LOGINCHAPTER EIGHTEEN When I opened my eyes, I found myself back on my bed. Luca sat beside me, breaking the silence. “You were only out for a few minutes. Don’t overthink it.” He must have noticed the worry in my eyes because he quickly reassured me again. “You’re fine, Mira. Just a little stress, that’s all.” Then Roberts stepped forward. “Your Highness, you must take good care of yourself until you fully master your powers and grow stronger.” I didn’t have the energy to speak much, so I simply nodded. Exhaustion weighed heavily on me, yet hunger clawed at my stomach. I asked Dora to bring my food to my room since I was too weak to walk to the dining hall. After eating, sleep claimed me almost instantly. I slept for about three hours. When I woke again, I had no desire to train. Instead, I summoned Steve. He appeared before me almost immediately. “Ma’am, you’re awake. Would you like to train?” “Not really,” I replied softly. “I want to read. Please escort me to the library.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN At the diner, the food tasted far better than I expected. Maybe it was the pregnancy, or maybe I was just hungry—but I ate more than usual. Luca gently held my hand and said, “Slow down. You’re eating like someone who hasn’t eaten in a week.” I paused and looked around the table—Steve, Dr. Roberts, Dora… and my husband, Luca. For a moment, we looked like one happy family. “Doctor,” I asked calmly, “will I gain weight because of the pregnancy?” Dr. Roberts chuckled softly. “Of course you will. There’s nothing you can do to stop it.” Before I knew it, tears filled my eyes. “Mira… what’s wrong?” Luca asked, clearly confused. I wiped my eyes gently. “If I gain weight… will you still love me the same?” The entire table burst into laughter. My chest tightened. “I’m serious!” I snapped, my voice trembling. “And you’re all laughing?” A tear slipped down my cheek. Luca immediately stood and walked over to me. “I’ll always love you,” he said softly. “It’s not
CHAPTER SIXTEEN The doctor suddenly fell to his knees, his voice trembling. “Your mother, Seraphina Blackthorn, was a great queen… beloved by all. She… she even looked like your wife standing here.” The room went still. “She served the kingdom with everything she had. Then she became pregnant with you. It was during that time she discovered the king had an affair… two years earlier… which resulted in your elder brother, Derek.” Luca’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. “The king later went to war and returned gravely injured—on the brink of death. Your mother’s pregnancy was almost due, yet… she refused to lose him. Despite his betrayal, she also refused to let the kingdom lose its king.” The doctor’s voice cracked. “So she used her healing powers… and saved him.” A pause. “But it cost her everything.” My heart dropped. “Two days later, her labor began. And the moment your cries filled the room… the queen gave her last breath.” Silence. “The king… could not forgive hims
CHAPTER FIFTEEN This routine continued for a week. I was always with Steve or Luca, just to make sure Derek didn’t get the chance to speak to me or come close. Lately, I had been feeling dizzy and slightly nauseous, but I didn’t think much of it. I tried reading sometimes, but not for long. I just went along with everything, hoping it would pass. Until one day. A letter arrived from the palace, summoning Luca—with his right-hand man, Steve—for an urgent discussion concerning the throne. There was no way out of it. Before leaving, Luca held me close and reassured me. “I’ll be back before midnight.” But unease crept into my chest. Midnight felt too far away. “How am I supposed to protect myself?” I asked quietly. “We’re already bonded,” he replied calmly. “If anything happens, just call my name in your mind three times, and I’ll be there. Besides, Dora is still here.” I frowned. “Dora can’t even protect herself. How is she supposed to protect me?” He sighed softly. “Just call
CHAPTER FOURTEEN As he appeared before us, I saw the rage burning in Luca’s eyes. “Derek… what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice thick with resentment. Derek only smiled calmly. “Is that any way to welcome your elder brother?” Luca’s expression darkened. “What have you come here to do this time?” “I’ve come to stay for a while,” Derek replied smoothly. “Father’s orders. The king believes we should get to know each other better… so that when the battle comes, the loser won’t seek revenge or throw the kingdom into chaos.” His words sounded reasonable—but something about them felt wrong. And deep down, I knew that wasn’t the only reason he was here. Still, none of us objected. Sending him away would only anger the king. Derek’s gaze suddenly shifted to me, slow and deliberate. “Won’t you introduce me to your lovely… and very sexy wife?” His eyes lingered over my body as if memorizing every detail, and a chill ran down my spine. Before I could speak, Luca snapped, his vo
CHAPTER THIRTEEN We stood in the open garden, ten feet apart—my husband and I on one side, Steve on the other. The spellbook rested in my left hand while I used my right to attempt the spells. I asked Luca which spell I should try first. Calmly, he said I should attempt absorbing Steve’s energy; it might come in handy later. I took a deep breath, recited the words from the book, and looked directly at Steve. Stretching out my hand as if to collect something, I was surprised when it actually worked. I felt a surge of strength, and Steve collapsed to his knees. I stopped immediately, recited the words backwards, and directed my palm toward him. Slowly, the energy returned to him, and I felt like myself again. Encouraged, I suggested trying the spell on Luca. He warned me not to overdo it—people born of Blackthorn couldn’t easily have their powers drained. I lifted my hands, aimed at him, and repeated the words. At first, it seemed to work—but suddenly, pain shot through my arm and I







