Free Web NovelChapter 44: The weak link
Eirene forced calm back to her tone. "You will wear it again. And you will try harder next time. Men like Marek are simple creatures. A little attention, a little temptation, and they fall easily enough." freēwēbnovel.com
Rowena sighed. "Mother, I’ve done everything you’ve told me to. I’ve smiled, I’ve laughed, I’ve acted sweet. But it’s no use. He’s obsessed with Aveloria. Even when she’s cold to him, he still chases after her. It’s disgusting."
Eirene turned away, deep in thought. "Something isn’t right," she murmured. "Either the Coven gave me a false charm, or Aveloria’s bond with him is stronger than I thought."
She looked at her daughter again. "Keep wearing the bracelet. Please don’t take it off, not even when you sleep. If the magic hasn’t faded completely, it might still work."
Rowena rolled her eyes but nodded. "Fine."
Eirene leaned on the table, her fingers drumming against the polished wood. "We can’t let her bonds strengthen further. If Marek becomes completely loyal to her, and Galen already is, she’ll have the others falling into place soon. That would make her untouchable. And no one would dare move against her."
"Then what do we do?" Rowena asked.
Eirene thought for a moment. "For now, we let the investigation play out. Once the news of her death spreads, we’ll be devastated but loyal. You’ll cry in public. I’ll faint in the council room if I must. The King will see us as a grieving family. That will keep suspicion away."
"And if she survives?"
Eirene looked at her sharply. "She won’t."
"But if she does," Rowena pressed, "and she comes back with proof that we had a hand in anything—what then?"
Eirene’s tone turned cold. "Then I’ll finish what I started years ago. She escaped death once. She won’t do it again."
Rowena stayed quiet. The room was silent except for the faint crackle of the fireplace. Eirene poured herself a cup of wine, took a sip, and sat opposite her daughter.
"Tell me about Marek again," she said. "Every detail. How he looks at you, what he says."
Rowena shrugged. "He looks frustrated most of the time. I think he’s angry that Aveloria keeps him at a distance. He complains that she treats the others better than him. I told him she probably doesn’t know how to handle her bonds yet, but he doesn’t listen. He’s obsessed. He keeps saying he’ll make her see that he’s the one who deserves her trust."
"Did he mention the others?" Eirene asked.
"Only Galen. He doesn’t like that she spends time with him. He thinks Galen’s using the Beta and friend excuse to get close to her. It bothers him."
Eirene nodded slowly. "That’s something we can use."
Rowena frowned. "How?"
"If Marek starts believing that Galen is closer than he is, then jealousy will grow. And jealousy weakens loyalty. When the time is right, we can use his emotions to our advantage. For now, keep feeding him small doubts. Nothing too obvious. Just enough to make him question his bond."
Rowena nodded. "I can do that."
"Good."
Eirene leaned back in her chair, satisfied for the first time that evening. "This isn’t just about removing Aveloria. It’s about reshaping the balance of power. When she’s gone, the King will need stability. I will be that stability. And you, my dear, will stand beside me, as the only daughter he has left."
Rowena smiled, but soon frowned. "That doesn’t sound so bad. But what about Evander and the twins?"
Eirene chuckled. "They won’t be a problem once I get rid of them." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
"I’m worried about this plan. Something about it unsettles me."
"Then stop worrying," Eirene said. "Everything will fall into place soon. All you have to do is keep playing your part. Look innocent. Be supportive. Pretend to grieve when the time comes. Can you do that?"
Rowena nodded again. "Yes, Mother."
Eirene oversaw her daughter, searching for hesitation. There was none. She reached out and took Rowena’s hand. "Good. You’ve grown into a clever woman. I’m proud of you."
Rowena smiled, though her eyes betrayed nervousness. "I just hope you’re right about everything."
Eirene released her hand. "I always am."
Rowena stood up, smoothing her dress. "Then I’ll go back to my quarters. I’ll start wearing the bracelet again."
"Do that," Eirene said. "And remember, Marek must never suspect the magic behind it. The charm works best when it’s unnoticed."
Rowena nodded, heading toward the door. Before leaving, she looked back. "Mother?"
"Yes?"
"Do you ever feel guilty? About any of this?"
Eirene looked at her daughter for a long moment, then shook her head. "Guilt is for people who can afford to lose. We can’t."
Rowena hesitated, then opened the door and left quietly.
Once she was gone, Eirene walked back to her mirror. She looked at her reflection, the faint lines near her eyes, and the practiced calm in her face. At first, she pretended to cry as she imagined the news of Aveloria’s death. But she ended up laughing out loud.
Eirene reached into the chest and pulled out the bracelet. It was identical to the one she’d given Rowena. She turned it over and muttered, "Why didn’t it work? The Coven wouldn’t dare deceive me."
She placed the bracelet back in the chest, her mind racing. "Unless..." she whispered, thinking aloud. "Unless Aveloria’s bond with Marek is stronger than the spell itself."
The idea unsettled her. It wasn’t supposed to be possible.
She closed the chest sharply and stood for a long time, staring at nothing. She didn’t like uncertainty. It meant something had slipped beyond her control. And Eirene didn’t love to lose power.
When she finally sat down again, her expression was calm once more, her plan settled in her mind. Whatever the reason for the failed charm, it didn’t matter. Soon, Aveloria would be gone. Marek’s grief could be managed. The King’s sorrow could be redirected. And Rowena would stand where Aveloria once stood, favored, adored, and unquestioned.
Eirene poured herself another drink and sat in silence. The low sound of distant drums echoed somewhere in the palace, marking the late hour. She took a slow sip, her eyes cold and unwavering.
Everything was in motion now. There was no turning back.
