ext m

ror, I saw a different reflection staring back at me. I was no longer the naive girl who had been so

hall, where the rest of the pack had already gathered.

cus," I replied, t

ther pack members on me. They were all waiting for me to p

day?" I asked, trying to dis

"We have some pack business to att

t it must have shown on my

Blackwood?" he asked, his

lied quickly, hoping that

mus' eyes on me. I wished I could just disapp

bout their day. I tried to keep up with Maximus,

, your Highness?" I aske

" Maximus said curt

let his words get to me. I fel

el the tension rising. I wasn't sure what was goi

ing amongst themselves. I tried to make myself as sm

e on the throne, and

ding our territory," he began. "But

any clues about what was going on. I di

rival packs," Maximus continued, "A

tension mounting. I didn't know much about the pol

" one of the pa

how them that we are the strongest pac

feeling like I was in over my head. T

back to my chambers. I needed to cle

ered my room, I was

as waitin

on my face as I saw Maximus w

I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. U

you in private," he said

ld he want to talk to me about? Was it abo

d I could feel his breath on my skin

arriage," he said, his voice softening. "But I need you to trust m

arlier thoughts. Maybe Maximus

Highness," I replied, t

t help feeling a little relieved. Maybe he wasn't g

ighness," I replied, tr

o brush a strand of hair away from my fa

but feel a sense of dread. I knew there was

sea wash over me. I stumbled ba

mus asked, his face

eplied, feeling mor

elt a sense of dread wash over me. Co

mind racing with possibilities. What would happen

felt my anxiety mounting.

iti

sbelief. I was pregnant. I

Maximus didn't know, and I d

ldn't help feeling a sense of panic. What would

ke I was living in a nightmare. I had no idea what the future hel

d... o