CHAPTER 135: WHISPERS OF THE HEART

Ariana noticed her bones feeling a little bit freer, which meant the medicine was working really well. She was amazed because, right now, she could feel her thigh—it was less numb than usual.

She was in the room, feeding the little one her food, when she noticed the baby’s tiny hand wrapped around her pinky finger while she suckled on Ariana’s breast, clearly enjoying her meal.

"Wait till daddy comes, and he will take you around. We would both live together, and there would be no war, no f...fear, no fight—just a peaceful home. And maybe... you might even become a big sister," she spoke with a soft smile, though there was slight pain in her eyes.

She silently prayed that this war would not be the longest, that everything would work out well, and that she would no longer have to worry about anything. It was only the first day, and yet she had no idea why fear was already settling in her heart. It was already evening, and she just hoped he was okay and safe.

She then noticed the baby’s tiny hand, still wrapped around her pinky, tightening slightly—as if the little one was reassuring her. Ariana laughed softly, her gentle laughter echoing melodically through the room.

"Sometimes I wonder if you hear my words, sweetheart... hmm? Do you hear my words? Tell me, and I won’t tell anyone, okay?" she whispered with a soft giggle. But to her surprise, the little baby squeezed her hand gently again.

Ariana’s eyes widened. She wanted to believe it but told herself it was only a coincidence. She smiled softly as the baby’s curious eyes remained fixed on her.

A soft knock came at the door, and then it opened. Leah entered—not alone—as a rolling food cart was pushed in by two maids. They rolled it to the side, and another maid entered with a rolling table. It was perfectly suited for Ariana, who was in a wheelchair. She gently adjusted herself, holding the baby in her arms..the little one was already falling asleep.

Leah spoke softly as she noticed Ariana holding the baby.

"Luna Ariana, let me help you with little Anavren. You need to eat, as you must keep your strength, my queen."

Ariana nodded. Leah bowed before moving gently to carry the little one. The maids, who stood with their heads bowed, stepped forward. One bowed to Ariana before carefully pushing her wheelchair toward the table.

Once there, she bowed again and stepped back. The two maids opened the covered plates and began dishing the meal. They moved the tray and placed it gently on top of the table. One lady took a cup and poured the drink into it.

PLOP... PLOP... PLOP.

The soft sound of the drink echoed through the room as the maid set the cup down gently. When they were done, they bowed and left. Ariana began eating the fruits slowly.

Leah, noticing the little one was fast asleep, moved to place her on the bed. Ariana turned her head and spoke when she noticed something.

"I can’t see eggs. I haven’t seen any in a long time," she said softly.

Leah bowed slightly before answering.

"Luna Ariana, we removed eggs from the menu because you found them a little repulsive, and His Highness told us not to bring them since you do not like them."

Ariana finally understood why Zavren had told them not to serve eggs—it was because of that last incident. Still, her heart warmed deeply. She didn’t even know what to say at this point. She just missed him even more.

She pressed her lips together gently before speaking.

"I’m craving them... you can give them to me tonight. I’d love that," she said.

"As you wish, Luna Ariana," Leah replied, and Ariana nodded with a small smile before returning her focus to her food, knowing that after eating, she would head down to the garden for a little talk with Lady Stephanie.

☆☆☆

Lady Stephanie’s moved on the bed as her eyes opened slowly—she realized she had slept longer than usual. Was it because she had woken up so early this morning? She looked outside and saw that the sky was already darkening, meaning evening was fading away.

She sat up and reached for the jug on her bedside table, pouring water into a cup before drinking it. A small smile came to her lips as her throat no longer felt dry. And the first thing that came to her mind was Zekel. She didn’t want to regret that day—why had she avoided him? If she hadn’t acted so childishly, they could have spent so much more time together.

She will always remember today’s midnight... their little time together... and his goodbye kiss.

Standing, she walked toward the drawer where she had neatly arranged her books. At the very top rested a letter—the same letter Zekel had given her, telling her not to open it until she had rested well and he had left.

She stared at it as she moved toward the bed, still holding it in her hands. Her eyes lingered on the red ribbon tied around it.

She exhaled and inhaled deeply before finally moving to open it. Then again, her heart began to race as she wondered what he had written for her—and why he had told her not to open it until he left.

"Maybe I could check it later," she murmured, not sure why she was hesitating to read it. She closed her eyes, then opened them again.

"Just read it," she told herself with a small smile as she moved to open it calmly.

***

Back in Ariana’s room, a soft knock came at the door. Leah moved inside. Ariana had just finished her meal, and she had to admit—she ate more than usual today. Maybe it was because she was truly hungry, or maybe because her little one would be needing the nutrients as well.

She heard voices but couldn’t make out the words, and then the door closed. Leah approached Ariana respectfully.

"Luna Ariana... a message was sent and will be passed to everyone. The downstairs last room is forbidden, my queen, as no one is allowed in there except the seer."

Ariana wanted to ask why but chose to remain silent. Still, she was growing more and more curious. What was there that made it so forbidden? She realized there were many things she did not know... and that curiosity was only deepening.

The reason that room was forbidden... was because Zavren’s mother had recently moved in there.