I BELIEVE YOU ARE HER.

MADAME GRACIA.

“Cassie” I called out her name with a gasp, my eyebrows drawn together as I couldn’t believe it was my daughter, that was being brought up to me, in a wheelchair.

Sighting me, all colors drained out of her face as she struggled to mumble, her hands reaching out to me.

“M.. m… mum”. I immediately pushed past the guard In front of me and rushed to her side, bending to her level and holding her out-stretched hands in mine.

“Cassie” I called again, but slowly, happy tears gathering at the corner of my eyes. 

Words couldn’t describe how happy I was to see her looking so much chubbier than the last time, I saw her at the Palace’s Clinic.

Her green eyes sparkled especially when I reached forward to pat her on the head, ruffling her pretty blonde hair as she let out giggles almost gasps.

“Awwww, such a sweet reunion”. Lady Lily jeered before busting into her usual wicked cackle filled with malice.

“Too bad, it’s probably gonna be the last “ She added and I noticed Cassie shook, her hands trembling in mine as she looked at me, with one of her eyebrows raised.

“M…mum, what d…does she mean?” Cassie stammered, finding it difficult to say out the words, for I could feel her pulse quickening from fear.

Nothing! I tried saying but then she caught in.

“Oh you poor dear! You don’t know your mother is about to sacrifice your life for a complete stranger, a nobody”. Lady Lily pointed out and Cassie threw me a look of disbelief, shaking her head sideways, refusing to believe Lady Lily’s words.

“Relax dear. It’s not what you think” I assured, sneezing her hand in mine before letting go and turning to face Lady Lily, who had on a very wide smile on her face.

“What do you hope to gain from all these, what do you truly want?” I yelled at her, feeling anger brewing in me. 

How dare she try to bring my daughter into this matter, what spoilt brat?

The smile on her face immediately disappeared, replaced with her face tightening into a scowl before she snapped her fingers and the next thing I heard, was Cassie letting out a scream.

I turned sharply to face her, only to see Lady Lily’s giant of a bodyguard, grabbing my daughter’s hair tightly, from the back, exposing her neck.

‘Oh moon goddess!’ I screamed in my head, my legs wobbling and beads of sweats gathering on my forehead.

A knife was placed on her neck and Cassie’s eyes were shut tightly. Her grip on the wheelchair tightening as it seemed like she was trying so hard not to scream.

“I already told you old-hag what I want, so it’s your turn to make a choice”. Lady Lily said and I took in a sharp, intake of breath, unable to process any thoughts currently in my mind.

“The lowly breeder or your own biological daughter?”. She asked but I was too stunned to reply, the silence dragging as she clicked her tongue.

“Clock ticking. I don’t have all day. It’s just a simple choice”.

“Cassie!” I shouted, picking her and lady Lily’s face curved back into a cheerful smile.

“Good choice”. She commented and then snapped her fingers again. Cassie was released and I immediately went and put my arms around her, as she burst into tears.

What Lady Lily just did reminded her of her past traumas. 

What I have been trying so hard, for her not to remember, which is the reason why I had her kept in the Palace’s hospital, visiting her there from time to time, but lately I have been busy.

“Enjoy your reunion and if you dare go back on your words, death would be merciful for your daughter compared to what I would do”. Lady Lily threatened, winking at us before turning and leaving us all alone. 

Cassie was still weeping into my embrace and I was trying to console her.

“Shush, it’s okay sweetie. It’s okay please”. I consoled, tapping her back and trying to hold and keep myself from bawling like a baby too. I had to be strong for my daughter.

“Mother, what was all that about?”. Cassie suddenly released herself from my embrace and asked. 

I couldn’t reply and just kept on looking at her, knowing Vespera was in big trouble right now.

I was about to talk when two guards came in. Tall and huge as the first, but not scary and polite.

“You are summoned, Madam Gracia”. As soon as those words left his mouth, shivers went down my spine. I turned to look at my daughter, who had a puzzled look on.

“Don’t worry, Jack will take her back to the hospital”. The other guard informed me and I just gave a weak smile, before bending to my daughter’s length and pecking her on both cheeks.

“Always remember, momma loves you” I whispered into her ear, and made to leave when she suddenly stopped me and smiled.

“Momma, please always follow your heart and do whatever is right”. She pleaded and blew me a kiss, before being allowed to be wheeled away.

I stood there, just watching as she was taken away, my heart feeling heavy like it was about to explode.

“Shall we go now?”. The guard inquired and I just went into the direction they came from, not bothering to reply to him. 

My thoughts were too occupied at the moment.

I knew what I was going to do. 

“Vespera, I might betray you now but please know, this is all for your sake. I will surely vindicate you”. I was taken towards the animal field and saw poor Elsa nudging her dead baby.

It was dead and Vespera was on her knees, trembling and covered in blood. 

‘What happened?’ I wondered but then it occurred to me, as lord Kieran questioned me. Lady Lily, threw me a smirk as I responded as she wanted me to.

She thought she had won, not knowing I already set a trap for her. Lord Kieran might be emotional now, because his favorite pet was killed. His best friend, but he is smart and will surely figure out what I mean.

“I knew it! That girl is not to be trusted. She even tried framing Lily, after hurting her the first time” Lord Kalisto sneered, blaze of anger running through his orbs.

Vespera shook her head sideways, repeatedly denying the accusations.

“N…n no.. no, I swear, i am innocent”. She cried out, glancing at me. My heart pangs at the soft, sad look she gave me, displaying how hurt she was. Her face was covered in tears.

‘I am sorry ‘ I wanted to say. I wanted to run over and explain but for now, I couldn’t.

“Carter”. Lord Kieran beckoned at one of the guards before nodding towards a still, crying Vespera.

“30 lashes and 200 laps around the whole palace”. He ordered. Vespera let out a gasp, while my eyes widened but before I could talk, lord Kalisto beat me to it.

“Are you insane? She is a worthless omega. Such would kill her”. He raged and I spotted Lady Lily scrunching up her face Into a frown, at his words and I hid a smirk.

‘ So he did care for her after all’.

"Should it be 60 then?" Lord Kieran questioned and Lord Kalisto went silent, his eyes bulging in disbelief as he tried to mutter something but;

Lord Kieran just ignored him and made to walk away when Lord Kalisto grabbed him and forcefully made him face him, both of them giving one another a piercing glare, their jaws tightening while clenching their teeths together.

“Oh no brother, you are not ignoring me again”. Lord Kallisto pointed out, but Lord Kieran just kept on looking at him, with burning intensity, unblinking.

“You two are not seriously going to fight over a tramp, are you?” Lady Lily asked, before letting out a snort, not failing to give Vespera an hatred-filled eyes.

“I already gave my order, so deal with it”. Lord Kieran stated, before breaking their staring contest and brushing past his brother, intentionally using his shoulder to nudge him away.

Lord Kalisto didn’t even bother stopping him and just watched him leave. 

That was a wise decision. Lord Kieran might be the cunning one amongst them, but when angry, he was like a ticking bomb.

Vespera just watched everything unfolding with her mouth hanging open and tears continuously dripping from her eyes.

Lord Kalisto threw Vespera a look, his expression blank before turning to leave too. Lady Lily trailing after him.

“Why?” I heard her whisper, and I took in a deep breath, preparing myself for what was going to happen next.

“You know, you remind me of her. My mistress and her daughter. I can’t explain anything to you at the moment nor tell you much, but all I will just say is…”. 

I suddenly paused and she arched her eyebrows at me.

“What is going on, what are you saying?” She demanded and I let out a thin smile.

“I believe you are her, Vespera. The one, true heir.”. Vespera squinted her eyes at me, censing her forehead.

I knew she was confused. She wanted more explanation but now wasn’t the time yet. I wasn’t even sure, just assuming.

“Time will tell”. I added before departing too, leaving her all alone and speechless.