Chapter 202 – A New Dawn

Ella

If I thought waking up as a princess would dramatically change my world, I was wrong. Everything feels the same, even though I feel like a completely different person. I should be getting used to this upheaval of my identity, but it only grows more confusing. I still can't believe I know my parents—that my father likely killed Sinclair's mother—and that my own mother is out there somewhere. Frankly, I can barely contemplate the Goddess's role in all this; it's difficult enough being a princess without also being some kind of demigod.

Above all, I can't wait until Sinclair returns next week. Yes, the summit will keep us busy, but with everything happening, I feel unsteady without him. I need my mate, and I know he feels the same. He barely let me go last night, making me promise to take it easy today and call if I felt overwhelmed. He sensed my reluctance—and can you blame me? I don't want to interrupt my mate making battle alliances just because I'm feeling weepy.

I force myself out of bed, even though I could sleep for a year. I'm almost four months pregnant, and the baby is more active than ever, creating new challenges for my body—testing the limits of my bladder, stomach, and brain. I marvel at my round belly in the mirror, running my hands over my stretched skin. I worried about stretch marks, given my body's accelerated growth, but I only see a few feathery purple and white lines around my sides and breasts. It's hard to feel self-conscious when my mate calls them "love marks" and kisses them constantly.

Of course, none of my clothes fit. Luckily, Gabriel's tailors are designing maternity dresses and gowns for the summit, but they won't be ready for a week, and I don't want to walk around naked until then. I head for the closet, sigh at my pretty new outfits, and turn to Sinclair's clothes. I grab one of his T-shirts—snugly fitting on his powerful frame but hanging around my thighs like a dress, even with my baby bump—a pair of stretchy leggings, and leave the room without bothering with the mirror. I'm extremely comfortable, though I haven't dressed like this in public since I was a teenager.

Philippe valiantly tries to mask his expression when he sees me, so I grin. "It's your lucky day, Philippe! We're going shopping! Won't that be fun?"

His humor vanishes, and I relish the look of a man who'd rather face battle than spend a morning in a dressing room. Ha! My wolf thinks victoriously. All these big bad wolves, scared of a little shopping. Babies.

Deciding to seek out Cora, I haven't moved three feet before noticing people are staring more than usual—and I don't think it's my outfit. Everyone bows and moves aside instead of saying hello or smiling. I stop. "Philippe, why is everyone acting strange?" I suspect I know, but need confirmation.

"You're in a royal palace. Even the walls have ears, and as loyal as the staff are, when it comes to gods and prophecies, nothing stays secret long," he remarks, shrugging apologetically.

"So much for the world seeming the same today," my wolf observes.

I can't move; a new possibility has occurred to me. "Is it… is it always going to be like this?" I whisper. "People bowing and scraping? Afraid to look me in the eye? Will I never have a normal interaction again?"

Philippe stands beside me, a strong, steady presence. "I think you humans have a saying: you have to teach people how to treat you."

My lip quirks. "Thank you for calling me a human."

He smiles softly. "The point is, everyone is in shock and doesn't know what to do. As far as we know, there's never been anyone like you. So, if you don't want them to bow and scrape, tell them not to. Tell them you're the same Ella you were yesterday."

"But then won't they obey me because of who I am?" I ask hesitantly.

"Maybe at first," he confirms. "But in time they'll get used to it, and when you go home, people there will see how your inner circle treats you and follow suit."

"Okay," I breathe, placing a hand on his arm. "Thank you."

"Of course, Your Highness," he teases, and I narrow my eyes.

He chuckles and returns to his position as I continue down the hall, telling everyone not to fawn or grovel. I want to see the pups. My wolf huffs. They're always too curious for this silliness.

"I like that idea," I confirm. "First shopping, then the nursery."

Reaching my sister's rooms, I hear pacing and grumbling before I knock. The door swings open, revealing Cora's livid face. "Good morning, sunshine," I say, unsure why she's so on edge and hoping I'm not the cause.

She ushers me inside. "Did you know?" she hisses, baffling me.

"Know what?" I ask, wondering if the rumors have reached her. My heart sinks; I wanted to tell her myself, to reassure her that this changes nothing between us.

"That Roger helped orchestrate the rogue attack at the club!" she exclaims.

"He did?" I ask, taken aback.

"Yes! It was a plot with the prince from the beginning. They'd attack, and he'd rescue you to earn Sinclair's trust. He acted like it was common knowledge," Cora grouses.

"I didn't know," I confess. "But that was months ago, before he saw reason and returned to our side."

"How can you be sure?" Cora lashes out. "If he was willing to do that, how do you know he won't betray you again? Dominic thought he'd turned him into a double agent, but maybe the prince turned him back—into a triple agent!"

"Cora," I say gently. "Dominic trusts his brother, and I trust him too. Roger lost his way, but I genuinely believe he's changed. I can guess why my mate didn't tell me, but honestly, I can't bring myself to care after everything."

"How can you say that!" Cora bursts. "They might have killed you!"

"Millions are dying because of Damon, and I know Roger wouldn't let a personal feud overpower his duty to his pack. He wouldn't help Damon. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, that incident was nothing," I explain.

"Well, you might not be angry for yourself, but I sure as hell can be!" she declares. "I've told that rat I'm never speaking to him again, and if he comes near either of us, I'll rip his head off."

"How did you even find out?" I ask.

Cora looks furtive; guilt is clear on her face. "I was confiding in him… I heard about your last session," she admits. "I know you found your parents, and look, I'm not proud of it, but I was really jealous and angry that your dreams are coming true and mine never will." Her shoulders sag. "I want to be happy for you, Ella, I really do… I'm just not there yet."

I hug her tightly. "Thank you!"

"What are you doing? Didn't you hear what I said?" Cora asks stiffly.

"I did," I confirm, cuddling closer. "Everyone's treating me like a magical china doll, and it's driving me crazy. I need normal. I need my sister—more than anyone—to treat me like the same person as before."

"Even if I'm being a horrible, ungrateful brat?" Cora asks against my neck.

"Especially then," I confirm.

She sniffles. "I can do that," she agrees. "Now, what the hell are you wearing?"