ATTENTION READER!

If you are under the age of eighteen, there are scenes in this chapter that are for mature audiences only. These scenes include on page sex, which is why this book is for mature audiences, and I (as the author) suggest that you skip that particular scene, which is at the end of this chapter. Skipping that scene will not keep you from the story.

Thanks! ~Kayla ❤️

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The scratchy sheets that were draped over me, clung to my skin as I awoke, my head throbbing as I tried to sit up but failed to do so. My libs felt heavy and sore and the queezy feeling in my stomach hinted that I hadn't eaten in hours, maybe days. What happened to me? With a groan, I shifted under the blankets, my mind filled with hundreds of questions as I forced my eyelids open. A white light shown in my face, forcing me to quickly shut my eyes closed, shielding myself from the blinding light. Cautiously, I opened my eyes again, hopeing my eyes would adjust to the light around me. Blinking several times, I immediately recognized the room filled with beds and the desk along one wall. Turning over on my side, Delmare sat curled up in a chair beside me, his facial hair had grown and his hair was a mess on top of his hair. Dark crescents shadowed his eyes and his skin was an ashen color as if he had been worrying himself sick. Reaching over, I lightly touched his knee, hoping to comfort him even though I was too weak to get up. Why was I like this? What had happened?

"Good, you're awake!" A man said as he came towards me, making me tense up as I turned towards him, "It's alright, dear."

"I brought you some water. Do you need help sitting up?" He asked as he set the glass down on the side table as I nodded.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice hoarse, as George helped me up into a sitting position, "Am I sick? Are the babies okay?"

"I will explain everything but first you need to drink something." He said, handing me the glass of water and I guzzled it down as if I had just spent the last twenty-four hours in a desert.

"Someone had poisoned your breakfast that morning." George stated firmly, "Thankfully, it was a mild poison only intending on putting the victim in a coma. We have found the traitor, they are currently in the dungeon."

"Why would anyone poison me?" I asked, fear filling me. "Only those working in the palace know I exist."

"It was a Syren, Anna. It must have evaded our guards up until the night of the funeral. We caught it trying to sneak out of the castle." He paused, "The heirs' are fine, healthy. There is no need to worry."

"How long have I been asleep?" I asked, turning to look at Delmare who began to stir as he...