_Back in Eridoria_
Six months after Ava was born, Xaren gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, and she named him, Alexander. The love the king showered her with made her so happy and confident but she was turning from a good person to a greedy one seeking for power, and happy to birth a son, she strongly believed that the throne is secured.
A month later, Queen Xaren sat gracefully on her throne, her month-old son, Prince Alexander, cradled in her arms. King Erian beamed with pride, showering mother and child with affection.
Xaren's thoughts drifted to her ascension to the throne. She had proven herself a capable leader, earning the respect of Eridoria's nobles and commoners.
But whispers persisted: Did King Erian still harbor feelings for Lili, or had he truly moved on?
Xaren pushed aside the doubts, focusing on her duties and her child. She had won the king's heart, and their son was proof of their love.
As she gazed at Prince Alexander, Xaren's heart swelled with devotion. She vowed to protect and guide him, ensuring he would one day become a wise and just ruler.
King Erian approached, gently kissing Xaren's forehead. "You are an exceptional queen and mother, Xaren. I am blessed to have you by my side."
Xaren's smile softened, her eyes locking onto the king's. "And I am blessed to have you, my love."
But amidst the warmth and love, a subtle unease lingered. Xaren couldn't shake the feeling that King Erian's heart still held secrets.
Xaren slipped out of the grand court room, seeking solace under the starry night sky. The cool breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers as she walked to the castle's outer gardens.
The darkness was almost palpable, but Xaren felt drawn to it. She needed a moment alone, away from the duties of queenship.
As she gazed up at the stars, a movement caught her eye. A figure emerged from the shadows, their footsteps quiet on the gravel path.
Xaren's instincts kicked in. She reached up, her fingers closing around the sharp hair ornament that held her locks in place.
With a swift motion, she hurled the ornament at the approaching figure. It sliced through the air, catching the stranger by the cloth of their sleeve.
Xaren rushed toward the figure, her heart pounding. As she reached out to remove the hair pin, a familiar face came into view.
"Gaius!" Xaren exclaimed, surprise etched on her face. "What are you doing here?"
Gaius chuckled, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. "I'm here to see how you're doing, Your Majesty," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
He clapped his hands together, the sound echoing through the garden. "When I called you a queen before, you doubted my abilities. And yet, here you are – reigning supreme."
Gaius circled around Xaren, his gaze roaming over her. "You've grown into your role beautifully. I must admit, I'm impressed."
Xaren's unease grew. "What are you doing here, Gaius?" she repeated, her tone firm.
Gaius halted his pacing, his smile fading. "I've come for my reward," he said, his voice low and menacing.
The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken intentions. Xaren's grip on the hair pin tightened.
"What reward?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Gaius's eyes locked onto hers, a glint of challenge sparkling within. "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Xaren."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Xaren said, her patience wearing thin. "Tell me at once."
Gaius's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. "Make me a person of Eridoria kingdom," he demanded. "I'm tired of hiding in the shadows. I want recognition, and I want power."
Xaren's laughter was laced with disdain. "You're a stranger, and you dare make demands of me? I can pay you well, so take your leave. Go back to wherever you came from. I never made a deal with you, and I won't be blackmailed."
She turned to walk away, but Gaius's words halted her steps.
"Don't you want to keep someone who can foretell the future closely by your side?" Gaius called out, his voice dripping with persuasion. "It's an opportunity you'll never want to miss."
Xaren's reasoning mind kicked in. Having someone with the ability to foresee the future could be valuable.
She turned to face Gaius, her expression cautious. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice measured.
Gaius's grin grew ominous. "Do not think that your boy will ascend the throne of Eridoria," he said, his words dripping with malice. "When the prophecy is fulfilled, the owner of the throne will emerge."
Xaren's eyes narrowed, her grip on her skirt tightening. "What prophecy?" she demanded. "My son is the heir apparent to the throne of Eridoria. Be careful with your words, old man, or I'll send you where you belong."
But Gaius was gone, vanished into the night like a specter. His laughter echoed in Xaren's ears, sending shivers down her spine.
"Guards!" Xaren called out, her voice carrying across the garden.
As the guards rushed to her side, Xaren's mind reeled with questions. What prophecy was Gaius talking about? And what did he mean by "the owner of the throne"?
The darkness seemed to close in around her, and Xaren couldn't shake off the feeling that her world was about to be turned upside down.