Chapter 67 - She’s Gone
Tanner stood at the entrance of the medical camp, watching in silence as the trucks arrived one after another, carrying the wounded from the battlefield. Severus was beside him, his face set with a frown as he was sitting on a chair while his wounds were getting cleaned and bandaged by a nurse. The distant sound of soldiers groaning, medics shouting orders, and the incessant beeping of medical equipment filled the space. They had won the battle, but the cost had been high. Too many lives were lost, and too many were still hanging on the edge.
Maxton was among the injured, lying unconscious in one of the trucks as it pulled up to the camp. His body was pale, and his chest was barely rising and falling in shallow breaths, but he was alive. Tanner’s eyes never left Maxton’s, the war had ended and the Western region needed him, he must live.
Chapter 68 - Gift From The SeaThe waves crashed against the shore of Havalu Island with the sound of the waves rumbling across the white sands of this small and isolated piece of land where nature ruled and the touch of modernity had barely settled. The sun had barely begun to rise, casting a faint bluish glow across the sky, when the fishermen spotted something unusual carried by the crashing waves."Oi! There is someone out there! " one of them shouted, his voice breaking through the quiet dawn. His companions rushed over, their feet sinking into the wet sand as they squinted toward the object, now barely visible in the morning mist.It was not driftwood, nor was it the debris of a shipwreck. As they drew closer, they realized it was a human body, a woman — unconscious and bruised and wounded with several scratches from hitting
Chapter 69 - Awaken at Havalu IslandGeorgia awoke with a sharp gasp, her chest heaving as if she had been pulled from the depths of a terrible nightmare. Her eyes fluttered open, but the world around her felt blurred, distant, and unfamiliar. The soft light that filled the room flickered from oil lamps that hung on the walls, their fiery glow casting faint shadows that danced across the wooden floor. Her head pounded, and her body felt heavy and weak, as though it had been dragged through the ocean itself.She blinked, her mind struggling to catch up with reality. Where was she? What had happened?The last thing she remembered was the raging river, the battle, Maxton’s blood dripping into the earth, and her getting tossed by the current underwater. She knew she had drowned, lost consciousness… she thought she had died. She
Chapter 70 - The West Will Rise AgainAs Tanner walked through the woods arriving at the Western Palace, the Westerners passing by and watching his arrival either nodded or bowed their head in acknowledgment of his presence. They had already heard the news that their King Maxton was severely injured in the war and was still currently in the Southern Palace getting treated. Hence, it was Tanner’s responsibility to step up while Maxton was away, as the second in command, the Beta and most trusted ally and best friend of the Western King.Tanner took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to the soldiers working tirelessly to restore the palace grounds to what they were before Harrion attacked. They were doing everything they could to rebuild and repair anything and everything that was broken, to prepare for Maxton’s return.Jason had
Chapter 71 - The Chief’s Visit“They say the sea never returns what it takes,” Yenari muttered under his breath, the sound barely more than a whisper as he gazed out at the endless horizon. His eyes were locked on the distant waves, their steady rhythm was a reminder of the mysteries they held deep in their waters. “But this time… this time it has.”Sitting on the wide porch of his home, Yenari’s fingers absentmindedly traced the edges of a finely carved wooden bowl, his mind occupied with thoughts of the woman who had been pulled from the sea. The ocean didn’t often release those it claimed, and when it did, there was always a story behind it. The village was still buzzing with speculation, and Yenari, Chief Captain of Havalu, had heard every theory from the superstitious and the skeptical alike.
Chapter 72 - Will of the SeaGeorgia stood at the entryway of the healer's hut, her bare feet sinking into the sun warmed earth, it was relaxing, massaging the soles of her feet. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of salt and ripe coconuts. For a brief moment, the soft crash of waves and the distant chatter of the villagers calmed her racing heart. But her senses remained on high alert. Every laugh, and every movement around her was a potential threat in her eyes.Her head turned toward the sea, the vastness of it overwhelming her, reminding her of the escape she had attempted. It had brought her here — alive but broken. She stepped forward, drawn toward the ocean's horizon, as though it was calling her.“I’ll leave her to you for now. I’ll come visit again.” Yenari uttered before leaving, only giving
Chapter 73 - The Village’s HarmonyGeorgia woke the next morning, the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore outside the healer’s hut greeting her. For a moment, she lay still, staring at the ceiling made of woven palm leaves. The unfamiliar yet peaceful rhythm of island life slowly stirred her, and a sense of calm washed over her. It was contrasting to the chaos and nightmares that had haunted her for so long. Sitting up, she felt the warmth of the sun filtering through the open window. The salty breeze caressed her face, carrying with it the scent of ripe coconuts and distant cooking fires.A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts. Kaia peeked in, her bright eyes filled with a gentle curiosity. “Good morning. I thought you might like to take a walk today . . . to see more of the village.”Georgia he
Chapter 74 - Looking for a BrideKaia smiled, noticing that Georgia was beginning to open herself, asking questions and showing interest in the village. “Yes. And we are the only village on the island.”“Really? So no other villages on the other side of this island?” Georgia asked, and Kaia shook her head.“There is none. Behind the village territory is just mountains then and cultivated lands by our people. Basically, it is just us.” Kaia answered.Further along the path, after silence settled on them, Kaia pointed to a group of villagers harvesting from the coconut trees. Several men climbed up while some held a net where the climbers dropped down the fruits. Others gathered the coconut fruit into woven baskets, their arms full as they carried their
Chapter 75 - For the Night’s FeastThe soft white sand beneath Georgia’s feet crunched in her every step as she wandered the shoreline, watching the sun dip toward the horizon like a ball of fire kissing the blue sea, becoming one to be painted in brilliant hues of orange and red, casting a golden glow across the rippling waves. A calm breeze swept through the air, tangling gently in her hair, while the faint calls of seabirds circled overhead. She stopped for a moment, letting the beauty of the scene wash over her. It was almost surreal, standing here after everything that had happened, after all the blood and pain. The serenity of Havalu Island was the opposite of the chaos that haunted her memories.But for now, she let herself forget. She was miles away from where she had come from, and she did not have to relive every single memory she had.
Chapter 108 - The HeirGeorgia’s breaths were uneven and beads of sweat glistened on her brow and her face was contorted with pain and exhaustion. The midwife calmly gave quiet instructions to her as she worked to support her deliver the baby. Maxton was at Georgia’s side, holding her hand, and it was evident in his face both awe and concern for his mate.“You’re doing incredible,” he whispered in her ears, reminding her that he was there for her. His hand gripped hers tightly, as she squeezed back, greeting her teeth as she listened to the midwife. But she managed to respond to him. Georgia managed a small smile through the haze of pain and exhaustion. “I’d like to see you try this and then call it ‘incredible,’” she retorted.Maxton chuckled, though his laughter was laced with nervous energy. “I would fail miserably. That’s why I’m right here, cheering you on.”The midwife glanced up. “It’s time, Your Majesty. One more push.”Georgia closed her eyes, summoning every ounce of streng
Chapter 107 - Coronation and Promises“Are you ready for this?” Maxton asked, his hand tightened slightly around Georgia’s as they stood behind the grand golden doors of the palace’s throne room.Georgia drew a slow breath, her fingers instinctively brushing against the fabric of her coronation gown. It was elegant, shimmering with fine threads of silver and gold, symbolizing her role as the bridge between strength and grace. She met Maxton’s gaze, her heart pounding beneath her ribs as she replied. “Ready or not, there’s no turning back now.”A faint smile tugged at his lips as looked at her with huge pride and affection. “You’ll be magnificent,” he said, his thumb gently brushing the back of her hand.The sound of the crowd beyond the doors grew louder, a mixture of excitement and anticipation filling the air. The Royal Master of Ceremonies stepped forward, nodding at Maxton and Georgia. “It’s time.”The doors swung open with a resonant creak, revealing the throne room, transformed
Chapter 106 - Proposing CoronationGeorgia’s bare feet touched the cool, trimmed grass of the palace gardens as the late afternoon sun cast golden light across the vibrant blooms. Her fingers brushed against the petal of a rose as she walked slowly beside Maxton.“Careful,” Maxton said softly, his hand instinctively moving to support her elbow when she stumbled with her still weak knees. His gaze never left her, he was concerned at her still recovering condition and with her carrying their child. However, despite his worries, he was supportive of her and never prevented her from venturing outside the safety and security of the manor. Today, they were in the palace as she craved for a new view and had been bored staying in the manor.“I’m fine,” Georgia replied with a faint smile, glancing up at him. “I need this.” She looked back at the path ahead which was an aisle of garden flowers.Maxton’s eyes flickered to her hand that instinctively brushed her abdomen, and his expression softe
Chapter 105 - Gifts and RosesGeorgia’s eyelids fluttered open as she moved her fingertips. Her body ached faintly, and the first thing she realized was the warmth of a hand clutching hers. She immediately realized that it was Maxton given the sudden rush of thrumming in their mate bond, making her feel more alive despite what she had gone through.“Georgia,” Maxton uttered, surprised at the sudden movement of her hand that he was holding. He leaned closer to see her with his filled with relief.She blinked, her throat dry, her lips parting as if to speak, but no sound came. Before she could try again, Maxton was already pressing a glass of water to her lips. “Here,” he murmured gently, tilting the glass just enough for her to sip.The cool water soothed her parched throat. “What happened?” she rasped with her voice weak still weak.“You were poisoned in the restaurant.” he said, “But you’re safe now and that’s all that matters.”She frowned slightly, trying to piece together fragment
Chapter 104 - MercyMaxton gripped the phone tightly as the voice on the other end confirmed what he had been waiting to hear for hours. “We’ve apprehended the suspect, Your Majesty. The perpetrator is being transported to the palace as we speak.”His jaw tightened as he exhaled in relief yet contained fury. “Bring them directly to the throne room. I want this handled swiftly.”“Yes, Your Majesty.”Maxton hung up, tossing the phone onto his desk. For Georgia. For their unborn child. For the stability of the kingdom. This would not be swept under the rug like some minor infraction, it would be a lesson, a warning to anyone foolish enough to challenge the Crown.“Tanner,” Maxton barked, his Beta standing at attention by the door.“Yes, Your Majesty?”“Prepare the throne room. I want this dealt with in a manner befitting the gravity of the crime. And make sure word spreads, let the public know justice is being served.”Tanner nodded sharply. “Right away.”~~~At the far end of the throne
Chapter 103 - A Unifying Statement From The CrownMaxton froze, at the news, his heart hammering in his chest and his emotions were a swirling mix of hurricane. He was happy, delighted to have a baby, an heir to the throne, but at the same time, he was hell worried about his mate and unborn child’s status."Pregnant?" The word barely left his lips, as he was in a mix of disbelief and shock. His hand instinctively gripped the back of the nearest chair, tightly until his knuckles were white. "She's pregnant?" he repeated, as if he could not believe what was happening.Dr. Reid nodded to confirm. "Yes, Your Majesty. We just confirmed it moments ago. It’s very early, around six weeks, I’d estimate."A cold wave of panic and anger surged through Maxton, his breath coming faster as his mind raced. "And the poison?" he demanded, trying to calm down."What about the poison? Is it harming her… or the baby?"Dr. Reid’s lips pressed into a thin line. "That’s what we are currently working to deter
Chapter 102 - Poisoned and PregnantThe sound of Maxton’s footsteps echoed in the long corridor outside the manor’s medical wing as he went back in to check on her. His jaw was clenched, and his hands were balled into fists at his sides. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Georgia, fragile, and pale, her body seizing uncontrollably in his arms. Maxton entered the room and did not bother to wait for the doctor to call him. “What’s happening now? Is she stable?”The doctor met Maxton’s panicked gaze. “She’s stable for now,” he said, pulling off his gloves. “But the situation is serious. There are clear signs of poisoning. We’re running more tests to determine the exact substance.”Maxton felt a cold rage settle over him, masking the fear that threatened to overwhelm his thoughts. “Poison,” he repeated. “How?”The doctor sighed, gesturing toward the room where Georgia lay unconscious. “Most likely ingested. Whatever it was, it acted slowly, giving us enough time to intervene. She is o
Chapter 101 - Blood and SeizureThe woman’s words hit Georgia like a thunderclap, reverberating in the pit of her stomach.“You think you deserve to sit there and pretend you’re one of us?” The woman’s voice carried over the stunned silence of the rooftop restaurant. “You’ll never be queen — never!”Maxton stepped forward with a rigid posture, shielding Georgia from the woman’s line of sight. “That’s enough,” he said firmly, but his voice only seemed to fuel her anger.“Don’t tell me what’s enough!” she shouted, her trembling hands now clenched into fists. Her face displayed a combination of grief and fury, while her eyes darted past him to Georgia. “You killed my husband! You took everything from me, and now you expect us to bow to you?” she snarled.Georgia’s breath caught, her chest tightening as if the air had been sucked from the terrace. She could not move, couldn’t speak. Her hands trembled in her lap, hidden under the table as she clung to the edge of her seat, frozen with the
Chapter 100 - Dinner & Accusations“Why do I feel like I am going to war?” Georgia muttered, tugging at the hem of her dress as she stood before the full length mirror. Her reflection stared back at her — a woman in a sleek, deep green dress that hugged her figure without being overly revealing. The gown was elegant and modest enough that she did not feel completely out of place, yet the way it highlighted her curves made her feel exposed in a way she was not used to. Her chest felt tight, her stomach twisting, and every part of her wanted to bolt back to the comfort of her chambers, but she stood there feeling foreign and unfamiliar at the girl staring back at her. “You look stunning,” Maxton complimented from behind, making her turn around to face him.She glanced toward the door, finding him leaning casually against the frame. His tailored shirt, left slightly unbuttoned at the collar, and dark slacks gave him an air of effortless sophistication. Yet it was not the clothing that c