CHAPTER 121: A CRAVING UNDERSTOOD

News had already spread around the palace about Her Highness’s delivery, and now it was even more shocking that it would soon move around the village—especially with the newspapers already circulating.

Not to mention, it would not only circulate through the villages but reach other towns and maybe even the vampire lands. That might take weeks, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t eventually get there.

Ariana now sat in a wheelchair, her clothes changed into a gown as Leah had helped her with a bath. She had been rubbed with kennel ointment some minutes ago. The wheelchair was positioned beside her little daughter’s bed, as she had just finished breastfeeding the baby, who was now sound asleep.

Leah walked toward Ariana as she uncapped a small bottle.

"Lady Ariana, this is the black water. It will help with your legs," she said.

Ariana nodded, but Leah almost laughed at the way she looked at it—like she was praying it wasn’t what she thought it was...

"Lune Ariana, this is bitter," she warned as Ariana’s face twisted in shock. Leah smiled warmly and added,

"It’s even worse than the bitter leaf drink you usually take. But I must say, it’s very effective."

Ariana gave Lady Leah a suspicious look. Leah slowly moved the bottle to the little cup.

"Please just gulp it down. Don’t think about the taste," Leah advised.

Ariana nodded and took the small cup into her hands. Her insides tightened; she could already feel the bitterness coming. She moved it to her lips and gulped it down quietly. Her body jerked slightly as she swallowed, her face scrunching up, shoulders shaking, and hands rising like she was some strict choir leader in a local church leading the choir members.

Leah couldn’t help but laugh now, she simply couldn’t hold it in. It was just too funny. She managed to compose herself, cleared her throat, and spoke again.

"Your meal is here. We made some sweetened orange juice for you—to take down the bitter taste."

She moved and picked up the glass cup, handing it to Ariana, who took it and gulped down the soothing cold liquid. It washed away the bitterness. It was better now, and she was glad—it was far better.

Leah smiled and then moved the rolling table towards Ariana. The dishes were covered. She opened the lid, and Ariana’s eyes landed on the meat and soup. For some reason, she had been craving this. It was surprising how Leah knew.

Knowing soups were rarely given, for Lady Leah to have provided it meant she truly understood. Ariana gently raised her hands and signed.

"Lady Leah, it’s quite a surprise you knew this was exactly what I was craving. I would have loved it with rice," Ariana said.

Leah smiled and opened the other plate, revealing a portion of white rice. Ariana’s smile widened as she lifted her head to look at Leah.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Leah’s eyes widened slightly, and she bowed respectfully before stepping back. The scent of the meal wafted through the room as Ariana picked up her spoon to eat.

There was silence, as the only sound that could be heard was the soft clinking of cutlery. Leah’s lips curled up warmly—she knew that her Queen deserved all the love in the world. With her kindness and good attitude toward others, the way she settled matters always surprised Leah, and she deeply respected that.

Not to mention the Queen’s excitement over food right now—it warmed her heart. She knew how calm and collected other royals were, always wanting everything to be perfect. Many were even rude, believing that locals and the lowly didn’t deserve respect because they hadn’t earned it, or didn’t hold the power that came with high status.

And yet, here was someone so different... The way the Queen appreciated even the smallest of gestures touched Leah deeply. The King hadn’t just marked a goddess—he had marked a goddess with a pure heart.

Leah stood quietly, waiting for her to finish.

***

Zavren walked through the hallway. He had promised not to disturb his wife. As much as he had planned to go see her, he realized she needed rest, and the servants needed time to take proper care of her. Still, right now, he really wanted to see Ariana—and hold his little princess once more.

They walked down the hallway in silence. Then, Zavren suddenly halted, turned to Raven quietly, and spoke.

"My wife..any report?" he asked. It was a question he had wanted to ask minutes, even hours ago, but had held back, assuming she was still asleep. She needed plenty of rest, but now he just needed to know maybe that would help quench his curiosity a bit.

Raven scratched his head gently. Lady Leah hadn’t told him much.

"Lady Ariana is awake, and right now, she’s having her lunch," he replied.

Zavren nodded.

"Do you want your lunch prepared, Your Majesty?" Raven asked curiously, noticing how the King’s eyes had softened.

But just as expected, the King’s face darkened again—and Raven knew this would happen.

His shoulders dropped slightly as they walked toward the forbidden door. Zavren moved forward, lips parting as he muttered something. Then finally, the door opened. He pushed the doorknob and entered.

The place looked like it had been built with nothing but blocks. It gave off an olden-day vibe—like something from history. It looked nothing like the rest of the palace.

They walked down the stairs, the candle-lit lanterns casting faint shadows along the stone walls. Raven remained silent. Every time they were here, silence followed. This was one place His Highness never joked with.

They descended the narrow staircase until they finally reached a wooden door. Zavren pushed it open and stepped inside.

Now brightly lit, the room was quiet and neat. A bed rested in the middle, and on it lay a lady. She looked aged, her long lashes glittering above her cheeks. Her smooth black hair was spread out on the bed like silk.

Zavren’s eyes rested on her face as silence fell again. Raven said nothing, remaining behind respectfully.

The woman lying there was Zavren’s mother.