MIQUEL'S POV “I won't allow any midwives to attend to her. Valeria will serve as one." I told Craspina plainly, increasing my pace. “Your highness, she is also heavily pregnant.” She frowned at me. “The midwife had planned to kill the baby also.” She sighed. “Sister!” Tamar screamed in pain and I quickly held her. I mind-linked Valeria and she is on her way already. “Just hold on.” I rested her head on my legs. “Your highness!” Ceasor screamed from outside. “I'm busy!” I screamed back. “You need to hear this, the Uz Dynasty is on their way to Gilead!” He screamed back. What! I stared at Tamar. She seemed relieved with me beside her. What's taking Valeria ages? “They will try to distract us, gather the Gammas. They must not enter Gilead. Miguel should be your leader, Tamar is in pain. Where is Valeria?!” I screamed, getting upset. “Yes, my Lord!” He left afterwards. “I apologise for coming late!” She apologised. “You have to guard the door. No midwife or guard should come in

MIQUEL'S POV “You shouldn't have just let him go like that.” Tamar scolded again. I explained everything that transpired. “Are you even getting my point here? Being together will bring nothing but pain to him.” She scoffed. “Wolves have destined mates. Why did the moon goddess destine you together then?” She is the best confusion queen. “It's not like you will understand, by the way.” I scoffed, going to bed. *** “Your highness, a rumour has circulated in the capital.” Timon bowed. “What rumour?” “The poisoned mannequin that was used that day was bought from the minister of works' company. Everyone believed he must know about the poison.” Only foolish people will. I thought. “Do you resent me about Prince Emmett's death?” I've longed so much to ask that question. He smiled gently and bowed. “I dare not, your highness, I know you tried your best to save him.” He muttered sadly. “We need to go to a place. It will be fun to go on foot.” We

MIQUEL'S POV A WEEK AFTER “Icarus committed suicide.” I broke the news to Tamar. She looked a bit confused. “Don't you think something is fishy here?” She said softly. I stared at her to expatiate. “My uncle hates pain. He was shivering in fear with the sword pointed to his neck. How could he possibly jump down from a hill?” I thought about it as well, but since his body has been buried. “He was buried before anyone could investigate also,” she pulled the words out of my mouth. “Does that mean someone killed him and tried to frame me for it?” “That's my point, but who would try such detestable things? Premier Casino is on my uncle's side.” She sighed. There was a commotion outside the palace walls. “Please dethrone the crown prince!” “Please dethrone him!” “We beg of you to make the right decision!” “We beg of you, your Majesty!” Those were the noblemen of royal blood. I sighed and turned to leave. “You must come with me, your

MIQUEL'S POV “The king is dead,” the guard repeated to me again, his head bowed like a scolded puppy. I had been so engulfed in my thoughts about what had just happened that when he said it, I almost missed it. I blinked at him for a few moments and then said aloud, “What?” My eyes flicked over his face, searching for anything, some sign of what he was saying. His gaze remained fixed on the ground, but he did not look back up. He seemed to be waiting for something, for me. I wondered if I should offer some kind of comfort or reassurance. “I don't mean…,” I paused and then shrugged helplessly. “I don't know what you mean. What happened?” I took a step towards him, putting out my hand as if to touch him, to confirm that he was real, to make sure this wasn't just some cruel dream. I stopped myself. I fell weakly on the cold ground. Why does this have to happen now that I just found him? I've always tried to remain strong, but I was too weak to keep that today. I cried bitterly. T

AUTHORESS' POV Seneca did as he promised Miquel. He traced Oscar and Demetrius was right. They have secret armies located in the woods. Oscar looked back, perceiving a strange presence in the woods, and Seneca quickly hid behind a tree. “It might have been ages, but you think I won't recognize your scent?” He folded his hands, expecting his old friend to show himself. “Do you have a death wish? You came into these woods alone.” Seneca cleared his throat nervously. “What happened to you? What joy do you deprive in working with someone like that old man?” Seneca raised his voice, but Oscar pinned him to a tree, covering his mouth. “He was the only option I had years ago, and my loyalty is pledged to him. The soldiers here are merciless, you had better keep it down.” He scoffed and released him. “I know, they are merciless wolves like Casino. Wolves trained by you.” “I will let you go today as an old friend. I won't be lenient on you if this happens again.