{Third Person}

"I was wondering if the honoured mages would also be willing to examine my child." She lowered her gaze lovingly toward her stomach.

"And perhaps take a look at my health as well."

What followed next was a brief silence. Though the request was not unreasonable, the person who made it was.

The mages had been invited by the King himself for an official purpose. For a royal concubine to insert herself into the conversation and make personal requests before the entire gathering was considered inappropriate.

Lysandra’s smile immediately stiffened slightly.

Most people would never notice, but Barron and Alexander did. King Sebastian certainly did.

The Queen folded her hands neatly before speaking in a voice dripping with elegance. "My dear."

The concubine looked toward her immediately. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Lysandra’s smile never faltered as she continued, "The honoured guests have only just arrived. Surely this discussion can wait until another time."

The words sounded considerate, concerned, even kind. Yet everyone seated near enough understood exactly what she was saying.

Know your place.

Unfortunately, the concubine either failed to understand the warning or chose to ignore it.

"I merely thought it would be a wonderful opportunity." She smiled sweetly as her hand remained on her stomach. "After all, it concerns the future health of His Majesty’s child."

The smile on Lysandra’s face almost cracked. Almost. Fortunately, decades of experience prevented such a disaster.

"My concern is only for your well-being." The Queen’s tone remained flawless. "You should avoid unnecessary excitement in your condition."

The concubine laughed softly. "Your Majesty worries too much."

Barron immediately reached for his wine.

Alexander did not need to look at him to know exactly why. The fool was trying not to laugh.

Across the table, several ministers suddenly became very interested in their food. Nobody wished to be caught watching the exchange.

The concubine, meanwhile, continued speaking. "I feel perfectly healthy." Then, her smile widened.

"And besides, if the honoured mages can reassure me that the baby is healthy, would that not be wonderful news for everyone?"

The atmosphere became noticeably strained. Even Amara could sense it.

She lowered her gaze toward her plate and concentrated very hard on not looking at anyone. The last thing she wanted was to accidentally make eye contact with the Queen.

Fortunately, the situation did not continue for much longer because King Sebastian finally intervened himself.

"That is enough."

His voice was not loud. It did not need to be, for the entire hall fell silent immediately.

The concubine’s smile disappeared as she looked toward the King. Sebastian’s expression revealed very little.

Unfortunately for her, that was usually when he was most displeased.

"The mages are guests of the crown." His tone remained calm. "They were invited for official business."

The concubine immediately lowered her head. "Yes, Your Majesty."

King Sebastian continued. "If medical attention becomes necessary, arrangements can be made privately at another time."

The message was clear, and the discussion was over. The concubine wisely remained silent afterwards.

Barron raised his wine glass and took a long drink. Alexander could practically hear him laughing internally.

Their eyes met briefly, but Barron looked away immediately. A clear sign of guilt.

Alexander almost rolled his eyes.

The banquet continued without further incidents.

Gradually, the atmosphere recovered and conversation resumed. The mages appeared polite enough to ignore the interruption entirely, while the ministers were visibly relieved that no larger confrontation had occurred.

Eventually, the final course was served.

Once the meal concluded, King Sebastian rose from his seat, bringing the conversations around the hall to an immediate halt.

"I thank everyone for attending." His gaze swept across the gathering before settling briefly on the delegation of mages.

"The remainder of today’s schedule will proceed as planned."

A few nods followed, and guests began rising from their seats.

The ministers departed first, followed by the princess, then the princes and their mates.

Queen Lysandra left with her usual grace and composure, while the King’s pregnant concubine wisely kept silent and followed shortly afterwards.

Amara rose as well, expecting Alexander to leave with the rest of them. Instead, she noticed something unusual.

The King remained seated. The five mages stayed where they were. And so did Alexander.

Her brows furrowed slightly. But before she could think much of it, Barron appeared beside her.

"My Lady."

Amara turned toward him.

"Shall we?"

She nodded automatically and followed him out of the banquet hall. Only after they had walked some distance down the corridor did her curiosity finally get the better of her.

She glanced back once, as though she could somehow still see through the palace walls.

"Why did they stay behind?"

Barron looked at her. "The mages?"

Amara nodded. "His Majesty, the mages, and His Highness." Then she hesitated for a moment before asking, "What are they discussing?"

A smile tugged at the corner of Barron’s mouth. For a moment, he seemed amused that nobody had thought to explain it to her before.

"The mages didn’t come here simply for a social visit."

Amara blinked. "They didn’t?"

"No." Barron shook his head. "His Majesty invited them personally."

That immediately caught her attention. "For what reason?" she inquired with a light frown on her face.

Barron’s expression became more thoughtful. "They came to examine Alexander."

Amara slowed her steps slightly. "Examine him?"

"Yes." Seeing her confusion, Barron continued, "You know about the curse."

Immediately, Elowen’s words from their outing returned to her mind. She remembered the curse, the betrayal and the heavy price Alexander was still paying, so she nodded slowly.

"I know a little."

Barron released a quiet sigh. "The curse affects him more than most people realize." His tone was noticeably less playful now.

"It flares up regularly. When it does, things become... difficult."

Amara listened carefully as he continued.

"For years, His Majesty has sought ways to reduce its effects." Barron glanced ahead as they continued walking.

"The mages are among the most knowledgeable people on the continent when it comes to curses and magical afflictions. Every few years, the King invites experts to examine Alexander in the hope that someone might discover a way to slow the curse’s progression."

Amara’s eyes widened slightly. "So they think they can cure him?"

Barron shook his head. "No." The answer came immediately. "Nobody has ever claimed they could break the curse."

Just then, his expression darkened slightly. "They are merely looking for ways to buy him more time."

Amara fell silent. The answer settled heavily in her chest.

For some reason, she had never considered the possibility that Alexander’s curse could eventually take his life. Perhaps because he always appeared so strong and so untouchable.

Yet now that she thought about it, the concern made perfect sense.

If there was no cure... then every passing year mattered.

Barron noticed the troubled look on her face and smiled lightly. "There is no reason to worry yourself over it."

Amara came out of her worries and met his gaze.

"His Highness has survived far worse than a room full of mages."

The attempt at reassurance earned her a small smile.

Even so, as they continued toward the Alpha Prince’s residence, her thoughts remained fixed on Alexander. On the curse.

And on the fact that, at that very moment, several of the most powerful mages on the continent were trying to determine whether there was any way to save his life.