Chapter Five
Sierra's POV
"Excuse me?" I said, staring at her in shock at what she had just said.
"Leave?"
She nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. I've decided it's time to return to my kingdom, but I want you to come with me."
I shook my head, still trying to process her words. "But... I don't understand. Why?"
Her gaze softened, but there was a firm edge to it. "There's news… bad news about the 4th Kingdom, Sierra." She sighed as she continued.
"The economy's been spiralling downward, and there have been rumours, though unconfirmed, that illegal trading of monsters is being done within your kingdom. And, unfortunately, all signs point to Kaelvar being involved."
I felt a lump settle in my chest. "Kaelvar? That... can't be true. Why would he… "
"He's been acting strange, hasn't he? Stranger than usual, if you ask me. There have been numerous sightings of monsters near our kingdom, Sierra" Lady Vaelora interrupted, her tone knowing. "And these monsters aren't supposed to be near this territory at all. There's been word of unrest, and the other kingdoms are beginning to take notice. There's talk of wiping the 4th Kingdom off the map if these rumours are true."
I sat there in stunned silence, trying to process the implications of what she was telling me. Wipe out an entire kingdom? My kingdom? My husband?
I swallowed hard, shaking my head again. "No. That's... impossible. The rumours must be false. Kaelvar loves this kingdom. It's all he has left from his parents. He would never…"
"Would he?" Lady Vaelora's eyes bored into mine. "You've seen him change. You know him better than anyone. I think you know deep down that something is off, Sierra."
I didn't answer. I couldn't.
She gave a small, sad smile and stood, walking toward the packed bags on the floor. "I can't stay here any longer, not with what's coming. But I see something in you, Sierra. Something that tells me you're meant for more than just this life."
I blinked, confused. "I don't understand. What do you mean?"
"I want you to come with me," she repeated, her voice gentle. "I'm returning to Aurelgem. You'll be safe there. You don't have to stay here, not with Kaelvar. Not with what's happening."
My chest tightened. "I... I made a vow." I stood abruptly, shaking my head in defiance. "I swore to stay by my husband's side. I can't leave him now."
I turned, my resolve set, but she reached out, gently gripping my wrist.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow by noon. If you change your mind, you know where to find me." Her eyes were full of understanding, but there was something more, a silent plea. "Please think about it, Sierra. You have the chance to escape this."
I pulled my wrist from her grasp and made my way toward the door, my thoughts swirling in confusion and hurt.
I didn't look back as I stepped out into the hall.
—
I walked briskly to my chambers, my heart hammering in my chest. The echo of Lady Vaelora's words seemed to follow me, haunting me with the idea of leaving. But I couldn't. I had to stay. I had to stay for him. For Kaelvar.
The bed was a mess, with rumpled sheets and clothing strewn about. The air reeked of a stale, almost sickly sweet scent. I had totally forgotten what had happened here, last night. Kaelvar had been with her.
The woman. The mistress.
A lone tear escaped, sliding down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it away. I refused to let myself break down.
I gritted my teeth and began to clean the room, moving quickly and efficiently to make it look somewhat presentable again. I didn't know why I bothered. Maybe it was just a desperate need for some semblance of normalcy, even if everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers.
I freshened up, taking a quick bath, before slipping into a simple dress. As I was getting dressed, there was a knock on the door.
The maid entered without waiting for a response, her eyes narrowing as she spoke with clear disdain. "There's a meeting later today. His Majesty, your husband, has demanded your presence for it."
I blinked in surprise. "A meeting?"
She scoffed, clearly irritated by my surprise. "Yes by His Majesty." She shot a pointed glance at me.
I clenched my fists at my sides, fighting the urge to lash out. "Get me my breakfast."
With a roll of her eyes, she left without another word.
I collapsed back onto the bed, the frustration building in my chest. I hadn't eaten since the previous day, and yet I remained here, alone and starving.
The hours stretched on, the feeling of hunger gnawing at me like a constant ache. I stayed in bed, hoping that the maid or someone might show up with my meal, but as noon passed, I realized that no one would be coming.
I couldn't take it anymore.
I got up, threw on my shoes, and decided to go to the kitchen myself. I was determined to get something to eat, no matter what.
But as I stepped out into the hallway, I heard voices. Familiar voices.
I stopped dead in my tracks, leaning against the wall, straining to hear.
"Did you see her last night? She didn't even bat an eye at what was happening. She's so stupid."
"She should've left him when she had the chance. Now, she'll always be second best."
"I don't know why she stays. It's like she doesn't even care about herself."
My heart dropped into my stomach.
I leaned against the wall, straining my ears to make out who the people were and then it finally clicked. It was the maid from earlier and the mistress from last night.
"Too bad she lost her child, the only hold she had on him. Now she has lost him totally." The voice said while cackling.
"I was so glad when I heard the news, let's be honest. He deserved better and he got the best, you." That must be the maid.
"I can't believe that poison was the real deal."
My mind went blank at the confession. Poison?
Was it what I thought it was?