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PAIGE’S POV

I groaned as I sensed the bright light under my eyelids. I let out a frustrated yawn and stretched my limbs before opening my eyes to see a space beside me on the bed.

Yesterday, after my conversation with Sophia, I felt so happy that I opened up to someone else about my problem. When Azriel returned home for the day, I took Sophia’s advice; I told him about my stepmother. He was pissed initially, but I was able to calm him down.

I sat up and made my way to the bathroom to get ready for the day and after a few minutes, I was ready and made my way to have breakfast. The air suddenly felt so strange and tense, like something was wrong.

When I got to the kitchen, I didn't catch sight of Stella, but I saw that my food was already served on the dining table. I decided to pack some food for Azriel since he rarely ate before he left for his office.

Once I was done, I took his food basket and my apple juice which had become my favourite drink ever since I became pregnant, and left the house.

“Your Majesty, where are you going?” a guard startled me on my way. I didn't even know he was there.

“I'm going to His Majesty’s office,” I said to him

“Should I get the car ready to drive you there?” He asked.

“There's no need for that. I want to walk.” I said and he nodded.

As I began my walk, I felt judging eyes on me and saw the people mumbling which was kind of weird. I glanced down at my clothes to see if there was something wrong with them, but they looked perfect to me.

Was there something on my face?

It became so uncomfortable to me as some began pointing their fingers at me, while some let out mocking laughter as I walked past them.

I quickly arrived at the palace and went straight to Azriel's office. Thank God I memorised the direction when he first brought me here. I reached to open the door when I heard his growl.

He was upset.

“What the fuck are you saying?” He asked angrily. “You need to find out who started these rumours, understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

What rumour was he talking about?

I stepped in and pretended that I had just arrived at the office. The guards acknowledged me before leaving. I walked further in and saw Azriel’s angry face. Upon seeing me, his anger disappeared.

“Love, what are you doing here?” He asked, his face laced with concern.

“I know you didn't eat before you left as usual, so I brought breakfast for you,” I said as I dropped the basket on his table.

I turned to my left to see Trevor lost in thought. I couldn't help but wonder if he was in the room when I came in.

“Hey, Trevor.” I greeted him.

He snapped out of his thoughts and gave me a surprising look.

“Your Majesty,” he greeted me with a bow and turned to Azriel. “I’ll leave you guys to talk. I will see you later.”

Azriel nodded in agreement as he took his food out of the basket. Trevor left and I sat in the chair opposite Azriel's desk.

“What were you guys talking about that got you so mad?” I asked as he began to eat, my curiosity got the better of me.

“Nothing to worry about, love.” He said.

My eyebrows furrowed. Did he just lie to me? They were clearly talking about some rumour, and he just lied to me about it.

‘Maybe he has his reasons’ Nora said.

‘What could be the reason then? Am I not his mate?’ I questioned her.

Nora remained silent, because she knew I was right. I thought he said no more secrets between us.

I suddenly became angry but I didn't show it. I stood up abruptly from the seat and turned to leave.

“Love? Where are you going?” He asked.

“Just going for a walk,” I said.

“Oh, let me go with you. I'm almost done eating.” He rushed out.

“No, it's okay. I'm going to explore the pack alone or see if Sophia is still around,” I replied quickly. ”Just continue with your work,” I said to him, and left his office without waiting for his reply.

I left the palace and headed towards the lake I saw on the day of the ball. I arrived there and sat on the ground without minding my dress, taking in the environment. The place felt so serene and peaceful. It was exactly what I needed.

Something was wrong in this pack and Azriel didn’t want to tell me about it. Without a second thought, I instinctively placed my hand on my stomach, feeling the movement of my baby. I had started feeling my baby move since the previous day, and I couldn’t be happier.

After a while of relaxing and cooling off by the lake, I stood up and removed a few leaves that were stuck to my hair and body. I went back home for a shower and wore a new set of clothes.

Since I was sleepy, I decided to take a quick nap before Azriel returned from work.

***********

I woke up from my nap feeling more relaxed and energetic. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. And when I was done, I made my way downstairs.

As I got down, I saw some servants whispering amongst themselves. They didn't know I was there listening to their conversation.

“I can't believe she would do that to our Alpha.” Gina, one of the servants said.

Did something happen to Azriel?

“I wonder how our King is feeling right now.” Another one said.

“I thought she was nice and good, I never knew she was this heartless.” Nina spat out.

Why did I get the feeling that they were talking about me?

As I was about to turn to leave, I saw Azriel angrily walking towards them.

“So, this is what you all do in my house, right? Gossiping about things that don't concern you.” He yelled at them.

I glanced and saw they were pretty scared with their heads inclined in submission. I decided to help them.

“What is going on here?” I asked. Azriel looked furious, his wolf was trying to take control.

“What are you doing here, love? You should be resting.” He said softly. He walked up to me and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

“I just woke from a nap, Babe. Now, tell me what's going on? Why were you yelling at them?” I asked sternly.

“It's nothing, love. Don't worry your head about it.”

“Don't tell me it's nothing,” I yelled at him. “I know something is going on in the pack, and you're not telling me.”

“Love, calm down–” I cut him off before he could complete his sentence.

“I’m calm,” I said to him before turning to the girls. “Leave right now! I’ll personally deal with you all later,” I said in a stern voice.

They turned and fled, refusing to meet my gaze.

“What's going on, Azriel? Remember you said no lies.” I asked in a soft tone, feeling emotional.

“I know, love, but I don't know how you will take the news.” He whispered.

“Just tell me.”

“There's a rumour going around that the baby isn't mine.” He confessed.

My eyes widened in shock. “What? How did they know!” I exclaimed.

“I don't really know, but I promise to get to the root of it.” He said, I could sense the anger beneath his words.

“But what about the council?” I questioned him in a scared tone.

“Don't worry about the council, love. Have you forgotten who I am?” He reassured me as he pulled me in for a hug and gently touched my bump.

“I am quite aware, babe,” I mumbled into his chest.

The room fell silent and just as I was about to relax a bit, a question suddenly echoed in my mind…

Who else knows about the secret of my baby’s paternity apart from Azriel and Sophia?

**********