Pain Teaches Silent Lessons — Arjun Malhotra 293

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Althea smiled as she watched from the balcony, the twins playing with Ash. It had been a while since she last touched or played with the little wolf, who was growing quickly now. She would have loved to join them, but she always ended up sneezing whenever Ash was around.

A knock sounded, followed by a guard’s voice announcing that Healer Lakan had arrived. Melva quickly moved to open the door.

“Your Majesty,” Lakan greeted with a respectful bow.

Althea returned his greeting with a smile before walking toward the bed and lying down so he could examine her condition.

“Isn’t my baby a bit too sensitive?” she asked as Lakan checked her abdomen.

Melva, who was preparing hot chocolate nearby, chimed in, “I agree, Your Majesty. Our royal heir seems a bit sensitive… and quite picky too.”

After a few more minutes of examination, Lakan suddenly looked at her with a wide smile, his eyes gleaming. “Congratulations, Your Majesty,” he said enthusiastically. “I am now certain–you are carrying twins.”

Althea quickly sat up, her eyes widening. “Twins?”

“Oh my goodness! No wonder your bump is already showing!” Melva exclaimed.

Althea let out a soft laugh as she gently caressed her stomach, where a small bump was now visible.

After asking Lakan to keep it a secret for now, since she wanted to surprise Gavriel, the healer soon took his leave.

She returned to the balcony and sat with Melva. The two quietly enjoyed their hot chocolate while watching the twins play. Liah and Seth’s laughter filled the air like music, and the thought of her own babies joining them someday filled her heart with overwhelming joy.

“Do you think they’ll be like Liah and Seth?” Melva asked curiously. “A boy and a girl? Or maybe both the same girls or boys?”

Althea hummed softly. “Whatever God gives me is fine. I’m just so happy… twins are such a blessing.”

“Then you should eat more,” Melva said with a playful scolding tone. “You’re feeding two babies now. Tell me everything you crave, and we’ll make sure to get it!”

Althea glanced at her, then smiled. “Do you know what I want most right now? The strawberries back at the pack… the ones we used to sneak and pick.”

Melva’s eyes lit up. “Oh, right! The ones from the farm–the big, sweet ones!”

She immediately stood up, ready to give orders. “I should have someone-”

She stopped when Althea gently grabbed her wrist.

Althea gave her a mischievous smile. “I want to pick them myself… and eat them fresh.”

Melva frowned. “But the king isn’t here. We can’t travel without him personally escorting you. He’ll skin me alive.”

Althea shrugged. She didn’t want Gavriel to rush back just to accommodate her. She knew that the moment she

03 204 Ask For Punishment

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sent word, he would drop everything and come to her, personally escorting her wherever she wished to go.

“Gavriel will be arriving late tonight,” she said lightly.

“I can send word-”

Melva’s words were cut off by a sudden knock on the door.

“Your Majesty, Healer Elara sent word. Lord Kael has awakened,” Ben reported from outside.

Without wasting a second, Althea hurried out, making her way down the hall toward Kael’s chamber.

Inside, Kael was sitting on the edge of the bed, while Elara sat on a chair in front of him.

“How is he?” Althea asked quickly as she moved closer, but Trudis stepped in front of her, blocking her path just a meter away from Kael.

“His Majesty ordered that you keep your distance until he is fully cleared and stable,” Trudis reminded her firmly.

Althea frowned. She didn’t see him as a threat.

“For now, there’s no demonic spirits trying to enter his body anymore,” Elara explained, standing up and giving a polite bow. “They may still try to enter and oppress him though, but I believe he’s willing to recover now and won’t allow himself to be manipulated again.”

“Althea,” Kael whispered weakly.

She gave him a faint, reassuring smile. “I’m glad you’re finally awake. You made me worry.”

Elara offered her the seat, and Althea sat down, facing Kael.

“I’m sorry for what I did. I…” Kael trailed off, his voice breaking as he looked away, unable to meet her eyes.

“I understand, Kael,” she said gently. “But I hope and pray you won’t do the same thing again. Don’t make me worry for you. And please know… I’m already in a good place. I’m where I belong. Gavriel, and my future babies… they are my home now. I feel blessed and content with the life I have.”

“I understand…” Kael said quietly. “Then let me receive my punishment. I almost harmed you… and your child.”

He slowly got up, then dropped to his knees before her.

“Just live a good life from now on, Kael,” Althea said softly. “That’s more than enough.”

“I’m not confident,” Kael confessed.

“I can help you!”

Elara suddenly spoke up, catching Althea off guard. Althea turned to her, and Elara gave an awkward, bashful smile.

“I can try to help him stabilize until he’s able to receive divine protection through his own will… if you allow it, Your Majesty,” she suggested.

“There’s no need for that. I don’t need it, and-”

“Yes, you do,” Elara cut in firmly. “You need my assistance and guidance. Otherwise, the demonic spirits will come back… and worse, they might bring more with them to ensure they gain a stronger hold over you.

Althea smiled, then spoke without hesitation. “Kael, you’ll be under Elara’s care from now

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on.”

“But-”

“Are you defying Her Majesty’s order?” Elara challenged, raising a brow. “Didn’t you ask for punishment? Then think of me taking care of you as part of that punishment… if it helps ease your mind.”

“It’s settled then. You will stay under Elara’s care until you’re emotionally, mentally, and spiritually stable enough to stand on your own,” Althea declared.

“Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty,” Elara said, bowing politely, which made Althea smile in satisfaction.

Althea simply nodded before turning to Kael to bid him farewell.

Once the Queen had left, Elara turned to Kael and asked, “So, where do you plan to recuperate? Here in the palace or back with your pack? We need to prepare, since I’ll have to stay with you every day.”

“What?!” Kael exclaimed. He still couldn’t fully grasp the situation he had been thrown into, or why he suddenly had to be watched over by the woman standing in front of him. Still… her voice felt strangely familiar.

“You heard me,” Elara said casually. “I want to help you. And once I succeed, you’ll have to treat me well and grant me three wishes.” She added while flashing him a playful grin.

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