Lover Sacrificed - Chapter 33

Nalla lay on the bed where Darius had slept, because it still smelled like him. She wasn’t sure why she tortured herself like this. Someone knocked on the door and when she opened, she was surprised to find her mahmen, Queen Beth and Payne on the other side.

- Hi Nalla.

- Hi! Please, come in.

Beth and Bella both sat down while Payne stayed by the door, on full alert.

- Ah… to what do I owe this honor?

- I just wanted to see how you’re doing.

- Great. Fantastic. Absolutely fine.

Beth and Bella shared a compassionate look, obviously not believing her, but she decided to ignore them.

- We ahm… we have also come to let you know that the ah… the mating ceremony will be held here. Well, at the main house.

- Oh.

- We just wanted you to know in case you want to maybe stay somewhere else during that time?

Nalla blinked.

They were getting mated here?

Why here?

This was her home now!

She could never come back knowing D and what’s-her-name got mated here…

- Sure, I’ll go to eh…

- You have time, you can think about it. We just wanted to warn you so you don’t have to be a witness to this horrible… thing.

- Thanks Beth. I really appreciate it.

- I also wanted you to know that you have my complete support. I love you like a daughter.

Nalla wiped a tear away and Beth took her hand.

- So does Wrath. He’s just worried about the race and wants to do what he thinks is best.

- I know, and I understand, I really do.

- You ah…

Beth and her mahmen shared another one of those meaningful looks.

- You’re not pregnant are you?

She shook her head as sadness overtook her.

- No. You don’t need to worry about that.

Beth released a relieved breath.

- Oh good… that is good. It’s for the best.

- I know.

Beth smiled at her.

- I have to go before Wrath does honor to his name and finds out I’m not at Safe Place. But before I go…

She got a small jewelry box out of her bag.

- I want you to have this.

Nalla opened the box and looked at Beth shocked.

- This is…

- A smaller version of the Saturnine Ruby. Blessed by the Scribe Virgin herself.

- But I…

- It’s yours. Like I said, you are like a daughter to me and even if you and Darius can’t be together, you are still his one and only queen.

- I have no words.

- You don’t need them.

Nalla put the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit.

- Thank you so much.

She hugged Beth and then Bella.

- Come on Payne. Let’s go, it’s a long drive.

Payne looked at Nalla, then looked at her belly and back into her eyes. It was almost as if she were sending her message.

- Nalla, once you have decided where you want to go, let us know and we will send some doggen to set it up and make sure it’s secure.

- Thanks Beth. For everything.

They hugged one last time and as she closed the door, she looked at her ring and then closed her eyes. She had to leave her cabin! Her heart was pounding and suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her womb.

Oh goodie! A reminder that she wasn’t pregnant.

Could things get any better?