**GWEN**Instead of going to my room, I made a beeline for the study to attend to the file from before. Of course, I have a meeting with the former Queen to discuss it. I needed to be acquainted with all the names before her arrival.As I flipped through the pages, a maid came in to deposit a tray of cookies and tea and even went on to open the curtains and let in the evening light. Then stoked the fire in the hearth. She picked away some objects no longer of importance-possibly used by the former Queen-and opened the fridge to take off bottles that had overstayed."Your Highness, should I arrange the desk?" She asked when she came back from dropping the stuff she took out.I glanced about my desk. The place was in disarray. Nonetheless, I couldn't let her do that not knowing which papers or files held water. So, I shook my head. I would do that after speaking with the former Queen. She would be the one to inform me of the files that are now irrelevant and needed elimination."I will l

**ASHTON**I was worn out and needed profound rest as of when I made it out of the meeting conference room. The moment we rounded up, I had informed Williams through the mind link to conclude with them whilst I took some fresh air.Goddess, these elders were stifling. The guts of them to ask me why we haven't dropped news of an heir yet. We just got married for goddess sake. It was not like babies were plucked from trees or anything.However, I have been having this gnawing feeling to inquire from Gwendolyn if all was well. It was not as if I was putting pressure on her, I mean we were in this together, which was why I should ask her how she felt and if there had been any signs. That way we know the way forward, if to see the Doctor.It's will be five month soon.I was so deep in thought I didn't hear the sound of footstep coming the other side of the hall, nor my mother's scent until I nearly collided with her."Son!" She righted her self fast and stepped back. "Are you alright?""Ye

**GWEN**The entire palace was busy with people milling about, engaged in one activity or the other. It was the interior decor team that arrived to prepare the venue where the ball would be held.With every day they broke, I was astounded by the level of importance that was given to this very occasion.Earlier this morning, I had woken up early as Kora came in to arrange the gowns I would be using today, and being that I had informed her to leave out attending to me in the mornings, when I rose to ask her out, I discovered Ashton was gone. And Kora went on to notify me about the palatial engagement today.I went training with my friend after then where Abby said Ashton asked her the other night why she didn't hang out all the time with Tyler. I could see that Tyler was growing uneasy every day with this herculean task plunged at him, and I was very happy he was willing to help me. As always.Now, here we are, doing nothing but standing close to the former Queen, nodding, waving, and s

**ASHTON**I had intentionally concealed the recent happening in the palace from my mate knowing how she would have reacted if informed. I saw how she was engaged, running about the place nonstop trying to make sure today was a success.It was something I didn't think anyone could do apart from my mother. From the way I saw my mother watching her every movement closely with small smiles mindless smiles etched on her face, I knew she was proud of her.Don't be mistaken. I was not fine with it. Normally, the Queen was not expected to carry out these things as they were the major works of the welfare team. However, seeing as she had insisted and my mother had adamantly supported her, I knew there was little to nothing I could have done about it.And I liked it.It only irked me as I was not often around most of the time to enjoy watching her from my window up there as she talked to someone, wiped sweats off her brows, mumbled things I craved to hear to herself- thinking no one was seeing

**GWEN**My first reaction was a gasp that emitted from my mouth long before I realized myself and took a step forward in panic. Forgotten was the party behind me and the people waiting for their hosts to deliver the first dance and speech. My heart instantly dilapidated with the news of my mate out there. Down. Down as in how?"What do you mean by 'down?'" I confronted the messenger, my eyes wide in apprehension. I dropped my gown and went for his shoulders, placing my hands on both of them to get his full attention. "Take me there.""No," Charlotte intervened, apparently coming out shock herself. She took my right wrist and tugged me a step away from the man. "You have to stay here and keep the party going. I will go with Abigail to them." I was shaking my head, my spirit, soul and body no longer here with them. What does she mean by ‘keep the party going’? How could I do that when at this moment I could hardly maintain a clear head?"Look at me!" Charlotte commanded, grasping my s