Chapter 2

I knew I had three days until the birth.

Last time, I was stuck on this island for a week.

My sister came to "check on me" every day. In reality, she was watching my every move.

This time, I wouldn't give her the chance.

I took out Kael's communication crystal.

Soon, a black raven flew in through the window and landed on my arm. Kael’s messenger.

I tied a small note to its leg: "Return at once. Urgent. —S"

The raven vanished into the night.

"Your Highness, did you need something?" My guard entered the room.

"Pack our things," I said, standing up. "We're going back to the capital."

The guard froze. "But… the healer said you need to rest here..."

"I'll only be safe in my own chambers," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Prepare the airship. We leave at once."

This was where they’d laid their trap.

The queen had sent us here, claiming an "ancient lunar array" on the island would bless our children.

It was just an excuse to get us away from the mainland. Away from Kael.

The healers, the guards—they were all her spies.

When Kael had sent messages, worried about me, they’d replied: "Seraphina is fine. Your Highness should focus on the border."

The Tide of the Undead. The perfect excuse.

It trapped my mate a thousand miles away when I needed him most.

"Your Highness, I'm afraid I can't…" the guard stammered.

"What's wrong?" Liliana’s voice came from the doorway. "Sera, where are you going?"

She rushed into the room, her face a mask of concern.

"I miss home," I said calmly. "I want to go back to the capital."

"But the lunar array here is best for the babies," Liliana frowned. "And Kael is off fighting the undead. You'll be all alone."

"I won't be alone." I smiled, sidestepping her attempt to grab my arm. "Kael's mother's snow fox is waiting for me."

Liliana's expression stiffened.

Kael's mother's snow fox was incredibly sensitive to a person's aura.

If I brought the true hybrid king back with me, it would sense his power immediately.

"That fox is vicious," Liliana said quickly. "It doesn't like strangers. What if it hurts you or the baby?"

"It knows me," I said, continuing to pack. "Besides, Kael's personal guard will protect me."

The Night Raiders.

If I gave birth under their watch, no one would get near my child.

Liliana's face grew darker.

"Sera, don't be difficult. The healer said you could go into labor at any moment…"

"Then I should be in the one place I know is safe."

I picked up my bag and walked towards the door.

Liliana followed me. "You can't leave! The queen opened this sacred temple just for us. If you leave without a word…"

"I'll explain it to the queen myself."

On the landing pad, the airship's engines were already humming.

I could feel the power coming from the child in my womb.

He sensed the danger. He sensed my defiance.

I walked faster.

"Stop!"

A cold voice cut through the wind.

Queen Victoria was approaching with her royal guards.

She wore a black gown, her face severe.

"Seraphina, where do you think you're going?"

I stopped and gave a slight bow. "Your Majesty."

"Answer me," she commanded, her voice laced with authority.

"I wish to return to the capital to give birth."

Victoria walked up to me, her eyes scanning my stomach.

"Royal law dictates that all princes must be born in a designated temple. This is to ensure the purity and absolute safety of the bloodline."

"But Kael isn't with me. I feel unsafe."

"Kael has a more important duty," Victoria said, her gaze like ice. "As a woman of the royal family, you should put the kingdom first."

The kingdom. Always the damned kingdom.

"I understand. But…"

"No buts," Victoria cut me off. "You are staying here. That is an order."

I felt that familiar, suffocating pressure.

In my last life, I had buckled under it.

But this time…

"Your Majesty," a smooth male voice called out.

Damien emerged from the temple, his expression fraught with worry.

"I just received a report. Dark mages have been spotted casting curses in the surrounding waters. For safety, the no-fly ward has been activated."

I clenched my fists. Rage boiled in my blood.

Shameless.

They were making up lies just to trap me here.

"Ah!" My sister, Liliana, suddenly cried out. She covered her mouth, pointing a trembling finger at my stomach.

I looked down and my breath hitched.

It's time!

The stress, the anger—it was enough to send me into early labor.

The three of them exchanged a look, their faces filled with a barely hidden glee.

The Queen’s icy expression melted into one of false "concern." She took my arm herself, trying to guide me back to the medical center.

But I wouldn't go.

I had a second chance. I couldn't let my baby fall into their hands again.

I had to get back to the capital. I had to get to Kael.

"I won't give birth in a strange place!" I hissed through the pain, my voice sharp. "I'm going back! My guards can tear a few dark mages to shreds!"

My sister and Damien gave the queen a look.

Victoria's voice turned harsh. "Don't listen to her nonsense! She's about to give birth. If something happens on the airship, the King will have your heads!"