5

Scarlett’s POV

“Are you certain this is really the Queen’s chambers? It feels too grand for someone who just walked out of the woods,” I asked the two servants escorting me, glancing around the golden corridor.  

The taller servant kept her head bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty. The King gave very strict orders. Every servant must bow and treat you with the highest respect from now on.”  

I heard footsteps hurrying behind us. Whispers floated through the air like smoke.  

One servant leaned closer to the other. “Did you see her? She’s quite… full-figured. And already carrying his child? How did a woman like that become Queen overnight?”  

The second whispered back, “Maybe she trapped him in the forest. The King has been gone so long. This is all so sudden.”  

Their words stung deep, but I stopped walking and turned to face them. “You may speak freely in front of me,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I won’t punish you for honest thoughts. But I expect honesty, not hidden knives.”  

Both women froze, faces turning red. “Forgive us, Your Majesty,” the taller one stammered. “We meant no disrespect. It’s just… the entire palace is buzzing. The King returned from the dead with a pregnant woman at his side. People are shocked.”  

“I understand the shock,” I replied, placing a hand on my belly. “I was shocked too when he found me in the woods. But here we are. I am carrying his heir. That changes everything, doesn’t it?”  

The shorter servant nodded quickly. “Yes, Your Majesty. The King ordered us to prepare everything for you. Hot baths, new gowns, special foods. We will serve you well.”  

“Good,” I said, continuing down the hall. “Then let’s not waste time on whispers. Show me these chambers.”  

We reached the tall doors. They pushed them open, revealing rooms that took my breath away—velvet drapes, crystal lights, and furniture carved like art.  

“Fresh bath water is being brought right away,” the taller servant said. “We selected gowns that should fit your condition perfectly. The seamstress worked fast once she heard the news.”  

“Thank you,” I told them. “You can leave me for now. I need a moment to breathe.”  

The door clicked shut, but another knock came almost immediately. “Enter,” I called.  

The royal physician stepped inside, bowing low, with Jordan right behind him. Jordan’s eyes scanned the room before settling on me.  

“Your Majesty,” the physician said warmly, “I am here to examine you and the future heir, as commanded by the King.”  

Jordan stood tall, arms crossed. “Be very thorough, doctor. I want complete assurance that both Scarlett and the child are healthy after everything we went through.”  

I sat down on the soft chair near the window. “Go ahead, doctor. Ask me anything. The journey out of the woods was long, but I feel the baby moving strong.”  

The physician worked carefully, listening to my heart, pressing gentle hands on my rounded belly. “The heartbeat is steady and strong. You are both in good health, Your Majesty. But I must advise rest. No unnecessary stress. The child needs peace to grow.”  

Jordan stepped closer, his voice firm and authoritative. “You heard the doctor, Scarlett. Your health is now the top priority in this entire kingdom. Doctor, if she feels even the smallest discomfort, you come running. Drop everything else. Is that clear?”  

The physician bowed deeply. “Perfectly clear, Your Majesty. I will prepare special tonics tonight and speak with the kitchen staff myself. She will have only the best foods for strength.”  

Jordan nodded once. “Good. Now tell me, is there anything else she needs right away?”  

“Plenty of water, light walks in the garden when she feels up to it, and sleep,” the physician replied. “The coronation in a week will be tiring. We must prepare her body.”  

I looked up at Jordan. “A week? That soon? Are you sure I’m ready for all this?”  

Jordan’s gaze met mine, calm but intense. “You will be. Tomorrow morning you meet the full Royal Council officially. Stay close to me. Speak only when needed. I will handle the hard questions about my return and our… union.”  

“And what if they ask how we met? Or why I’m already carrying your child?” I asked, my voice dropping. “What do I say to them?”  

“We stick to the truth we agreed on,” Jordan answered. “You are my mate. The forest brought us together. You carry my heir. That is enough for them. The rest stays between us.”  

I touched my stomach again. “It feels strange, Jordan. Being called Queen when hours ago I was leading you through trees. Do you really think I can do this? Pretend well enough?”  

Jordan paused, his expression softening just a bit. “You already are. The way you stood in the council room earlier… you looked like you belonged. This is for our revenge, for the child, and for the kingdom’s stability. But I won’t let them hurt you.”  

His words made my heart flip again. I reminded myself it was all part of the arrangement. “Thank you for the chambers. For ordering them to take care of me. It makes me feel safer than I have in a long time,” I admitted quietly.  

Jordan gave a small nod. “Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow will test us both. I need you strong beside me.”  

The physician cleared his throat. “I will return in the morning for another check, Your Majesty. Rest well.” He bowed and left quickly.  

Jordan lingered a moment longer. “If you need anything before morning, send for me. My chambers are connected.”  

“I will,” I replied. “Goodnight, Jordan.”  

“Goodnight, Scarlett.” He turned and left, the heavy door closing behind him.  

Alone at last, I walked over to the tall mirror. Servants had helped me into a deep emerald gown after the bath. It flowed beautifully over my body, the fabric rich and soft. I turned slowly, studying the woman staring back.  

“Look at you,” I whispered to my reflection. “Dressed like a queen. But can you actually become one? Or will they see the scared girl from the woods?”  

I smoothed the gown over my belly. The baby kicked in response. “We’re in this together, little one. Your father… Jordan… is only pretending. But I have to be strong for you. For the revenge we both need.”  

The whispers from the servants echoed in my head. I practiced a calm smile in the mirror. “I am the Queen. Treat me as such,” I said aloud, trying to sound commanding like Jordan.  

It felt awkward, but I kept practicing. “I survived the woods. I can survive this palace.”  

Exhaustion finally pulled at me. I moved to the grand four-poster bed, its sheets cool and silky. I blew out the candle on the bedside table, plunging the room into darkness.  

Just as I settled under the covers, I heard it—the soft scrape of paper sliding beneath the bedroom door.  

I sat up quickly, heart racing. “Who is there? Show yourself!” I called out into the silent room.  

No footsteps. No voice. Only the unsigned letter waiting on the floor like a secret threat in the shadows.