Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 21 - Chapitre 30

Emily’s POV He removed his glasses, placing them carefully in their case, and studied me with a thoughtful expression. “Your rib… it’s completely healed.”I blinked, stunned. It was only now I realized the sharp pain I’d felt earlier was gone. Hesitantly, I pressed the spot again. Nothing.I stared at him, searching for an explanation, but he shook his head. “Lycans do generate extra heat, yes, but even so, a wound like this shouldn’t heal in less than twenty-four hours… unless…” He trailed off, shaking his head, then looked at me directly. “You’re not the King’s mate, are you?”My heart stuttered. That's not possible. I can't be Malric’s mate. Adrian was my mate, and he… he rejected me. There was no way I’d have another. There must be some mistake.“No,” I said firmly, shaking my head. “We’re not mates. There has to be another explanation.”He shrugged lightly. “Maybe. Regardless, you still need to be careful. Avoid extra stress today…and no lifting heavy objects.”I nodded and left

Emily’s POV “Malric,” Sarah’s voice from the doorway cut through the heavy tension.Without a word, he stepped back and turned to Sarah. “I sent Sharina to you.”“Yes. I’ve confirmed… it’s true,” Sarah said, her expression softening just slightly. The quiet satisfaction in her tone stood in contrast to her usual mysterious aura.Malric nodded once and walked out of the kitchen without sparing me a glance.I slowly exhaled, my chest finally easing… Until Sarah turned her attention to me.“I believe I clearly warned you not to flirt with the king,” she said, her voice sharp now, stripped of all earlier amusement.I stiffened, caught completely off guard. “I…I wasn’t flirting with anyone.” I tried to hide the irritation and anger creeping into my voice.She stepped closer, her sharp gaze narrowing. “Do not mistake his attention for intention,” she said, her black eyes piercing me. “The woman he wants is finally here. Remember your place.”I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath unt

Emily’s POV The silence that followed added to the suffocating tension.His jaw tightened, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Irritation? Frustration? Or something else entirely?My heart thudded painfully in my chest as I waited for a response that never came.Then he stood abruptly, turning his back to me. “I need to use the bathroom. You can leave.”My body froze, stunned by the sudden shift. Before I could even find words, he disappeared behind the door.His silence had said it all.I blinked, swallowing the ache in my throat, trying to hold back the fire behind my eyes.Slowly, trembling, I rose from the bed, gathering the first-aid box. Each step felt heavy, a quiet battle to keep myself composed as I returned it to the doctor. My mind was still haunted by the warmth of his hands, the pressure of his gaze, the magnetic pull I hadn’t been able to resist.But as soon as I closed the door to my own room, the tears fell. Sarah’s last words came uninviting:“Do not mistake

Emily’s POV After the morning saga in the kitchen, I tried even harder to avoid the King since the butler had made it clear I’d provoked him simply by cooking for his mate. I didn’t know if he planned to punish me, but I knew he would never forget, unless he chose to.Still, I couldn’t hide all day. I carried his lunch to the study, keeping my steps light and my head low. Even though he barely ate at midday, it still had to be served.Thankfully, people already were in his study when I entered. Their eyes were red, brimming with fear. I assumed they’d incurred the King’s wrath too. My hands shook as I set the tray down, bowing so low I nearly stumbled, and fled the room as if that alone could spare me from his wrath.Outside the study, I met Sarah. She frowned but said nothing. I had expected warnings, a scolding… even a lashing, given the kitchen incident. I knew she was taking Sharina’s side, but she walked past without a word.I breathed a small sigh and continued my duties, eage

Emily’s POV “Prince Lucien,” Sharina began. I slipped my hands into my back pockets, trying to hide the trembling. “This maid here has something I think she’d like to show everyone.”Lucien turned to me and raised an eyebrow. “Really? And what would that be?”“I—I…” My lips trembled as I searched for words, but Sharina spoke again before I could.“She claimed to be more beautiful than anyone else in this castle,” Sharina said, her smile curling slowly. “I take that as a subtle insult.”Her eyes pressed into mine. I didn’t know what game she was playing, but it didn’t seem like she wanted to expose my mark, so I played along.She turned back to Lucien. “I think you should be the judge, Prince. After all, I am the future queen.”Lucien glanced at me, then back at Sharina, his interest fading just as quickly as it had appeared.“I don’t involve myself in women’s rivalries,” he said evenly. “If you’re offended, you may take it up with the priestess as you suggested earlier.”Then his gaz