While all were down and resting, Kael dared not. His mind was awake, and so was his body. He couldn't bring himself to sleep, not when Elias was not by his side. Across the room lay Kelly, sleeping peacefully. Kael's eyes pierced with hatred.
"You were my worst mistake," he murmured, then stood up and wrapped himself in a black cloak.
Outside, the stranger figure waited.
"We head to the forest," Kael commanded, and got on his horse.
The ride was quick but windy. Seeing the shadow figure in the distance, he smiled and then climbed down.
"I was beginning to think you do not have updates," he said, and the man turned, handing him yet another black silk patch.
"The court wants a new consort. It is no secret that nobleman George Fineland wants that to be one of his daughters," the shadow spy reported.
Kael's smile grew. "You're dismissed," he said, and then the guard was gone like the wind.
Standing in the open clearing overlooking the Forgotten Court, Kael's chest twisted, his heart ached, knowing the man he loved was only a few miles away, yet he could not get to him.
Within the Western Tower, Elias could not bring himself to sleep.
"His mother was a fan of books," he smiled, and Kim nodded. He had been in the secret library all night and still could not bring himself to leave.
"Tell me about her," Elias requested as they searched for more books.
"Consort Blair Willows is said to be the kindest of all consorts. She had a soft smile and was always willing to help people. Not much is known about her, but for sure she was a beta… just like you."
Elias felt his guts twist.
"Like me," he murmured, and Kim nodded.
"Yes. The royal records are sealed, but as a child, I do remember my father saying she died having the prince."
The books Elias held fell to the ground. His eyes snapped to Kim, and his body trembled.
"What did you just say?" he demanded, and only then did Kim realize the impact of his words.
"I… I am not certain, consort." Kim bowed, but it was too late. The cat was out of the bag.
"So this is it… the truth everyone has been hiding. The reason why they all want me to have an heir." Elias chuckled bitterly. He was done reading. It was about time he faced the one who got him into this mess.
"Take me to the prince's quarters," he ordered, and Kim nodded.
As they walked through the night, some servants were awake, guards patrolled, and rumors began to spread.
"The consort is sneaking into the prince's chamber… It seems he is trying to reclaim his position."
The words spread like wildfire through the palace.
Blake was by the door when they arrived, and he wasn't shocked.
"I need to see him," Elias said, and without objections, Blake stepped aside.
Rowan was done reviewing files and was now ready for bed when the door slammed open.
"What the hell, Blake— Elias?" He stammered. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.
Elias scanned around the familiar room. It had only been a few days, but it felt like an eternity.
"Good question… What am I really doing here?" His steps thundered against the marble floor, and his eyes burned even with so little light.
"You shouldn't be here. If you need anything, let Kim get it. It's late, you should return to your quarters," Rowan said dismissively and climbed into the bed, but the duvet was quickly yanked off his body.
"You think I am here to play?" Elias roared. "I remember when you said I was like your mother. I was stupid enough to think that was a compliment—only to come to realize it's a curse."
Elias paced around, hot tears streamed down his cheeks.
"You could have been honest with me… You should have said something. Now I know why you say you don't remember what happened between us that night. What's there to remember? All you need is an heir, and I will be dead, and then you can marry the love of your life."
Rowan stood up, his steps heavy.
"I wanted to tell you," he whispered.
"But you didn't. Do you know how it feels learning this from another?"
Elias walked over to the balcony, letting the cold air carry his pain.
"I had questions. I had plans. But he said my fate was entangled with yours… Now I see I am only a container… a baby carrier for your royal legacy."
His hands tightened on the railing, and his tears fell even more. The room was blanketed in an uncomfortable silence. Rowan watched as Elias wept like a child, but he dared not step forward.
Elias's eyes pierced through the night, and his lips quivered.
"Kim," he called, and without a second, Kim dashed in. He hurried to his side, helping him up.
Rowan could only watch. He did not like the idea of another touching Elias, but he dared not take another step.
"Take me back," Elias whispered, his voice barely audible.
Kim nodded as he helped him up. As they walked out, Elias suddenly stopped. He turned.
"Rowan," he called softly. "Do you love the woman whose life was the bargain for you to live, or the one who raised you? The woman your father loved and protected? The woman, your father valued her life more… Do you love your mother?"
Rowan stood still. His answer did not matter, but his silence was enough.
Elias turned, and his back was all Rowan saw.
Walking back in, Elias felt his world spin. His hands trembled, and his legs suddenly went numb. Kim noticed. He stopped and looked at the man before him.
"Are you okay?" Kim demanded, but Elias couldn't find his words.
His hands clutched his stomach— a stabbing pain— then something spilled out of him… something warm.
Elias opened his mouth, but darkness swept him away, and his body fell forward. Kim was quick to hold him, but then he was wet… He was bleeding.