Chapter 56: Chapter 56

Violette POV

“You can do it. Just try not to stress, okay? I know it’s hard. I know it hurts. But you’re strong. The strongest Princess I know.” Lillian said. I opened my mouth and tried again.

“Aaa.” I small sound escaped my throat. I’ve been practicing for a couple of weeks now.. and that’s all I’ve managed to get out. I was so frustrated that it was taking so long.. but Beatrice assured me that my vocal cord healing was delayed because of the wolfsbane on the blade.. and that it would take time and patience for it to fully recover and for my voice to come back completely.

“Good, you’re doing good.” Lillian praised me with a smile. Being around her cheery self makes me feel better. I just wish I had her attitude.

“Li-liaa..” I tried so hard to say her name.. but most of it came out in breath.. and not actual sound.

“That’s great!” Lillian squealed. The frown on my face deepened.

-it’s not great Lillian. My voice is gone. It’ll never be the same.- I wrote.

“It’s progress. It will take time.. you know what Beatrice said.” She said softly.

-I think I’m done for the day. My throat hurts.- I scribbled on the paper and held it out for her to read.

“I’m so glad you taught me how to read. Otherwise.. we’d be in trouble.” She said. She stood up and began mixing my herbs with honey and brought me the steaming cup.

I pressed my fingers to my chin and pulled it away, saying “thank you” in sign language. I only knew a little.. so it wasn’t the best.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you taught me what you knew of sign language too.” She giggled. A small smile appeared on my face.. it felt foreign, but it felt good. I took a sip of my drink, the warmth relaxing my burning throat.

“Want me to read to you?” She asked. Before I could answer there was a knock on the door.

“Want me to let them in?” She asked. I nodded my head.

“Come in.” She said. The door opened and Beatrice poked in her head.

“Lillian, I need your help. And Violette, the King requests your presence in his chambers.” She said. Lillian sighed as she walked to me and pulled me into her arms.

“I love you. I’ll see you later, tonight.. if you want.” She said. I nodded my head.

As she pulled away I began to stand. I felt lightheaded, so I held myself up by my footboard.

“Are you okay, dear?” Beatrice asked. I nodded my head. Sometimes I still get lightheaded when I move around too quickly.

“Okay. Have you bathed today?” She asked as she eyed me carefully.

I nodded my head.

“I helped her. She’s fine, Beatrice. Do not worry. She’s getting back into it.” Lillian said.

“Good. Come now, we have much to do.” Beatrice shooed Lillian out of the room. I closed my eyes and gathered myself before I left and made my way to Masters’ room.

“How are you?” Loren asked. I pinched my lips together and nodded.

“I can’t tell you how.. very sorry I am. It is my fault that this-“ I cut him off by placing my hand on his shoulder and shaking my head.

“Here.” He opened the door and waved me in. I placed my fingers to my chin and pulled it away, as I mouthed the words “Thank you.”

I stepped in to see Master staring at me.

“I didn’t realize you knew sign language.” He said. I pinched my thumb and index finger close together to say “a little.”

“How do you feel?” He asked. I deadpanned before rolling my eyes. I’m so tired of everyone asking how I am.. or how I feel.

“Don’t do that. I just want to know.” He said. I shrugged my shoulders.

“Did you bring something to write with so we could talk?” He asked. I shook my head and he let out a sigh.

“Go sit.” He said as he pointed at the chair in front of his desk. I nodded in response and did as he asked.

He walked into the office and sat down in his chair and looked at me.

“Your.. Father has announced that he’s holding a banquet to find a wife.” He said. I stared at him blankly, my brain couldn’t even comprehend exactly what I’d just heard.

“Did you hear me?” He asked. I finally nodded my head.. but I wasn’t sure I was fully comprehending what was being said.

He pulled his glasses off and sighed heavily.

“If he does.. and he finds a Princess to marry, that means he will have more allies.. and that may or may not make things harder for me.” He said. I nodded once again. I knew it bothered him greatly.. that I couldn’t speak, but he hid his feelings well. It’s not like I really have a choice, anyways.

Even if I could speak.. I couldn’t think of any words to say about this. My Father has made two attempts on my life.. and now he aims to replace my mother, and if he marks his new wife.. making her his chosen mate.. he will be able to have heirs. Therefore, replacing me.

As if he was ever going to give me his title anyways.. he hated me. Especially after my mother’s death. He couldn’t bear to look at me, and when he did it was out of hate and disgust. I never cared for the throne. I never cared to be Queen. But if I could.. I’d kill him before he got the chance to replace my mother and me and steal his throne just to spite him.

“I’m sorry.” He said. I shrugged my shoulders.

“Come here.” He said softly. I stood up and made my way over to him. I could hear his heart racing in his chest the closer I got. I wondered.. did he get nervous around me?

“Your heat is coming back.” He said as he sniffed the air lightly. I nodded my head. I knew. I’ve been feeling unwell all day. Running fevers.. my emotions haywire.

He stood up, towering over me and pulling my chin to have me look at him.

“Do you hate me?” He asked. I furrowed my brows as I shook my head. He ran his thumb across my cheek and sighed.

“You’re so hard to resist.. when you’re in heat.” He said softly. I shocked both him and myself when I reached up and grabbed his face into my hands, pulling his lips to mine.

For a moment, he didn’t move.. and I went to pull away when he grabbed my waist and held me against him, kissing me back.

I didn’t want him to resist me.

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