Chapter forty one

CHAPTER FORTY ONE "I—I thought you were Nina,” I whisper. Adrian doesn’t answer. His eyes travel down my body, slow and deliberate, lingering on the red lace nightdress clinging to every curve I should definitely not be showing him. Heat coils low in my belly under that stare. His gaze drags back up to my face, sharp, burning, impossible to hold. Then he speaks, low and controlled: “Why were you coming out of Frederick’s chambers that night?” Of all the things to ask, this is what’s eating him. I lift my chin, almost daring him. “And what if I don’t want to tell you?” My voice comes out soft… and accidentally seductive. His reaction is instant. He steps in, grabs my throat lightly, not enough to hurt, just enough to command stillness and kisses me. Hard. Deep. Like he’s been starving for it for days. When he pulls back, his lips hover over mine. “Will you answer now?” My breath shudders. “No.” That one word sets something off in him. His

Last Updated : 2026-01-10

Chapter forty two

CHAPTER FORTY TWO His hand stays warm on my hip as he studies me, that slow, dangerous smile still tugging at his lips. The room feels almost too quiet after the storm we just created on the bed. “So,” he murmurs, “you went to Frederick… to help you leave the palace.” I nod softly. Instead of getting angry, his expression deepens with something chill, almost amused. “You should have come to me,” he says, brushing his fingers along my cheek. “If you want to go out, I’ll allow it. But you won’t go anywhere without my protection.” His thumb strokes my lower lip. “You’ll go with securities. Always.” My heart beats. I open my mouth, but he lifts my chin gently, stopping me. “And in five days,” he continues, voice dropping into that commanding tone that makes my knees weak even lying down, “I will announce to the court that we’re getting married. And that you’re to be ranked as Lady Countess.” My heart nearly jumps out of my chest. “That title,” he adds, b

Last Updated : 2026-01-10

Chapter forty three

CHAPTER FORTY THREE I finish my spicy noodles, feeling satisfied and a little energized. I shower, brush my hair, and slip into something comfortable, ready to finally step outside the palace. Nina peeks in, all excitement and drama. “You ready?” I ask, teasing her. Then I pause and raise an eyebrow. “Wait… are you seriously thinking of wearing your uniform outside?” She stares down at herself, confusion written all over her face. I can’t help but laugh. “No, silly. You need something way better.” I rifle through my wardrobe until my eyes land on a dress that would look perfect on her. I hand it over, and her face lights up like she just won the lottery. “For me?” she squeals. “Exactly. Put it on. Today’s your day too,” I say, smiling. Within minutes, Nina is dressed and practically glowing with excitement. When we finally step outside, the car and chauffeur are waiting. Sliding into the back seat, I exhale deeply being out in the open again feels like a small rebe

Last Updated : 2026-01-11

Chapter forty four

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR Nina’s warning rattles in my chest like loose coins, but I force my face smooth. I can’t walk into the royal court looking shaken because of her. I straighten my spine, lift my chin, and tell Nina with a calm I don’t feel,“Let’s go. We can’t keep the king or the court waiting.” I move quickly, slipping into one of the gowns I bought, soft cream silk that fits around my tiny bump like it’s made for me. Nina rushes behind me, brushing my hair until it falls smoothly down my back. I apply a light makeup, nothing too much, just enough to hide how terrified I actually am. No weakness. Not today. By the time we leave my chambers, we have exactly fifteen minutes to reach the court. Every step echoes down the hallway, reminding me that there’s no turning back now. We reach the massive carved doors of the royal court and I freeze. My heart is pounding so loudly I swear Nina can hear it. I inhale slowly, steadying myself. Just then Katerina s

Last Updated : 2026-01-11

Chapter forty five

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE He doesn’t blink. He just stares at Jake, expression locked, unreadable, too calm to be safe. Jake presses on, emboldened by the silence. “She lived with me. We were together for years. She left me suddenly, and shortly after, she came here claiming to be pregnant with your heir.” His voice grows stronger, almost smug. “But that baby is mine. I am certain of it.” My knees nearly buckle. What is this? Why is he lying? Who put him up to this? The royal doctor steps forward with a bow, adding fuel to the fire. “My king,” he says, “I have examined her multiple times. It is true she is with child… but with a proper test conducted at the facility, she was a week gone before you both met, there is no absolute proof the child belongs to you.” The room erupts shock, whispers, laughter from the nobles who have been waiting for my downfall. Katerina’s lips curl into the smallest satisfied smile. Queen Ravenna simply folds her hands like she’s watc

Last Updated : 2026-01-12

Chapter forty six

CHAPTER FORTY SIX A sharp click of heels echoes through the silent hall. Former Queen Ravenna rises from her seat, chin lifted like a blade. “My king,” she says, voice smooth and venomous, “a crime of this magnitude demands the harshest punishment. She should be executed. Mercy would dishonor the crown.” A cold wave of terror crashes through me. My execution? My death? For something I didn’t even do? My entire body trembles. My fingers dig into the floor. For a moment, I forget how to breathe. Adrian’s jaw tightens. Something shifts in his eyes, not softness, not pity… but restraint. A man standing on the edge of a cliff. He looks at me one last time. A glance that feels like the closing of a door. A goodbye without words. Then he turns his back to me and walks toward the throne. No hesitation. No explanation. When he sits, his voice rolls through the chamber cold, merciless, kingly. “Chief security,” he commands, “take her to the royal dungeon until