ログインAria POV
I heard the crowd's roars and gasps before I could see anything. My heart pounded as I shoved through the wall of soldiers and spectators, ignoring the annoyed shouts and angry murmurs.Then I saw him.Elias lay on the ground, his body battered and broken, blood pooling beneath him in the snow. He coughed, crimson spilling from his lips, trying desperately to push himself up. But Magnus wouldn't let him. He kicked him hard, sending him sprawling back to theAria POVI lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. The pain in my back made every small movement ache, but at least the dizziness had faded.I had insisted Elara take me to my own chamber instead of staying in Magnus's room. I couldn't stand being there, surrounded by his scent.Elara had gone to get me some food, so I was alone with my thoughts. My mind kept drifting to the maid who promised to get me the receipts. I hoped she was actually on my side and wasn't just setting me up. I couldn't afford to trust the wrong person.My hand drifted to my belly, resting there gently. I was grateful my baby was safe, but now I needed to be more careful. I couldn't let anything happen to them again.A knock came from my door. I sat up carefully, wincing."Come in," I said.The door opened, and Elias walked in. His body was still bandaged, his face lined with worry. He rushed to my bedside, his hands hovering over me like he was afr
Magnus POVI sat in my office, the weight of the day pressing down on me. Adrian and Ossian stood before me, their faces grim as they delivered their findings."Some of the maids and staff are reluctant to speak," Adrian said. "But I've confirmed it from six people. The steward has been whipping them. He's done it to maids, kitchen workers, and stable boys.""For what reasons?" I asked, rubbing my temples."Stealing. Disobeying. And more." Adrian paused, his voice softening slightly. "Is Aria alright?"I looked at him, surprised by the question. Adrian had been suspicious of her from the beginning, yet here he was, asking about her wellbeing."She is," I said slowly. "Why do you ask?"Adrian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't think she's the type who deserves to take a whip to her back. She's going to have scars. I just hope the baby is fine."Ossian interrupted. "Either way, it seems we have a probl
Aria POVMagnus lifted the steward by the throat, the man choking and gasping, his legs dangling uselessly. Magnus wasn't listening to his pleas. His grip was iron, his eyes burning with cold fury.The head maid stumbled forward, her face pale, her voice trembling. "My King... we were punishing the thief."Magnus's eyes snapped to her. He threw the steward hard to the ground. The man hit the stone floor with a heavy thud, gasping for air as he clutched his bruised neck."Since when does punishment involve whipping?" Magnus's voice boomed through the courtyard, echoing off the stone walls. "And you had the audacity to do it in front of a crowd? You must be out of your mind."The head maid shrank back. "My King, she stole an important book. It was the late Queen's-""I don't even let the criminals I execute feel pain," Magnus cut her off, his voice cold and deadly. "But you dared to do this. To my mate."He turned to me, h
Aria POVThey dragged me to my chambers, shoving me through the doorway so hard I stumbled and nearly fell. The steward and head maid entered behind me, their faces cold and triumphant, while soldiers gripped my arms, holding me in place. A crowd had gathered outside the door. Maids, servants, soldiers, all pressing forward, eager to witness my humiliation.I scanned the faces desperately, hoping to see Magnus or even Ossian. They weren't here."Search it," the steward commanded, his voice sharp as a blade.Two soldiers lunged forward, tearing through my belongings with ruthless efficiency. They ripped my clothes from the wardrobe, tossed my few possessions across the floor, overturned the small table. The sound of breaking glass made me flinch.I tried to stay calm, but my heart pounded so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it.I didn't steal any book. I knew that.But as I watched them destroy my room, I caught the
Aria POV"Is this what you're looking for?"My breath caught in my throat. My hands grew sweaty, my heart hammering against my ribs. I forced myself to stay calm, to hide the panic clawing at my chest."What do you want?" I said, my voice carefully steady."Did I mention wanting anything?" the maid asked calmly, her eyes unreadable.I studied her for a moment, my mind racing. "You wouldn't be holding that in front of me if you weren't expecting something in return. It's better if you return it... unless you want trouble."The maid smiled, which caught me off guard. She stepped forward and handed me the papers. I took them, shocked but still wary."You should be careful," she said softly, her voice dropping. "What if one of the steward's or head maid's puppets found this? It wouldn't end well for you."I let out a slow breath, clutching the papers to my chest. "Are you going to tell anyone?""No. But I w
Aria POVI woke to the familiar softness of my bed. I shot up quickly, my heart pounding. How did I get here? I remembered being with Elias last night, falling asleep on his lap. Had someone carried me back?Before I could think further, I heard a sound from the corner of the room. I glanced toward the side and froze.Magnus sat in a chair, his head tilted back, his eyes closed in deep sleep. Even in sleep, he looked tense. His jaw was tight, his hands folded, his brows furrowed. He looked like a man who never truly rested.Had he stayed here all night? Watching over me?I looked down at myself and blushed. I was dressed in sleepwear, a simple, soft nightgown I definitely hadn't been wearing before. My face flushed. Don't tell me he was the one who changed me.Before I could think further, Magnus stirred. His face twisted with tension, his eyes shut tightly. A low, pained sound escaped his throat."No..." he muttered, hi







