Chapter 124: Clara

The next morning, Damon left early, and I decided to stay home. I already had a plan, so there was no point in meeting Dimitri. Besides, I didn't want to stress myself; I was pregnant. I planned to take things slowly, prioritizing our child.

After bathing, I went downstairs for breakfast. Too lazy to return upstairs, I stayed in the living room, reading a book. Despite the book, my thoughts wandered. My plan wasn't guaranteed to work, but I wouldn't know unless I tried.

"You didn't come looking for me today, Peaches," Dimitri's voice startled me. He leaned against the door, watching me.

"I thought Damon banned you," I questioned. He scoffed. "I'm stealthier than an octopus. The guards didn't notice me. Now, what's bothering you?"

I sighed and shook my head. "Nothing, really. I'm just tired."

We were quiet for a while. "Did you tell him?" he asked. I knew what he meant. For weeks, I'd noticed pregnancy symptoms. I'd been meticulously observant of my body and diet, wanting to avoid a repeat of my last experience. Though I felt pregnant, it was just a feeling—until yesterday. While planning with Dimitri, I'd felt nauseous. He'd pressed me, and I confessed. He immediately bought a pregnancy test, which was positive.

"No, not yet," I replied to his question about telling Damon. He sighed. "You should tell him, Clara."

I nodded. "Of course, but not now. If I tell Damon, he'll be overjoyed and tell everyone. If Aurora finds out, I don't even want to imagine the consequences. I can't lose this baby; I won't survive it. I'll tell him after we've dealt with Aurora."

He stared at me before sighing. "At least let's go to the hospital for a checkup. We need to know if the baby is healthy"

"It is, trust me. I read extensively about pregnancy while trying to conceive Liam. Don't worry; I'll be fine," I assured him, smiling. I turned back to my book, but he spoke again.

"I've been watching Aurora. She seems inactive, but I know she's plotting something diabolical. Do you think she'll fall for your trap?"

I shrugged. "We'll have to wait and see."

A guard burst into the living room, bowing. "Mrs. Donovan, the Alpha King and Queen Luna require your presence."

My eyes widened. "Why?" Dimitri asked.

"The Queen Luna has relapsed," the guard replied. Dimitri and I exchanged a look. "Let's go."

At the palace, I found Aurora by the door, next to the Alpha King; she looked furious. Seeing us, the Alpha King turned from her and approached me.

"My wife relapsed," he said.

"I know. I prepared medicine on my way," I replied. Aurora scoffed. "Your medicine obviously doesn't work. Let me treat her; I know better. I studied medicine."

The Alpha Queen retorted, "She doesn't want you. She wants Clara, and I'll do what my wife wants." Aurora scoffed again. "Fine, but don't come running to me when Clara kills her." She stormed off.

Dimitri and I exchanged glances before I turned to the Alpha King. "Tell me about her condition before the relapse, while we walk to her room?"

He nodded. "She was fine until a few days ago, when headaches and stomach pains began. She'd wake gasping for air, then be fine. We didn't want to disturb you, but it's worsening, and I'm worried."

"I'll do my best. It shouldn't be serious. I'd prefer to be alone with her, if that's alright."

"Take all the time you need," he responded. I smiled, nodded at Dimitri, and entered the room, closing the door.

"Clara, dear, you came," she whispered weakly.

"Of course. How are you feeling?" I asked, placing my herbs and medicine on the nightstand.

"I feel like I'm close to death," she joked. Seeing my lack of laughter, she frowned. "Is something wrong?"

I pursed my lips. "The Alpha King told me about your symptoms, and I think I know what's wrong. Has Aurora visited recently?"

She nodded. "Yes, every day."

"Did she give you anything?"

She frowned. "Yes, something for my immune system and as a cleanser. Why are you asking?"

I sighed. "You're being poisoned, Mrs. Donovan."