Adeya cradled Rhia close, her heart racing. The baby’s cries were loud but filled with life. Tears streamed down Adeya’s face as she whispered, “You’re awake, my love. Mama will never let anything harm you.”
 Samizdat stood with a warm smile. “She’s a strong one, just like her mother.”
 Adeya nodded, though her body trembled with exhaustion. She knew this victory was only the beginning. “Prepare some herbs for me, Sam. I’ll need strength.”
 Rhia quieted in her mother arms, her small fingers curling against Adeya’s chest. As she looked down at her daughter, Adeya’s resolve hardened. She knows her troubles are from over but this moment, her heart is filled with joy and can’t wait for Thiasus to come see their daughter awake again.
 At the palace dinner hall, as the luncheon carried on, Thiasus felt his strength waning, though he kept his composure. His father’s expectations weighed heavily on him, and every word exchanged with the southern royals felt like a subtle test.
 After the formalities, Gwen approached Thiasus, her face unreadable. “You’ve been quiet,” she said.
 Thiasus forced a smile. “I’m conserving my energy for the celebration.”
 Gwen glanced at their father before lowering her voice. “You’re not well, Thiasus. Go rest before you collapse in front of them.”
 “I can’t,” he replied. “Father would never forgive me.”
 “Then at least eat something,” Gwen urged, her tone softening. “If not for yourself, then for Adeya and Rhia.”
 Her words struck a chord, and Thiasus nodded. For them, he thought, picking at the food before him.
 Back at the palace Garden, Bertha watched Venthra closely, her expression hardening. “You’re too passive. If you want Thiasus, you need to remind him of what he stands to lose. Take the boy to him if you must. I won’t let you loose him for that red haired girl like I loose his father to Sanya who now think she’s on top of the world. Don’t make my mistake Venthy.”
 Venthra shook her head. “I won’t use my son as a pawn, Mother. If Thiasus doesn’t love me, forcing his hand will only make things worse.”
 Bertha scowled. “Love is a luxury for those who aren’t vying for power. You’ve already given him a son, Venthra. That alone gives you a claim stronger than that cursed bride of his except you agreed with Sanya that the son is not Thiasus.”
 “Mother” Venthra called for Bertha to glare at her.
 Venthra sighed but didn’t respond. Deep down, she hoped Thiasus would come to her on his own, but Bertha’s words lingered and she knows her hopes can’t come to pass except the force it. She can’t be a mother to a child of a guard, so Thiasus must take responsibility.
 At the outskirts of western Ghia, Saline paced outside the inn, his brow furrowed. The night air was crisp, but his mind burned with urgency. He couldn’t delay any longer. If Freida had truly betrayed his people, the consequences would ripple across Thi’an. He must find him and bring him to the Queen.
 One of his men approached. “Should we move at dawn, Commander?”
 Saline nodded. “Yes. Every second counts. Inform the others to rest now while they can. Tomorrow, we confront the truth.”
 Far away in western Ghia, Kaila sat smiling at Funa who dress her daughter up.
 “Thank you for vision Funa, since Antenia travel for work, I’ve been lonely” she said for Funa to chuckle.
 “I was excited you moved to the western so I immediately quit my job to join you. How is pregnancy?” She asked smiling.
 “Well tiring and exciting at the same time” Kayla said chuckling.
 “Yea it feels like that sometimes. You even look good during pregnancy, you know how my nose and lips was big when I was pregnant.” Funa said for Kayla to laugh.
 “That’s bygone anyways” she said chuckling.
 “Yea it is.” Funa said for Kayla to smile.
 “Are you writing to your mother so she won’t be worried about you?” Kayla asked for Funa to scoff.
 “I’m running from her Kayla, that woman is the reason our relationship as sisters is awkward. Please don’t ask me of her, besides I’m staying here till your husband comes back before I go back to my home” she said for Kayla to smile.
 “ I appreciate that” she said smiling. They both began to discuss randomly not knowing Melina and her guards her getting close.
 At northern Ghia, As Hectare left the table, he caught up with Nella in the corridor. “Mother, wait,” he called, his voice strained.
 Nella paused, her face pale but composed. “What is it, Hectare?”
 “You’re hiding something,” he said quietly, glancing around to ensure no one else was nearby. “If you’re guilty of conspiring against Adeya, tell me now. I might be able to help you.”
 Her eyes narrowed. “You presume too much. Everything I’ve done has been for this family.”
 “And yet it may destroy us,” he shot back. “If you’re innocent, prove it. If you’re guilty, stop dragging us all into your schemes.”
 Nella’s lips tightened, but she didn’t reply. She turned and walked away, leaving Hectare standing alone in the dimly lit hall.
 At the Duke of northern Ghia mansion, Nadia bite her lips as she try to come up with plans to safe her daughter from her upcoming predicament.
 Immediately she sat down and write to the king as she hoped he agreed to her request.
 “I know she will fail, good for nothing daughter of mine” Nadia cursed as she sat to write on a parchment.
 At the palace dinner hall, Nessa gaze lingered on Elias. His resemblance to the king wasn’t just striking—it was unsettling, it kept amazing her.
 Melissa saw her starring so she smile leaned closer to Nessa.
 “He’s way younger than you Nessa” Melissa said for Nessa to blush.
 “I’m just carried away with his handsome features and striking resemblance with the king.” She said smiling.
 “It’s father and son something I guess” Melissa said then smile. She leaned closer to Nessa and whispered, “Do you trust Freida?”
 Nessa hesitated. “He’s loyal to me, but… his absence now feels intentional.”
 Melissa nodded slowly. “We need answers, and we need them soon. If someone from this palace is truly behind the attack on Adeya, they’ll strike again and this time it will be you in other to hide their act.”
 Elias spoke up, his voice steady. “Then we should start by questioning those closest to the throne.” He said surprising Nessa and Melissa as how he could hear them. Melissa knew she was very quiet while whispering to Nessa.
 “How did you hear us my prince?” Nessa curiously asked for Elias to chuckle.
 “Do you both think you were that silent?” He asked chuckling.
 King Diatus sighed, rubbing his temples. “We cannot act on suspicion alone. For now, we’ll wait for Freida’s return. Until then, no one is above scrutiny.”
 Melissa exchanged a glance with her husband then sigh.
 “We all know who it is and we all know why she did it but as a royals, we don’t act without witnesses or evidence and that’s why we let a lot of evil to slide. This time, I must do anything and everything possible to clear my daughter name” Queen Melissa said then leave the dinner hall making Diatus to sigh.
 “If my brother is found guilty your majesty, what’s his punishment?” Nessa curiously ask for Elias to respond nonchalantly.
 “Beheading” he said then left while Nessa gasp in fear…