LOGINArianna's POV The day of the celebration arrived sooner than I would have liked. From the moment I woke up, the palace had been filled with activity. Servants hurried through the corridors, carrying trays of refreshments and making last-minute arrangements. The grand hall had been decorated with fresh flowers, golden ribbons, and silver ornaments befitting the announcement of a royal heir. Everyone seemed excited about the occasion. I sat before the dressing mirror while Lady Helena helped me prepare for the ceremony. She had chosen a beautiful gown for me, a flowing dress in a soft shade of champagne, with delicate embroidery along the bodice and sleeves. My hair had been styled into loose waves, with a few strands framing my face, while a simple diamond necklace rested against my collarbone. When I finally stood, Lady Helena's face lit up. "Your Highness, you look breathtaking." She circled me appreciatively, adjusting the fabric around my waist. "Honestly, I don't think I
Arianna's POVMy blood ran cold. "What are you talking about?" She tilted her head. "Surely you don't believe that simply because you're carrying a child, that child will automatically inherit the crown one day?" I stared at her, unable to understand where she was going with this. Alicia took another step toward me. "Listen carefully, Arianna. You can dream about your little prince or princess taking over the throne all you want. You can spend tomorrow accepting congratulations and pretending that your child has a bright future ahead." Her smile widened. "But you should never make the mistake of believing that a child born of you will live long enough to be named." For a moment, the entire garden seemed to go silent. Even the breeze against my skin felt colder. I stared at her, my lips parting, but no words came out. "What did you just say?" Alicia only laughed. "Oh, don't look so shocked. I was simply offering you some friendly advice." "Are you threatening my baby?" H
Arianna’s POV Throughout that day, I was extra cautious about the things I ate and drank. Although Cassian had said he would look for another way, I couldn't bring myself to trust him not to go ahead and hurt our child as he had intended. Even at night, when it was time to sleep, I couldn't bring myself to close my eyes and rest peacefully. Different wild thoughts kept creeping into my mind like a thief, stealing whatever little peace I had left. What if Cassian changed his mind? What if he decided that my life mattered more than our child's and went ahead with his plan without telling me? And what if the danger he was so afraid of was real? I didn't know which possibility frightened me more. All I knew was that I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Early that day, I learned that the Queen had ordered a ceremony to be organized for the following afternoon to celebrate my pregnancy. Apparently, she had also decided to combine it with the welcome party that had been planned
Arianna’s POVI blinked slowly, pretending to struggle with the effort of waking."Ca... Cassian?"He let out a breath that sounded almost like a sob."You're awake."Before I could answer, he reached for my hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss against my knuckles."Moon Goddess, you're awake."His eyes glistened, and the sight nearly shattered me.He looked so relieved. So genuinely happy to see me conscious that, for one terrible moment, I wondered how the same man could have spoken about ending our baby's life."What happened?" I whispered."You collapsed at the council meeting." He brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "The physician said you were exhausted, but you've been asleep for hours. I was beginning to worry that something else was wrong.""I'm sorry," I murmured.His expression changed immediately."Don't apologise, love. You have nothing to apologise for."He leaned closer, searching my face as though trying to reassure himself that I was truly awake."
Arianna’s POVI didn't know how long I remained in bed after Cassian and Evander left.My thoughts were a tangled mess, and every time I closed my eyes, I heard Cassian's broken voice pleading for another way to save me.He had sounded so desperate and afraid. And yet, he had still been willing to end my pregnancy.I placed a hand over my stomach, my eyes stinging with fresh tears.What was I supposed to do with everything I had heard?Part of me wanted to believe that Cassian had a good reason for making such a terrible decision. But another part of me couldn't forget that he had intended to kill his own blood. A quiet sigh escaped my lips.I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't immediately notice the footsteps approaching my room.It was only when the door opened that I stiffened beneath the covers.Someone had returned.I closed my eyes quickly and forced my breathing to remain steady.The familiar sound of a wheelchair rolling across the floor followed.Cassian.My heart bega
Arianna’s POVMy entire body went cold.Even though I had already heard Cassian say those terrible words, hearing Evander speak about them so plainly made my stomach twist.They were discussing the death of my child as though it were a decision waiting to be made.“What option, Evander?” Cassian asked, his voice suddenly strained. “Tell me. What other option do you think I have?”“I'm asking you to consider that there might be another way.”“And you think I haven't considered that?” His voice rose slightly before he caught himself. “You think I'm happy about this? You think I want to kill my own child?”My breath caught.For a moment, I forgot to pretend I was asleep.‘His own child.’He had called the baby his own. And yet, he was still considering ending the pregnancy.“No,” Evander replied softly. “I know you're not happy about it.”“Then what do you expect me to do?” Cassian demanded. “Sit here and pretend everything is fine? Wait until something happens to Arianna because I was t







