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Adeline looks for Nyx

I met Alexander’s gaze, drawn into the depths of his eyes, which shimmered like the stars above us. In that moment, the world faded, leaving only the two of us suspended in a quiet bubble of love and longing. His look alone reignited the fire in my heart, a feeling that never seemed to wane.

I yearned for his touch, for the unspoken connection between us that made everything else fade. Our bodies moved in perfect harmony as if an unseen force guided our every step. The night needed no music, for the rhythm of our heartbeats was enough to carry us through until dawn.

Eventually, we retired for the evening, the weight of my gown slipping from me, my crown placed aside. Sleep crept in, yet my mind wandered, troubled by Cecelia’s sudden presence. Could her son truly inherit the throne? Why did she persist in pushing him forward, when Alexander had made it clear she wasn’t welcome? Her relentless advocacy for Nathan haunted me. Was his claim a possibility, or just a fleeting illusion in a sea of uncertainty?

These questions swirled like mist, elusive and just out of reach. Suddenly, a loud knock shattered my slumber, pulling me from the grip of my restless dreams. I reached instinctively for Alexander, only to find his side of the bed cold and empty. Unease settled in the pit of my stomach, and I quickly rose, hastening my preparations without waiting for my lady-in-waiting.

In the dining hall, the aroma of breakfast greeted me. A momentary comfort amidst the growing tension. There was Alexander, cradling our son Andrew. A scene bathed in the soft morning light. My gaze wandered. It landed on the man speaking to Alexander. Cecelia’s husband.

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I approached, careful to keep my emotions hidden. Alexander’s eyes flicked toward me in acknowledgment. The man, Matthew, offered a deep bow, his movements slow and deliberate, a sign that this conversation was more than casual.

“Your Highness, I offer my deepest apologies for Cecelia’s recent conduct,” Matthew said with sincerity.

“I will ensure such behavior does not happen again.”

Alexander responded with a gracious nod.

“You are always welcome in my court.”

The air shifted as Cecelia entered the hall, her presence disrupting the fragile peace. She approached with purpose, her eyes sharp and calculating. When she saw Matthew, her expression faltered. Her steps quickened as she reached us, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken threats.

Cecelia’s face twisted with anger, but she forced it down, her composure cracking under the strain of the moment. She took her place at the table. Breakfast passed in strained silence. When it ended, Alexander handed Andrew to me, his small coos providing a brief respite from the storm brewing around us. Just as I was about to leave, Cecelia’s voice sliced through the quiet.

“Alexander, have I done something wrong?”

“Cecelia, I have made it clear that neither you nor your son are welcome here.”

“Nathan is your firstborn son—”

“Enough.” Matthew’s voice cut through the room like a blade.

“Cecelia, you will respect the king and queen, or there will be consequences.”

Cecelia recoiled at his sharp tone; her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Alexander, you promised he would not be cruel to me,” she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.

In a rare moment of leniency, Alexander’s expression softened.

“In this matter, Matthew has my permission to handle things as he sees fit.”

His words echoed through the hall, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. Cecelia’s eyes flicked to me, filled with resentment, but I refused to engage in their power struggle. Quietly, I excused myself and sought refuge in the nursery, where I cradled Andrew, his warmth easing the knots of tension within me.

I rocked him. A sense of peace washed over me, but it was fleeting. The mysteries surrounding Lodamir Castle lingered in my mind, unresolved and pressing. I knew I needed help. Nyx would be in the training grounds at this time. After settling Andrew back into his cradle, I left with renewed determination.

“Guards, keep a close watch on Andrew,” I ordered.

“The castle can be dangerous.”

“We will not take our eyes off him, Your Majesty,” one guard assured me.

With that, I made my way to the training grounds. I knew that Nyx would likely be training. The clash of steel and the rhythm of footwork echoed off the stone walls. Nyx was in the center of it all, a master at work, his movements fluid and precise. Even from a distance, I could see the respect he commanded from the soldiers under his instruction.

While I watched, memories of my mother filled my mind. She had been a warrior queen, her lessons in combat as vital as those in politics. It was her strength that had shaped me, her wisdom that prepared me for moments like this.

When the training session ended, Nyx’s eyes found mine, and he made his way toward me, bowing deeply as he reached the throne.

“My queen, how may I assist you?”

I took a steady breath before speaking.

“I need your help, Nyx.”

“There is something I must uncover.”

His expression grew serious.

“What do you require?”

“There were people, women, who disappeared from Lodamir Castle during my childhood.”

“I need to know what happened to them.”

Nyx’s brow furrowed as he considered my words.

“I saw a list of the missing on your brother’s desk.”

“Most were young women.”

I nodded.

“I believe their disappearance is key to securing my place on the throne.”

“The secrets they hold could unlock the truth of the past.”

Nyx stood in thoughtful silence, then nodded resolutely.

“I will do everything in my power to find the answers you seek.”

With Nyx by my side, the mysteries of Lodamir would not remain hidden for much longer. I knew that these women could help me understand the political intrigue around me. Among them was my father's mistress. Maybe she could help me rid myself of Alexander’s mistress once and for all.

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