mind. I confided in Salie, who listened attentively and offered her support."Naomi, it's possible that it's just a stomach bug or something you ate," Salie reassured me, her voice filled with concern. "But if you're really worried, maybe y
Surprised by my mother's statement, I turned to face her, confusion evident in my eyes. "Rachel?" I repeated, my voice laced with uncertainty. "But mother, I thought we agreed that it was best for Naomi and me to part ways."The Queen's expression softened, her eyes filled with a mix of understanding and determination. "Rueben, I understand your reasoning, and I respect your desire to do what is best for both yourself and Naomi. But we must also consider the implications of breaking the promise made by our forefathers. The council members and the people of our kingdom hold great importance to tradition and stability. By choosing Rachel as your queen, we can maintain that sense of continuity while also fostering a sense of unity among our people."I took a moment to absorb my mother's words, feeling torn between my own desires and the weight of responsibility placed upon me. The council members watched me expectantly, their eyes filled with a mix of hope and concern.But as I glanced a
Exhausted from the weight of my decisions, I decided to lie down for a quick nap. Sleep had eluded me in recent days, my mind consumed by thoughts of Naomi and the consequences of my actions. As I drifted off into slumber, I hoped for a moment of respite from my troubled thoughts.But even in my sleep, I found no solace. My dreams were plagued by visions of Naomi, her tear-streaked face filled with anger and rejection. I reached out to her, desperate to explain myself, but she turned away, her words echoing in my mind."No, Rueben. I can never forgive you. You have hurt me too deeply."My heart pounded in my chest as I jolted awake, my body covered in a cold sweat. The image of Naomi's tearful rejection lingered, haunting me even in the waking world. But as I blinked away the remnants of my dream, I realized I was not alone.Standing by my bedside was my younger brother, Jade, his concern evident in his eyes. Jade had always been the calm and level-headed one, a stark contrast to my i
As I turned to walk away from the queen, my heart heavy with the weight of my decisions, her voice cut through the air like a knife."Think, Rueben," she sneered. "Think about what you've done to that poor girl. You took her innocence and claimed not to know her. Do you honestly believe she would ever accept you back? Even if you were to beg on your knees, she would never be your betrothed again. You have lost, Rueben. You have lost everything."Her words pierced my soul, each one a painful reminder of the irreversible damage I had caused. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I stumbled back, feeling as though the ground beneath me was crumbling away.No, it couldn't be true. I couldn't have lost Naomi forever. I couldn't bear the thought of a life without her by my side, of never hearing her laughter or seeing her smile again. But deep down, I knew that the queen was right. I had betrayed Naomi in the worst possible way, and there was no coming back from that.Tears welled u
As I closed the curtains, blocking out the view of Naomi's house, I made a vow to myself. I would do whatever it took to earn her forgiveness, to prove that I had changed. It wouldn't be easy, and there were no guarantees that she would ever accept me back into her life. But I couldn't live with the regret of losing her without trying.But as the days turned into weeks, my frustration and anger began to consume me. I couldn't shake the image of Naomi's smiling face, her laughter echoing in my mind. It haunted me, a constant reminder of what I had lost.Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I found myself smashing things around my apartment. The anger and regret boiled inside me, fueling my destructive actions. It was as if the physical pain could somehow alleviate the emotional turmoil I was experiencing.But no matter how many things I broke, the pain remained. I couldn't escape the reality of what I had done to Naomi, the hurt I had caused. It was a heavy burden to bear, and I f
A few days had passed since the intense encounter with the reporters, and I was determined to move forward with my life. I had made the decision to take my younger sister, Salie, out for a day of shopping, hoping to distract ourselves from the chaos that had consumed our lives.As we walked through the bustling shopping mall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom. The weight of the world seemed to lift off my shoulders, replaced by a newfound lightness. Salie skipped ahead of me, her laughter filling the air, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget about the pain and betrayal that had plagued me.But as we turned a corner, my heart skipped a beat. There, standing in the middle of the mall, was Rueben, arm in arm with Rachel. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a surge of anger and hurt wash over me. How dare he show his face after what he had done?Rueben's eyes met mine, and for a split second, I saw a flicker of remorse. He began to approach me, his lips parting to