Chapter 16 – Delirium of a Selfish Mind

- We need to conduct a medical inspection, but for now, the prince will be isolated in the north tower. – The counselor said after silencing all the chatter about the situation. – Tomorrow, three doctors will examine Your Highness, the prince. – Markus declared, and no one could disagree, as he held the majority.

Markus was the chief counselor, recently appointed by the council as the final decision-maker, though always subordinate to the king unless exceptional circumstances arose. He didn't seem completely neutral in his conduct, but he tried his best to appear impartial, hiding his true colors behind an austere face. The beta was a man of 40 years, from a family of counts originating in northern Raviera.

William noticed they would discover that my pregnancy timeline matched the period when I was engaged to Alexander. Then, the king would lose whatever credibility he still had after four years of incompetent rule managed by another. All the nobles were impatient with failed trade negotiations due to the dictator who called himself king. So any slip-up would be a good excuse to remove my brother from power. And when I appeared, it was like a breath of hope in their schemes.

They wanted someone they could manipulate. And who better than an omega with no memory?

Duke Theodor saw himself at an advantage using his own son. Now he was dealt a hard blow with the possibility that I was carrying the king's child. The council couldn't interfere in a marriage if it was true. How would William bribe three doctors? Besides, now my existence was under the council's jurisdiction, also to be examined by order of Alexander. Everything seemed to be going wrong. His counselor knew they had no choice but to make stronger decisions to change the scenario.

I wasn't alone in that room; some servants were with me. I didn't know if they were trustworthy, but I didn't care. The worst part was missing William because of the collar. His orders were so unnecessary they suffocated me.

Being alone could bring peace, but it was still disturbing. Being in that tower made me feel lost. Pregnant and unable to internalize the feeling because that dark amulet took away my ability to think. I gripped it but couldn't pull it from my neck, no matter how much I wanted to, and nothing worked.

I gave up completely. When William appeared with a small entourage—since he wasn't allowed to see me alone—he seemed to disdain me more than usual. He approached and discreetly slipped a small red pill inside my clothing.

Take this as soon as you're alone. – He said with a malicious smile.

No one could stop the king from approaching me. The place, though protected, had its restrictions, and William came with guards ready to end me and my baby. That man was cruel and vile. Now that he could no longer control me effectively as his puppet, he decided to end my life.

He would say it was suicide, right? "He couldn't handle the pressure of being king. Of having a child..." I could imagine Felder's lame speech written for him. There was nothing legitimate about William.

When he left, I knew my end would come soon. I held the red pill as the servants left. I didn't want to take it; my hands trembled, and the collar started glowing intensely, showing William's order was absolute. I put the pill in my mouth. But before swallowing, Alexander entered, seeing my fingers near my mouth, crying and trembling. My whole face was flushed. He pushed two fingers down my throat, inducing vomiting. The pill slid onto the floor.

I coughed, relieved, tears in my eyes. Alexander pulled a dagger from his boot, without hesitation, and pierced my chest—actually, the jewel on the amulet—destroying the king's hold over me. A bright greenish light dazzled our vision and lit up the entire room. Magic fragments scattered across the floor and bed. The dagger pulsed but seemed magical due to the soft glow surrounding it.

I began to cry, feeling intense pressure in my head. Emotions came in sudden whirlwinds. They had been trapped for so long they suffocated me. Breathing was difficult, and I could only sob like a desperate child.

The alpha held me as my whole body trembled.

— Alex... — I said, out of breath. I felt nauseous, irritated. Oh, how irritated I was. — Can you... help me?

— Of course, whatever you want me to do — the alpha was extremely worried. He gently stroked my—

— Bring William here quickly... I want to have a very important conversation, alright? — I smiled tenderly, my face twisted by feelings, tears, and sweat.

— What? No! You can't kill the king, Darcy. — Alexander sighed but hugged me tightly.

I squeezed his body and felt myself completely collapse. I just wanted time to freeze between us and for everything to end. The alpha said nothing, letting me hold onto him as I poured out intense and fitting tears. I thought about all the changes my life had gone through in recent months and could only realize how deeply pushed into an emotional abyss I was. Alex comforted me and said he would always be by my side and never leave me, and that phrase slowly calmed me, helping me relax after hours of releasing the pressure from my throat and the feelings trapped thanks to the collar.

My whole body ached. The doctor was called along with two magic specialists and a poison expert. William was screwed. And I wanted to see that little bastard thrown into a cell for the rest of his life, preferably tortured. After everything he did? Oh, what a satisfaction that would be.

I stayed in Alexander's arms the whole time, never letting go for a moment, and the older man seemed happy to have me in his embrace. He was still huffing until I finally felt calmer. That's when the specialists came in. Two councilors were summoned, and I told them everything the king had done to me during those two weeks. The doctor confirmed Alexander's paternity during the night, calculating the exact days of the pregnancy. Now they would have to make a decision. The reluctant nobles would turn their backs after realizing there was no longer any advantage in supporting William.

They allowed me to sleep with Alexander, and I only calmed down because of his pheromones. I needed to smell him or I would lose my mind. It was so good to finally remove that sensation from my heart. The baby was fine, and everything would be better if I tore my brother's head off.

When I woke up in the morning, I noticed I was alone, but not for long — Alexander brought a tray with various breakfast foods. I was startled to see myself alone. Was this emotional dependence?

— For you and the baby — he said gently.

— You must be happy knowing the baby is yours — I commented, stuffing some treats into my mouth because I was starving and ignoring the etiquette I'd been learning for so long.

— I'm happy because you regained your consciousness. Even if this child were William's, I'd do everything to end those abuses — the alpha seemed convinced. — But I'm also happy that we're going to have a child.

— I'm so young — I sighed. — I didn't think I'd get pregnant.

— You look like a rabbit — Alex was surprised by my remark.

— Oh, well, I like having sex, is that a sin now? — I scoffed. But finally, I could have a light and relaxed conversation with someone instead of sucking up to the ego of a selfish and petty king. Just being able to express myself was a different kind of relief. Freedom. I loved my freedom to think and say what I wanted.

— Don't worry. William will pay for everything — Alexander stroked my cheek, and I just smiled at him.

— I'll castrate that bastard as soon as the crown lands on my head — I smiled mischievously, and the alpha ended up laughing, knowing I was completely serious.

My seclusion ended quite quickly since I was now aware of everything and the King was under strong suspicion of bewitching and poisoning me.The council gathered, taking advantage of the presence of some members of the United Nations to witness a historic moment. Many nobles had long been dissatisfied with William's conduct, and others saw no hope in his misrule and now needed to take severe action.

— I am ready to testify. — I said in front of everyone. William was sitting on his throne of honor in the place where the assembly was held. He didn't look happy to see me alive and speaking.

All eyes were on me. I felt my blood boil intensely as I remembered everything that son of a bitch had done to me in the last weeks. Touching my body and, worst of all, forcing me to listen to his drivel, even praising his deeds as if they were really something worth glorifying. His most loyal advisor could no longer contain any damage the king might suffer.

— William put this magic collar on my neck, making me obey all his orders. He subjugated my will. He abused me physically and emotionally, besides wanting to take possession of this baby who is in my womb and belongs to Duke Alexander. — I said furiously, throwing the collar in front of everyone. It was already broken. But William was red with rage. — And when he saw that nothing would work, he tried to poison me. Alexander had to save me!

— THAT'S A LIE! — he shouted. However, the councilors made a gesture for him to sit down.

— I WOULD NEVER, IN A SOUND MIND, MARRY SOMEONE SO SELFISH AND PETTY. — I said loudly in a firm tone. I knew it was outrageous. But my blood was worth more than William's, and I would use that to my advantage. I would no longer bow my head for formal etiquette.

I detailed everything William had done and the direct involvement of his most loyal advisor in his schemes. The testimony lasted five hours without breaks. I told every sordid detail, even the way that idiot beat me. I pulled part of my garment and proved my point with the purple marks in unseen places. I was exhausted but did not falter in front of all council members' gaze. I answered questions tirelessly until they were satisfied.

I knew William would completely lose his support. Some foreign nations present were horrified, and there seemed to be no one merciful enough to try to throw a lifeline to my brother. Condemned.

— For now, the King will remain isolated in his chamber until we deliberate on the prince's testimonies. Meanwhile, we revoke his title as sovereign and absolute Monarch. — The leader said, and everyone consented, none of his allies even showing pity. On the contrary, when the alpha sought support, all averted their eyes, ashamed and fearful for their own future.

William still tried to say something, but no one paid attention to his words at the moment.

Others would be heard: servants, doctors, soldiers nearby, and then William himself. I stayed in my room during this time. I was tired and only wanted to sleep smelling Alexander's pheromones. And that's what I did during the night. The alpha slept hugging me until dawn the next day.

It was the second day, and the testimonies would continue until the king had a chance to defend himself. But I didn't care. I saw two doctors, and the report proved the child could only be Alexander's.

— How long could this last? — I asked Alexander's father, who was in a meeting with me and his son.

— A few days. The evidence is so substantial that there's no way William can get out of this situation without repercussions. — Theodor commented while sipping his wine.

— I want a death sentence. — I said disdainfully.

— Unlikely. The worst sentence William will receive is exile. Complete loss of any privileges, and becoming a stateless person. — The duke commented indifferently.

— Oh, well, he won't get that... That's complete nonsense!

But before I could continue my complaint, someone suddenly entered the room — Alexander's head of guard.

— William disappeared along with his advisor. — The man said out of breath.

I knew the duke maintained close spies with the intent of preventing something like this from happening.

I ran toward the corridor. I didn't think much about what I was doing. I went to the courtyard area and looked around. It was late afternoon, and I knew the only way William could leave was through the southern forest without being easily seen. He couldn't go through the castle walls or the main gate. I ran to the nearest guard, pushed him, climbed on his horse, and stole his sword.

I followed the path I knew by instinct. It was the same place I had escaped from Alexander last time. I wasn't thinking clearly. I couldn't let William get away. I wouldn't let him leave without punishment. That damn rat, looking for someone to support him just to attack me when he had the chance. Seeking amnesty and protection. NO WAY!

I pushed forward so fiercely that branches brushed against my skin, causing small scratches, but adrenaline kept me from feeling the wounds. I remembered the night they attacked Baltazar. As I ran desperately trying to reach the city and confront Alexander, my skin was marked by branches and stones on the path. I only felt the exhilarating rush of the chase. There was a trail of hoofprints ahead of me. Desperate, vulnerable. Just like I felt when William killed my family, and when he imprisoned my companions. That man had already interfered too much in my emotions and now his era of horror would end.

It didn't take long to see some guards who had helped the king escape. They tried to stop me. But I hadn't spent the last years just playing around; wielding a sword meant being agile, and for someone in heavy armor from head to toe, they couldn't stop me easily. I just passed through them, leaving the horse behind.

That's when I spotted His Majesty's horse ahead, searching for the right path. I threw a dagger into the leg of the bay steed, which was useless now. William saw me, and his face filled with terror, knowing he could be captured any moment.

His advisor was beside him. William ran ahead. Felder Belian was the mastermind behind everything. The one who made the bastard a puppet until he got what he wanted — and now was his ruin. I approached with swift steps. The old man still tried to run but took a deep cut in the back that would bleed him to death. Seeing his body fall onto the grass gave me a sense of satisfaction. The son of a bitch must have given my brother the idea for the collar and all my torment. I bent down to his face.

— Last words? — I asked, seeing him trying to breathe as mud invaded his nostrils and mouth.

— I... — he gasped, but I cut his neck.

— Sorry, but I don't want to hear it.

I got up and headed where my little brother might have fled. His footprints were clear, and it didn't take long to realize it was the place where Alexander supposedly cornered me years ago.

I stepped out of the shadows towards William, who was scared and panting from the recent run. His horse was out of control, trying to get away from the cliff, but there were no easy paths. The animal was badly hurt by the forest and my dagger; it couldn't go far anymore.

— Get off the horse. — I pointed the sword at him. My brother seemed to have no choice but to obey. The frightened colt ran sideways, limping.

I could feel every part of me boiling with hatred. I remembered William touching me, caressing my skin, invading me — it was horrible to think that I moaned his name and felt pleasure at the hands of a damned regicide. But that was okay, my brother deserved what I was about to do.

William started releasing his scent, trying to intimidate me. But all it caused was nausea. I was resistant to pheromones, always had been, and now his attempt to intimidate me was useless. I charged at him, and before my brother could defend himself, I knocked him onto the slippery surface of the cliff. His body went toward the abyss and grabbed on, but he was hanging toward death.

— If it were raining, you'd have just fallen. — I commented, approaching carefully.

Death was certain. The tide was low, waves crashing on exposed rocks. The algae was his biggest enemy, and William was struggling to hold on.

— I surrender! You can't kill me! I'm the king, your brother! — William said with difficulty, trying to pull his body up.

— I'm the judge. — I stepped hard on one of his hands, crushing his flesh and bones, making him let go and hang only by his left hand. It was funny that William tried to use blood or his title as justification when none of that mattered when he killed his own father.

— Please, Albertin... — he said, his face twisted with fear.

I held his hand with both of mine, pretending to try to pull him and give some relief. It was a 20-meter fall onto the rocks. It was obvious William wouldn't survive.

— Long live the king. — I let go, and before my brother could do anything, his body fell toward the end. I watched until he hit the rocks. It wasn't a pretty scene. It wasn't as satisfying as I thought it would be, seeing his body carried away by the waves. It was over. Finally, it was over.

To be continued...