The Tasks of the Moon Goddess

Chapter 14

Author's note: The picture is of Joyana's dress

The next day, I found out who poisoned me. Gabriella told me that Rachel was caught retrieving the bottle and was locked in the cells. She later confessed to her crime. I snuck down to talk to her.

"Rachel, why would you do this to me?

I'm so sorry, princess. I'm so ashamed, she said teary eyed. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just got nervous about the whole mate thing.

"But why?" I asked.

"Because what if Simon is not my mate?" She asked.

"You couldn't just talk to me about that? I asked.

"I'm sorry. I panicked. I was just so afraid of losing him after we finally got together. I'll accept my punishment," she said.

"No Rachel, the punishment for harming one of the royal family is death, '' I said. "I can't let them kill you."

"But I poisoned you," she said, tears running down her face. "I don't deserve to live. You're so good and I betrayed you."

"You deserve so much Rachel, but death isn't one of them," I insisted. "Let me get you out of here."

"It doesn't matter Joyana. Simon will never speak to me again after what I did to you," she said. "I deserve everything I get.

"You're a good person Rachel who made a stupid mistake," I said. "I'll not have you die for that. Simon will forgive you, in time.

"If Alpha Viktor doesn't kill me, your parents will," she said.

"I can handle my parents," I said. "I'll just tell my mother the truth about why you did it. She'll be so upset I even told you about the dream that she'll get totally distracted. I'll figure out what to do about Alpha Viktor."

We hugged through the bars and I made my way back to the pack house. I found Viktor in his office. He was on the phone but he waved me in.

"Yes, your highness," he said. "She's right here now. Of course. One second.

"It's your father," he mouthed.

"Hello Dad. What can I do for you," I said.

"Why am I hearing about your assault and poisoning from Alpha Viktor instead of you?" He asked, sounding angry. "Plus Rachel is the one who poisoned you? What's going on over there?" He asked.

"Daddy please don't be angry with Rachel. It's my fault," I said.

"Answer my questions," he said. " And don't you dare ask me for leniency with Rachel. She could have killed you."

"But she didn't," I said.

"Enough!" He roared. "Her punishment is death."

"But daddy-," I started.

"If you think someone can poison my daughter and live, you are sadly mistaken," he said in a deadly calm voice.

"Can I talk to Mom?" I asked.

"She's in complete agreement with me," he said.

"Can you put Mom on the phone please?" I asked again.

"Alright Ladybug," he said. "Hold on."

"Hello," my Mom said.

"Mom, please don't let him kill Rachel," I begged.

"Now Joyana, I know your father already talked to you about this and I completely agree with him," she said.

"But Mom, you don't understand," I said. "Remember that talk I had with you before we left?"