The Beast King's Heir: Stolen Before Birth

Fall was setting in, and the air had grown chill.

Not long ago, Eldric Turtman, the healer, came through the secret passage to check my pulse. The baby was strong, well-nourished, and thriving.

The corners of my lips lifted faintly. I was just about to tell my maid, Lily Blossom, to shut the windows when I noticed her hand frozen mid-air, and her brows knit tight.

"Well, well… I didn't expect to find a little carp having an affair here…"

A coy, taunting voice drifted in from outside. I steadied myself with one hand on my stomach, only to see Lyra Swifttail standing before me.

She smiled, her ruby-red eyes gleaming with mischief.

I knew trouble had come knocking.

Lily panicked, rushing in front of me to shield me. She leaned in close and whispered, "My Lady, that must be the newly appointed imperial consort. I've heard she inherited the Vixen Clan's charms—her enchantments are unmatched."

Though I had been staying in the Forsaken Wing for months to safeguard my pregnancy, I still knew enough of what happened beyond these walls.

Ever since the High Priest persuaded Tharion Kael, the Beast King, not to announce my condition, he had continued—at least publicly—to summon women of good fortune into the palace.

And among them, Lyra stood out. Born to a powerful family, her enchantments ensured she was the favorite.

I signaled Lily with a glance, telling her to fetch the Nightguards.

Lyra didn't stop Lily. Her eyes, however, never strayed from my belly. "Judging by the size, you're eight… maybe nine months along?

"'The Beast King is frantic for an heir, yet somehow, a whore in the Forsaken Wing dares to sneak around with a lover…"

I scowled, cradling my stomach with one hand while snatching up a candlestick with the other. "Watch your mouth!"

She smiled coyly before striking me across the face. I collapsed onto the floor as she spat at me.

"You dare betray His Majesty under his very nose? Why shouldn't I expose you? Wasn't your maid running to call for your lover? How pathetic."

Her tails swayed behind her, playful yet menacing, as she pressed down hard on my stomach.

"How about I help you deliver right here? I'll present this illegitimate child to His Majesty myself. If it amuses him, maybe he'll name me Beast Queen."

Her smile turned cruel as she flung the candlestick from my grip.

I hit the ground hard, pain shooting through my tailbone. Still, I clutched at my belly, refusing to let go.

Just then, Lily stumbled back into the room.

My eyes lit up with hope, desperate. But her face was pale, and her forehead was beaded with sweat. She said, "My Lady, forgive me. I couldn't find the Nightguards…"

The spark in my eyes dimmed, and I bit my lip hard.

At first, the Nightguards had been diligent, watching over every detail of my daily life. But the Forsaken Wing was deserted, and over time, with no threat in sight, they had set a date each month to go out drinking and playing cards.

And it had to be today, of all days, that not one had stayed behind.

A cold dread hollowed me out.

Lyra seemed to read my thoughts. "Your lover would never dare take someone from His Majesty. He'll never come for you. Still playing the victim, are you? Pathetic."

Her words dripped with disdain before she drove her foot hard into my side.

My hair came loose, scattering across my face. My cheeks and chest burned with searing pain.