(Migumi’s POV)It was just supposed to be another normal day of taking care of Aiden in the healer’s house when we received an unexpected guest. She invited herself inside in spite of the obvious protest on my face. Lady Arianne gazed her eyes to Prince Aiden who wasn't happy with her presence in the room.“What are you doing here?” he asked, a serious tone in her voice.The respected individual smiled at him. We thought King Arthur had dealt with her already. After all, we believe that she conspired with Lady Charlotte to kill me the moment she changed the rules of the competition.“I’m not here to cause trouble, Prince Aiden. I came here to apologize,” she explained. I narrowed my eyes on her. I don't believe her at all. “I know you’re thinking that I had something to do with Lady Charlotte’s committed treason, but I can say in confidence that the changes of the rules had nothing to do with her crime. It was a separate decision.”Aiden and I glanced at each other. We obviously don’t
(Migumi’s POV)“Argh!” I grunted, feeling the throbbing in my head that was like a relentless drumbeat against my skull. I couldn't see clearly, my whole world was a blur, and each breath I took was a struggle. It felt like my chest was constricted by a tightness I couldn't shake.I leaned against the cool, damp tiles of the inn’s bathroom.I hadn't felt this way since… she came.I couldn't think of anyone else. I know it was her. It had to be. The timing was just too perfect, the opportunity too convenient.“She was never sorry,” Nyx angrily said, her voice echoing in my head. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to remain calm in spite of the burning turmoil inside of me. “She poisoned you, didn't she?”“I… I didn't consume anything,” I weakly replied.“Poison cannot only work orally, Migumi. There are contact poisons that can be absorbed through skin. But this one is a special one. I didn't even sense it,” she explained, a hint of frustration in her voice. “Forgive me, Migumi. Let me ma
(Anthony’s POV)“Lady Arianne is dead,” my loyal squire reported.I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders. I didn't expect much from that woman.She thinks too highly of herself.Did she honestly believe that she’d succeed with me? She’s merely an accessory to my plan.Ambitious women like her have no place in my reign. She’d be a threat. It’s good to know that Migumi did me a favor by killing her. I wouldn't want to deal with her. It would be too risky.I set it all up.I knew that Migumi would have Lady Arianne as the main suspect and kill her.That is why I ordered my men to search for Lady Charlotte after her official banishment. I can still use her. No one would suspect her because they already think she’s gone exiled.“It’s none of my concern anymore, Jeff. Tell me something I can use,” I sarcastically replied.The loyal squire lowered his head apologetically.“Lady Dianne is waiting for you outside,” he said, making my lips carved into a smirk. I calmly walked out of the cabin to
(Anthony’s POV)“Where is she?” I asked, taking off my gloves and giving it to the female servant.Jeff lowered his head. “She’s inside, my lord.”I just came back after a long day of pretending to care about the plague. The King has been successfully isolated, and the weak Queen locked herself in the room and is crying about it. They have no idea that they're helping me a lot with their negligence.They have no idea that I am already slowly taking over the entire Kingdom. That's the magic of hurting the ones they love. It makes them stupid.My loyal squire opened the wine cellar where we kept her captive. It's been two days, I believe.“Hmmmpp!!! Ahmmmpp!!!”I was immediately greeted by her desperate attempts to scream.There, in the corner of the room, is Lady Charlotte, her wrists bound and her eyes wide with fear. She had been snatched from their way to another pack, killing her father on site. I’m not sure if she knows that though. I heard they knocked her out.I stood before her
(Aiden’s POV)“Luna is inside, Your Majesty,” Beta Marvin said, gesturing towards the closed door. I didn't waste any time and pushed it open with urgency.The heavy oak door creaked open, and I stepped inside, my boots muffled on the worn rug. The room was dim, lit only by the flickering flames of the hearth. In the center of the room is a four-poster bed.There, I found Migumi lying within, her face pale against the white linen sheets. Her chest rose and fell with a shallow breath, and her brow was beaded with sweat.I was about to approach her when the nurses blocked my way. “It is contagious, Your Majesty,” one of them said.My brows furrowed in annoyance. Would they rather have me watch her from a far then? She’s still my Luna, and not even a contagious cold can stop me from getting close to her.“Move out of the way,” I said, a hint of warning in my voice. The three nurses were left with no other choice but to step aside. I immediately went to Migumi’s side, holding her hand res
(Aiden’s POV)It was a busy day in the capital when I decided to visit the villages to announce the new rule in person myself. I wanted my people to feel my sincerity. I am not doing this to ostracize those who are infected by the virus.We’re just taking measures for the safety of everyone."Make way for the Prince!" a herald's voice boomed, cutting through the chatter. The crowd parted, forming a pathway for my procession.Everyone looked at me in anticipation. They are all waiting to hear what I’m about to say.The air hung heavy with fear, thick as the smoke curling from the makeshift pyres outside the village. I stood on a makeshift dais, my voice echoing across the silent crowd. "My people, I know that you are scared," I began, my tone firm yet laced with compassion, "but we are facing a grave threat, a plague that has swept through our lands. Those who exhibit symptoms, the fever, the chills, the cough, must be isolated. We must act swiftly to prevent its spread."A wave of mur
(Anthony’s POV)The sounds of people crying and coughing filled the air where my car is currently parked. I was inside, watching the people outside weep for help. I could smell their stench from here, an acrid tang of sickness.This is one of the reasons why I had Dianne do the job of spreading the rumors for me. I could never talk to ill people like them.Dianne, her face a mask of feigned concern, weaved through the throng of villagers. Their eyes, once bright with hope, were now clouded with despair. Every loved one they have is now suffering in the plague, dying in their hands, barely breathing to survive."The Luna," she hissed, her voice laced with venom, "She's the reason the Moon Goddess has cursed us! He's stolen her favor, and now we suffer!"Her loud, direct blame gave a place to people’s anger.The whispers started, like a low hum building into a roar. Fear, suspicion, and anger twisted their faces. And Dianne, with her carefully crafted lies, had given them a scapegoat, a
(Aiden’s POV)There was too much turmoil going around in the palace today. As much as I wanted to focus my head, I can't seem to understand what to do. I needed time to think, and I wanted to do it where I could see my mate.I slightly squeezed my mate’s hand that was resting on the bed. I have never needed her so bad.At that moment, I felt her finger move, a clear sign that she’s waking up. I immediately pulled my head up to look at her. Her eyelids are twitching like they're about to open their eyes. I smiled, a hint of happiness on my face. She’s waking up."Migumi," I whispered, my voice hoarse with concern, "You're awake. Are you alright?"Migumi weakly opened her eyes, squinting in adjustment to the light from the lights. She slowly nodded. "I'm fine," she said, her gaze fixed on me. "I… I killed Lady Arianne.”My breath caught in my throat. I know about the incident, the whispers of a confrontation, a struggle, but I didn't dare to believe it. I didn't want to believe that Mig