SWNOVELS Chapter Betryed 43
Chapter 43
SAGE
I was so lost in my thoughts while I was walking back to my chamber. When I left His Majesty's office, Elara was already waiting outside the room. I can't help but blush thinking that she might hear all the noises His Majesty and I made when we were inside the room. As I made my way back to my room, suddenly bumping into someone I have no interest of meeting is the least that I was expecting. Our eyes met and I know I still have that feeling I had for him. But it wasn't like it was before. Despite what he did, I still couldn't change the fact that he had been nothing but good to me since we were young. He's the reason why I manage to stay in that horrible place despite what his father and sister did to me. But all the love I had for him were gone, if not lesser than it was before. It makes me wonder whether it was truly love that I felt for him that time or I just felt grateful and obligated because of his help. But seeing how I was easily swayed by my connection with His Majesty, it seems like I I was just fond of him and thankful for protecting me all those years.
"H-Hi, Sage," he greeted nervously, his voice wavering. Then his eyes widened as he noticed Elara standing behind me. "I-I mean, Lady Sage," he quickly corrected himself.
I gave a brief nod in acknowledgment t and continued walking past him. But I hadn't taken more than a few steps when he called out to me again.
"L-Lady Sage, c-can we talk?" he stammered, his voice trembling. His eyes were soft, and guilt flickered within them.
"What is it, Colt?" I asked, turning to face him fully.
He hesitated, glancing repeatedly at the person standing behind me. I blew out a loud sigh before I turned to Elara.
"Elara, can you please give us a moment?" I requested gently.
She looked at me with hesitation in her eyes. She had witnessed the incident with Colt before, and I could see the worry etched on her face about leaving me alone with him again. She parted her lips to protest but quickly shut them, swallowing her concerns. "Yes, my lady," she replied, her voice tinged with reluctance. She walked a few meters away, just far enough to give us privacy but still close enough to keep an eye on the situation. "Thank you," Colt said once Elara had stepped back.
I turned my gaze to him, my patience wearing thin. "What is it that you want to talk about, Colt?"
He took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging slightly. "First, I want to apologize for what happened last time. I didn't mean for it to go that way. I was consumed by jealousy. I can't stand the fact that that... that
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Chapter 43
king stole you away from me."
"Please watch your tone, Colt," I interrupted sharply. "You're still within his territory, and I expect you to show respect for His Majesty."
He seemed taken aback by my immediate defense of the king in his absence. His eyes widened slightly, the realization of my loyalty sinking in.
"And if this is about what happened last time, it's okay. I have already forgiven you," I added, my voice softening slightly.
Colt's expression softened, but there was still a shadow of regret in his eyes. "It's more than that, Sage. I... I realize now that my actions were driven by more than just jealousy. I was scared. scared of losing you, scared of what might happen if you're truly meant to be with him."
I studied his face, seeing the conflict and sincerity there. "May I remind you that you're the one who put me in this position. I asked you to runaway with me, Colt. I begged you to choose me, but you choose to stay loyal to your father. And in return, you forsaken me." He nodded, looking down at his feet. "I know. And I'm truly sorry. If only I can..."
"Stop," I immediately cut him off. "Whatever it is that you're about to say, stop it. Don't bother saying it. It won't change anything. You've already chosen a path, and so have I. Let's leave it at that."
"No, we still have a chance, Sage," he insisted, his voice desperate. "Come with me. Let's go far away from here. We can find a small house, grow our own food, and have many children, just like you always wanted, We can still do that, Sage. It's not too late." I felt a pang of longing at his words. I remember how we used to dream about that life together. The time when my dream was simple, it's stay with him forever and build a life together. "It's nice to think about how simple my dream was in the past." "Yes, and we it's not too late for us to do that. do that. Just come with me."
I forced a smile on my face, "But I'm afraid I don't have the same dream anymore. I've forgotten that dream the moment you chose to allow your father to send me as a tribute in exchange for your sister."
"Sage," he pleaded, taking a step closer, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation. "I'll do anything for you to forgive me."
Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. "As I said I already forgave you. And that's the end of it. I'm a woman of the palace now. Any idea of running away from the palace is a disgrace to His Majesty. So please, I don't want to hear anything about this again." That's the last thing I said to him before I decided to leave. But before I walked passed him, he quickly grabbed my arm to stop me, "You're not safe here, Sage," he said, his words were filled with worries.
"I don't understand, Colt. What do you mean?"
"Before we came here, I heard my father talking to Arthur." Arthur is his father's Beta. "They were talking
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Chapter 43
about your father.
I scoff, "There's nothing new about that. They always talked about my father and how he betrayed our pack
"But this is different, Sage. This involves His Majesty," he said which keeps me puzzled.
"What does His Majesty had to do with this?"
"Sage... ..your father..." He took a deep breath before he continued. "...your father was the one who planned the rogue attack on His Majesty that killed his wife, the first queen." I gasped in shock, covering my mouth as Co Colt's revelation sank in. "T-That can't be..." "Everyone knows
I
show devastated His Majesty was when his first wife was killed. And I'm sure he's going to make you pay once he knows about this. That's why you have to leave this place as soon as possible," Colt urged, his voice tinged with urgency and fear. "No, I don't believe you. And even if it's true, I know His Majesty will handle this matter with utmost care. My father's sin isn't mine. I shouldn't have to pay for something I had nothing to do with. I'm innocent," I retorted, trying to steady my trembling voice. "You say that with such certainty, Sage! But you've only known His Majesty for a short while. You have no idea what he's capable of!" he insisted, desperation evident in his eyes. "Please, listen to me, and leave this place before it's too late." The new information swirled in my mind, refusing to settle. I shook my head, trying to dispel the doubts creeping in. "No, Colt. It can't be true. Even if it is, I can't be held accountable for a crime I didn't commit. I'm sure His Majesty will see it that way too." Colt s t stepped closer, his face a mask of concern and frustration. "Sage, you don't understand. People change when they're hurt. His Majesty might not be as forgiving as you think. Do you really want to risk your life on that hope?" My heart pounded in my chest as conflicting emotions warred within me. On one hand, Colt's words stirred a deep-seated fear, but on the other, my loyalty to His Majesty and my belief in his sense of justice held firm. "I appreciate your concern, Colt," I said softly, trying to mask my inner turmoil. "But running away isn't the solution. I have to face this head-on. I have to trust that His Majesty will see the truth and judge me fairly." Colt's eyes filled with sorrow and resignation. "I just don't want to see you get hurt, Sage."
I blew out a loud breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Who else knows about this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I have no idea," he replied, shaking his head. "But it seems like not many pack members know about this. I'm just worried that my father might use this information to hurt you."
My mind raced, trying to process the implications of his words. "Your father?" I repeated, feeling a chill
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Yes Colt said, his voice heavy with regret. 'He's always been ambitious, always looking for ways to gain more power. He wouldn't think twice to use this information to get what he wants. He won't care about Our innocence Colt sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I wish there was more I could do to help you."
You've already done enough by warning me," I said, offering him a small, grateful smile.
He nodded, a pained look in his eyes. "Just promise me you'll stay safe.
I forced a I a smile on my face as a response. I can't answer that because to be honest, I'm not sure how to stay safe with all these threat circling above my head. My hands are full with my problem regarding the prophecy and the evil threatening our peace, and now this. He turned to leave and I was left standing there watching his back as he slowly disappear right before my lady she said, catching my attention.
My
"Let's go back to my room," I said before leading the way. I can hear her footsteps as she followed me back
to my room.
"My lady, is there anything you'd like?" Elara asked as soon as we reached my chamber.
"Elara, what do you know about His Majesty's first wife?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Her eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by my sudden question. "I-I don't know much about her, my lady," she replied nervously. "Why the sudden interest?" know what she liked?" I pressed on. before
"Do you
Elara hesitated
first mating ceremony."
answering. "Well, I never met her, but according to the people in the palace, she was the most beautiful, kind, and soft-hearted Luna they ever had. Maybe that's why His Majesty was so fond of her. He declared her as his Luna immediately after their "Mating ceremony?"" 'I repeated, curiosity piqued.
"Yes, the first and last mating ceremony that happened here in the palace," Elara confirmed.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, leaning in closer,
His Majesty has lived for thousands of years, yet he only had one mating ceremony," she explained. "After that, no other wives have undergone the same ritual, not even the current queen."
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I frowned, the pieces of the puzzle not fitting together. "Why would he only have one mating ceremony?"
Elara glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before speaking in a lower voice. "There are rumors, my lady. Some say that His Majesty's first wife was his true mate, the only one he ever truly loved. After she was killed, he never found anyone else who could take her place." Mate? Did he lied to me when he told me that never had a mate? Did they mark each other? Does his ability to feel the bond died with her?
The weight of her words settled over me like a heavy blanket. "But what happened to her? How did she die?"
Elara shook her head, her expression sorrowful. "No one knows for sure. Some say it was an accident, others believe she was murdered. His Majesty never speaks of it, and those who know the details are either sworn to secrecy or have taken the truth to their graves.
A chill ran down my spine as I considered the implications. "And you think this has something to do with the current situation?"
Elara bit her lip, looking uncertain. "I don't know, my lady. But it's clear that His Majesty's past still haunts him. Whatever happened to his first wife left a deep scar."
I nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Thank you, Elara. You've been very helpful."
She bowed her head slightly. "Of course, my lady. If there's anything else you need, please let me know."
"Thank you, Elara," I replied, watching as she quietly exited the room. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I sat down on the edge of my bed, my mind a whirlwind of questions and doubts. Colt's words echoed in my head, refusing to be silenced. "Will he forgive me when he discovers that my father was the one who killed his beloved Luna?" The thought sent a chill through my body, and I wrapped my arms around myself, seeking comfort in the empty room. Mon, Sep 16