The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 52: Played Right Under Her Nose

{Third Person}

Elowen gave a small nod, already turning back to Zarek as if that was enough. "I brought you something," she said, reaching for the small package she had carried in.

Zarek took it, glancing at it briefly. "What did you get this time?"

"Open it and take a look for yourself," she replied easily, but she didn’t wait for him to open it. She took a step back and added, "I won’t stay long. I still have to go see Rowan."

Zarek nodded. "Go ahead."

Elowen gave a small wave. "Don’t miss me too much."

Zarek scoffed lightly, but there was a faint curve at the corner of his lips.

Then, Elowen turned and left just as quickly as she came. She didn’t bother to spare one more glance at Julia.

Her subtle reaction spoke volumes.

As silence lingered in the room, Julia’s smile faded. She was aware that Elowen wasn’t fond of her since what had happened that year.

—

Elowen’s next stop was Rowan’s residence. Compared to Zarek’s, it felt... calmer. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

She stepped out of the carriage, her energy still intact, though her movements softened slightly as she entered.

Rowan was already there as if he had expected her. "Elowen," he said.

She smiled and walked over. "You always know when I’m coming, don’t you?"

He didn’t answer that. Instead, his gaze softened slightly. "You’ve been away for a while."

"I know," she said lightly, handing him the gift she brought. "That’s why I came back with presents."

Rowan accepted it. "Thank you."

"You are welcome." She smiled.

This time, she stayed. She sat down without being told, making herself comfortable. Not long after, Rowan’s mate entered, carrying a tray.

"Princess," she greeted warmly, placing the tray down. "Welcome back."

Elowen smiled at her. "Thank you."

Then tea was poured and light snacks arranged neatly for her.

Elowen glanced at them, then laughed softly. "I don’t think I have any space left."

Rowan looked at her. "You’ve already eaten?"

She nodded. "At Alexander’s."

Rowan nodded and simply said, "I see."

Still, Elowen reached for the tea, taking a sip. "I’m good with this one, though."

The warmth seemed to settle her slightly. Rowan watched her for a moment before speaking again.

"How long will you be staying this time?"

Elowen shrugged lightly. "I’m not sure yet."

His gaze lingered on her, but after what seemed like a minute had passed, he couldn’t help saying, "You should tell Father and Mother the truth about your studies."

Almost immediately, Elowen froze. Moments later, she lifted her gaze to him. "How do you know?"

He stayed silent, opting not to answer the questions. She looked at him a little longer, then exhaled gently.

"If they find out I’ve already completed my studies," she said, "they will lock me up in this palace."

Her tone wasn’t dramatic. It was honest.

Rowan sighed softly and said to her, "Do what you want, I won’t tell anyone."

Her eyes lit up instantly. "That’s why you are my favourite after Alex," she said, jumping up and wrapping her arms around him in a quick hug.

Rowan didn’t react much, but he didn’t push her away either. Then, she pulled back, smiling brightly again.

"I will come see you some other time."

Rowan gave a small nod.

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Morning light filtered softly into Queen Lysandra’s private dining chamber, catching on polished silverware and the delicate steam rising from her tea.

She sat at the head of the table, composed as always, lifting her cup with natural elegance. The table was set with an assortment of carefully prepared dishes, each arranged with precision.

It wasn’t long before soft footsteps approached.

Her maid-in-waiting stepped in, bowed slightly, then moved closer. She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke into Lysandra’s ear.

A few seconds later, Lysandra’s hand stilled mid-air. Her fingers tightened slightly around the teacup.

"...What did you say?" she asked, her voice low, but sharp enough to cut.

The maid repeated herself, even more carefully this time. "One of the concubines in the back palace... she has thrown up her breakfast for two mornings in a row."

"Has a physician been sent?"

"No, Your Majesty."

Lysandra set her cup down a little too firmly. "Send for my physician. Immediately."

The maid bowed quickly and hurried out.

Lysandra didn’t touch her food again as her appetite had vanished. Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, once... twice... then stilled again as she leaned back into her seat.

Her eyes were distant and calculating. By the time the physician arrived, the air in the room had changed.

He bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."

"You will go to the back palace and examine that concubine," Lysandra said without wasting a second.

The physician raised his head slightly.

"I want to know if she is with child," she continued, her gaze locking onto him. There was no room for error in her tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He left immediately.

—

Time stretched and Lysandra did not return to her meal. The dishes remained untouched as she sat there, waiting.

When the doors finally opened again, she didn’t turn immediately.

"Speak."

The physician stepped forward, bowing again. "Your Majesty... the concubine is indeed with child."

Lysandra’s fingers curled slightly against the armrest. "How far along?"

The physician hesitated just for a fraction of a second. "...Past three months."

The room seemed to still as Lysandra turned her head slowly this time, her eyes landing on him. "Three months?" she repeated.

There was no rise in her voice, and that made it worse.

"How is that possible?" she asked, each word deliberate.

No one could answer that question.

The maid-in-waiting stepped forward carefully, her voice cautious. "Your Majesty... even if a concubine is with child, it does not—"

"It does not matter?" Lysandra cut in, her gaze snapping toward her.

The maid immediately lowered her head. "I meant... none of their children can threaten the succession—"

Lysandra let out a soft, humourless scoff. "That is exactly why they dare to act like this."

She rose from her seat gracefully, but the calm in her movements did nothing to hide the anger beneath.

"What I hate the most are those lowly wolves trying to outsmart me." Her eyes darkened as her voice turned colder. "To hide a pregnancy for three months... right under my nose."

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

The physician spoke again, carefully choosing his words. "Your Majesty... at this stage, it is too late to use... conventional methods." Then, he let out a breath before adding, "It is very likely His Majesty has already been informed."

For a brief moment, something raw flickered across her face—frustration. Irritation.

The maid-in-waiting’s composure cracked slightly. "Your Majesty... please, you must not act rashly. If His Majesty suspects anything—"

"I am not a fool," Lysandra snapped, then immediately reined herself back in.

A heavy silence followed. Then slowly... she exhaled and her posture straightened again. Though the storm seemed to have settled, it didn’t disappear.

When she spoke again, her voice was dangerously smooth.

"Since she dares to be cunning right under my nose..." Lysandra said, a faint smile touching her lips, though it held no warmth, "Then I will let her enjoy it."

The maid-in-waiting didn’t dare look up or try to interrupt her.

Lysandra continued, turning slightly toward the window, her gaze distant, "I will see to it that she carries that pup to full term." Then, her smile sharpened. "And then... I will deal with her."

The room fell completely silent. No one dared to question her.