“If you keep doing this to yourself, sister dear, I swear you will harm yourself.” Ashterah hated the laughter in Nukis tone, no doubt he was mocking her, mocking her feelings. He stood by her window staring at her back while she lay on her bed with her knees tucked to her chest. For months she had watched as Queen Emilia’s pregnancy advanced and wished she never made him infertile again.

  “I must say that I support Angus’s decision, Your Highness,” Lord Fergus said. “Everyone enjoys peace but a nation needs to grow, we won’t wait for the enemies to attack first so why not be the first to attack? Find a rich nation, plunder it and expand our regions with both riches and land.” “I have nothing against it at this point,” Octavius replied. “But at this point, I am worried about my brother, it’s been months since he left, the corns are grown and ready for harvest yet no sign of Angus.” The court had come together to talk about Angus’ plan and its significance to the nation. Almost all the nobles voiced their support, even Ga

  “Her Majesty would not breastfeed this child,” the midwife said solemnly with a look of pity at the baby who kept squirming and trying to reach for Termla’s face. Her mouth was stretched to a toothless smile and her eyes sparkled. She was a very attractive child and her powers made her even more alluring. “You should find a wet nurse for the child, Fella.” Termla had expected that. Of course, no one would want to take responsibility for the innocent child who didn’t beg to be in the world. Even the midwife with all her pity looks couldn’t stop looking distastefully at the small child. “Okay,” Termla agreed. She knew exactly who she wan

  From her place on the floor with her knees hugged to her chest Emilia wished she could find some sleep but sleep eluded her throughout the previous day, throughout the night. The child’s shrill cry had kept her awake but she barely heard the cries when she was so lost in her thoughts. There was no reason why she would be cursed with such a child when she never did anything wrong, she offered her sacrifices and respected the traditions of both Intavia and Camelorn. There was no reason she should birth a curse. More than once Ilena had come to her door to knock and she refused to answer. She refused to see anyone, talk to anyone or even accept food from the maids Ilena sent to her. She simply cried her eyes out and stared into space at regular int

  Days later, Emilia remained in the shelter of her room, refusing to see anyone most especially that lying bastard Octavius. She didn’t care what he did anymore, he could go back to his mistress for all she cared, after all, she was the best thing he ever had. She waited day after day for an opportunity to escape and it provided itself when messages of razed fields and stolen crops got to the palace. Octavius was busy dealing with the new disturbance so she used her chance while she had it. Once night fell on the tenth day Emilia got up, wincing slightly as pain shot through her bruised side, she pulled her trunk, took it by the brass sides and lifted it. It was a bit heavy but she managed to heave it to her chest. She got to the door and pulled clumsily at the brass knob to open the door. The door opened to the dimly lit passage, it was empty, the guards