The cool forest air did wonders, easing my nerves and clearing my head. As I walked, I caught sight of a nearbyke, its still waters inviting. For a moment, I thought about taking a dip but decided to save it forter. Just knowing it was there félt like a small escape. Deeper into the woods, I found trees heavy with ripe fruit-apples, dark berries, and even a few wild pears. I gathered a few, each bite calming me and filling me up bit by bit. Picking and eating them was a quietfort, helping me put aside the mess of feelings I''d left behind. I lost track of time, and soon an hour had slipped by. The peace here was soforting that part of me didn''t want to go back. But I knew I couldn''t avoid them forever. If I stayed out much longer, they''d start to worry or, worse, send someone after me. With a deep breath and onest look at the forest, I turned and made my way back, hoping this calm would be enough to face what waited for me.


    As I stepped back into the house, the silence felt strange. The living room was empty, with no trace of anyone. I took a few more steps, ncing around, when a faint voice caught my attention from down the hall. My curiosity got the better of me, and I quietly moved closer, noticing one of the doors was slightly ajar.. Peering through the small gap, I saw Titus and Scott, their heads bent close together over what appeared to be a map sprawled across the table.


    "My cousin has taken over the kingdom along with my army. To reim it, we''ll need to gather all the forces still loyal to me. Every ally we can find," Titus said, his voice low but carrying a sharp edge of determination. Scott shook his head, brow furrowed in confusion. "How did your cousin manage to seize so much power in such a short time? None of us had any hint that he was nning to take the crown." Titus''s gaze darkened


    darkened as he traced a line on the map with his finger. "I suspect someone from inside the castle orchestrated this. Yosef... he''s nothing more than a puppet."


    Scott''s eyes narrowed as he considered this. "Do you have anyone in mind? A traitor who might have aided him?"


    Titus''s mouth tightened, and after a moment''s pause, he replied "The fact that Jane remains queen even after I was dethroned says more than enough. I wouldn''t be surprised if she were pulling the strings." Scott''s face grew hard as he took in the gravity of Titus''s words. If she''s the one behind this... then this isn''t just a power grab. It''s personal."


    Titus nodded, his jaw clenched. "Exactly. She''s waited years for a moment like this. I should''ve seen iting, but I didn''t want to believe the depths she''d go to."


    They both fell silent, the weight of betrayal hanging heavy in the air. I felt my stomach churn at the mention of Jane-she wasn''t just some scheming noble; she was his former queen, someone who had once pledged loyalty to him. And now she was conspiring to destroy everything he had fought for.


    Scott finally broke the silence, "So, what''s the n? We can''t just waltz in there and expect the guards toy down their


    arms


    Titus leaned closer to the map, his finger tracing potential routes and hiding ces. "We start with those who''ve remained in the outer territories-those loyal to my father''s rule. They won''t be easy to convince, but if they know what''s happened, they''ll rally." "And if they don''t?" Scott pressed.


    BGG.


    Titus met his gaze, his expression fierce. "Then I''ll remind them who their king truly is."


    G


    1.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    0


    At the sound of my voice, both men turned sharply. Titus''s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I wondered if I''d overstepped by barging in on their private discussion. But I stood my ground, lifting my chin slightly to show I meant every word. "If you''re nning an attack, I''d like to help," I repeated firmly, meeting his gaze.


    Titus''s expression softened just enough to reveal a flicker of surprise, but it quickly vanished, reced by a guarded look. "I don''t know you well enough to trust you," he replied, his tone measured. "There''s no need for you to get involved."


    "I understand that you don''t trust me, but just in case Scott hasn''t told you yet, I was with them when they rescued you from the pce," I said. "Scott can also vouch for me," I continued, ncing between him and Scott. "I know a few people who''d be more than willing to support a cause like this. They may not be nobles, but they''re skilled, and they''re loyal."


    Scott exchanged a look with Titus, a spark of interest in his eyes. "I can assure you, Your Majesty. Sage is one of us," he said.


    He blew a loud sigh, "Call me by my name. Just until I finally take back my throne."


    Alpha."


    Scott nodded in acknowledgement. arting over me as if trying to weigh my decision. "Are you sure about this?" he finally asked, his voice softer than before.


    Titus hesitated for a moment, his eyes


    I swallowed hard, hard, pushing away the doubt t


    !


    ubt that began to creep into my mind. "I''m certain," I replied, trying to sound confident.


    "Is that so?" he said, a challenging note in his voice.


    I watched him as he walked over to the cab where the weapons were disyed. He picked up a pair of swords, and then. he tossed one in my direction. I wasn''t ready for it and ended up cutting myself as I tried to catch it.


    I hissed in pain as the sharp sting from the cut raced across my skin.


    "Mydy!" Scott rushed over to check on me, concern etched on his face.


    "It was just a small cut, Scott. If she''s going to war with us, she''s going to face more than just a little scratch," Titus replied with a hint of authority in his tone. "Follow me," he said, turning his back and leaving the room.


    Titus strode confidently out of the room, leaving me with a mix of determination and anxiety. I followed him, my heart racing as I realized what was about to happen. He led me to a training area, arge open space filled with dummies and weapons scattered about. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and I could feel the weight of his challenge hanging in the


    air.


    "Alright, Sage," Titus said, turning to face me, his expression serious. "If you''re going to fight alongside us, you need to show me what you''ve got. I want to see what you''re made of."


    I nodded, swallowing my apprehension. "I can handle it."


    He smirked, his confidence almost infuriating. "Let''s see about that." He took his stance, weapon in hand, ready for battle.


    I tightened my grip on my sword, trying to steady my shaking hands. The first sh of our swords sent vibrations up my arm, and I quickly realized I was in over my head. Titus moved with grace and power, every strike calcted, while I was struggling to keep up. "Focus, Sage!" he shouted as he pushed me back with a forceful swing. I stumbled but regained my footing, trying to regain myposure.


    The fight continued, and I felt myself growing more exhausted with each passing moment. I attempted to block his blows, but my movements were too slow. In one quick motion, Titus disarmed me, sending my sword ntering to the ground.


    214


    D


    GGG.


    "Get up!" he challenged, his eyes glinting with intensity.


    0


    With my heart pounding, I scrambled to retrieve my weapon, but before I could react, he lunged forward. I managed to dodge, but in my haste, I lost my bnce. I fell to the ground, and before I knew it, Titus was upon me, his sword poised near my throat. "Yield," hemanded; his expression was unreadable.


    I felt a rush of frustration wash over me. "I can keep going!" I protested, trying to push myself up. But the truth was, I was hurt, and the sharp pain in my side made it hard to breathe.


    "Not like this," he said firmly. He stepped back, giving me a moment to recover. "You need to know your limits. This isn''t just a game." He then stood up and threw his sword to the ground before he left without a word.


    Scott was quick to help me up from the ground, his hands steadying me as I tried to regain my bnce.


    "Are you okay, mydy?" he asked, his voiceced with concern.


    "Please, just call me Sage," I replied, brushing off the dust from my clothes. "I''m no longer your king''s wife nor his mate, so I think it''s time you start learning how to address me by my name. And to answer your question, yes, I''m fine." I tried to sound more confident than I felt, though the sharp pain i in my side reminded me otherwise.


    Scott frowned, his brow furrowing deeper as he inspected my face for any signs of injury. "You haven''t fully recovered from the injuries you got from the rejection. And now this," he said, gesturing at the sword training area. "Do you have a death wish? Why would you ept his challenge like that?" I could see the worry in his eyes, and it made my chest tighten. "I had to show Titus that I''m capable," I insisted, frustration creeping into my voice. "I can''t be seen as weak, especially now. I need to prove that I''m strong enough to fight alongside you all." to him or anyone else!" Scott shot back, his tone sharp. "You''ve been through so much already. You need to take care of yourself first. Your health is more important than some ridiculous challenge!" "I know, Scott," I said, my voice softer now. "But I can''t just sit back and do nothing while everyone else fights. I refuse to be sidelined because of what''s happened to me. I want to stand with you, not behind you." sighed, running a a hand through his hair in frustration. I understand that, but there are better ways to prove yourself. You can''t just throw yourself into danger like this. What if something worse happens? You need to think this through."


    I


    But


    He


    I


    t you don''t have to prove anything t


    I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "You think I don''t know that? Every day feels like a battle, and I''m tired of feeling powerless. I won''t let my past dictate my future."


    Scott softened at my words, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I admire your determination, but there''s a difference between bravery and recklessness. I just don''t want to see you get hurt again."


    "I appreciate your concern, Scott," I said, meeting his gaze. "But promise I''ll be more careful."


    He nodded slowly, though I could still see the worry etched on his face. "There''s no way I can convince you otherwise, am I right?"


    I smiled, "You''re right. But there''s something that you can do for me."


    He frowned. "What is that?"


    "Train me. Make me strong"