—I knew from experience that the Rahians would not easily accept my proposal to retreat and allow Akasia to invade us, to spread rumors of fragility among the people, to make each city believe the king was losing control over his citizens and that his marriage was falling apart—even if that last part wasn't entirely a lie. Even if my idea sounded absurd to such fierce warriors, it was still worth considering that we could win the first battle after the official declaration of war. But that council wasn't ready to be "humiliated" by the enemy. Despite their disagreements, I counted on the king's support—at least, that's what I believed, until his young advisor also dismissed my arguments. The albino leaned close and whispered in Yurick's ear while locking eyes with me. That was the moment my husband rejected my plan—despite finding it interesting and full of potential.
What could I do, other than lament silently? The same old story repeated itself.
Yurick not having feelings for me was far more dangerous than it appeared. He no longer considered my counsel, even when it was logical. In the past, he would have defended me in that room, as he had on other occasions. Now, I was merely his shadow. And from the strategies being proposed, we would lose the first battle with ease. Our army wasn't prepared to face Akasia's territory—not during winter. My solution, at the very least, would have minimized the damage and strengthened the morale of our warriors.
Yet now, they debated with fervor over offensives in lands they knew nothing about, relying on the notion that the King was like my father—a proud, foolish brute. But my grandfather had accomplished much with his cunning and foresight. He could've ended this long ago... had he simply killed me those months back.
Was I really meant to hear this?
I stared down at my small notebook. But it wasn't the words I'd written that consumed my mind—it was Jamal's proposition. I should've reported it immediately to the army general and to the king. Instead, after reading the delicate note, I destroyed it.
I remembered clearly the panic I felt when he seized control over me—his words of domination. It was the worst experience I could have endured while Yurick was away. That man was dangerous, and I knew it. Yet... a part of me longed to understand how to undo what had been done. It wasn't just the alpha's emotions at stake—the entire kingdom might fall because of it. And yes, deep down, I longed to feel his gaze on me again—warm, intense. That wild, sadistic passion that once subdued my most carnal desires with frightening ease.
—Seyrim? —The king called my attention, pulling me from my thoughts. I blinked, realizing every eye in the room was on me.
—Yes? —I asked, feigning the poise of a noble.
—What's your opinion? —Yurick sighed, sensing I had not been paying attention. I glanced at the map in front of us. Some soldiers were marked ahead of the forest, with a second battalion guarding the rear. Nothing significant.
—They plan to charge forward blindly into the enemy. And then what? —I asked, ignoring the disapproving stares from those who noticed I hadn't even heard the previous plan.
—We'll use gunpowder to blow open the forest's entrance, —a captain replied, pointing to the area they intended to target.
—There's a passage here, —I said, placing my finger exactly where she pointed.— It's a narrow lake that freezes in winter. The ice layers become incredibly thick. But what will happen if you begin detonating the region? Even if the goal is to break as much of the forest as possible, the ground will weaken. No one wants to risk over a thousand soldiers falling to a natural failure, do they? —I stood up after speaking.— I will take my leave if I'm not needed. I'm feeling unwell due to the pregnancy—I trust you'll understand. —I exited without waiting for their response, ignoring the indignant glares that followed.
Yurick came after me in the corridor. I wasn't in the mood to speak. I truly needed rest after a sleepless night searching for possible solutions.
—You wanted to be politically involved. Isn't that what you've always said? Then why not cooperate with the council? —Yurick's voice was tight with frustration. He seemed impatient, lacking sleep.
—Don't you think you're being ridiculous? Politically involved? Before I ever stepped foot in this kingdom, I already participated in council meetings—but no one ever listened to what I had to say. Things aren't much different now, even after the conquest, my dear.— I stopped at the top of the stairs. —Yurick, some of the strategies might work, yes. But the cost will be high—too many lives lost. That breeds fear and undermines leadership. We don't want that. Our political wounds haven't fully healed. The people still question our unity. And while that room remains blind, there's nothing more I can do.
—You just want to be obeyed. —He dismissed everything I'd said, reducing my concerns to wounded pride?
—No, my dear. My plan wasn't even discussed. They rejected it outright. And you agreed—because someone whispers in your ear that I'm not good enough. Not one person gave a proper counterpoint. No suggestion. No rational critique to prove me wrong. I'm being ignored. And if I cannot be of help in there, then I will tend to the castle, the people... and our child.
He fell silent. Yurick was conflicted—struggling to understand what was happening to him. What kind of influence had taken hold of his mind? That was a battle I couldn't fight for him.
So I climbed the stairs alone, my thoughts turning to Jamal.
It could be a trap.
How did he know what I was searching for?
What did he want in exchange for the information?
Was I truly willing to expose myself to that danger, knowing there might be no reward—no truth worthy of the risk?
And yet... I was considering accepting the interference of an enemy.
How desperate had I become?
Here is the English translation of your passage, preserving the formatting with italics, em dashes, and enhancing the sensual undertones with poetic subtlety and emotional depth:
I sank my body into the large marble pool, letting the water wash over me. My hand rested gently on my belly — there, a life was taking shape, slowly growing within that small space. Five months remained until the pregnancy would come to term. Would it be an alpha or an omega? It didn't matter. I would love this child regardless. I would give them everything I never had. I would teach them all the knowledge of the crown, and they would learn to defend themselves at Yurick's side — skillful, formidable Yurick. But would their future shine bright within a loveless marriage?
I had never truly considered it before. My parents hadn't loved each other either; they had married for political reasons. I once believed that I should do the same. The old king mourned my mother's departure when she left him behind, but she did so without remorse, leaving her young son in her wake.
I didn't want my child to go through that. Yet I might lose them that very night if danger found me. Jamal was the only known wielder of magic — the only one I had the misfortune to witness in action. I closed my eyes for so long I nearly believed I had fallen asleep. The sound in the room brought me back.
I dried myself off and wrapped in a robe before stepping out to meet the king. I watched his face for a long moment as he removed his garments. He looked deep in thought — brooding over something he clearly didn't intend to share with his political spouse.
— I'll make you some tea, Your Majesty. — I moved toward the shelves where I kept my collectible porcelain.
— You don't need to be so formal. You know that. — Yurick tried to soften his tone. — Seyrim, no final decision has been made. I need you at the council.
— I can't be a mere ornament, Your Majesty. — I chose a tea of chamomile with lemon, letting a sleep tonic slip in. I wouldn't risk the alpha waking up to see me leaving the palace. — You only want me to confirm whether a strategy is viable, based on the terrain and my grandfather's army. Don't you find it dull that I serve only that purpose?
— Seyrim, I know you're hurt — especially after your proposal was rejected like that. But the albino has reasons to oppose it. I can't forget that he was the one who saved me... even before help arrived. I still bear the scars that remind me who I owe my life to. — I stepped closer at his words and placed the teacup into his hand before sitting in the armchair, sipping my own.
— You're letting your gratitude blind you. I don't mind that you have no feelings for me. — Though deep inside, I did. It was exactly that absence that hurt so much. — But I can't let you act on impulse. We outnumber Akasia, yes — but we cannot simply hurl our soldiers at my grandfather's feet. We need to know how to use our advantage. A frontal attack won't work twice.
Yurick brought a hand to his head, as if the weight of his decision-making were too much. Always so bold, so convinced... now he looked lost within his own thoughts.
— I'll think on it tomorrow. — He lay on the bed and soon fell into deep sleep, the potion already working through his veins. I waited until I heard the midnight bell.
Dressed in dark clothing and a hooded cloak that concealed my face, I moved through the corridors. I took a torch from one of the wall sconces. A few guards I passed greeted me with silent nods of respect. I walked toward the library where I had spent so many sleepless nights. No one would suspect if I spent another one amongst the books.
Once inside, I gave a subtle sign to the librarian. The older man followed me quietly to the chamber of rare texts, handing me the key he kept at his chest. I took it and indicated with a glance that he should return to his station.
I went to the tallest shelf and pulled the oldest book from its place. Behind it was a tiny lock — I fit the key, and the stone passage opened. As I stepped through, it sealed behind me. I hung the key around my neck and continued along the dusty, vermin-ridden path. Bats fluttered, rodents scattered, and nocturnal creatures retreated at the sudden light. I descended a long staircase, eventually reaching a straight corridor before rising once more near the end. At the final wall of brick, I nicked my finger with a dagger and smeared my blood along the surface. It opened.
I emerged inside an old bookshop in the city.
The shopkeeper gave me a subtle smile, pretending not to see me — her silence had already been paid for. I made my way to the place Jamal had written in the note: the Sanctuary of the Sun God. It stood beyond the forest, the same place where Yurick and I once rode together for the first time. The site was humble, collecting only donations and food — not a place of sermons or prayer. Far enough from the city guards to be safe.
I admit I was nervous. It seemed reckless to do this now.
The place was empty, save for the stone altar at its center. I climbed the stairs and sat at the top, waiting for Jamal. What if it was a trap? Why was I doing all of this... for Yurick? I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of dew. The forest no longer bloomed. Only drifting snow fell upon the ground. I wore my warmest garments, lined in red, evoking the colors of Roham. I dressed like these people now. I had fallen for their king. And now, I surrendered myself to the enemy — for mere crumbs of knowledge.
So lost in thought was I that when I felt the hand on my shoulder, I jumped back to the ground, heart racing. I turned, dagger in hand.
— Calm down, Your Majesty. — Jamal smiled as though he had just won a game. — I didn't think you'd actually come, not after submitting to my deepest whims.
I steadied my breath, reminding myself that he could no longer control me.
— How did you know I needed information? — I asked sharply. I needed to know if Jamal had spies in the castle. Even if he did, what I was dealing with regarding Yurick was too specific — only the general, ever watchful, might have picked up on it.
— I can't read minds. But I've been inside yours before... I still get echoes, impressions — more instinctual than conscious. Especially if you think about me, or anything involving me. — Jamal sat where he had been before. — So yes, I knew you needed something... magical.
— Is that ability of yours magic? — I still carried doubts in my heart. I didn't know whether I could trust anything he said. I didn't want to show how desperate I truly was, yet Jamal already knew the urgency with which I sought his help.
— You could say it's innate. A magic I was born with, refined over the years. But it doesn't work on everyone. Some minds are stronger... others resist, to a degree. — The alpha smiled as though he held all the cards — which, in some ways, he did. — So, what is it you want from magic? Something wrong with my dear little brother?
— You know...
— No. I only know it involves Yurick. Otherwise, you would never have come here — not after what I did to you. You risked your life and your child's. I didn't expect someone so composed to do something so... foolish. — It was offensive, but I had no strength to argue against the insult. — My brother wouldn't be pleased to know you came to me.
— There's an albino figure at Yurick's side. Only the king hears his voice. Ever since he returned from the battle at Brizida, he's changed. More distant. Colder. I need to know what's happening — and how to bring him back. And you're the only one I know with any... extraordinary abilities. — I crossed my arms, pressing harder than I should. My tension was plain to see.
— Of course. But describe the albino to me in detail. — He asked softly, locking eyes with mine.
I described everything — the red jewel, the eyes of the same hue, his hair, his garments, the way he behaved near Yurick, how he vanished when we needed to be alone. As if he melted into the shadows, leaving no trace. I didn't hold anything back. Jamal listened in utter silence, while I felt shame creeping in, exposing the fragility of our bond — confessing the intimate disturbances of the king to someone who had once tried to shatter everything we'd built.
— It's an entity, clearly. There are magical beings across the world, in sacred and hidden places — the forest of Akasia, the mountains of Neopolita, even the volcanoes of Roham. Some are dragons. Others, fairies, nymphs, and beyond. This being likely made a pact with Yurick — one he no longer remembers. — Jamal's voice was calm, measured. It was hard to believe in such things. But after all I had seen, I couldn't doubt anymore. — I can tell you how to break the bond, but you'll owe me something in return.
— I figured as much. — My hand slipped to the dagger beneath my robes. — Don't think I'd ever betray Yurick or my kingdom for a solution.
— I don't want betrayal. The blood of forest entities is powerful. All I want... is a vial of it. If you can obtain it.
— And how exactly do you expect me to do that? — I asked, mildly impatient. — How can you be sure I'd hand it over?
— Because you'll be bound. I need assurance that I'll receive what I seek.
— Then tell me what I need to do. — There was no use arguing. I had come too far to hesitate now.
— The necklace, as you might have suspected, is the key. If the albino cherishes it deeply, it means the exchange took form in that object. Break the jewel into pieces. — The alpha paused slightly. — And you'll bring me the creature's blood once it's done. — He spoke as if sealing the words into my thoughts. I accepted it as an unavoidable truth. I placed a hand on my forehead. What did Jamal stand to gain from all this? It didn't matter.
— I'll remain nearby for a while. You'll know where to find me. — He concluded.
I returned to the castle, completely shaken. I couldn't believe the answer lay in the necklace with the gleaming stone. Though I had long suspected something about it, I hadn't imagined it was bound by such mysticism. I made my way back to the palace through the same hidden path, emerging once more in the chamber of rare books in the library.
— Where have you been? — The voice was powerful, commanding. Yurick was seated in the armchair, the albino at his side, staring at me with unsettling curiosity. I felt my blood run cold as my eyes met the crimson jewel glinting against his chest. But I had more urgent matters now — matters that could easily lead to accusations of treason.