A Usurper's Cause (Book #4)

Chapter Forty-One

Haven didn't know where she was headed as she walked through the corridors of the palace. She used to think Aristol castle was enormous and confusing, but it couldn't compare to here. Here where the hallways were endless, and doors led to even larger rooms or passageways. She knew there had to be entrances to the underground tunnels somewhere, too. The only part of the palace she hadn't explored yet was the isolated tower that loomed over her anytime she walked around the entire premises.

Maybe I'll finally explore that...

Her curiosity knew no bounds here, and she didn't care.

Haven turned around to head back toward the foyer, and then she stopped when she heard the distinct sound of someone sniffling. That was followed quickly by a soft whimper, and more sniffling. She listened carefully, realizing the mysterious weeper was inside the palace physician's office. She stared at the name plaque and lifted an eyebrow. He was a short man with a white beard whose voice always sounded raspy, like he had a sore throat. He was named... Dr. Willow or something along those lines. Haven had never cared to learn much about him. Her only real encounter had been eight months ago when Henry demanded to know where Walter was and how he was faring. The doctor had apparently been the advisor's friend. Yet he had no answer for Henry. At least nothing genuine.

The crying certainly didn't sound like a man crying in there, though. And Haven cursed herself for being unable to resist. She checked both ways before grabbing the doorknob and quietly pushing the door open. The crying became more prominent, seeping out of the office and bringing a chill down her spine.

Haven peered inside, finding Jasmine hunched over in the corner. Jasmine raised her head and looked over, gasping when she noticed Haven.

"Your Majesty," Haven greeted, opening the door wider.

"What are you doing there?" Jasmine demanded. "Do you not have enough decency to respect a closed door?"

Haven almost snorted. "I thought I would find a short old man crying in here."

Jasmine blinked. "Dr. Wilson stepped out to give me the privacy I asked for."

"Ah, Dr. Wilson." Haven rubbed her chin. She'd liked Willow better. "If you wish to sulk in here alone, suit yourself." She took hold of the doorknob again and smirked when Jasmine called out to her.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Haven asked.

"You are a woman," Jasmine stated. "I may be able to speak with you about this."

"You may?" What is that supposed to mean? Nonetheless, Haven closed the door behind her and fully walked into the room. Words like that didn't matter. She wanted to know what this was about. She'd only ever seen Queen Jasmine scowl and walk around with her nose turned up as if she felt superior to everyone else. Then again, she probably was. She was married to the king of one of the wealthiest kingdoms. She had nothing to worry about... except for now apparently.

"Have you ever considered having children?" Jasmine asked.

Haven stiffened. "No. It's never crossed my mind."

"I used to think to myself how I wanted a big family—more than anything else. At least four or five kids." She sighed longingly as she turned her head. "It felt so easy to think such things when I was with Henry."

Haven felt her cheeks warm. "What?"

"Has he not mentioned me?"

"Your husband mentioned something when we first arrived, but Henry decides what he wishes and doesn't wish to share." Haven rolled her eyes. None of that even matters. Get yourself together. Then she took a deep breath, and her cheeks cooled down. "So, you two were involved? What happened with that?"

Jasmine looked up at her, her lower lip protruding. "He... did not love me the way I loved him. I used to believe it was because he was in love with Elouise. It doesn't appear to be that either, though, which comforts me from time to time. I foolishly allow myself to dwell on the idea of us growing close again."

Haven pressed her lips firmly together and crossed her arms.

"That is horrid, I know," Jasmine continued. "My reasoning for saying this is I've been unsuccessful in becoming pregnant for the past few months. Now I wonder if I truly care about having children anymore. Then I start to realize it doesn't matter whether I do or don't. I am expected to give my husband an heir."

"Is he pressuring you?"

"No. Although, I worry he has complained to others. To me, he assures me it will happen, and we can wait. We have plenty of time. Yet I see the desperation in his eyes and the slight frustration whenever I inform him that I am still not pregnant." Jasmine chuckled softly, looking away again. "These are issues that do not pertain to you. Even if you were to marry, you would not have the same pressures I do. You are free to make your own decisions—whether that be with a man or a woman. I was coerced into accepting his marriage proposal, because I would've been considered deranged by my family if I had said no." Then her eyebrows furrowed, and she pulled herself off the floor.

"Even now, I still find myself envying Elouise," she said, her voice lower. "Victor laughs about her losing her crown, but she can go anywhere now. Why does she stay here and prepare for anything? She can simply live her life the way she pleases without worrying about a kingdom." Jasmine snatched a clean rag off Dr. Wilson's desk and wiped her face dry.

Haven watched her for a moment before shaking her head. "You wouldn't like it if someone came and took your home and murdered the people you care about."

Jasmine tossed the rag aside and glowered at Haven. "Why are you here? Why do you defend her still? I've heard the way she speaks to you. She treats you like a servant and makes you look worse than you already do." Ah, there it was. The little attitude Haven knew Jasmine for.

Haven smirked at her. "Let me worry about my own issues and decisions. One thing's for sure, Elouise and I have the same enemy. They've taken things from me, too. I tried running away and never looking back, but that got me nowhere. Then I tried again last year, and Elouise showed up with Henry. I can't escape them, and I've given up trying. The only way forward is to get rid of the past. I also knew Elouise—the real her. And despite the fact that I do sometimes want to scream in her face, I can't help but admire her determination to finish this rather than keep running. Once it's over, it'll benefit me, too." She turned around and then groaned before facing Jasmine one more time.

"I get you're struggling, too. But since you know running away from this isn't gonna help, tell him how you're feeling. If he says the two of you can wait, hold him to those words. And quit envying others because of your own problems." Haven walked out of the office and headed left when she bumped right into a woman wearing a black lace cloak. She jumped back and then cursed under her breath when she noticed the woman's purple irises.

"The same enemy?" the woman asked, cocking her head. "Now that is quite disrespectful to our Almighty, Haven." A sharp blade pierced through Haven's chest, and Haven gasped, unable to move.

The woman abruptly yanked out the blade, and Jasmine cried out for help as she ran over. Haven dropped onto her knees and glanced down at the bleeding wound just below her collarbones.

"Lady Rowe!" Jasmine shrieked. "What are you doing?"

Lady... Rowe?

Lady Rowe fled as the sound of guards rushing toward them filled the hallways. Haven laughed weakly as she clutched her chest.

I won't die... I'm too stubborn to die like this.

And yet, Haven clenched her teeth, biting back a whine as the pain became unbearable.