SWNOVELS Chapter Betryed 44
Chapter 44
C
☐☐☐☐ 53%+
My eyes widened in shock. I hadn't really considered the full impact this would have on Colt. "No, Your Majesty," I stammered, my voice tinged with panic. "My brother has nothing to do with this. He's already engaged to be married to one of the members of our pack. It's only Sage who hasn't given up her feelings for my brother."
Her Majesty's gaze remained steady, her eyes boring into mine. I could feel the weight of her scrutiny, as if she were dissecting every word I said, searching for any hint of deception. The silence stretched on, heavy and oppressive, until I felt compelled to speak again. "Your Majesty, I assure you," I continued, my voice trembling slightly. "My brother is entirely devoted to his fiancée. This is solely about Sage's misplaced affections and her disloyalty. Colt is innocent in all of this."
Her Majesty leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers as she considered my words. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across her face, making her appear even more formidable. "Very well," she said finally, her tone thoughtful. "If what you say is true, then Sage's feelings for your brother can indeed be used against her. But be warned; if this backfires, it will reflect poorly on you as well."
I swallowed hard, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will do whatever it takes to ensure this plan succeeds."
She gave a slight nod, a small smile playing on her lips. "Good. Now, leave me. I have much to consider."
As I left her chamber, my mind raced with conflicting emotions. I had taken a significant risk by bringing this information to Her Majesty. The stakes were higher than ever, and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. My brother's honor and my own ambitions were all hanging in the balance.
I was about to enter my room when I bumped into my brother. He was so deep in thought that he didn't even notice me until we collided.
"Colt," I called out, catching his attention.
"Annika," he replied, looking flustered. "You're still here?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I responded, trying to gauge his mood.
"After the stunt you pulled to get Sage in trouble, I'm surprised you haven't decided to go back to the pack house," he said, his tone laced with frustration.
"My job here isn't done yet, Colt," I said firmly.
"What job? Are you still planning to do something against Sage? Will you please quit it? You, of all people, should be grateful to Sage. She took your place so you wouldn't have to marry that monstrous king," he argued, his eyes flashing with anger. "What monstrous? He's gorgeous. If I had known he was that good-looking, I wouldn't have hesitated to marry him," I retorted, feeling a surge of indignation. "Do you even realize what I missed because you and Father didn't want me to marry the king?" Colt's expression shifted from anger to disbelief. "Are you serious, Annika? You're talking about a man who 15:11 Mon, Sep 16 QD
Chapter 44
is ruthless, a king who has ruled with an iron fist for centuries. He can kill you, and he doesn't need a reason to do so." 53% I crossed my arms, feeling the need to defend my stance. "You don't understand, Colt. I could have been a queen. I could have had power, influence, and everything I've ever wanted, Instead, I was sidelined, and now I'm stuck watching someone else live the life that should have been mine."
Colt shook his head, clearly exasperated. "Sage did you a favor. She spared you from a life that could have been filled with misery. And now you're trying to destroy her? Why can't you see that she's not the enemy here?"
"Oh, come on! She doesn't look miserable to me. Why do you even take her side? I'm your sister; may remind you?"
"Yes, I'm well aware of that. That's why I'm telling you to stop whatever it is you're planning against Sage. You might end up hurting yourself."
"There's nothing you can say that will change my mind. I'm going to take Sage's place no matter what."
Colt sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Annika, please. Think about what you're doing. Think about the consequences. If you keep going down this path, you might end up losing everything."
"I won't let that happen, Colt," I replied, my voice'firm and unwavering.
He looked at me for a long moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and frustration. "I hope you know what you're doing," he said finally, before turning and walking away.
As I watched him go, a sense of uncase settled in my chest. I was determined to see my plan through, but for the first time, I wondered if the cost would be too high.