Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 128

Thalia

I followed Draven through the dimly lit corridors, each step seeming to drain what little strength remained in my body. I could feel his concerned glances, the way he slowed his pace to match mine, but he said nothing. The guards straightened and bowed as they recognized him, allowing us passage without question.

"I'll wait outside," Draven said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Don't take too long—you look like you need rest."

I nodded, pushing open the door to Adelaide's chamber. Adelaide lay in the large bed, chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Seraphina sat beside her, hands glowing with a faint green light as she held them above Adelaide's wounds.

"How is she?" I asked quietly, my voice trembling with grief.

Seraphina looked up, offering me a weary smile. "The wounds have stabilized, but she lost so much blood. She needs time to recover."

I moved to the bedside, taking Adelaide's cold hand in mine. "You must be strong, my friend," I whispered, tears threatening to spill over.

"She'll survive," Seraphina said gently. "She has a strong will, just like you." She paused, studying my face with growing concern. "But you look worse than when I last saw you. Is it the magical exhaustion?"

I forced a smile. "Perhaps. I've been using magic too frequently lately."

Seraphina rose, placing her hand gently on my shoulder. Green light flowed from her fingertips, probing my condition. Her expression suddenly shifted to surprise, then wonder.

"Thalia..." she whispered, her voice filled with amazement. "There are two heartbeats. You're carrying twins."

My heart leaped with joy, and I instinctively placed both hands on my belly, tears of happiness welling in my eyes. "Twins? Really?" A radiant smile spread across my face. "Draven will be so—"

But Seraphina's expression darkened, her wonder replaced by deep concern and sorrow. "Thalia," she continued, her voice now heavy with compassion, "two children are draining your life force much faster than I anticipated. The burden on your human body... you might not last five years. It could happen at any time..." She couldn't finish the word.

The joy drained from my face as quickly as it had appeared. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I gripped the bedpost for support. "I thought... I thought I had more time." My voice was barely above a whisper, the cruel irony of the situation crushing down on me—blessed with twins, yet cursed with even less time to love them and Draven.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I gently touched my slightly rounded belly. After a moment of silence, I lifted my head, a determined light flickering in my eyes. "I'm going back with Adelaide."

"What?" Seraphina stared at me in disbelief. "But Draven... your bond..."

"Because I love him," I said firmly, "I can't let him watch me die slowly. He's already lost one love." My voice trembled but remained resolute. "I'd rather he hate me, think I abandoned him, than make him endure losing someone in his arms again."

Seraphina's eyes glistened with tears. "Thalia, this is so cruel... to yourself, to him."

"Better than watching him mourn for me, bound to a promise that can never be fulfilled. This is the last gift I can give him." I smiled bitterly. "Please don't tell him. Let him hate me—hatred is easier to bear than sorrow."

"Thank you, Seraphina." I looked at Adelaide one last time, then stood. "Take care of her."

I wiped away my tears, straightened my robes, and walked toward the door. Taking a deep breath, I donned my mask of composure and stepped outside.

Draven immediately approached. "How is Adelaide? You look exhausted."

"She'll be fine," I said softly, avoiding his worried gaze. "Let's go back."

We walked slowly down the corridor, my heart racing as each step brought me closer to that painful decision. Near our chambers, I stopped.

"Draven," my voice nearly broke, "I need to tell you something."

He turned to face me, concern filling his eyes. "What is it?"

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I'm going back to the human kingdom with Adelaide."

Draven's expression froze, as if he'd been struck. "What?"

"She needs someone with her, and I'm the most suitable choice. My father is there—I can help establish peaceful relations between our kingdoms." I spoke quickly, afraid I'd lose my courage.

"No," Draven said firmly, his voice low and dangerous. "That's impossible. You're my mate. Your place is here, beside me."

"This is my decision, Draven." I tried to keep my voice steady. "As the High Priest's daughter, I have a responsibility to foster peace."

Draven's eyes shifted to dangerous gold. "So politics matter more to you than our love?" His voice mixed disbelief and anger.

"Some responsibilities are more important than personal happiness," I said, each word cutting like a knife. "I must fulfill my duty."

"Duty?" Draven laughed coldly. "Where was your duty last night when you were in my arms? Where was your sense of responsibility when you promised to stay with me forever?"

I trembled, tears gathering in my eyes. "Please don't make this harder..."

"Harder?" Draven was almost roaring now. "You tell me you're leaving without giving me a real reason. If you don't love me anymore, at least have the courage to say it directly!"

I felt a sharp pain pierce through my body, instinctively placing my hand on my belly before quickly moving it away, realizing the gesture might reveal my secret. "It's not like that... I just..."

"Just what?" Draven stepped closer, pressing me. "Just suddenly decided that national peace is more important than our love? I think I deserve an honest explanation."

I forced myself to meet his eyes. "There are things you can't understand, Draven. I have to do this."

"Then make me understand!" Draven grabbed my shoulders, pain flashing in his eyes. "We can face any difficulty together. I'll come with you if that's what you want."

I shook my head, tears finally spilling over. "No, you can't. Your place is here, with your people. We... our paths must diverge."

Draven's hands fell away, the gold in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by deep hurt. "So that's it? You choose your people over me?"

"I don't have a choice, Draven," I said quietly. "Some things are meant to be."

Draven was silent for a long time, his expression shifting from anger to cold detachment. "Then, High Priest's daughter, your decision is made. I won't hold back someone who chooses to leave."

His words cut into my heart like blades, but I knew this was what I needed—for him to hate me, to let me go.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, knowing these words were far from enough.

Draven turned away, his back rigid and unfamiliar. "No, you're not sorry. If you truly were, you wouldn't choose to leave."

He strode away without looking back, leaving me standing alone in the corridor, tears silently streaming down my face. I gently caressed my belly, whispering, "I'm sorry, my love. This is the last gift I can give you both—a future without sorrow."

I watched Draven's retreating figure until his footsteps faded completely, then slowly made my way back to my chambers, each step echoing in the empty hallway like a funeral march.