Chapter 103: What Lies Beyond

Zavren simply chuckled, his laughter so low that if you didn’t listen carefully, you’d never guess it was a chuckle. "And what would Fredrick use it for?" he asked, his expression calm as Raven’s hand moved to his chin. He tried to think, realizing this was getting more complicated than he had initially thought. "Your Highness, it seems like this man had planned everything before he got married to her... I mean..uh..I..I think he planned everything before the wedding," Raven stuttered, scratching the back of his head nervously. Why was the king jealous? It wasn’t like they were still married. He then added, noticing how suffocating the atmosphere was becoming by the second, "Your Majesty, according to the radiation, I’m guessing today will be the day the ship finally reaches Aphenths," he said, as the atmosphere slowly returned to its normal calmness. He continued, his voice now steadier. "I’m guessing in three days, Mister Sleekwood will be sending the letters on his observations throughout the journey." *** Ariana lay on the bed. She knew exactly what she wanted now, a good rest. She was so happy she and Zavren had spent time together today. Even though it wasn’t perfect because she had cried—it was still a great day. Despite his work and tight schedule, they’d spent time together. Her lips curled up sweetly as she shut her eyes and not long after fell asleep. Hours passed, and Ariana eventually woke up, her body feeling refreshed and strong. She sat up and stretched calmly, her body feeling free. She stood, slipped into her shoes, and walked toward the door. Maybe having a little bit of fresh air in the garden wouldn’t be a bad idea at all, she thought. As she walked through the hallway she decided to walk at the other part of the hallway,maybe explore a little, she walked straight ahead but suddenly paused. Just as she was about to go further, she noticed the seer walking—with someone beside her. Zavren. Ariana’s heartbeat stopped. She quickly moved behind one of the pillars and hid. She didn’t know why she had taken this hallway today—she should’ve just used the shortcut like always. But no, now she didn’t even understand why she felt this awkward. Not to mention she was the queen—she could have simply walked past them and offered a courteous greeting, yet here she was, hiding like some palace intruder. And as if that wasn’t enough, they reached the door. Ariana hid herself even more, her eyes widening. If she wasn’t mistaken, that was the forbidden door. Wasn’t that the door no one was allowed to enter? So why was he standing there—with that lady? She noticed the woman saying something—was it to the door? Ariana wondered curiously as she pushed her head out a little to peek. Then Zavren turned. She quickly pulled her head back, her heart pounding hard in her chest. "D... Did he see me?" she wondered her hands on her chest as she tried to calm her breathing, but luckily, he hadn’t. That was a relief. She didn’t know what she would have done if he had. Slowly, she peeked again and saw the woman open the door. Though it was far, she clearly saw the seer enter... and Zavren followed. Ariana didn’t know why, but her heart squeezed tightly. Why would she wake up and be greeted with something like this? What hurt more was that Zavren had warned her—discreetly but firmly—not to ever go in there. He had even threatened her...that day at the carriage. And yet... yet he... Ariana bit her lip so hard that blood came. Her eyes burned. If that was a forbidden door, then why wasn’t he the only one going in? Why did he allow the lady to enter as well? Did he not trust her enough? If he could allow another woman in, it meant he didn’t trust her at all—didn’t trust her with his secrets. And yet... Was she overthinking? But she was his mate. Did she not have the right to know? At first, she respected his decision. She had been curious—countless times—but had never dared go near that place. Not just because of his threat... but because of her respect for him. She had made sure her curiosity never won. But now...actually seeing him take another woman there—her heart ached terribly. A sigh escaped her lips as she inhaled and exhaled loudly. It felt like she couldn’t breathe. She needed to leave. She turned and walked quickly...hastily down another hallway. At this point, she didn’t know what to do her eyes were slightly blurry as tears gathered in her eyes. Was that why he had told her to go in and rest? "Queen Ariana!" a voice called. Ariana stopped quickly cleaned her eyes as she managed a smile then turned. It was Leah, who looked worried. "Queen Ariana, please... are you okay?" she asked. Ariana nodded, though her vision was slightly blurry as she tried to keep herself steady. "Queen Ariana, please... it’s time to take your herbal tea. We noticed you didn’t take it at all," Leah said softly as her face grew with worry the more time passed. Ariana nodded again. But she was sure—the bitterness she felt in her heart couldn’t even compare to the tea she was about to drink. *** Now at the Zavren’s inner chambers. "I feel your wife’s voice... We can only know what to do by checking her, and I would say that would have to be after her pregnancy," the lady said seriously, her expression thoughtful. "The last seer who came and tried lost her powers temporarily due to the sharp burn she felt. I’m afraid that if we try again, it could be worse—maybe I might lose my powers completely." "I still don’t understand one thing," she continued. "How is it possible that a human could have such powers? And then again, according to what the other seer saw, it seems one of the reasons for the blockage in seeing Queen Ariana’s past is..." She paused, her eyes moving to Zavren, who didn’t spare her a single glance. His expression gave nothing away—stoic as always. "The child," Zavren said. The woman’s eyes widened slightly, then she nodded in confirmation. "Very true, Your Highness. And so, I would suggest we wait until after her pregnancy. I assure you..once we check, we will know the reason." Zavren fell silent. The lady then left calmly, and soon after, Raven yelled forward and asked curiously. "The powers Lady Ariana possesses—why are they hidden?" Raven asked curiously. He couldn’t help but wonder how she could be that powerful. Something about it all puzzled him. Was Fredrick aware of this? Was that why he decided to marry her? So many questions ran through his head. "And why should I tell you?" Zavren asked, his tone sharp. Raven immediately realized he had gotten too caught up in his curiosity and had spoken without thinking. He’d forgotten how protective His Majesty could be of the queen. Scratching the back of his head, he laughed nervously. "Uh... I was just curious—" Zavren cut him off. "If you have nothing else to say, get out." "Oh no, I do have something to say," Raven replied quickly, seeing Zavren waiting expectantly. He scratched his head again, realizing he shouldn’t waste any more of the king’s time. "There have been a few changes made in the castle by the queen... and also, it was reported that she visited the royal farm while you were away. She also visited a school in a small village." Zavren stilled at that. Raven noticed and waited, sensing he might want to say something. "Go on," Zavren said finally. Raven nodded. "It also seems Brother Zekel won’t be coming for a few more days, as he’ll be teaching the twins swordsmanship." Zavren nodded. "At least he is training in the process," he said in a calm, lifeless tone. Raven nodded again. He had gotten used to calling Lord Zekel "Brother Zekel," which was why Zavren wasn’t bothered when he said it. "Good," Zavren added. A smile widened on Raven’s lips. If the king said good, it meant he was at least a bit impressed by the day’s reports. And since Zavren wasn’t the type to say such things lightly, Raven stood there like a child who had just passed all their exams. But his happiness quickly turned to surprise when Zavren added, "Now get out." Raven could hardly believe it. This king of his—one moment you think you’ve impressed him, and the next, he throws you off guard. He sighed and walked toward the door, opening it and stepping into the hallway. "It seems I celebrated too soo—" His words were cut off as he nearly bumped into someone. His eyes widened when he saw Leah bowing deeply, her expression pale, her breathing uneven, and her tone urgent. "Please... where is the king?" she asked, her voice shaky yet pleading. Raven instantly knew something was wrong. The panic in her tone, her hurried movements, and the way she couldn’t even remain still—it all confirmed it. "Follow me," he said firmly. She nodded quickly and followed him in a rush until they stopped in front of a door. Zavren knocked calmly. After a short pause, he gently opened it. His expression was unreadable, calm but cold, he looked at the woman who now bowed deeply. "Y-Your Highness," she stammered her head deeply low. "H-Her Grace..." the woman’s shoulders trembled. Zavren’s expression turned serious. "Speak," he commanded, his voice colder than usual, brimming with authority. "S-She... she collapsed."