In the guest room, Princess Isolde took a towel and dried her hair, anger boiling within her.
She looked at her drenched body, which only fueled her rage.
“Damn you, Cassie!” she screamed, fury surging through her.
A wicked smile played on her lips.
“Watch as I destroy you and eventually take what you cherish the most,” she vowed with determination.
The next day, Cassie woke up beside Kael, who had held her to sleep the night before after their time together in the pool.
“Good morning, Cassie,” Kael said, kissing her forehead.
“Good morning, husband,” she replied with a smile.
“Ah—” Kael started, suddenly remembering something.
“What’s wrong?” Cassie asked.
“Tomorrow, there will be a ball party with my brothers and their wives, along with other royals from various kingdoms,” Kael said, letting out a deep breath.
Cassie smiled, finding it exciting to finally meet Kael’s brothers.
He had never spoken much about his family, so this would be a good opportunity to learn more.
“Wow, that sounds amazing! I’d love to meet them,” she said, but she noticed Kael wasn’t as thrilled.
“What? Why don’t you seem happy?” she asked.
“Well… the thing is, I’m not really close to my brothers. They might pose a threat to you, and once they come here, they won’t leave until the Blood Moon Accord,” he explained.
“Wow… that’s fascinating,” Cassie mused, intrigued.
This was her chance to learn about Kael’s family and how they viewed her.
“They’re my greatest opposition. But don’t worry, I won’t let them hurt you,” Kael reassured her, and Cassie smiled.
After breakfast, Kael took a bath and went to handle matters regarding his brothers’ visit, while Cassie sat with Zarea.
Zarea began updating her on everything that had happened while she was in a coma.
“Your Majesty, I overheard Princess Isolde speaking with one of the council members about the throne, wondering why they haven’t suggested a queen for His Majesty.”
“That bitch!” Cassie fumed, slamming her hand on the table.
The sudden impact caused her tea to splash onto her hand, making her flinch in pain.
Zarea quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped off the hot tea.
As she touched Cassie’s hand, Zarea closed her eyes, feeling something strange.
Her expression shifted, surprising her.
“What’s wrong?” Cassie asked, noticing her reaction.
Zarea shook her head, unsure.
She had sensed an additional presence within Cassie.
Perhaps it was a result of the coma after all, a powerful spell had been used to sustain her.
“Don’t. I’m fine,” Cassie assured her, truly feeling no pain.
Zarea, however, was surprised by this.
“Your Majesty, I hope you can hold His Majesty close because I’m sure Princess Isolde wants to take your place and become queen. You should see how clingy she gets with him. It’s so frustrating to watch, and I can’t do anything about it. She’s a cunning woman who uses her looks to deceive people, but I won’t be fooled.”
Cassie didn’t feel sad at Zarea’s words she simply smiled and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry. I’m back now, and I have everything under control,” she said, her eyes filled with determination.
***
The Next Day
Time passed quickly, and the long-awaited day arrived , the day Cassie would meet Kael’s brothers and the other royals.
Cassie wore a beautiful blue gown, her long hair cascading down her back, adorned with delicate hairpins that enhanced her charm.
Her swan-like beauty made heads turn, drawing lingering gazes towards her .
Beside her, Kael stood dressed entirely in black.
His pale skin and sapphire eyes gave him an alluring, almost ethereal look.
As they stood ready to welcome the first carriage, it finally arrived and came to a stop.
A guard stepped forward, opening the door.
A man emerged, his eyes a rare mix of sapphire and blue.
He bore a strong resemblance to Kael but looked older.
“Brother…” Kael greeted, embracing him.
The hug was stiff one could tell their relationship wasn’t close.
When his gaze landed on Cassie, she bowed in respect.
He nodded, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard much about you,” he said, extending his hand.
Cassie hesitated before shaking it, offering an awkward smile.
“Lord Atticus,” he introduced himself.
Cassie simply nodded, refraining from introducing herself.
A moment later, a woman stepped gracefully out of the carriage.
When she reached them, she bowed to both Kael and Cassie.
“Nice meeting you again, sister-in-law,” Kael said.
She smiled.
“It’s my pleasure,” she replied, raising her chin high.
Then, she glanced at Cassie before striding past her as if she were invisible.
Cassie pressed her lips together but remained composed.
Kael squeezed her hand reassuringly, and she smiled at him.
Another carriage stopped, and this time, a woman in her late thirties elegantly stepped out.
Upon seeing Kael, she bowed and waved at Cassie with a sincere smile.
“Ah… Nice to see you again, brother,” the man said, embracing Kael with an exaggerated grin.
Only Kael could tell it was all for show.
“Oh… and this must be Cassie your little wife,” he remarked, turning his gaze to Cassie.
His words embarrassed her.
“Hello, sister-in-law,” he said, shaking Cassie’s hand.
His grip lingered uncomfortably before she finally pulled away.
“You’re beautiful. No wonder my brother chose you,” he mused, casting Kael a knowing look.
Kael’s expression darkened as he stared daggers at him.
“My brother has an eye for beautiful women,” the man whispered before walking past them.
Then, he turned back.
“Prince Damion,” he introduced himself with a smirk.
Cassie responded with a polite nod.
Kael scoffed in disbelief.
“My brothers are assholes. Don’t fall for their tricks they’re all evil,” he warned.
Cassie nodded, taking his words seriously.
Another carriage arrived, and Kael’s youngest brother stepped out, greeting Kael and Cassie warmly.
His wife, a few years younger than Cassie and dressed beautifully, greeted them as well.
Once everyone was gathered, they moved inside to the dining hall.
Each prince sat beside his wife, while Kael and Cassie occupied their designated special chairs.
As they ate, Kael continued adding more grilled vegetables and steak to Cassie’s plate while eating little himself.
“Don’t act too romantic and eat properly,” Prince Damion teased, earning laughter from everyone except Kael and Cassie.
Cassie felt their eyes on her, but she chose to ignore them, keeping her head down as she ate quietly.
Suddenly, nausea overwhelmed her.
The urge to retch struck hard.
She tried to resist, taking a sip of water, but the sensation intensified like a storm.
Covering her mouth, she bolted from the table, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.
Kael froze, dropping his fork.
“Ah… Brother… I see you’ve been doing a great job. Congratulations,” Prince Damion said, patting Kael’s shoulder mockingly.
Laughter erupted around the table except from Kael.
His eyes darkened.