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Forty Two

Author: Scarlett
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-28 17:42:21

Derek

The council chamber was silent, the air thick with tension. I sat at the head of the long, ornate table, my fingers curled tightly against the armrests of my throne. Across from me, Giovanni stood with his shoulders squared, his expression grim and unwavering.

I had always known Giovanni to be sharp, a warrior in his own right, but today, there was something else in his eyes—something darker. A weight that came from witnessing something truly vile.

He had returned only days ago, yet I had summoned him to court so that he could address the court about his findings along with Aaron.

Too many questions swirled in my mind, and I wouldn’t rest until I had answers.

“Speak, Giovanni,” I commanded, my voice calm but firm. “Tell me everything.”

Giovanni took a slow breath, then met my gaze. “I saw the rogue’s den with my own eyes, Your Majesty. I saw their numbers, their strategies. But worst of all, I saw the truth behind King Worden’s betrayal.”

A murmur ran through the few nobles pre
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  • Pregnant And Rejected; His Exclusive Mate    Seventy Three

    ZorayaThe air in the dungeon was thick and damp, the kind of air that clung to your skin and made it impossible to forget where you were. The scent of blood, rusted metal, and the faint tang of mildew lingered like a memory you couldn’t wash away. My feet made almost no sound on the cold stone floor as I followed Queen Melody deeper inside, the torchlight flickering against the damp walls and casting shadows that danced like ghosts in the corners of my eyes.And then… I saw it.The cage.For a heartbeat, I froze where I stood. My breath caught in my throat so sharply it hurt, my fingers curling into the fabric of my dress without me realizing it.It was the same kind of cage I had grown up in. Every sharp, cold bar was a mirror of the prison that had defined my childhood.A narrow, box of steel that offered no comfort, no dignity, and no space to breathe.I could feel it all over again… the aching knees, the stiffness in my back, the way my ribs pressed against metal when I tried

  • Pregnant And Rejected; His Exclusive Mate    Seventy Two

    MelodyThe battle was over, but my heart was still racing. The scent of blood lingered in the air, mixing with the charred smell of destruction, and even though the palace had been secured, I couldn’t rest. Not yet. My family was my heartbeat, and until I saw each one of them with my own eyes once again to make sure that they were truly unharmed, I would not breathe in peace.I started with Derek. He had been badly wounded during the northern assault, and the image of him bleeding was still raw in my mind. I found him in one of the large recovery chambers, the healers swarming around him with herbs and bandages. His usually mischievous eyes softened when he saw me, and I crossed the room quickly.“How are you feeling?” I asked, brushing a lock of blood-matted hair away from his face.“Like I’ve been chewed up and spat out,” Derek grinned weakly, but the smile faltered under my sharp gaze.“You scared me,” I murmured, cupping his cheek. “Don’t ever do that again.”“I didn’t plan on

  • Pregnant And Rejected; His Exclusive Mate    Seventy One

    MelodyThe adrenaline hadn’t quite faded when I handed Derek into the healer’s care. My hands were still slick with blood, but it was no longer from battle. It was from holding Derek. He was badly wounded and pale as he tried to insist he was fine while life drained from his shoulder.“Keep pressure here,” I told the healers, nodding at the gash that marred his ribs. “And give him wolfsbane-root elixir for the fever. He’s strong, but don’t take chances.”The healer bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”I took one last glance at Derek, his eyes already fluttering closed as the painkillers took hold, and turned back toward the hallway.Giovanni was nearby, bruised but unharmed. His sword still dripped with fresh blood, and his dark eyes followed me with concern.“I’m fine,” I said before he could ask. “Stay here with the king.”He started to protest. “But Mother—”“I said stay.”The words came out sharper than I intended, but he nodded, understanding the urgency. My mind was already racing ahea

  • Pregnant And Rejected; His Exclusive Mate    Seventy

    Melody The taste of ash still lingered in my mouth as I dragged Estrella’s bloodied form through the scorched remains of Mallory’s palace corridor. Her body slumped behind me, her once-pristine cloth now torn and soiled from her futile attempts at rebellion. She groaned softly, barely conscious, her limbs twitching in the most pitiful display I had ever witnessed from the woman who once dared call herself my sister. Her rogues, what was left of them, stood frozen in the courtyards and shattered hallways as I passed, their horrified eyes fixed on the sight of their leader being dragged like worthless prey. I wanted them to see it. I needed them to see. Let them witness what became of the mighty Estrella, the wicked woman who stole my child, who ruined my family, and now dared bring war to my kingdom. “She’s down,” I called out, raising my voice with calm certainty. “Let every soul in Mallory remember this day. The day the traitor fell.” My boots thudded heavily against the

  • Pregnant And Rejected; His Exclusive Mate    Sixty Nine

    MelodyThe flames crackled in the distance, licking the edges of the northern wing of the palace, but I felt nothing, no fear, nothing. Only purpose.I had returned just in time.I stood beneath the archway of my chamber’s corridor, the heavy stone behind me now silent. Just moments ago, the underground passage had swallowed my attendants, maids and everyone who might’ve been caught in the storm Estrella had brought with her.They were safe. That was all that mattered.And now, it was my turn.I stepped through the scorched doorway of my chambers, the smoke thick in the air, curling like angry spirits. My once-beautiful tapestries had turned to ash. The silk bedding charred. My bookshelf had collapsed, tomes blackened and unreadable.Still, none of it made my pulse race.No.What caught my attention was the shrill snarl of frustration echoing through the chamber.Estrella.She stood in the center of the ruin, her silver eyes scanning desperately. Her nostrils flared, her claws exten

  • Pregnant And Rejected; His Exclusive Mate    Sixty Eight

    EstrellaThe moon hung heavy over the treetops, casting silver light on the valley below. From where I stood atop the ridge, the walls of Mallory stretched like a serpent in the darkness…ancient, proud, and soon to be broken.I exhaled slowly, the weight of my anticipation turning my breath to fog in the chill night air. The time had come.Behind me, hundreds of my rogue army waited in tense silence, their eyes glowing in the dark, muscles coiled like springs. I turned toward my commanders. “I want ten of our best,” I said sharply. “Silent, swift, and loyal. Send them through the hidden archway on the northern ridge. Elena said there would be only a handful of guards at this hour.”Darion, tall and dark-eyed, nodded at once. “As you command.”Within minutes, ten of my most lethal shadows were assembled, cloaked in black, blades gleaming faintly beneath their tunics. Without a word, they slipped into the darkness and began their descent down the rocky slope toward the wall.I watched

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