THE BLOOD ROYALS Book 2: Long Live The Queen!

Chapter Thirty Two: Pick A Poison

Earlier...
Daa Haan
Della's POV
"It has to look like I'm cleaning up after your miscarriage. It can't look perfect. The guards will walk in at any second-"

I tried not to show my surprise when it was Adair who came into the bathroom.

His dark eyes immediately noticed the young woman in the shower cubicle. Of course! He's drawn to beauty like a moth to the bulb. I can't leave. No matter what, I cannot leave her alone with him.

"I'm so so sorry Renée. Please, forgive my brutality. But you had to be freed from Relian's grip. He got you pregnant to control and own you. You're not from nobility yet he sold you the lie of royalty. He has promised you a crown if you give him an heir. The monarchy is finite. The future is not and they cannot be part of it. That is why his blood shouldn't live. His kind has to end. I'm sorry for hurting you."

"She's traumatized." I got closer. "I found her passed out in the bathtub. It was a traumatic experience."

"Give me a towel." Adair asked.

"I can take care of it. I can dry her up. I'll take care of her." Anything to get this man to leave before he can't control himself anymore.

"I have no doubt that Renée reminds you of your daughter and you want to compensate by mothering her. But I want to be alone with her. Thank you for your service. Leave us."

She looked at me. Her eyes pleaded me not to. She does remind me of Thalia. Maybe it's because of the connection these two share. Reli. "Let me finish cleaning this mess then."

"Suit yourself. Come on beautiful. Take it."

"Please don't hurt me."

"It was with purpose." I rolled my eyes. "That purpose has passed. You're one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. But you seem young. Youth is refreshing..." I took a peek to see him wrapping the towel around her.  "...it had to be done. Sometimes, force is necessary to break the tall brick walls that keep us from seeing the glorious horizon of freedom."

There is no horizon of freedom. I was so wrong to let Hanniel talk me into this. I love him but he was deceived just like I have been deceived to let this weed grow and spread.

"I feel cold. I want to dress." She pulled away from him.

"Yes of cause!" He agreed.

He was quick to to lead her away. I followed and lingered behind the bathroom door. "Can I have some privacy?"

"Yes of course. Please join me for dinner when you're done." He left the bedroom.

"Are you okay?" I hurried out.

"Call Reli." She's terrified. She's shaking.

"No."

"Della please." She took my wrists. "This night won't end well for me. I feel it."

"I'll find a way but I'm not contacting the crown. Get dressed. Go to that dinner. I'll think of something. Nothing will happen to you. I promise."

*
After Renée was accompanied Adair by two armed guards, I disposed of the dead bird after pretending to be checking on the rise bushes like I usually do. I was lingering along the fence trying to think of how to help the young woman when I saw a man walking along the fence.

When I stopped moving, he stopped. I tried t move again and he stopped when I stopped. "Your grace."

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"My name is Barlowe. I work for the prince. He is convinced you know where Renée is. In case you don't know her, she's about 5'7", pale skinned, long dark hair and very chatty. She's the prince's girlfriend so I hope you see the urgency in this."