— You're pregnant. — Doctor Linda said calmly as she examined my body. It wasn't surprising to hear the reason behind the intense morning sickness that had made it impossible to schedule meetings, along with a few strange cravings. It was inevitable — bound to happen after the wedding. Yurick and I hadn't exactly been able to keep our hands off each other until the moment he left. And so, my body responded — with a child.
It had been a week since I last saw the alpha. I'd been buried in political matters, mainly focused on promoting the image of the Emperor to the public — hiring bards and minstrels to spread favorable news about the crown. I was also studying how to engage the nobles of Neopolita and Roham, a delicate matter considering the cultural differences.
— How many weeks? — I asked, sitting on the bed with a thick blanket draped over my legs. My hand instinctively moved to my belly.
— About four weeks, Your Majesty. — Linda replied, writing out a prescription. — I'll prescribe morning medicine and some vitamins to ease your nausea and ensure the baby grows healthy.
— Listen, Linda, I want you to keep this pregnancy a secret, understood? This is just between us for now. — It wouldn't be wise for the public to know about the child — not yet.
— Why would you hide the pregnancy? — General Arien entered the room uninvited, her usual stern expression in place. Did she ever genuinely smile?
— Don't you know how to knock, General? — I rolled my eyes. She always did that. With Arien, there was no such thing as privacy. Beyond protecting me, she seemed to need to watch me constantly — and that was becoming tiresome. — It wouldn't be wise for the people to know I'm pregnant while the King is away. If the news breaks now, they'll only realize Yurick isn't in the castle. We must wait for his return to announce it together. A child means more than a baby in this situation — it symbolizes strength in the crown, in our bond. It can become a powerful piece on the board that will change Akasia's strategy. But for that, the sovereign of this country must be present — otherwise, it becomes yet another reason for speculation and conspiracies aimed at discrediting the Roham people already living among us.
Many Rohians were already arriving in the capital with hopes of better work and life. We were dealing with the migration issue, mostly due to food scarcity, but that could be overcome with proper resource management.
The general stayed silent for a moment before nodding.
— Linda, you may go. You'll be rewarded for your silence and for the follow-up visits regarding the child. — The doctor stood up with the prescription. — Lara is waiting outside the door. She can take the prescription and get the medication. Thank you. — I nodded as she left the room. Letting out a tired sigh, I still felt a bit nauseous, but nothing unbearable. I only wished to rest. Yet there were things to resolve.
I had received a letter from Yurick the day before to reassure me he was fine. He was already near the country's border, moving swiftly with a small escort. His first stop would be the frontier city of Brizida, where the local regent would receive him and allow his party to resupply before heading to the first stronghold.
— Arien, I know you want to protect me. But I don't want to feel watched. — I said to the woman, who met my eyes with her ever-intimidating gaze.
— I simply don't trust you, Your Majesty. Even with an heir growing inside you, that doesn't mean you won't betray the King. I can't imagine what would stop someone like you from reclaiming your lost lands and throne. — Arien was nothing if not honest. It was what I expected — I never imagined it would be easy to gain her trust, or her people's.
— Do as you see fit. I don't need to prove anything to you, General. Just do your job. Yurick trusts me — so perhaps you should at least try to hide your suspicion. I may be from a different nation, but I've given no reason for you to doubt me. — Though I said I didn't need to prove anything, it did sting — being hated for nothing. I admired how the King and his general worked together. Maybe I longed for that recognition, though I wouldn't dare admit it.
— It's nothing personal, Your Majesty. I simply see enemies for what they are. If I were in your position, with your intellect, I wouldn't hesitate to reclaim my country. My distrust is born out of recognizing your intelligence — and I won't lower my guard or underestimate you. If you'll excuse me. — Arien didn't wait for a reply. She simply took her position at the door to keep watch.
I took her words as an odd sort of compliment — but I didn't want our dynamic to be built on the moment I might stab Yurick in the back.
Now, I was to have a child. Someone strong and clever enough to surpass us all.
Fear crept in. My child would face war — face conquest and the weight of battles won and lost. This wasn't an ideal time... but I would grasp this opportunity with all my strength, and above all, protect them. I would teach them values. I wouldn't turn my back as my father, my mother, and my grandfather had done to me. I would give this child all I had — even if it wasn't much. I was scared for them. But I held hope they would witness a new world — and that the Akasians would kneel before the empire Yurick sought to build.
I was overwhelmed by all these sensations. So much was happening during the day, and I had no time to truly process it all. Still, I couldn't postpone my meeting with the local nobles any longer. I needed their support. I had to influence them — perhaps through fear of losing their titles or not regaining them. Maybe I could offer a generous deal, especially to those who lost their estates when Yurick took power. I could use that to gain political leverage in nearby cities.
Despite the nausea, I forced myself to get up. I chose an outfit that shielded me from the cold but still suited my soft makeup and the atmosphere of a noble gathering.
I descended to the great hall. A few familiar faces greeted me. Guards stood at a distance, ready to act if needed — standard procedure for such meetings. A large banquet stretched across the table, with some already enjoying the food.
— At last, Your Majesty. I thought you'd forgotten about us after everything that happened. When will we strike back against the Rohian scum that stole our lands and unjustly dominated us in that sinful war? — said Amadeus Bevouir, a greedy beta who once owned many lands — a parasite married to a wealthy omega now gravely ill. I still intended to investigate that incident with his spouse. Regardless, it seemed most nobles were simply waiting for a sign — a reaction against Roham. They longed to reclaim their wealth or restore the status they'd lost when they lost political influence in the capital.
— I believe there's a misunderstanding here. I didn't summon you to scheme against the new Emperor. I summoned you to ask for your support, to restore the influence of those who lost it — and to legitimize Yurick as the King of Neopolita. — I heard their murmurs of discontent, but I didn't falter before those who thought they could plot to overthrow a rightful ruler. After all, their former king had fled and died like a coward. — Yurick conquered Neopolita with his army, and my father — the previous king — handed it to the Rohians in a desperate attempt to save his own life. That act, as cruel as it was, is legitimate under our ancient laws. — That didn't mean we would simply surrender — but the deed had been done. It was irreversible now.
— I am here to ask for support from those who still have lands and titles, and from those who wish to restore their nobility by swearing loyalty before the kingdom of Roham. That is my condition. — Basically, to influence other cities to recognize the legitimacy of the king, and with your help, it will be much faster, since you once held great power over the lands you occupied and could regain similar power. — Although different, after all, some nobles of Roham already inhabit their lands.
— This is an outrage, a disrespect to the history of every family. Such cowardice should never even be proposed. — Amadeus said, followed by some nobles.
— I accept the proposal, Your Majesty. — Edward said, cutting off the speech that tried to incite revolt in the hall. Of course, he accepted. Edward was one of the most harmed by Yurick's arrival; all his family lands were taken, leaving them living as common peasants. The alpha was the one who pleased me during the heat, a purely biological need we shared, although the man fancied himself someday marrying me — a common arrogance, yet troublesome. I simply nodded at his words. — It will be a pleasure to swear loyalty before our new king.
Some others joined Edward, slowly accepting that their representative before all would not betray the future Emperor of the continent. I noticed a few hesitant ones.
— Those who do not wish to join the new nobility will be shown the door. — The contained, serious tone of a leader. Yet not all left; some simply stayed, abandoning their pride. Others said they would serve only Neopolita, not a false king. I don't blame them, I understand that feeling — I felt it for a long time. I let the nobles eat, talk, deliberate while I went to the main chair, sitting in front of everyone. Lara approached with some land documents. I pressed the ring with the royal symbol to legitimize the papers, giving each one to the present nobles.
— May we talk, Your Majesty? — Edward approached as the others were already leaving. I sighed at the approach, merely nodding in his direction as we entered the corridor; I could imagine what that alpha was about to propose.
— What is it that you still want? — I asked, trying to suppress the unease; the medicines would arrive soon, I could content myself with living a normal life until I gave the news to Yurick. I didn't want to risk it with letters.
— I know you are married to the King, even if forced to be, sacrificing yourself for your people to endure a Rohian of that man's caliber in your bed. I saw him parading in the streets by your side; you must be tortured every day to smile before everyone. — Edward had a false idea of what was seen by all. He took my arm, stopping me in the middle of the hall. — I can bring some comfort to your sheets again; I know in difficult moments you need a friend, someone who will support you. That cold and violent man must be a burden. I heard Rohians do not know how to treat their companions. — That was exhausting me. I pulled my arm away, staring at him with some disdain. I didn't want to be rude; my posture was perfect before someone so far from my social circle, but Edward thought we were intimate because I pleased him now and then. Once it might have been possible — that man before me, with long golden hair, eyes as blue as the ocean, sun-kissed skin from mornings now spent in the fields, a square face with thin lips that almost disappeared into the skin. There never was a chance he could rule beside me.
— You know your words would lead you to the gallows, Edward. You damage the crown just by uttering such offenses. — My tone restrained, trying not to show all my contempt. — I do not need your services anymore, that was enough in the past. Now I have someone to warm my bed — the King of Neopolita and Roham, soon to be Emperor. I am not forced here; I agreed to be part of your plans, but you wouldn't understand that with your limited mind. — That came out unintentionally, I swear, I just couldn't hold it in. — Now, if your intention is to take me, better leave and do not swear loyalty to any king when you have none for yourself. — I walked away toward the bedroom. Edward seemed to snort behind me, but quickly withdrew. What was I thinking accepting an alpha like that? The man was handsome but nothing more than an alpha to lay with when needed; there was no point in talking to someone interested only in trivialities.
I thought I would face only minor issues in the coming weeks until the King's return. However, when some commoners discovered Yurick was not in the palace, they tried to start revolts that were stopped by Roham soldiers. This was not well seen by the general population, causing public opinion about the crown to start declining. What I had gained in a few days through propaganda, newspapers, images throughout the reign, songs telling the heroic and obviously exaggerated deeds of the King of Roham was diminishing due to a few who thought they could reclaim power. It was only a spark that could turn into a fire if not contained. What happened was literal: several arson fires in the capital. Neolia was burning.
— How did this turn into chaos? — I asked the general, who looked as stunned as I. We stood on the balcony of the great northern hall watching smoke rise in different areas. Soldiers were leaving the castle to attend the people. — We will need to rebuild; a snowstorm will come in a few days. — Yurick would return soon. In his last letter, he said he was confident in finding his brother and would follow the trail into the forest, but didn't specify how. I tried to soften my answer by saying I was trying to keep everything under control, when in truth I was not effective. This was not in my plans; revolts now would bring nothing to the people.
— We caught the leaders who started the fires; they say they don't know why they did it, don't remember how they set the houses ablaze. — Arien said more seriously. — And... they don't seem to lie. When soldiers caught them in the act, they really seemed unaware of what they were doing. The same happened with those who started the revolts three days ago. People are forming a bad opinion due to some idle folks who don't even remember how they got there.
That made no sense; less than six days remained until Yurick's return. We could control this quickly, as long as the massive publicity continued and there were no unnecessary deaths, only retaliation so the criminals would not go unpunished.
— Listen, General. Show leniency to these poor souls, but I want you to investigate where this situation began. Call the chief of guards and the captain; we need to know who started this and why these people suffer from collective memory loss. — Not that I thought it was real. — Do it overnight; we must at least contain the fire. — I asked Arien to take care of everything; there was not much to be done. I walked to the uncovered area of the hall, taking a breath. Watching the snow fall slowly down the stairs leading to the garden; the lights were not enough to illuminate everything. Some distant guards made the night rounds, nothing unusual.
I just wanted Yurick to come back. Those two weeks hadn't only been difficult in terms of administration—they had been far worse for my body. It didn't matter what objects I used, whether my fingers or more elaborate tools designed for that purpose, nothing seemed to satisfy me. It wasn't hard to think of the alpha's hands, his scent, his kisses, the firm way he held me. The anxious longing for the sensation of his touch, sharp and precise, almost like needles grazing my skin, haunted me in silence.
It was torturous. I felt exhausted in more ways than one. Linda had warned me it would be like this—especially because of the pregnancy affecting my mood—but I suspected that even if I weren't carrying a child, I'd still be overwhelmed by a quiet, burning yearning all day long.
I was so lost in the sight of the snow falling steadily to the ground, piling more and more with each passing hour, that I didn't notice someone approaching.
The touch on my shoulder startled me. I turned toward the stranger, expecting it to be the general or perhaps a guard—after all, who else would walk so freely through a corridor in the royal palace? But to my surprise, the person before me was someone I had never seen. Likely from Roham, judging by his features and skin tone.
—Who are you?! —I reached instinctively for the dagger hidden at my side, but the man grabbed my wrist with little effort, pressing a nerve that sent a sharp discomfort through my arm.
—Just be quiet. Come with me. We have things to discuss, Your Majesty. —His blue eyes flickered briefly toward the crown atop my head.
Of course, I wouldn't follow so easily—especially upon noticing the man carried no weapon. But something in me relaxed the moment his hand touched my shoulder. He guided me down darker corridors, and my body followed as though stripped of will. My heart beat wildly, but I couldn't control my limbs. Even if I had wanted to scream, my lips wouldn't part.
It was maddening—this loss of control. It felt like magic, as though something ancient had returned. But magic had been gone for centuries. My mind searched for answers it couldn't find. The moment I met his blue eyes, I felt swallowed by them. His voice, husky and gentle yet commanding, echoed within me. Every cell in my body responded, whether I wished it or not. I was terrified.
—Here, we're safe from your guards. —That voice... It was nothing like Yurick's thunderous presence. This man's calmness unsettled me more. We entered a windowless room, empty save for a candelabra flickering atop an old table.
—You may speak now.
—How dare you bring me into this dark room? How dare you even touch me?! —I tried to sound brave, but the fear clung to my words.
Suddenly, the stranger seized my arm and pulled me close. Before I could close my eyes, I was caught in the trap of his gaze. My pupils dilated, my limbs softened in his grip. I was melting into the firmness of his hold.
—Relax. I don't intend to harm you, Your Majesty. But, unfortunately, you are now part of my plans—to dismantle everything my brother has built, and more. —His hand slid up to the nape of my neck, brushing over the almost-healed mark left there. —You may call me Jamal. As you've probably guessed, I am your king's brother.
—What did you do to me? Why can't I move? —My voice was barely a whisper. My body was like clay in his presence.
—It's merely a useful ability. Nothing you'd understand if you've never seen anything like it. —Jamal's smile was gentle, almost too calm for the situation. —I just want you to be still. Breathe. There's no need for fear. I won't hurt you... You simply need to obey. You'll find yourself unable to resist. Look into my eyes. Tell me your name. Your secrets. Tell me how my brother plans to enter Akasia. We have all night to talk.
I didn't want to speak. I didn't want to relax. But that overwhelming calmness wrapped itself around me like a velvet cloak. His eyes... they drew me in completely. I stopped fighting. My body surrendered and I sat in an old dusty armchair, my gaze still locked to his, my lips slowly parting.
I told him everything.
I spoke of my pregnancy... of my most private fears and quiet longings—things I'd only ever whispered to Yurick. I revealed how the alpha would infiltrate the Forbidden Forest. I told him of Neopolita's plans to bolster Yurick's popularity. I revealed more than I thought I even knew.
Never before had I been so transparent—so utterly vulnerable. And all to a stranger who held me in the palm of his hand. It was a nightmare cloaked in silk. The crown upon my head had never felt heavier than it did under the weight of an enemy I could neither resist nor defy.