Page 48 of Eternal Mate

So, we’re done? she tentatively asked.

I nodded despite knowing she couldn’t see. Yeah, pup, we’re done.

18

THRONE ROOM SURPRISES

ARIA

I burst into the throne room to find Sariel, heart pounding in my chest, only to be met with a sight that utterly bewildered me.

The room was filled with soldiers, their once hostile and fierce expressions replaced with somber gazes fixed upon Blossom. She stood at the center of the room, her shoulders hunched, as she mourned the loss of Tarragon, the very man who had once commanded their loyalty.

The air was heavy with a profound silence, broken only by the soft sounds of stifled sobs and whispered condolences.

Confusion swept over me like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf my thoughts. I struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in allegiance among the soldiers.

What had transpired in my absence? How had the tides turned so swiftly, transforming the throne room into a sanctuary of mourning rather than a battleground of power?

As I scanned the faces of the soldiers, I noticed a mix of emotions etched upon their countenances. There were expressions of sorrow, relief, and even a hint of gratitude. It was as if a veil of darkness had been lifted, allowing them to breathe freely for the first time in ages.

I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this unexpected change, what revelations had unfolded in the wake of Tarragon's demise, as had been narrated to me by Sariel.

Before I could gather my thoughts, a familiar and excited voice broke through the hushed whispers.

"Aria!" Bim called out from across the room. He hurried toward me, eyes gleaming with recognition and relief. "You're here! Sariel is with the Princess in her quarters."

His enthusiasm caught me off guard, but I still nodded hesitantly.

I followed him through the maze-like corridors of the palace, my mind still reeling from this unexpected turn of events. The twists and turns seemed to blur together as my mind raced, trying to make sense of the shifting dynamics within the kingdom.

How had Blossom, the woman who had once been Tarragon's ally, become the focus of the soldiers' attention in their moment of mourning? Why weren’t they helping her rise as ruler instead of her sister? And if they didn’t support her, why weren’t they locking her up? Maybe Lucia still held affection for her misguided sister?

Bim, ever talkative, filled the silence as we made our way through the labyrinthine passages.

"You wouldn't believe what happened, Aria!" he began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Princess Lucia had been planning this all along. She knew Tarragon had to be stopped, and she was determined to take matters into her own hands."

I glanced at him, curiosity and disbelief evident in my eyes. "What do you mean?"

He chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair. "Well, it's quite a story, you see. It all started with Mikey's death. Princess Lucia loved him deeply, and when Tarragon killed him, something in her snapped. She couldn't bear to see the kingdom suffer under his tyrannical rule any longer."

My breath caught in my throat as I listened intently, my steps faltering for a moment before I quickened my pace to keep up with Bim. Grief and hope intermingled within me as I came to grasp the depths of Lucia's pain and the lengths she had gone to protect her people—her child.

Mikey's child.

Bim continued, his voice getting more and more animated with each word. "So, Lucia hatched a plan. She contacted a few trusted soldiers who had witnessed Tarragon's cruelty first hand. They formed a secret alliance dedicated to taking him down, but they needed someone from the inside, someone with the skills and knowledge to infiltrate Tarragon's inner circle."

I nodded, beginning to comprehend the extent of Lucia's strategy.

"And that's where I came in!" Bim's eyes widened, his excitement palpable. "After Grel’s death, there wasn't anyone close to the King and Queen who could feed them information. Tarragon wasn't stupid; he didn't trust Lucia after what he'd done, so she asked me to keep an ear out since I was promoted to their personal guard."

I felt a surge of pride as I thought of Lucia's bravery and dedication. She’d risked everything to bring justice and protect those she cared about. Her sacrifices were not in vain; they had played a crucial role in orchestrating Tarragon's downfall, putting an end to his tyranny.

As we rounded a corner, Bim stopped abruptly, turning to face me. "We're here, Aria. They're waiting for you with the new Princess."

Excited expectation flooded me as his words settled in.

I braced myself, mentally preparing for what was ahead.

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