Chapter 133
Augustnt Pov
She frowned at me, but there was worry in her eyes. “How is she?
Why do you cale Last I checked, you thought she was manipulating me.”
She flinched. I deserve that. But I am sorry, Augustin. Truly, I was upset about the accusations of treason, You know how serious that is. I reacted poorly
“So serious that you stormed out without a word and haven’t been seen for days? When your son needed support?”
“I needed space,” she replied, wringing her hands. “Juno threatened to deal with Evanth herself if he caused you trouble, she said quietly. Those weren’t empty words from her. I was angry, but I don’t hate her. I needed time to think, so I went to the summer house.”
I crossed my arms. “You called her a whore, Mother. You questioned her loyalty and suggested she was manipulating me.
I was wrong.”
“Juno is the only one who believed Evanth might be innocent,” I continued. “She’s the one who insisted we investigate further. She’s the one who found evidence that might clear him. Where were you? Always taking his side against me, but never there when he actually needs support.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I’ve said terrible things to both my sons. You just don’t remember the things I said to Evanth when you weren’t around.”
“That’s supposed to make me feel better?”
“No.” She looked down. “I feel sorry for Evanth. He’s the eldest son but has no position, no power, no respect. He’s always trying to prove you’re flawed because he feels inadequate. And Quentor has been playing on those insecurities for years.”
I sighed, “Mother-
‘I heard Juno went to Lakeside,” she interrupted. “That was brave of her.*
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“I’m concerned,” she said, her voice dropping. “Elton Riddick may not hold grudges, but his son does. Vance Riddick hates our family with a passion.”
Her eyes darted around the hallway. “There are things you should know. Things others shouldn’t hear.”
I studied her face for a moment, then opened the door. “Come in, but be quiet. Juno is sleeping.”
She nodded, following me inside. We approached the bed quietly. Mother’s eyes widened slightly when she saw Juno’s pale face.
“She doesn’t look well,” she whispered.
“The doctor says she’ll be fine.”
Mother reached toward Juno. “May I?”
I hesitated, then nodded. She gently placed her hand on Juno’s forehead, then turned over one of her hands, examining her palm and fingernails. Juno stirred slightly but didn’t wake.
‘Did the doctor take blood samples?” Mother asked.
“Yes.”
“I think she might have ingested a small amount of poison,” she said carefully. “Though there’s another possibility…”
Panic shot through me. “Poison? Are you sure? How can you tell?”
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Chapter 133
‘I’ve seen it before, Mother said quietly.
“Her body is fighting something. Mother explained, pointing to Juno’s hands. I can see it in her coloring and the slight discoloration under her nails The way her pulse flutters. But she’s strong, Augustin. She’s already improving. If it was a serious prison, she’d be much worse by now.
I swallowed hard, fear gripping my chest. The doctor says she’s pregnant.”
Mother’s eyes widened, genuine surprise and then delight crossing her face. A baby? Oh, Augustin! You’re going to be a father?
Re: smile was radiant as she looked down at Juno with newfound tenderness. “No wonder she’s sick. Pregnancy combined with even a mild toxin would make anyone ill. Her body is fighting twice as hard to protect the child.”
She touched Juno’s hair gently. “She’s giving you an heir. I hope she’ll give me another chance to be in her life… in both their lives.”
You hurt her deeply,” I said quietly. “It won’t be easy to earn her trust again.”
Mother nodded sadly. I know. But I’ll try, if she’ll let me. This child is my grandchild, Augustin. The future of our family.”
I doubted Juno would forgive so easily, but I kept my deeper thoughts to myself.
“You mentioned Vance Riddick,” I said, steering the conversation back. “What about him? What would he have against Juno specifically?”
Mother sighed, moving away from the bed to sit in a chair by the window. “It’s a dark story from your father’s time. Do you know about Liliana Riddick and Elton’s sister Ainsley?”
I shook my head.
“They were brought here as tributes from Lakeside. Ainsley, Elton’s younger sister, caught your father’s eye. She was beautiful, gentle–natured. Liliana became jealous, envious of the attention Nathanael showed Ainsley.”
Mother’s face darkened. “Ainsley was kind. She saw Liliana’s unhappiness and asked Nathanael to send her sister–in–law home. She told him, ‘My sister–in- law suffers here. Please let her return to our family. He considered it.”
“What happened?”
“Liliana misunderstood. She thought Ainsley wanted to eliminate competition. She begged to stay.” Mother looked around the room. “In this very room, Liliana killed Ainsley with a silver knife while she slept. Carved Ainsley up like an animal.”
I inhaled sharply.
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