Chapter 22 #2
Anna nodded eagerly, taking on the task with the seriousness of a little adult as she helped fluff the pillows and straighten the sheets. Perock supported me as I sat back down on the bed, while Anna bustled around, tucking the blanket around me and handing me a cup of water.
For the first time, the three of us were together as a complete family.
Anna perched on the edge of the bed, excitedly recounting everything that had happened over the past three days—how Perock had told her stories of wolf lore, shown her around the palace grounds, and even taken her to see newborn wolf pups.
“Mommy, I drew lots of pictures for you,” Anna said, pulling a stack of papers from the bedside table. “While you were sleeping, I made them with Pe—Daddy.” She giggled shyly at the new title, her cheeks flushing pink.
Perock’s expression softened instantly, a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. Clearly, hearing her call him “Daddy” meant the world to him.
Anna eagerly showed off her artwork. There were drawings of the palace gardens, sketches of castles and dragons, and several portraits of the three of us together. Though her artistic skills were still childlike, the warmth and happiness in each picture shone through vividly.
“This is us,” Anna said, pointing to one drawing. “See, this is you, this is Daddy, and this is me. We’re having a picnic in the garden.”
I couldn’t help but smile, though a pang of guilt tugged at my heart. If I hadn’t been so stubborn, so afraid, Anna could have experienced this family warmth much sooner.
“They’re beautiful, sweetheart,” I said, kissing her forehead. “Mommy loves them.”
Anna pulled out more drawings, enthusiastically explaining the story behind each one. Perock sat nearby, watching us with a gentle gaze, occasionally chiming in to add details Anna forgot.
Gradually, Anna’s voice grew drowsy, her excitement giving way to exhaustion. Before long, she curled up beside me, drifting off to sleep. Perock carefully lifted her, carrying her to a small cot beside the healing den’s main bed, his movements so tender it tugged at my heart.
“These past three days, she barely left your side,” Perock said quietly, brushing a strand of hair from Anna’s forehead before sitting beside me. “Every day, she asked if you’d wake up soon, if you might never open your eyes again.”
Imagining my daughter’s worry and fear over those days sent a sharp ache through my chest.
“Perock,” I said, staring into his face, “how did you save me?”
“Don’t lie to me, Perock,” I added, gripping his hand tightly. “Please.”
He pressed his lips together, offering a reassuring smile as he patted the back of my hand.
“I transferred the dark magic from you into myself, but in doing so, it also broke a curse that had been on me.”
“Really?”
It seemed almost too convenient.
I wanted to press further, but Perock’s expression turned serious. “Lilia, there’s a lot you need to know about the rogue werewolf’s attack.”
Over the next hour, Perock explained the findings of his investigation in detail.
Jackson hadn’t died as he’d believed—he’d been hiding in a secret stronghold at the northern border, plotting to overthrow Perock’s rule.
Even more shocking, Orin, the lieutenant who had once shown me such care, was revealed to be Jackson’s mole.
Five years ago, he had falsified Jackson’s execution records.
“The Thornfield family is involved as well,” Perock said, his voice as cold as ice. “They’ve been providing Jackson with substantial funds and manpower.”
I couldn’t help but recall the encounter with Viossi in the garden that day—her madness, her resentment. Now, it seemed clear that it wasn’t just personal jealousy or anger. It was part of a much larger conspiracy.
“What are they planning now?” I asked, a surge of worry for Anna’s safety rising within me.
“Jackson has spread word across the kingdom that you were assassinated, claiming it was my doing as a plot to seize control of Fellinger. He’s trying to destabilize relations between our nations, incite war, and then position himself as a ‘peacemaker’ to overthrow me.”
Perock’s eyes glinted with a dangerous edge.
“But I’ve already taken steps. Viossi is under control, cut off from outside contact.
I’ve publicly announced that you’re gravely injured and clinging to life, ordering all city gates closed to hunt for the assassin.
This will force Jackson to accelerate his plans and expose his hand. ”
I mulled over the strategy, a question forming in my mind. “What about Fellinger? Do they know the truth? If they believe Jackson’s rumors…”
“I’ve sent a covert envoy to explain the situation to Fellinger, but it takes time for messages to travel,” Perock said, frowning. “If Jackson’s lies reach them first, it could create unnecessary tension.”
I thought for a moment before making a decision. “That might take too much time, and I think we won’t make it. I will contact my mother through mind-link and tell her the truth.”
Perock’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Are you sure your body can handle that kind of strain right now?”
“For the sake of peace between our nations, for Anna’s safety, I have to try,” I said with determination.
Perock nodded, respect shining in his gaze. “What do you need from me?”
“Just stay quiet and don’t disturb my focus.”
I closed my eyes, centering my mind, searching for the faint but unbreakable thread of connection between my mother and me.
After a moment, I felt that familiar warmth—my mother’s presence.
I immediately relayed everything: the rogue werewolf’s attack, Jackson’s conspiracy, Perock’s plan, and the fact that Anna and I were safe.
Her response came almost instantly—a wave of shock, concern, and resolve washed over me.
She promised to act immediately, sending elite forces to support us while working to intercept Jackson’s rumors within Fellinger’s borders.
When I opened my eyes again, I found Perock watching me intently, worry etched across his face.
“It worked,” I said with a weak smile, a slight dizziness creeping in. “Mother will send reinforcements discreetly. Our nations will stand together against Jackson.”
Perock exhaled in relief, reaching out to steady me. “You should rest now. That mental connection must have taken a lot out of you.”
I nodded, feeling the exhaustion settle in, but my heart burned with resolve. We were a complete family now, united against a common enemy with a shared purpose. No matter what schemes Jackson had in store, we would face them together, protecting our daughter and our kingdoms.
Over the next few hours, we devised detailed defense and counterattack plans.
Perock had maps and intelligence reports brought to the healing den, and we studied every possible attack route and defensive strategy.
Viossi was positioned as a key part of the plan, maintained as the public face of the queen to deceive Jackson into believing everything was proceeding as normal, lowering his guard.
As night fell, Anna still slept soundly. Perock and I stood by the window of the healing den, gazing out at the distant lights of the city below.
“Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for you and Anna to be moved to a safer location,” Perock said quietly. “There’s a hidden sanctuary deep within the castle.”
“I’m not hiding,” I said firmly. “I’m the heir of Fellinger, and I’m your… ally. I’ll stand with you in this fight.”
Perock turned to face me, concern shadowing his features. “Lilia, promise me, you won’t take unnecessary risks. Think of Anna and me. We need you.”
“She needs you too,” I replied softly, reaching out to touch his cheek. “We’ll protect her together. We’ll face everything together.”
Perock’s gaze softened. He gently took my hand, pressing it against his cheek.
“Five years ago, I made an unforgivable mistake. I hurt you and lost five precious years with you and Anna. Now, fate has given me a second chance, and I won’t make the same mistake again.
No matter what happens, I’ll protect you both, even if it costs me my life. ”
“Don’t talk about your life,” I interrupted urgently, a sharp fear piercing my heart. “We’ll all be fine. We’ll get through this crisis together and watch Anna grow up side by side.”
Perock smiled, though a flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes. “Of course, we’ll get through this together.”
He gently pulled me into his arms, and I rested against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
In that moment, it felt as if we had returned to five years ago, to the sweet instant when I first felt the pull of our fated bond.
But this time, our hearts were wiser, I knew our love deeper, and our determination stronger than ever.