Chapter 94 - Seashells and Island’s SecretGeorgia took a moment to fix her hair and smoothen her clothes, tugging the fabric back into place as if each motion could erase the intimacy that had passed between them. Her fingers lingered on her collar, her heartbeat finally slowing, her breath no longer a ragged thing in her chest. As she glanced at Maxton, she found him similarly composed, his hands running over his shirt, face now a mask of calm readiness. The silence between them held everything left unsaid, the intense moment that had shared already spoke so much, enough for them to understand each other. She gave one final tug to her skirt and nodded to Maxton as they decided to walk out of the cave as if nothing had happened. His hand rested on her back as together they stepped back toward the beach.Yenari, and everyone else who waited for them turned their eyes on their
Chapter 95 - FarewellYenari gave a nod, though his gaze remained serious. “She means something to all of us here,” he said. “If she’s with you, Maxton, then I expect you to protect her. She has suffered more than you know.”“I intend to do exactly that,” Maxton replied.Yenari’s expression softened, but only slightly. “If she ever needs a safe place again, know that Havalu will welcome her back. This island will always be here for her.”Maxton paused, considering Yenari’s words. This was not about their territorial instincts or jealousy; it was about Georgia’s safety, her peace, and he would consider whatever refuge was offered to make her safe. “I appreciate that,” he said, sincerely. He owed the island and
Chapter 96 - A Cold WelcomeGeorgia stood on the balcony of the King’s private manor, her hands resting on the cool marble railing. Her silver eyes scanned the vast, sprawling landscape of Western Le Roma, where golden sunlight painted the rooftops and dust drifted through the air in lazy swirls. Even with the warmth of the morning, the chill in her chest refused to dissipate.It had been weeks since she had returned, weeks of hiding from curious and judgmental gazes, of feeling like a ghost in a land that was not quite home. Havalu had given her peace, a sense of belonging she never expected to find, but here in Le Roma, the stares of the people were constant, though silent. Fear. Curiosity. Anger. Respect. All emotions she could read in their eyes without them uttering a word.A knock sounded behind her, and she flinched, her knuckles tightening around the railing. Her heart raced until she heard the familiar, comforting voice. “Georgia,” Maxton called gently, stepping onto the bal
Chapter 97 - The Public’s JudgmentGeorgia had not planned to leave the safety of the manor so soon, and forever hide from the judgment of the outside world. But Maxton had been gently insistent. “You can’t hide forever,” he had said, and despite her fears, she knew he was right. He had gradually encouraged her to endure and move on, to take the blow for now and let it dissipate when the people get tired of talking about it, or when their perspective towards her changes. It would be harder if she remained hidden because time and time again people would talk about it whenever she would come out. He thought it would be better if they saw her often so they would get used to being with her and see that she was harmless and kind. So now, here she was, walking through the bustling streets of West Le Roma, with Maxton at her side. His presence was there for support and a shield, but even that could not protect her from the harshness of the world outside the manor gates. Every pair of eyes s
Chapter 98 - Scarred QueenGeorgia leaned against the doorway of their room, her head tilted back as she tried to breathe through the hectic day. Actually, it should not have been that tiring, but it was her mental and emotional crate that had been drained by hearing the judgments of the people as well as receiving their stares that pierced her back. The echoes of whispered disdain and guarded gazes still rang in her ears, mingling with the ache of rejection that sat heavy in her chest. She had not realized how much she was shaking until Maxton stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her body, calming her down, and letting his warmth soothe her.“Hey,” he murmured softly in her ear. “You are safe now.”She did not answer right away, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. “It’s not about being safe,” she replied but her voice was quiet. “It’s about feeling… seen. And not in the way I want to be.”Maxton’s hands came to rest on her shoulders, firmly reassuring her. “Georgia,
Chapter 99 - Concordia Accord“Her presence can shift the balance of power across all the regions,” King Regulus’s voice rang out firmly in the closed room. “We cannot pretend it doesn’t.” Despite being the one to step up in helping Maxton take back the Western throne, he was still doubtful of Georgia’s existence, and the power she carried. The grand chamber of the neutral meeting hall in the Middle Region housed four figures sitting around the intricately carved oak table, their gazes were keen and observing as they examined the parchment that lay between them — a draft treaty meant to address the situation on the existence of Georgia. It was not a document of hostility but of caution, and perhaps more importantly, one of understanding. It was to be created for the purpose of peace and to prevent war in the future.Queen Theodora of the Eastern Region folded her hands with a guarded yet calm look on her face. “No one here is suggesting that Georgia will be used as a weapon. Still, h
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
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 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