As Oriana and Adric departed the royal court, they left behind a trail of ministers crying and pleading for mercy. Their first stop was Fidelis’ room, where they found him flanked by Walter and Kai. Despite the events of the previous day, the boys’ faces shone brightly, their spirits seemingly unbroken.
"Auntie Oriana!" Walter exclaimed, jumping up to hold her in a warm hug. Kai waited patiently for his turn, his eyes sparkling with excitement, before wrapping his arms around Oriana in a tight squeeze.
As Fidelis noticed his son’s presence, he attempted to sit up, but Adric quickly and gently restrained him.
"You should rest more. Don’t worry about me," Adric said, his concern for his father evident.
Fidelis smiled, touched by his son’s open display of worry. "Now you know why you should treat your loved ones better," he said, his voice sounding weak. "You never know what might happen while you’re away."
Adric smiled to himself, as if savoring a private joke, and replied, "This is why you need more rest." His eyes crinkled at the corners.
Oriana held Kai and Walter’s hands, then sat beside Fidelis, her eyes filled with concern. "I’m glad to see you’re okay, Father. You had to suffer because of me, and I’m truly sorry."
Fidelis’ face lit up with a warm smile as he heard Oriana call him ’Father. He gently shook his head, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "We are all family, and an old man like me should protect everyone, especially my grandchildren." His gaze moved from Walter and Kai to settle on Oriana’s stomach.
Oriana’s hand instinctively went to her stomach, rubbing it gently as she said, "Thank you," her voice filled with gratitude for everything Fidelis had done for her since her arrival in Orion.
Adric filled his father in on the day’s events. "I issued my orders and dismissed the entire council of ministers. The punishment for Adelaide and Gwen is set for tomorrow."
Fidelis nodded thoughtfully, a soft hum escaping his lips. "Evil should never be allowed to flourish," he murmured, his gaze drifting to his grandchildren. "If only I had addressed Gwen’s flaws and cautioned Adelaide’s malicious thoughts, perhaps someone like Nicholas wouldn’t have exploited them, driving a wedge between our family." His voice was laced with regret, his eyes clouding as he thought about what could have been.
"I’m only glad Jasmine wasn’t deceived this time. Walter and Kai still need their mother," Fidelis said finally, with a soft exhale.
Adric ruffled Walter’s hair and smiled. "I must say I was surprised not to see Jasmine with them. And speaking of her, I haven’t seen her since I returned." He paused, turning to look at Kai. "Kai, where is your mother?"
"She refused to leave her room because Uncle Rowan carried Auntie Freya last night," Kai replied without mincing words.
Oriana chuckled, "Oh dear..." She covered her mouth. "That’s true, I should go see Freya and Sophie..." She snapped her fingers, remembering the two people who had gotten hurt badly because of her.
"Father, take all the time you need to rest. We will visit again soon," Adric said, giving his father a small bow. "Kai, Walter, take good care of him."
The two boys nodded excitedly, and Walter spoke up, "If I take care of Grandfather, I will get to play with the little sister Auntie Oriana will bring. Right?"
"Right," Oriana nodded with a small smile. With that, she and Adric left the room, heading toward the infirmary where Sophie and Freya were receiving treatment.
As they strolled hand in hand through the passage, Oriana’s gaze drifted ahead, her eyes lost in thought. Adric had been observing her since morning, noticing how her emotions changed easily; one moment she was smiling, the next, a solemn expression would wash over her face.
Noticing her unease, Adric decided to change course, leading her outside the palace towards the serene gardens instead of the infirmary.
Oriana turned to him, confusion drawn on her face. "Where are we going? We should be heading towards the infirmary," she said, pointing in the direction of the palace wing where Sophie and Freya were being treated.
Adric led Oriana to the garden, then gently positioned her in front of him, with his hands on her shoulders. "Where is my Queen?" he asked, his gaze piercing as he searched her face.
Oriana blinked, unsure of what Adric meant since she was standing right before him. "What are you saying, Adric?"
Adric asked again, his eyes locked on hers, "Where is my Queen?"
Oriana’s expression softened, and she decided to play along. With a gentle smile, she replied, "Right here..."
Adric’s hands slid down from Oriana’s shoulders, his larger hands covering her small ones. "What is she afraid of?" he whispered, his voice low and soothing. Then, his gaze locked onto hers, he asked again, his tone filled with concern, "Oriana, what are you so afraid of?"
Oriana’s throat constricted as she gulped, fearing Adric had seen through her facade. The traumatic events of the past few days still lingered, leaving her feeling vulnerable and ashamed. She was haunted by her inability to defend herself against Nicholas, and the fact that he had kissed her made her feel small and weak in Adric’s eyes. She couldn’t shake off the fear of being perceived as a troublemaker, and worse, a fragile person who couldn’t protect herself. Her reaction to Nicholas in the courtroom earlier had betrayed her true emotions.
"Adric... the truth is..." Her voice cracked, unable to continue.
Adric’s gentle finger traced her face, his eyes filled with understanding. He had already discerned her unease from the way she avoided meeting his gaze since leaving the courtroom.
"I don’t think you’re weak, Oriana. I don’t think you’re unfit to be Queen," Adric said, his voice filled with conviction. "It’s okay to be scared; anyone would be after what you’ve been through. I’ll be here for you, always, to protect you and our child." He took a step closer, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle kiss before he pulled back.
"Trust me, your husband. Nicholas can’t harm you as long as I’m by your side. Have you forgotten what I’m capable of?"
Oriana’s gaze dropped to her feet, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. She remembered how Adric had killed Nicholas’s servant without blinking during the first days she arrived at the palace. "No... I haven’t..." she whispered.
Adric’s expression turned stern, yet loving. "You shouldn’t. Everyone gets scared, but you’re a woman who has faced and overcome even darker fears, remember? You’re strong enough to forge your own path, and that’s the Queen I adore."
Oriana’s eyes finally met Adric’s, staring at him unblinkingly.
"That’s my Queen; one who doesn’t tremble at the whims of others. You don’t let fear silence you, especially not at the hands of someone like Nicholas. You’re a strong woman, Oriana, and you’re allowed to be weak and soft in front of me. I’ll always be here to catch you," Adric said, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance.
Oriana’s eyes closed, and tears streamed down her face. She didn’t try to wipe them away. "I guess I just needed to hear that... I was afraid you’d see me differently, that you’d think I wasn’t strong enough because I didn’t fight back."
Adric’s voice was now gentle, "You did more than your best. You survived, and that’s all that matters. Okay? Now come here." He opened his arms, holding Oriana in a warm, comforting embrace.
As both of them held each other closely, the world’s troubles momentarily forgotten, a palace maid rushed towards them, her footsteps quick and hastened.
"Your Majesty, Princess Sophie... she’s..." The maid’s voice trailed off.
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