CHAPTER 124: ROAD TO QUEENHOOD

"Your sister was right, though..."

Drevon looked at me and smiled. "And why do you say that?"

"If you kill everyone who goes against me, then who is left to add to your power?"

"My armies."

"Yes, your armies and I know you take such pride in them because they served you in war, and probably the most loyal subjects you will ever have. They know you, and you know them. They respect you, and you do too."

A look of pride was burned in Drevon’s eyes. "My smart, little wife," he praised, holding me closer.

I bit my bottom lip trying to calm the nerves so I could continue. "But they were gone for years, the way of politics and power play has changed. Nothing ever stays the same. Therefore, it might be hard to consider, but I think you should. You need the noble houses in the future too."

He watched me with quiet intensity before he asked. "How would you suggest I get them to my side?"

"You were chosen by the Fates, Drevon. The noble houses might be clouded by what happened, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re the goddess chosen."

"How do you know about the Fates?"

I smirked. "A friend told me."

"Hmm..." he mumbled under his breath. "Only a single day, and you were able to obtain such information. Must be a good friend."

"Do you understand what I’m trying to say?"

His hand on my waist tightened. "Perfectly. Give me time, when I bring the forces together, I’ll make you queen," he promised.

~•~

"Congratulations in advance, princess," Ravyn expressed.

"A bit too early for that."

She sneered. "But it’s safe to say a few days from now, you’ll be Queen Consort."

True, and I couldn’t believe it. Drevon was making preparations quietly for the joining of our court. I wanted to be involved, but Drevon and Diana were working on it.

The past few days, everything was going smoothly, far too smoothly. I have lived long years of unrest, and I knew that when everything went quietly, there was bound to be a disturbance.

"I have been thinking..."

"About what?" Ravyn asked.

"About Sloane and her crocodile tears."

"Crocodile tears? Judging from your expression that day, I thought you were conflicted wth yourself because you believed her."

Was I that obvious?

"Sloane never admitted she was behind the attack in the past, and suddenly she had a change of heart?"

"Well... shit happens."

I snorted. "Then why didn’t she come clean to Drevon? She only admitted her mistake about the trial but never about the attack."

"You’re right..." Ravyn murmured in realization.

"I think Sloane is up to something, and if there’s anything I know about our clash, it’s that she should never be one step ahead of me."

The recollection of the attack months ago caused me to wince. I’ll not allow that to happen again, over my dead body.

"Do you want me to spy on her?"

"You can do that?"

Ravyn smirked. "Certainly, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with the idea of leaving you on your own."

"Your Grace!" Osha ran towards us.

"What’s the matter, is someone after you?" I asked, worried, looking behind, but there was no one coming.

"T-T-T-The..."

"What?"

"The crown prince!" she yelled. "He has come to see you. Requesting an audience."

"Requesting?" I said in surprise.

Since when did Damon request to see me? Knowing that irriating vile man, he would have snuck and waltzed through like he owed the place.

"He’s requesting a formal meeting," Ravyn said sternly. "That is suspicious. I suggest you don’t accept it. Don’t forget what happened last time."

I gulped at her words, mostly because there was a warning.

But I was curious why Damon was suddenly formal. Or did he catch a whiff about my attempts to become Queen Consort?

"Osha, let him meet me in my garden. Hurry now."

Osha hesitated but eventually rushed out.

"Forgive me for saying this. But have you lost your mind?"

"I have been feeling uneasy these past few days. Drevon has been busy trying to work through the combination of the court. Maybe Sloane isn’t the only one I should worry about."

"You think he knows."

"Well then, why do you think I said I’d see him? Talking with your enemy can prove very useful."

Ravyn sighed. "You want to use that method again to uncover his plan."

I shrugged. "It wouldn’t hurt to try."

"You reckless human."

"Hey!"

"No offense."

I sighed before saying. "About what you said earlier, about spying on Sloane."

"What about that?"

"I’ll need you to do it."

Ravyn sneered. "As you wish. As soon as we deal with the prince—"

"Now."

"What?" She frowned. "You’re not honestly asking me to leave you alone with him."

"I am... and no one will know I’m alone."

"You’re playing a dangerous game here, princess."

I turned to watch the view. "It’s been dangerous for as long as I can remember. I’ll be fine, Ravyn. It’s important that you watch Sloane, I need to know her every movement from this day until the court is joined successfully."

"Princess..."

"I know that this is hard on you, Ravyn." I faced her. "But I ask this of you."

~•~

There was a chill in the air, not the usual chill but the one I recognise. Ever since I was little, with just a sniff of the air and the feeling of the cold, I could tell winter was coming.

Winter was coming. When the first snow drops, a week from then is my birthday. I had the honor of knowing about the day I was born when my stepsister left a gift...my room was vandalized with writings.

This is the day you were born.

Born of a Whore.

The whore’s daughter.

It’s also your whore mother’s death anniversary.

I remember crying silently as I wiped the paint from the wall. Since then, every birthday was unforgettable, I decided to forget I even had one, so when the year passed, I just knew I was one year older.

But the smell of the air always reminded me, I couldn’t forget that ominous day.

The sudden sounds of footsteps approaching pulled my attention. I turned my stern gaze to Damon.

I had let my hair down the entire day, pinning a few of the curls with a clip.

Damon’s hands were behind his back as he got closer and closer. He came to a halt, his dull eyes down on me in a calm intensity, not the usual hostility.

"What do you want?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

He chuckled deeply, and I wondered what he found funny. "Your expression is usually one of irritation, can’t say I miss it."

My face morphed into confusion.

"I simply came to see you, Lou."

A cold shiver seized my entire body, and I pinned him down with a dark look. "What did you just call me?"