Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch-Chapter 227: Holed Up

• ELOISE •

Drevon and I haven’t spoken much since that day. There were many unsaid things between us, given how we left things. I didn’t want him to find out about Corvin that way, but there was no going back from it now.

There was a warlock hunting me down, and the goddess knew when he’d make the next move. The only thing I got was Drevon’s assurance.

"Everything’s going to be okay, I promise."

It should have brought me ease, but I’m more worried than I have ever been before. I already had so much to deal with this pregnancy, and as the weeks went by like the passing wind, I got more vulnerable, much graver than my ailment once was.

"Ten weeks already," Celia said with a bright smile, fingers on my wrists. "The energy is strong from the royal baby."

"Thank you," I mumbled. "Still no heartbeat?"

"At this point, you shouldn’t worry about that; the royal baby is perfectly healthy."

I nodded in response.

"All I can say is you need to eat more. Your body will undergo some changes... and your fatigue will only increase."

"I eat like a cow every day."

"Then it’s all good."

I grimaced. Shouldn’t she be concerned? Given the ton I ate, I should be putting on some weight, but no, it was the opposite.

"I cannot spend the entire day without feeling drowsy," I explained once again. "It’s getting worse."

"I shall make a stronger brew for you. But you needn’t worry too much, enough sleep is very welcomed."

"Celia."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"I’m not a fool."

"What—"

"My ailment has returned, hasn’t it? I know I’m with child, but this is far too severe."

Celia chewed the inside of my mouth.

"Is that what Drevon asked you to keep a secret?"

"Your Majesty, clearly you’re overly worried, and I get that because of your condition, but I assure you—"

"This is not about my condition," I cut her off. "I know what my ailment feels like, and this is it. Do not take me for a fool."

She grew nervous.

"What did my husband ask of you? Tell me."

"I just remember I should get a brew ready for you. The quicker it comes, the better to avoid your dizzy state." Celia was quick to leave the room.

The doors slammed shut, and I rested my back on the chair. For two weeks, I have been confined in this room, the outside door heavily guarded. I only saw Talia and Osha on occasions when I sent for them. I haven’t seen Diana either.

I was isolated, and I should be throwing a fit, but I couldn’t even walk for long without feeling dizzy or sick to the stomach.

I hated this, and I hated the fact that Drevon and I weren’t on proper speaking terms. I know I kept things from him, but it wasn’t like I had a choice. But he’s doing this purposely, for reasons I can’t fathom.

I grasped the table and pushed to my feet, caressing my small bump. "Why are you making me this weary? Pity me just a bit, my child."

This had become a habit of mine; I’d occasionally speak to my bump as if it could hear me. However, it was soothing in some way, and even though I was confined, I never felt alone.

The doors suddenly opened, and my heart skipped a beat when I anticipated seeing Drevon, but it was Diana who walked in.

"Diana?"

"It’s nice to see you too."

I huffed. I did miss her, but..."I thought you were in on Drevon’s idea of confinement."

"You know I don’t play sides."

"Are you sure?"

She sighed heavily and closed the distance between us in a heartbeat, hugging me.

"This is odd."

"Just shut up and welcome this while it lasts."

I smiled, wrapping my arms around her, and she buried her face in my neck.

"I didn’t come see you because I knew you needed the rest," she said sadly.

I parted from her. "Rest? Two weeks holed up in my bedchambers, you mean?"

She passed a brief look around the room, noting the tulips, books, food, and everything else she assumed was meant for me.

"Well, it doesn’t seem like you’re in the dungeons. This is far too comfortable."

I rolled my eyes.

"And my little nephew or niece is growing well. I say this is far more than what is needed, don’t you agree?"

Now she’s trying to convince me?

"Nice try, but I won’t buy it."

"Eloise, you have a deranged warlock after you; this is a far better protection for you and the baby. Within your chamber, where Drevon can reach you just about anytime."

"It’s not so much of a protection if I’m left in the dark about everything. Holed up here like a bird in a cage, and staring at the sunset, mind you, not even seeing dusk because my eyes get too heavy."

"This is not a cage!"

"Diana."

"Don’t ask me!"

"What? I only said your name."

"I know you want to ask me, please don’t."

I gritted my teeth. "I thought you said you weren’t on anyone’s side. You’d better start talking!"

"Ugh!" She walked to the divan and drooped on it. "Just kill me now!"

"There is a warlock trying to take your niece or nephew. I deserve to know what Drevon intends to do. He’s not speaking to me, and when he comes back to our chamber, I’m already asleep. I cannot complete the entire day without slumbering the next instant, it’s like I don’t have control over my own body anymore!"

I ranted on, pacing. It felt good to speak up because so far, my bump was the only companion. Thank the goddess for Diana.

"I feel so useless, so weak. It’s scary. I recognize this, Diana, and trust me, there’s not a good memory about hitting the bottom with no chance of getting back up." I patted my belly. "I’m carrying a child, and it’s not just about me anymore."

Diana’s look saddened.

"Don’t give me that look, start—"

Everything spun.

"Eloise!" She held me and helped me sit on the divan. "Do not strain yourself like that."

"Well?" I said, rubbing my forehead.

I just hoped she would start talking before I go to sleep.

"This Corvin Graves..." Diana began.

I blinked when I saw a red blush on her cheek. I shook my head. Now I’m seeing things?

"He helped put a protection spell over you so that when you sleep, Zevrin won’t come to take you."

"Okay... I know why I have been sleeping carefree. It was thanks to Corvin. Go on..."

"Eloise..."

I took her hand and held it firmly. "Please, tell me what you know."

"I wish I knew more, but I’m just as kept in the dark. However, Drevon has been working extra hard; he’s trying to locate the warlocks that have invaded the empire."

"What’s the progress?"

"He hasn’t been able to find them yet."

I nodded slowly. "And Corvin? Is he still here? The last time I spoke with him, it felt like I won’t see him again."

"Um..." That blush came back on again.

"Diana?"

"H-He still lurks around, apparently Drevon gave an offer he couldn’t resist."

I recalled Drevon telling me about Corvin’s assistance and asking for my opinion. He told me bringing Corvin to our side would help greatly, so I agreed. I didn’t know it was a deal. What did Drevon offer, and what did Corvin get out of this?

"But why are you so tense each time you speak about Corvin?"

She snatched her hand away from my hold. "Nothing!"

"Ah..."

"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"

I pulled on her cheeks. "Do you think you can lie to my face without giving yourself out?"

"I-I thought I was doing a very good job."

I giggled. "Sadly, you’re not very good at it, just like me." My expression fell. "Drevon and I haven’t been communicating. It started when I woke up, and for two weeks, It feels like I’m living with a ghost. I can’t stay awake for too long, either."

"I know it’s hard, but you have to stay strong."

"I know it even if he doesn’t tell."

"What?"

"My lingering ailment is back, and from Celia’s daily checkups and brew, I think this endangers the baby."

Diana’s lips parted, but words didn’t form. I figure she didn’t know about this.

"I may be wrong, and I’m just overthinking everything, but I just know it. I know my body, and I would be a fool if I didn’t figure it out until now."

Diana swallowed thickly. "This might explain what kind of deal was made. Think about it, Celia being involved, and you know how keen she is about research."

My best guess is that Drevon had asked Celia to find something to aid my condition, but I don’t get why Corvin was involved.

It warms my heart that Drevon was willing to go this far. He said he’d always choose me first, so I wondered what made him make such a decision.

He’s choosing both me and the baby.