Chapter 35
Chapter 35 ANNIKA "D**n it!
it!" I cursed loudly, my voice echoing off the walls of the guest chamber. I paced back and forth, my mind racing with frustration and desperation. I thought I had finally discarded Sage and removed her from the equation. But I hadn't anticipated the depth of influence she had over His Majesty. How had she managed to ensnare him so completely? stopped gripping the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. I had planned everything meticulously, yet here I was, trapped in this chamber, my future hanging by a thread.
The realization that His Majesty had not yet ordered my death brought a fleeting sense of relief. But that relief was quickly overshadowed by the gnawing fear of the unknown. How long will I be able to stay here before the noose tightens around my neck? 1 clenched ched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. The walls seemed to close in on me, suffocating me with the weight of my impending doom. I had to act, and quickly.
I couldn't allow Sage to continue holding such sway over him. eded a plan-a way to turn the tables before it was 100 late. My mind churned with possibilities, each more desperate than the last. I couldn't afford to make another mistake.
I straightened, taking a a deep breath to steady myself. There had to be a way to turn this situation to my advantage. Perhaps I could find an ally within the palace, someone who resented Sage's influence as much as I did. Or maybe there was a secret about Sage that I could uncover, something that would shatter her hold I over His Majesty. Think, Annika, think, I muttered to myself, my mind racing with possibilities
Time was running out, and I couldn't afford to waste a single moment. eded to act swiftly and decisively, or risk being swallowed by the very darkness I had sought to control. was startled
"Your Majesty," "I greeted in
rtled when someone barged into my room. My eyes widened upon seeing who it was I in surprise, quickly bowing before her
The queen's presence filled the room with icy tension. She stared down at me with eyes that seemed to see straight through my facade. "You're very determined to take your sister's place, aren't you?" she asked, her tone dripping with disdain. "It wasn't her place to begin with, Your Majesty," I responded, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was the one promised to the king, as my father is the current alpha of our pack. I wasn't taking anything that wasn't mine." Her gaze i intensified,
I quickly
adding a sharp edge to her scrutiny. "Are you determined to take my place as well?"
lowered my head, the weight of her words pressing down on me. "I would never dare, Your Majesty," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Your family is equally clever and foolish," she said, her voice cold and cutting. "You manage to go around the rules of the treaty, yet here you are fully determined to reclaim the position you freely gave away."
I swallowed hard, feeling the sting of her rebuke. "It was never my intention to defy the treaty, Your Majesty. Circumstances have changed, and I am merely trying to fulfill my duty to my park
The queen's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Duty to your pack, you say? Or is it your own ambition that drives you?"
A flicker of fear ran through me, but I couldn't afford to show weakness. I only seek to honor my family's legacy and secure our future," I said, hoping my words would find some semblance of truth in her eyes.
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She studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. I don't care about your reason for coming here. But I want you to remember that you owe your life to me.
she M**t that you pulled a while ago could have cost you your I
warned. "If it weren't for me, you'd be dead by now,"
"I am fully aware of that, Your Majesty. And I will be forever grateful." I answered, keeping my voice steady even though my heart was racing
The queen's eyes narrowed, a flicker of skepticism crossing her face. "Good. By saving you, I already put myself on His Majesty's bad side. How are you planning to make it up for for it?"
A cold sweat broke out on my forehead. I had suspected her favor came at a price, but the reality of her words hit me harder than I anticipated. "L... I will do whatever it takes to prove my loyalty to you, Your Majesty." I stammered, trying to convey my sincerity. "Just tell me what you need."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Words are cheap, Annika"
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swallowed hard, thinking quickly. Til do everything in my power to prove myself to you, Your Majesty. Just say the word, and I'll do it.
A smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. "Everything, you say? Interesting.
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said, nodding eagerly.
The queen's smirk faded, replaced by a more contemplative look. "ed you to get any information I could use to remove your sister from the palace. I need it as soon as possible. If you do that, I'll gladly give you her position," she ordered.
I felt a chill run down my spine at her words "I understand," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "I will not fail you."
She stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "See that you don't," she whispered, her breath warm against my ear. "Because if you do, I will not be so merciful next time."
With that, she turned and left the room, leaving me standing there, shaken but more determined than ever. I had been given a chance to prove myself, and I knew I had to seize it with everything I had. The queen's favor was a double-edged. sword, but I would wield it to secure my place and make sure to get rid of Sage.
The queen had assigned me a mission, and I wouldn't rest until it was completed. eded to uncover something-some piece of information-that would shift the balance in our favor. But how could I accomplish that when His Majesty was always there to protect her?