FREE NOVEL DRAMA Chapter Betrayal 119
24 Visions My Queen Jasmine POV
When we return to the castle, I lead the children inside and fight the urge to roll my eyes when
we find Jared is waiting. "My queen, I'm glad to see you know your place. I wondered if I was going to have to break up your little visit with the slave because you disobeyed the king," Jared says. I feel the familiar itch in my hand, but I fight against the vines. "I think you are the one that forgets your place warrior. I am the queen. You will speak to me with respect and know your place."
I see a flash of shock in his eyes before he balls his fists at his sides. Shock quickly fades and
is replaced by anger. I'm not sure what I expected, but his apology isn't it. "My apologies, my queen" he says through gritted teeth. There is no sincerity in his words, but the fact he even said them makes a wave of unease flow through me. "The king wants you to meet him for a private dinner tonight. I will take the children" he starts to say.
I cut him off before he can finish. "I will make sure my children are attended to. You can let the king know I will meet him in our dining room at six." I can see he wants to argue, but instead he nods. I lead my children to our wing with Vincent close behind me. "My queen, I can have Marion come here to be with the children after she checks on Drake," Vincent says.
"Thank you, Vincent. I'm not sure what that was about downstairs, but I would like you to stay here with the children and Marion. If I'm with David, I won't need you with me."Of course, my
queen. Please just be careful," he says. I nod and he leaves. I spend time with the children. before I head to my room to get ready for dinner. I grab one of my formal dresses, knowing it is what David will expect.
When I step into the shower, my thoughts immediately return to Liam. I think about what it will be like to be in his arms. To wake up every morning to the man the goddess has chosen for me. I still feel like I'm dreaming. Like I'm going to wake up at any minute and everything that
happened earlier will never have happened.
As much as I know, I couldn't let him mark me. I wish I could just hear his voice in my head
right now. Have him reassure me that he is mine. That this nightmare that I've been living
since the moment David stepped into the kitchen is almost over. The jiggling of the bathroom
door has me almost jumping out of my skin. "Why did you lock the door? I was hoping to have you before dinner, my queen," David says, and my body revolts.
The thought of his touch is even more abhorrent than usual. I take a deep breath before I finally answer him. "I'm sorry my king. I wasn't feeling well. I was hoping a cleansing shower
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would help. Give me a minute and I will unlock the door." I don't think I've ever dressed so quickly. I pull my hair into a tight bun before I push the door open. David eyes me suspiciously, but there is also concern in his eyes.
Then something I can't quite decipher flashes in his eyes before a grin spreads across his
face. He reaches his hand out, placing it on my flat stomach. "Do you think that we are going
to have another little prince or princess? Maybe we should take you to the royal hospital to be checked" he says. I want to scream that the only children I'll be having are Liam's, but of course I can't.
"As wonderful as that would be my king, I simply think I drank too much shimmer plum tea at Myra's." I see the flash of disappointment in his eyes, but he quickly smiles. He reaches out, pulling me into his arms. "That's alright my queen. It will happen soon. I'm sure of it" he says with a wink. That feeling of unease returns. He leans down intending to press his lips to mine, but I quickly turn giving him my cheek.
"With all the throwing up I've done in the last few hours, I don't think you should kiss me" I say quickly. He pulls back, looking into my eyes. "Alright my queen, but if you aren't feeling better tomorrow I'm taking you to the royal hospital" he says. I force myself to cup his cheek with my hand. "Thank you for worrying about me." "Of course, Jasmine. You are my queen. The only
woman I love," he says.
"Come, let's get you something to eat. Maybe it will settle your stomach. We have a lot to discuss" he says. "Marion, Vincent's beloved, will be staying with the children while we have dinner," I say as we make our way toward the dining room. Normally, one of the women that works in the kitchen would stay with the children if I can't be with them, but since Jiselle is gone, and he is using them. I don't trust them to care for my children.
He stops looking down at me waiting for an explanation. I normally wouldn't be so bold, but the need to make him feel guilty drives me. I'm hoping that between my complaints about being ill and talking about his recent conquests will keep him from trying to touch me tonight. "I would prefer that none of your mistresses care for our children. Since I don't know which of the slaves you have been with, I asked Vincent's beloved to sit with the children. She is a nurs in the royal hospital, so I know you have not been with her."You know you are the only one I love Jasmine," he starts to say, but I raise my hand to stop him.
“I have accepted who you were long ago, my king. I know my place is by your side and that no one can take my place. I simply want to protect our children from jealous women who might be delusional about their place.” He nods and leads me the rest of the way to the dining room. When we step into the room, I almost trip when I see the old woman who was at the gate
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already sitting at the table. David leads me over to the chair on his right side. Once I'm seated, he tells the waiting servant to bring dinner. He takes his seat at the head of the table. I wait silently, not understanding why this woman is here. He has kept her hidden since the day she came to the castle.
"My queen, this is Magnolia. She is an elf, but she is also a seer. She has asked to meet with both of us because there is a threat to the kingdom." My heart starts to race, but I keep my face impassive. "I am not usually included in such discussions, my king. I fear I won't have anything to offer on such a subject. I know you will protect the kingdom."
"You're wrong, your majesty. You are more important than you realize. I have had a vision of the Red Wolf." I look between the woman and David, trying to give the impression I have no idea what she is talking about. "What is the Red Wolf?" "The Red Wolf is a threat to the Elven Kingdom. A threat to us, to our children. She will stop at nothing until she destroys everything we hold dear," David says.
"David, you're scaring me. Why are you telling me this? Shouldn't this be discussed with the warriors?" "I have had a vision, my queen. It isn't completely clear, but it is still quite alarming. In the vision that the Red Wolf comes to you. She will tell you lies to gain your trust. She is powerful but evil. She will stop at nothing to hurt you and your children because you are important to the king," Magnolia says.
"Why would this wolf want to hurt us or the kingdom?" I notice David shift in his seat out of the corner of my eye. "Wolves can be unsavory creatures my queen. Seeking power and causing havoc is part of who they are. Only the goddess knows the wolf's true motives. All I can tell you is that the Red Wolf will come to you, and you must be sure to tell the king the moment she does," she says.
"I mean no disrespect, but how could a wolf even make it into the Elven Kingdom? Wolves hold no magical powers. Is there a traitor among us" I say a tremble to my voice. David moves from his chair and bends so he is looking in my eyes. "I will protect you and the children, Jasmine. I promise you that this wolf will die by my hand," he says, pressing a kiss on my forehead.
"I'm really not feeling well. Would it be alright if I go lay down, David?"He offers me his hand and I stand. "One more thing, your majesty" the woman says with a smile has bile rising in my throat. "I've had a vision of your belly round once again with life." I swear the blood in my veins freezes solid as I stare at this disgusting woman. I force a smile onto my face as I turn
to David. "The children will be so excited to have another brother or sister."
I turn to leave, but David pulls me into his arms. Before I can react, he presses his lips to mine. The kiss is quick but it turns my stomach. My thoughts immediately go to Liam. "I will be 3/4
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along shortly, my love. I'm looking forward to holding you tonight after this unpleasant discussion" he says. I force a smile and nod, before quickly leaving the room. As soon as I reach the living room and dismiss Vincent and Marion, I head straight to the bathroom.
I have no idea if Liam felt that kiss, but I pray to the goddess he didn't. I grab the washcloth scrubbing my lips before I brush my teeth. I quickly change into my pajamas for bed and check on the children. They are both fast asleep. I rush back to my room and slide under the
covers.
I need to be asleep before David returns. I stare at the ceiling. Sleep won't come easy with all the thoughts that are swirling in my head. I just pray that the old hag doesn't realize that the Red Wolf is already here and David's days alive are numbered.