CHAPTER 127: TWO FACED BITCH

I took a small sip of tea, and Sloane did the same. She had been here for a few minutes and decided to be polite by enjoying the tea I served. She had praised me for the taste and how delicious the snacks were, and asked me to give the compliments to the chef.

I, on the other hand, wanted her to state her business so that I could be free of her presence, but I also wanted to take my time to uncover any malicious plan she could have.

"I was surprised you agreed to see me," she began faintly, fingers pressed tightly on the cup even though it was hot. "Given how you left that day without another word. I thought..." she paused as if words couldn’t describe that moment.

"I didn’t expect I’d see you, either. I thought you’d never show your face. But here you are, in my garden, sipping tea and eating snacks."

She forced a smile. "Neither did I. But the Dowager has me visiting frequently. I can’t deny her that. So I have no choice but to be around... even though I know that makes you uncomfortable."

I can’t stand this...But I replied anyway. "Can’t blame her, you are close to her. Very close."

"Indeed," she sneered. "I didn’t grow up with a mother; she’s like a mother to me. I took leadership of my House at a very young age. I had several supporters, but the Dowager was the only one who was there."

Unbelievable. Taking a stranger as her daughter but neglecting the one she truly had? Gods! What is wrong with that old woman? Do parents have something against their children? All the ones I’ve met are cruel.

"She has been distant from Princess Diana for so many years. It pains me to say this, but sometimes I feel like some replacement."

"Whatever do you mean?"

She gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "The Princess has cursed the Balthar lineage. No one knows this, it’s actually a secret, but since you’re a Balthar, all the more reason to know."

I hated the tone she used. It turned out she didn’t hold any love for the princess. I expected more from her, given her affections for Drevon.

Sloane released her hand from the teacup, placing it on her lap. "The Princess is unable to activate her moonblood."

What?

"She can’t shift or yield any of the gifts of our divine goddess."

There was a compression in my chest. This explained why the Dowager was so distant and why the princess was confined all these years.

"And the Dowager thought it was best to push her aside?" I said with a hint of anger in my tone, but I kept my smile.

"The Dowager gave her mercy. She’s a defect of the Balthar name; strength is recognized, and she doesn’t have that."

"I think you’re mistaken, the princess is the strongest person I know. How would you have fared in years of confinement?"

Whatever she had to say was lodged in her throat.

"Call the princess a defect again, and I’ll consider your words treason against the royal bloodline."

"Forgive me," she said politely. "I was out of line, but I just wanted you to understand the Dowager and that everything she does is for the future of the empire. Her husband, the previous monarch, left for war, leaving her alone to care for three—"

"Are we here to sympathize with the Dowager’s past or speak about the future?" I cut her off.

She sighed. "Yes, the future, it’s in the hands of the goddess now. The Fates are coming, and I’m worried for your sake."

I fixed her with a pointed stare.

"You and I both know why the Fates are coming; it’s not hidden anymore."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "The Fates are not matchmakers," I said firmly, trying to hold onto that belief as a saveline.

Sloane grinned broadly, and a chill found my spine. "Yes, they are not, but the future of the empire is at stake. Forgive me for saying this, but ever since Drevon married a human, the balance has been shifted, and now the Fates must take action."

My eyes went wide, and all the questions I had were answered. The reason why Damon was so sure I wouldn’t be Queen Consort was that he knew the Fates would be involved the moment Drevon made attempts to crown me.

And Sloane? This is no longer poker face, but a two-faced bitch who saw this coming. Is that why she was suddenly so remorseful? To trick me into thinking she poses no threat so that I’d let my guard down?

I eyed her smiley expression, and I got the chills. Creepy. I’ll need to prove my suspicion.

"I’m to be Queen, did you not consider that they might be here to see the human for themselves who would usher a new future for them?"

I anticipated two responses from her: if she simply stays in line and agrees with my statement, maybe I’d believe she had turned a new leaf, but if her response is...

"Sadly, that is not why. The Fates decide the future of the empire and keep the balance; there are two candidates for the Queen Consort position, and only they can choose who will carry out the Balthar’s bloodline."

That.

I scoffed scornfully. Judging by how confident she sounded, I knew she was waiting for this moment. I was in a dire situation here.

Sloane has been known to take the Queen Consort position for years until I came along, which made two candidates, even if the parties don’t recognise this. As much as I don’t want to admit it, Sloane has a bigger advantage here.

"You’re very kind, Sloane, for telling me this."

"I thought it’s best to know, believe me, I didn’t expect this too..." she assured me.

"But I think what triggered the Fates’ involvement was Drevon’s attempt to crown you. The whispers fly."

"You must be glad, Sloane, you can finally have what you want. To be by Drevon’s side."

Her face saddened as she took my hand. "I’m not here to cause you heartache, Eloise. I just needed to let you know what’s coming..."

I tried to move my hand from her hold, but her grip only tightened.

"...Your downfall."