The truth about the queen consort's crimes spread through the capital like wildfire.
At first, it was whispered—spoken behind fans and folded sleeves—but soon it became an open roar of outrage. The citizens were furious upon learning of the queen's wrongdoings, horrified by the extent of her manipulation, her cruelty, and the blood she had spilled to secure power.
At the same time, relief swept through the city when Alaric was officially declared innocent of the king's death. Many bowed their heads in shame for having doubted him, while others openly cursed the queen consort for framing the very man who had protected the realm.
Yet despite the anger and relief, one name continued to surface again and again.
Caelum.
Whispers clung to his name, uncertain and wary.
As the city roared, Caelum arrived in silence.
Under cover of night, his carriage passed through the capital gates unnoticed. No banners. No announcement. Only a handful of trusted guards and the quiet weight of finality.
He went straight to the royal study.
Alaric was waiting.
"You came quickly," Alaric said.
Caelum removed his gloves slowly. "I came to ensure you keep your promise."
Alaric's gaze sharpened. "I intend to."
Caelum met his eyes, voice calm but unyielding. "In exchange for the evidence I provided—the proof that condemned the queen consort—you promised three things."
Alaric nodded. "I remember."
"One," Caelum continued, "you will never reveal that my secondary gender has changed."
"Agreed."
"Two," Caelum said evenly, "you will let me go."
Alaric hesitated for half a breath. "Agreed."
"And three," Caelum finished, "you will fake my death."
Silence stretched.
Finally, Alaric exhaled. "Of course. But the noble of the neutral faction—"
"He may know," Caelum interrupted. "They can be trusted."
Alaric studied him, then inclined his head. "Very well."
Caelum turned toward the door, pausing only once.
"I want to see my mother."
------
In the underground prison, the air was thick with despair. The nobles imprisoned there—those guilty of human trafficking, illegal experiments, organ trading, and countless other crimes—brightened when they saw Caelum approach.
"Your Highness!"
"Save us!"
"They forced us—!"
"Kill Alaric! He's the real traitor!"
Nobles who once ruled provinces clawed at iron bars like animals. Some smiled desperately when they saw him. Others faltered, realizing too late that he walked openly, escorted by guards loyal to the crown.
Caelum did not look at them.
He walked past all of them.
Straight to the final cell.
The queen consort rose the moment she saw him.
"Caelum!" Her face lit up with relief. "You came—good, good! Get me out of here. This farce has gone on long enough."
He inclined his head politely. "Mother."
She reached for the bars. "Tell them some lies. Kill Alaric. Do whatever you must."
Caelum smiled.
Not warmly.
"Are you not curious," he asked softly, "about the result?"
Her eyes sharpened. "The changes?"
"Yes."
She leaned closer. "Did it work?"
"It did,I am now an omega and no longer an alpha" Caelum replied. "Unfortunately for you… I am still recessive."
Her face twisted.
"Useless," she spat. "My last hope—gone."
"I never came to give you hope," Caelum said coldly.
The queen faltered.
"Did you ever love me," he asked quietly, "as a son?"
She laughed bitterly. "If I had known you'd never be dominant, I wouldn't have given birth to you. Because of you, I can no longer conceive."
Something in Caelum's eyes froze solid.
He turned away.
At the door, he paused.
"Are you not curious," he added calmly, "how Alaric obtained evidence of your crimes?"
Her breath hitched.
"Don't tell me you—"
"Enjoy your remaining time, Mother."
He smiled.
And walked away.
Her scream followed him down the corridor.
------------
Caelum returned to his chambers.
Someone was waiting.
His former fiancée fell to her knees the moment she saw him. "Please," she begged. "Save my father. My brother. I'll do anything."
Caelum looked at her—truly looked.
"Stop begging," he said gently. "If you continue, you'll be caught in this as well."
She sobbed.
"Leave the country," he continued. "Or live quietly. This is the last thing I will do for you—as my former fiancée."
She bowed deeply, tears staining the floor.
--------
By next day in the afternoon, the execution grounds overflowed.
The queen consort stood bound, still screaming, still denying.
"Killing me won't end this!" she shrieked. "You think this changes anything?!"
She thrashed as the executioner raised his blade.
Then—
She saw her.
Her lover stood among the crowd, face pale with grief and helpless concern.
And suddenly... she went still.
If only I had been more selfish, she thought.
If only I had abandoned everything and run away with her …
The blade fell.
And with it, the reign of the queen consort ended.