로그인Arianna's POV I didn't know how much time had passed when I heard the door open again. This time, I recognised Cassian's voice. “Arianna?” I quickly wiped my face. “I'm here.” I heard Evander wheeling him into the chamber. “Your Highness, I'll leave you both alone,” Evander said. “Thank you. You may go.” The door closed behind him. Cassian remained quiet for a moment before speaking. “Have you eaten anything?” I shook my head. “Would you like me to ask them to bring you something?” “I don't want to eat.” He sighed softly. “Arianna…” “Please, Cassian. Not now.” He didn't argue. Instead, I heard the familiar movement of his wheelchair approaching the bed. A moment later, his hand reached out. I placed my hand in his. “Come closer,” he said gently. I shifted towards him, and he held my hand between both of his. “Evander told me they found nothing,” I whispered. “Yes. He informed me.” “They searched her room. They questioned the maids. Nothing.” “I know.” “What if w
Arianna's POV I didn't know how long I sat beside my mother's body. Time seemed to have lost its meaning. The people around me moved, spoke, and carried out their duties, but I barely noticed any of it. All I could think about was my mother. The woman who had raised me. The woman who had endured so much yet never stopped fighting. The woman who had smiled at me the previous night and promised we would see each other again. She was gone. And I hadn't even gotten the chance to say goodbye. Eventually, the palace physician and some of the servants approached to take her body away. I protested at first, holding on to her as though refusing to let go could somehow bring her back. But Cassian spoke softly beside me. “Arianna, sweetheart. Let them take her. She deserves to rest.” I turned towards his voice, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I don't want them to take her.” “I know.” “She was just with me last night, Cassian. She was talking to me. How can she be gone?” His hand fo
Arianna’s POV Lady Helena led me towards the palace's open field. And then I saw them. Several people had gathered in the distance, standing around something on the ground. Some of the servants had their hands over their mouths, while others stood with their heads bowed. My steps slowed. There was a body lying in the middle of them. A woman. And the minte I saw who it was... “No…” The word escaped my lips before I could stop it. I began running. “Mother!” The people gathered around her quickly stepped aside as I pushed through them. I fell to my knees beside her, barely feeling the impact. Her eyes were closed. Her face was still, and her body lay in an unnatural position. A dark, dried stain of blood spread across the ground near her head. For a moment, I couldn't breathe. “Mother?” I reached for her hand. It was cold. I shook my head, refusing to accept what my fingers were telling me. “Mother, wake up.” I pulled her into my arms, carefully lifting her head against my c
Arianna's POV Months passed, and life in the palace gradually settled into a routine I had grown accustomed to. My pregnancy progressed with each passing week, and my mother's health improved alongside it. The healers never relented in their efforts to restore her health. They visited her regularly, prepared different medications, and made sure she followed every instruction given to her. There were days when she complained about the bitter taste of her medicines, but I always reminded her that she had to take them if she wanted to get better. Thankfully, she listened. The woman who once struggled to walk across a room could now move around without much assistance. Her appetite had improved, her complexion looked healthier, and the constant exhaustion that had once plagued her was gradually disappearing. Watching her recover was one of the greatest joys I had experienced in a long time. I no longer had to wake up every morning wondering whether I would find her breathing. Inste
Arianna's POVDays passed and I was finally accustomed to seeing my mother around me. The first thing I usually did upon waking up was check up on my mother before getting ready for the day. On one of those mornings, I had decided to check on my mother before having breakfast.I had barely stepped out of my chamber when I heard a commotion coming from the servants' quarters.Curious, I followed the sound and stopped at the entrance of the laundry room.What I saw made me pause.Seraphina was standing in front of a large basin filled with dirty clothes. Her sleeves were rolled up, her hair was loosely tied behind her head, and her servant's dress was already damp.Beside her stood two maids, watching her work."Why are you standing there staring at me?" she snapped. "Do you expect me to wash all these clothes by myself?"One of the maids stepped forward."Lady Seraphina, those are the clothes you are expected to wash. We have other duties to attend to."Seraphina glared at her."Then
Arianna's POVAfter breakfast, Cassian made sure his orders were carried out.Within a short time, several physicians and healers from different parts of Valtheris were brought to the palace to examine my mother.Some arrived carrying medical bags and books, while others came with assistants and different instruments I had never seen before.I watched as they took turns examining her, checking her pulse, asking questions about her symptoms and reviewing the few medical records we had managed to obtain from Lunarcrest.I remained beside her throughout the examinations, holding her hand whenever I noticed her becoming uncomfortable.After the final physician finished examining her, Cassian requested that they meet with him and the royal physician.I wanted to stay with my mother, but she advised otherwise. "Go and listen to what they have to say, my child. I will be fine."I hesitated before nodding.When I entered the adjoining chamber, the physicians were already gathered.Cassian sa







