Lilith sat on a sofa with her legs stretch across the cushions. Nestled on the floor were her two minions, afraid to break their attentiveness during her rambling. She considered them her close friends, though they both secretly despised her. All Lilith ever seemed to talk about was herself and her personal possessions. It was a common topic that both Eleanor and Bridgett grew tired of. If they ever tried to change the subject, Lilith would cut them off and start speaking again about the same thing. This time, she bragged excitedly about her unborn child, the future king. She surprisingly engaged with both of them today allowing them to speak.

“I just pray it’s a boy,” she said while her hand circled her stomach. “What would I do if it’s a girl?” Lilith waited for them to answer, clearing her throat as a signal.

Eleanor and Brigett’s eyes bulged out when they faced each other. For the first time, the question wasn’t rhetorical.

“Love her as if you were hoping for a girl,” Eleanor said hoping the response pleased her queen.

“You’re right even though Charles won’t be pleased.”

“I’m sure Charles will love her as much as he loves you,” said Bridgett who was obviously going for flattery.

“You both are right.” Lilith smiled down at her belly. Now that the conversation seemed fulfilled, she changed the subject. “Are you both attending the ball tonight?”

They both said yes.

“Good, because I need you guys to keep an eye on someone for me.”

“Who?” said Bridgett.

“Emyra!”

“Haven’t you heard the good news about her?” Bridgett was always gossiping and sharing information that never had anything to do with her.

“What news?”

“She is being courted by Lord Gabriel.”

“And how did you hear about this?”

“The whole castle knows. She is beautiful, so I see why he went for her.”

Lilith cleared her throat again with crossed arms.

“My lady, she’s not as beautiful as you.”

“Oh shut up will you?” said Lilith. “Now, I need you both to keep an eye on her and tell me if and when she leaves. As always, I will be seated on my throne the entire time, so my view will be limited. You both will report back to me.”

They both didn’t dare ask why the queen wanted them watching Emyra. It did make them wonder what was really going on. One way or another, they would seek the answer.

When Charles walked in and greeted Eleanor and Bridgett, Audrey came in behind him asking to borrow them. They left with her right away. Charles then lifted Lilith’s legs on his lap and sat beside her.

“I don’t think you should come tonight,” he said. “You need rest.”

“I am coming.”

“You are not. I am ordering you to stay.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“But this event will lighten my spirit after all you put me through.”

“Emyra will be there.”

A sinister grin slowly emerged. Her head began to swing from side to side.

“I see what you’re trying to do.”

“It’s not like that. I just don’t want the drama tonight. It’s my mother’s birthday.”

“You think I’ll tell everyone what you’ve been doing behind my back.” She had this sarcastic aura about her. “No harm will come to your precious harlot. At least for tonight.”

“Stop! You’re not doing anything to her. I won’t allow it.”

“Won’t allow it? I have every right to do whatever. You were caught sleeping around.”

“Don’t forget what you’ve done. Your conquests. Again, where is all this concern for who I sleep with coming from anyway?”

Rage boiled through Charles’s veins as he remembered what caused the strain in their relationship. He hated that she could bring this horrible emotion out of him. When he shoved her legs away, he leaped up to leave. The nerve.

“You are my husband and I demand you be faithful to me.” Those words seemed to glue him in place.

“Why do you want this now?” He decided to keep his back on her.

“I’ve always wanted this and I thought after our talk last night that we were trying again.”

“You know where we stand. We’ve tried. It just doesn’t work.”

“I need more from you. You’re breaking my heart.”

“I give you everything.” He turned around, now fully absorbed by her misery. “The clothes on your back. The bed where you rest. Hell, the castle is yours. Our child-”

“Is nothing but a result of this meaningless marriage.”

“Our marriage isn’t meaningless. We weren’t put together for love, but to strengthen our countries.”

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” She now seemed deep in thought. Her eyes lingered on the armrest while tears glided down her cheeks.

When Charles waltzed by her side, he kissed her forehead hoping to mend her broken spirit. What is she so riled up for nowadays? Things needed to go back to normal for this side of her seemed overwhelming. The careless Lilith is what he knew. He decided to leave her, thinking time apart would help, but she shouted something at him.

“Her parents finally matched her with someone. Hopefully, their marriage won’t be as miserable as ours.”

Briefly unbothered by her words, he stormed out of her room. His legs carried him down the corridor where he kept a straight path. Her words seemed to become more relevant the further away he walked. He finally winded up at a dead end where sunlight punctured through a window. Beyond it, the truth seemed clear as he looked out and saw Gabe with his soldiers talking with Harold. He decided to join them.

What’s he really doing here? he thought while approaching them. They bowed at his presence, a gesture that seemingly annoyed him since his eyes swung around.

“Hey King Charles?” said Harold. “What can we do for you?”

“Just was wondering what brings Gabe to the castle.”

“Harold and I are doing business,” said Gabe.

“So that’s all you’re here for?” Charles wiped his brow and let out a sigh.

“Not quite. I’m now engaged to his daughter who will be accompanying me to the ball.”

His jaw dropped. “Ah.” There is no way I’m letting her marry this fool.

“Are you alright?” Gabe noticed the change in Charles’s demeanor.

Without notice, Charles walked off coldly. Gabe wondered if he said something wrong. He thought maybe Charles didn’t want him as a guest at his mother’s party because he made a fool of himself when he drank. Gabe then vowed that he would not drink tonight in the king’s honor.

Charles, on the other hand, rushed to Emyra’s room. Not a person was in sight when he entered. His eyes caught a view of the dress lying on her bed. He walked to it placing his palms on its surface feeling the sensation of doom. The piece had to be the most expensive item of clothing she owned signifying her betrothal. He clenched it tightly, cursing this moment he never wanted to come. Once reality sunk in, he scrambled off to his room. He instantly collapsed to his bed, eyes locked on the ceiling, wondering how he could sort out the madness.