Terracotta couldn't bear to imagine what Alabasta would become if Queen Titi wasn't truly carrying Cobra's child. The Nefertari family had always been kind rulers, beloved by their people for generations. If Celestial Dragons ever seized control, it would spell utter ruin for the kingdom.
"I have nothing more to say, Terra. Just prepare the banquet."
Queen Titi closed her eyes, forcing the words out. She still couldn't bring herself to act decisively. After all, Terracotta hadn't outright accused her—only speculated. There was no proof, nothing anyone would believe. Why condemn good people like Terracotta and Igaram over baseless rumors?
"Your Highness," Terracotta hesitated, then clenched her jaw. "Can't we at least talk about this?"
In other lands, a head chef like her would never dream of speaking so boldly. But Cobra and Titi's gentle rule had fostered openness among their staff. And this secret—if aired—could only help Alabasta, not hurt it.
"Out," Titi snapped, her voice sharpening as she pointed to the door.
She'd buried these doubts deep, and with Gion watching from the shadows, she refused to drag them into the light. Even if she confided in Terra, what good would it do? The truth wouldn't vanish.
"Your Highness, if there's something wrong with the baby, please—just be honest!"
Terracotta's plea hung in the air, desperation cracking her voice.
"I said get out!"
Titi's face flushed with fury, her finger jabbing toward the exit like an angry kitten's paw—fierce in intent, but harmless in effect. She rarely lost her temper, and even now, it came off more pitiful than intimidating.
She'd never dreamed Terracotta would push this far.
"Your Highness, even if it costs me my life, I have to say it." Terracotta stepped closer, stealing herself. "You're too kind-hearted for this to be your idea alone. Tell King Cobra the truth—he'll know how to fix it."
Titi's subtle flinch and averted gaze told Terracotta everything. Her heart raced. All of Alabasta cherished the status quo: a thriving republic, free from royal tyranny or noble greed. The Nefertaris even shouldered the annual Heavenly Tribute themselves, sparing the people its burden. Any threat to the throne would ripple through the kingdom, crushing the lives below.
"What are you after?" Titi shot back, her glare icy but her hands trembling. "Forcing a confession for something that never happened?"
Without Gion's silent presence at her back, Titi might have crumbled like a cornered lamb. But she stood firm—for now.
"If you won't admit it, fine." Terracotta bowed her head. She couldn't stop halfway; clarity was their only shield. If Titi clued in that Celestial Dragon prince, she and Igaram were as good as dead. But for Alabasta's sake, their lives meant nothing. Cobra ruled well, and the people adored him. Why risk upending that?
Terracotta drew a steadying breath and advanced again. "Your Highness, forgive me, but I've looked into this. A sample of your blood carries traces of the baby's traits. Drum Island's doctors can run a simple paternity test—just a quick draw, nothing more."
"If we're wrong, I'll pay with my head."
This was her stand. She'd seen the strain on Igaram lately—the loyal captain who never muttered in his sleep, now whispering about betrayals in his dreams. If Titi had truly wronged Cobra, her duty as a subject demanded she intervene before the damage spread.
Terracotta approached, eyes locked on Titi's with unyielding resolve. She'd already secured Cobra's blood sample. One prick from Titi, and the truth would out—whether the child was his or not. Cooperation would be ideal, but force was on the table if needed.
Titi's fists balled at her sides. She lifted her chin, face twisting with conflict. This wasn't the path she'd chosen. But if Terracotta pressed on, surrender wasn't an option. For Alabasta, for herself, for the innocent life inside her, and for Cobra's sake, she couldn't yield.
Terracotta didn't grasp the Celestial Dragons' cruelty—or Ross's brand of it. Without Gion here, Titi might have wavered, bled a little to appease her. But letting Gion witness this? It would doom the entire kingdom.
"I must do this, Your Highness. Don't hold it against me."
Terracotta sighed, resigned to the struggle ahead. She knew Titi's limited strength couldn't match hers. Any backlash could wait—by the time Cobra returned, Terracotta would be at the docks, sailing for Drum Island with a Den Den Mushi in hand. She had allies across Alabasta; even from afar, she could expose any foul play. A trusted doctor awaited her there, plans airtight.
Titi had no moves left.
"You're still so naive, Your Highness," Terracotta said softly. "The king sheltered you too much."
"True," Titi replied with a wry smile, her sigh heavy. "I overestimated you all."
She turned slightly. "Lady Gion, if you would."
"Huh? Who—?"
A cold edge pressed against Terracotta's throat before she could finish. Darkness swallowed her thoughts.
Why?
In her fading moments, confusion swirled. Why did Titi have unseen guardians...?
The chamber fell silent. Gion sheathed her blade without a word, her expression unchanging. Titi's shoulders slumped, the weight of it all crashing down.
"Escort her and Igaram to the banquet hall," Titi instructed quietly, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "Make it look like nothing happened. We can't let this spread."
Gion nodded, hauling Terracotta's limp form with effortless grace. As they vanished down the corridor, Titi sank into a chair, one hand cradling her belly. The child stirred faintly, a reminder of the fragile line she walked.
Outside, the palace bustled with preparations for the feast—oblivious to the shadows lengthening within. But whispers of doubt had taken root, and Titi knew one slip could unravel everything. For Alabasta's future, she had to bury this deeper than before. Yet deep down, a storm brewed. How long could she keep the truth chained?
—
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