Cursed Heir: Bloodline Of The Damned のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

Dawn light cut through the high windows like blades, painting the chamber in cold gold. I lay on the long examination table the servants had dragged in, heart slamming against my ribs so hard I could barely breathe. The royal healer, Asterin, moved around me with quick efficiency, his silver robes whispering against the stone floor."Easy, Omega," Asterin said, not unkindly. He uncorked a small vial and waved it under my nose. "Breathe normally. I need to read the changes in your scent."Vesperian stood at the head of the table like a statue, arms crossed, golden eyes locked on my bare stomach. He hadn't said a word since he arrived, but his presence filled the entire room.I swallowed hard. "This is pointless. I already know…""Quiet," Vesperian cut in, voice low. "Let him work."Asterin pressed cool fingers to my wrist, then my neck, murmuring to himself. He placed another vial against my skin that tingled with magic. "The scent shift is profound. Richer. Layered with new life essen

"Drink it, Omega. Every drop."The new servant, a stern-faced woman with iron-gray hair and eyes that never softened, held the cup to my lips. I turned my head sharply, but two guards stepped closer, ready to force it down my throat if I resisted."Fine," I snapped, snatching the cup. The nutrient tea tasted thick and bitter, coating my tongue like medicine meant to punish. I gulped it down anyway, feeling the warmth spread through my belly where the child grew stronger every day.The royal wing felt smaller now. Three days since the confirmation and everything had changed. The old servants were gone, replaced by these cold, loyal ones who answered only to Vesperian. My daily walks in the garden? Canceled. I was allowed ten minutes on the private balcony overlooking the inner courtyard, always under heavy guard.I slammed the empty cup on the table. "Happy? Or do I need to piss in a bottle for you too?"The woman didn’t flinch. "The king wants you strong. The child needs these nutrien

"Keep moving. No stopping," the guard grunted behind me.I ignored him and kept walking the gravel path anyway, one hand resting on the slight swell of my belly. The garden air felt heavier today, thick with the scent of night-blooming flowers. My skin glowed faintly even in daylight now, a soft golden sheen that the loose silk robe barely hid. The child kicked restlessly, like it could sense my mood.I needed this walk. The royal wing was suffocating me.A familiar figure stepped out from behind a flowering hedge. Lord Caelum. The guards tensed but didn’t intervene when he raised a hand in that effortless way of his."Give us a moment," Caelum said, voice smooth as polished steel. "The king won’t object."The guards exchanged glances but backed off a few paces. Caelum fell into step beside me, his silver hair catching the light."You look different," he said quietly, eyes flicking to my belly and then to the glow on my collarbone. "Stronger. And he looks weaker. Tell me I’m wrong, El

I waited until the guards outside my door changed shifts, their footsteps fading down the corridor. My heart hammered as I slipped out of bed, bare feet silent on the cold stone. The child kicked sharply, like it knew I was doing something dangerous. The faint golden glow under my skin lit my way just enough to see in the dark."Come on," I whispered, pressing a hand to my belly. "Stay quiet for once."The connecting door to Vesperian’s chambers was locked from his side, but the main corridor had a weak point, I’d noticed it days ago. I moved fast, new strength making my steps light despite the growing swell of my belly. Enhanced senses picked up every sound: distant servant chatter, the crackle of torches, Vesperian’s slow breathing two wings away. He was asleep. Good.I reached the restricted archives door at the end of the east wing. The lock was heavy iron, but my fingers tingled with stolen power. I gripped it, focused, and twisted. The metal groaned softly and gave way. I pushed

"Look at you," one of the new servants whispered to another as they helped me into a looser silk robe. "Barely two months and already showing like that. The whole court’s talking."I yanked the robe closed over my noticeably rounded belly, glaring at them. "Then let them talk. Get out."They bowed quickly and left, but their words stuck. Two months. My stomach curved out enough now that it was impossible to hide. The glow beneath my skin had settled into a constant soft radiance, especially over the swell where the child grew stronger every day.I stood in front of the mirror, running my hands over the bump. The baby kicked hard, right under my palm, like it was saying hello. A rush of protectiveness hit me so strong my knees almost buckled."Easy," I murmured. "We’re in this together."The soul bond tugged suddenly. I closed my eyes and reached along it. Vesperian was in the council chamber. Frustration. Pride. A sharp edge of worry underneath. I could feel his exact emotions now, cl