ARIAFor months I stayed inside fearing to come outside. Not because of my bulging belly I couldn't hide anymore but because of the accusations. The rumour of Aaliya’s child loss and the king's first heir had spread like wildfire.Aaliya had spiralled into madness after losing her baby. She became angry, blaming both Zavier and I for her loss and deep down, I bore the guilt. The first and last time I visited her, she had lost control.Her once-beautiful features were twisted with grief and rage. “You took everything from me!” She had screamed, snatching a pair of scissors from her drawer.I ran back, dodging her and pleading with her. “Please don't Aaliya, I'm sorry.”“If you hadn't run off he wouldn't have come after you and my child would have still been alive. That's all you wanted isn't it? You get pregnant and I lose mine.”She had thrown the scissors but Artemis had come just in time to get me out of there. Aaliya had been taken to the clinic and it was suggested that it was be
ARIAAt the first light of dawn, I moved quickly through the palace, my heart pounding in her chest as I kept looking behind my shoulders.The air was cold, the kind that clung to your skin and made you feel alive. I had secured a few of my belongings under my cloak and the pressure made it difficult to walk but I didn't stop. Not this time.“My lady,” One of the guards called, causing me to halt in my footsteps. How did they camouflage in the dark cause I could swear I saw no one.“Flynn,” I say, turning around with a fake smile plastered on my face.He stepped out of the dark, his Armour glistening in the moonlight as he took a bow.“You dropped this,” he said and gestured to the pink scarf in his hands. Oh shit! He must've seen it fall from under my clothes.“Thank you,” I said nervously as I gingerly took it from him. “I barely even realised.“Where are you headed so early my Lady? The palace is still asleep,” he said, eyeing me suspiciously.“I want to take sparkles for a race an
ARIA Panic surged through my veins, my body going cold despite the warmth of the atmosphere and the heat of his gaze on me.“Why didn't you tell me about the child, ARIA?” He demanded, his voice low but dangerous.My eyes widened and my breath hitched in my throat. How did he know? Who had told him, could it be Artemis? No– I was in the damn clinic. The doctor must have had me tested. My mind screamed for me to run, to get away from him and everyone but rather I couldn't move. Couldn't speak.“Answer me! “ He growled, his voice growing impatient by the minute.“I… I don't—” I stammered, taking a shaky step backward but my legs felt heavy and slow like I was trying to walk through quick sand.Before I could move again, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist firmly and pinning me against the wall. His hold wasn't painful, but it was enough to stop me and make me feel trapped. “Don't lie to me Aria,” he warned, an edge of pain to his voice. “Don't you dare lie to me.You're carrying my c
ZAVIERFor weeks, I tried to adjust to the changes around me. Aria barely had dinner or breakfast with me. She was always reserved, and I barely caught a glimpse of her. Aaliya had made me bring most of her things to my room because she needed my attention and believed it formed a bond with the baby. I was exhausted by her constant presence, but all I wanted was for her to have the baby, nurse him for three months, and then I’d pay her off to leave.I missed Aria terribly. She never came out of her room, and when she did, it was only for brief moments. I saw her from afar sometimes, but often, she seemed to disappear entirely. The palace felt empty without her presence. The betas, who used to be lively and engaging, had become more quiet and reserved since Irish left. They barely told me things or joked with me anymore. I considered bringing Irish back, knowing she always made Aria happy and that would please the betas.One morning, while having breakfast with Aaliya and my betas, Ari
ARIAWhen I woke up, a shadow loomed over me. Startled, I jerked up to see Artemis towering above my bed. "Get off!" I yelled, and she jumped back, her eyes wide with fear."Sorry! I was just—" she stammered."What were you doing?" I demanded, sitting up fully."I was checking your temperature," she explained, trying to compose herself."Why?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you gay or something? Look, I’m not homophobic, but I’m not interested in women.”Artemis burst out laughing. "No, no. I was genuinely checking your temperature. You seemed unwell.”I frowned. "I caught you staring at my lips."She took a deep breath and stared at me. "Why were you drinking last night, Aria?”I threw my hands up in exasperation. "Why is everyone trying to be my parent? And did you forget the rules? Stay out of my business.”"Drinking is unhealthy for you," she replied calmly. "You need to be careful, especially now that you’re early.”"Early?" I repeated, confusion clouding my mind. "What do you mean by
THIRD PERSON POVAria woke up to an empty room. Artemis was gone for now, and for that, she felt a wave of relief. It wasn’t that she hated her, but she couldn’t get used to someone new. She relished the solitude for a moment before deciding to start her day.After a quick shower, she realized most of her clothes were still in Zavier’s room. With a sigh, she wrapped herself in a robe, letting her dripping wet hair rest on her shoulders, creating a messy trail down her back. She called for her maid, Beatrix.Beatrix entered the room with a smile. "Good morning, my lady. What do you need?”"I need you to get my things from Zavier’s room. Most of my dresses are at his and my undergarments too," Aria said, trying to sound casual.Beatrix paused, her smile faltering. "Okay my lady. Are you coming for the event today, my lady?”Aria raised an eyebrow. "What event?”Beatrix looked at her, a little confused. "The celebration for the king’s expected child.”Aria felt a chill run down her spine