“You don’t need to be sorry for everything you do. Since I arrived here, you have treated me nothing but nicely and with care and love. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for being such a nuisance and a child. But I promise I’ll change that. I’ll become worthy of standing by your side, be your support and be your queen,” Ariana whispered silently as she blushed at such boldness. She literally named herself his future queen, although they hadn’t discussed their mating yet. They were on the stage of getting to know each other, yet Ariana took the initiative and technically accepted their bond for both.“Should I take it as your agreement to become my mate?” Daniel couldn’t hide the excitement which erupted upon hearing her words. His dream finally came closer. Much closer than he ever expected it would be.
Two months had passed since Ariana started her lessons with the university teacher. It took her almost every single free time to learn things which others learn for years in just two months. Also, the governess which Ariana eventually asked for as well drilled the rules straight into Ariana’s bones. Teachers and even the governess knew the reasons behind those lessons and behind those drills. Straight from the beginning, they were told to prepare Ariana for her future role as the queen. They showed her deepest respect, knowing who she was. Precisely because of that, they had higher expectations and increased the difficulty of follow-up tests.“Are you alright? You look pale.” Maria, the head of Ariana’s ladies-in-waiting, asked her after dinner, when Ariana finally reached her room. She couldn’t help but to fall straight on her bed with her full clothes. Although M
“What do you mean you can’t get in?” Marcus smashed the plates on the table in front of him. His servants served his dinner just a moment ago while his warrior came to report on the situation in his neighboring country. One month ago, he had to leave the woods and cross the borders again to attend matters in his country. Since then, he didn’t leave the castle, solving the financial issues and disloyalty of his people. His country slowly fell apart while he spent several months away. As always, Marcus did nothing else but tried to solve it with the brute power of his loyal warriors.“Daniel Colton staged dozens of warriors in every entrance of the capital. They began issuing travel documents and business documents for approved merchants and within a month, they distributed them to everyone who does business in the capital. Without proper documents, we can’t en
“How are you today?” Daniel asked Ariana as they were dining together. For the past month, his country had changed. Especially the capital. No other spies appeared in his town, and everything seemed to calm finally, yet Daniel feared the calm weather before the storm. With Marcus, he could never know his next moves.“Tired. Those old farts don’t even consider my pregnancy as an excuse to go easy on me. Sometimes I feel they make it harder on purpose.” Ariana took a bite of grilled chicken. Her last meal was lunch several hours ago. Starvation bothered her during the afternoon lessons, forcing her to think about her stomach instead of the class. Especially from today’s lessons, she remembered absolutely nothing.“Tanya stopped by my office an hour ago and asked me to take you to her after dinner.&
“Good morning.” Tanya greeted Ariana as soon as she entered her room through the connecting door. A few weeks ago, Ariana stayed in the infirmary under medical supervision, but after two weeks, she had had enough. She was constantly connected to a machine monitoring her baby’s responses. She couldn’t go to the toilet by herself. They even strictly monitored her diet.During these two weeks, she made a deal with both Daniel and Tanya and negotiated at least a room stay. Daniel had the rooms arranged to be walk-through, leaving the door between the two rooms open in case Ariana required emergency medical attention. Tanya simply had continuous access to Ariana. The room was also equipped with a screen where Ariana could watch programs or listen to music. The maids regularly brought her books from the library and new magazines straight from the city. Anything Ariana asked for she had wi
“Something is wrong.” Ariana cried out in pain. She felt a searing pain in the right side of her stomach. It was only a few seconds since her baby was turning again. She felt a sharp pain which got stronger with every passing second since then.Tanya placed her palm on the spot where Ariana complained of sharp pain and tried to feel the baby. Something was wrong. The heartbeat that Tanya could normally feel through her abdominal wall was weak. The child’s responses were rapidly fading.“She needs to get out,” Tanya decided immediately. She already had most of the tools she needed ready in her room. Daniel converted the next room into a smaller infirmary just for these cases.“But there’s still a week left.” Ariana wanted to protest, but she knew, she
“How are they?” Daniel asked once Tayna left Ariana’s room. She looked tired, dirty from Ariana’s blood, but she had a wide smile on her lips.“They are both healthy, although I thought we might lose the baby girl.” Tayna paused for a second before finishing the second part of the sentence. She could shake off the fear of what could happen if she was just a few moments later. The girl would suffocate inside her mother’s womb.“What happened?” Daniel wanted to know. Tanya took her time to explain what forced them to take the girl out. Once Tanya finished, he peeked inside the room, hoping he would see Ariana.“You can go inside, sir.” She knew exactly what was going on in Daniel’s mind. Of course, he was happy for th
“What are you planning to do now?” David Parker asked during the meeting. Daniel called for an emergency meeting the following day after Ariana gave birth to her daughter. It was finally time to proclaim Ariana’s position as his queen.“Ariana gave birth yesterday, so I plan to finally officially announce her appointment as the new queen.” Daniel briefly informed him about his plan. He thought exactly what to say, since there were still Marcus’ people outside of the city, trying their luck to sneak inside.Thanks to Ariana, they found the majority of smugglers’ tunnels leading out of the city, especially after Ariana showed them the hidden doors inside the basement of the houses, which the young woman used to get Ariana out of the town. Ariana followed her instincts and showed them exactly