chapter seven

　　Night fell, and morning came. The sun set and rose again the next day, and still, Winnie was in labor. She cried out in pain, none of their painkillers helped. Winnie just wanted to sleep. Sweat ran down her face, and despite having her son, and her daughter, having arrived as soon as she could, did nothing to help her through. She just wanted the pain to stop—the pain in her body and the pain in her heart.

　　 The complications in her pregnancy were numerous, and the doctor knew she was reaching her limit. So was he. Anyone living in the palace couldn't sleep. All they could hear were the pained cries of the Luna in labor.

　　 Nova stayed in his room for the duration of the labor. For some reason, he felt at fault. All he could think about was what Luca thought of him and what he could do for the Luna. He had learned how to use his healing abilities a little bit, but nothing compared to his offensive abilities. Basil's words rang through his ears day and night until a blood-curdling scream came from Winnie again. This one sounded like death.

　　 He jumped to his feet upon hearing it and swung his double doors open. Jax jumped up from the sudden movement.

　　 "Is everything okay No—"

　　 "Take me to the Luna." Nova surprised even himself by the demand, but the scream turned something in him. Like his instincts were taking over, he had something to do, and no one would stand in his way.

　　 When Jax didn't respond and only looked at him with confusion, he reiterated his demand a little more firmly this time. Jax nodded and nodded his head the direction they should go. He followed Jax through the now-familiar hallways to Winnie's room. Her cries up close were even more terrifying.

　　 "I don't think you should go in there," Triston said as he stood guard.

　　 Nova shook his head and pushed past Triston.

　　 Everyone's head turned to Nova when he walked in. He could see Luca and his sister snarl, their lips raised, and teeth bared. He ignored their threatening glares and walked toward Winnie.

　　 Luca moved away from his mom, grabbed Nova by the shoulders, and pushed him against the wall.

　　 "Get out!"

　　 He could try all he wanted, but the alpha voice wouldn't work on Nova. Nova narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw.

　　 "No."

　　 It was enough to freeze Luca in his place. Losing all his strength, Nova pushed Luca away and walked toward Winnie. He didn't hesitate to grab her hand and immediately felt her pain. He'd only experienced this once before in the library where Winnie first fell into labor. He looked at Winnie's face, hoping to confirm something.

　　 Her breathing slowed, and her face and body relaxed. Her screams subsided. Nova squeezed harder, confirming his suspicions. He could take her pain. His body filled with pain. He didn't scream. He refused to. He held her hand and silently promised her he'd stay with her and help her through the labor.

　　 Nobody, not even Luca, moved to stop Nova. They could see he was helping Winnie, even if they didn't understand how. With Nova by her side, Winnie found the strength to continue through her labor.

　　 As the sunset that day, Winnie birthed her child. She immediately laid her head back and fell asleep. Nova didn't leave her side and watched as the doctor looked over the baby. The King had been in and out throughout the labor, and when he walked in again, the doctor shook his head, and they wrapped the baby in a blanket. Alice fell to her knees, crying, and Luca went to her side for comfort. Nova didn't need anyone to tell him what that meant. He looked at Winnie's sleeping face and bit his lip.

　　 How would Winnie find the will to live after losing her mate, and having a stillborn child?

　　***

　　 Nova cried himself to sleep that night. Hael stayed in the room with him patting his back until he fell asleep. When Nova woke, his eyes and cheeks hurt, and had a pounding headache. There was a tray of food already at his table, but he wasn't hungry. He curled back into the comfort of his covers and closed his eyes, hoping he could just keep sleeping, but his plans were crushed when the king walked in without even knocking.

　　 "Nova, we need to talk."

　　 Nova sighed but nodded, and with Hael's help got cleaned up and dressed. He met the king in his office with Triston, Luca, and Rae. All of them looked as tired as he felt. He didn't bother looking long at Luca. He was tired of his attitude and not in the mood for it now.

　　 "Come sit, Nova." The king motioned to the chair in front of his desk.

　　 Once Nova was sat in front of him, he sighed and leaned forward, resting his head on folded hands.

　　 "How is Winnie?" Nova asked first.

　　 "Not great," he admitted shaking his head. "When she heard about her baby..." he couldn't finish. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Nova, how did you help Winnie last night?"

　　 Nova shifted uncomfortably and shrugged.

　　 "All seekers naturally heal people."

　　 "I thought you said you never learned?"

　　 "I didn't learn much, but even so, I didn't learn that. I took her pain. But I have never done anything like that before. I didn't heal her so much as just help ease the pain."

　　 The king nodded.

　　 "I want to learn more about healing. I know Basil won't be able to come here for a few weeks, so maybe I can go there and—"

　　 "No!"

　　 Nova jumped.

　　 "No," the king repeated, calmer this time. "We just got a seeker after so long. I'm not sending you anywhere."

　　 "Then what about my mom?"

　　 The king glanced at Luca.

　　 "We're putting it together."

　　 "I want to help when you do."

　　 The king's jaw stiffened, but he nodded. Though he had no intention of letting Nova go, he wasn't in the mood to argue.

　　 "You're dismissed."

　　 Nova stood and left, not sparing a glance at Luca.

　　 He spent the afternoon walking through the gardens with Hael and petting the horses in the stable. After having dinner with the king, Jax and Hael escorted Nova back to his room, but not before he stopped in Winnie's room.

　　 He peaked inside, where he found her fast asleep. He wanted to go in but decided against it. Instead, he went to the stables, where he spent most of his free time.

　　 He was greeted by the stable hand Lily when he arrived. She offered to pull out one of their older horses and let Nova groom him. She started doing this after his fourth visit to the stable. He didn't expect to like horses as much as he did, but he did. He hoped he could ride one day too.

　　 "When are you going to get on one?" Lily asked as if she could read his mind.

　　 "I don't really know."

　　 "I'm sure the king wouldn't mind taking you out. If you want, I can ask him, and I'll take you out myself."

　　 Nova slowly nodded, not sure how to respond. For some reason, riding a horse seemed out of reach. Then again, all of this did. Being in a palace every day and night and getting three meals a day and having a library, a garden, a stable, all at his disposal. Yet, knowing how close his mate was and how little they interacted, he felt just as lonely as when he was with River's Edge.

　　 When he finished, he went to the gardens where he talked with the gardener learning all he could about the different plants they grew there. While walking the gardens, he could see the training yard where warriors trained in both human and wolf form. Watching them shift reminded Nova he hadn't shifted in so long. He can't even remember what it feels like. He wasn't allowed to turn much while in River's Edge. It made him weaker and easier to control. He doubted the king would have an issue with him shifting, but for some reason, it still felt wrong.

　　 He saw Luca among those training. He was working on hand-to-hand combat. He was shirtless, and sweat glistened over his chest. Nova let his eyes trail down his tone chest and abs to the small patch of hair that led to below his pants. Nova licked his lips and felt himself get warm. When he looked up again, Luca's eyes were on him. It startled Nova, forcing him to look away, but he didn't miss the fact that this time Luca wasn't glaring at him. There was nothing sweet about the look he gave, but it wasn't hostile like usual. Nova continued, leaving the gardens to find the king.

　　 Nova didn't get to see the king until dinner. He sat at the long extravagant wooden table to the right of the king. Triston sat to his left, Jax sat next to Nova, and Alice and Luca sat next to Triston. They discussed today's training with each other and affairs with other kingdoms. Nova didn't have much to offer and zoned out until he heard Leon calling his name.

　　 "I asked you how you've been feeling."

　　 Nova glanced around the table and shrugged.

　　 The room filled with an awkward silence that made everyone fidget, including Luca.

　　 "Is something wrong?" Leon asked.

　　 Nova shook his head.

　　 "Is there something you want?"

　　 Nova hesitated.

　　 "Ah. Well, what is it? It's okay to ask."

　　 "I...I want to ride a horse."

　　 There were a couple of chuckles from the others at the table.

　　 "And...And I want to shift."

　　 The laughing stopped.

　　 "Shift?" The king repeated.

　　 All eyes were on Nova when he nodded.

　　 "Nova, how long has it been since you shifted?"

　　 "At least three years. Maybe longer."

　　 Someone cleared their throat.

　　 "You don't have to ask to shift," Leon growled, angry for Nova. "You can shift whenever you want. It's better that you do. It makes you stronger."

　　 Nova nodded.

　　 "Can I go on a run?"

　　 "As long as Jax or someone like Jax is with you. And stay within kingdom grounds."

　　 Nova thought it was a fair request. His heart started racing with excitement at the thought of shifting and running as a wolf again. A smile broke out on his face. He finished his meal, only thinking about the next time he'd get to shift. After dinner, he practically skipped back to his room. He told Hael about his day and how he planned on shifting tomorrow afternoon at the latest.

　　 When Hael left for the night, Nova was wide awake. He could feel his wolf scratching at the surface. He considered going tonight, into the trees, shifting feeling the soil under his paws. He imagined it in his head over and over, only building his excitement further.

　　 Unable to toss and turn any longer, Nova jumped out of bed and tiptoed to his door. He opened it and saw Jax standing next to it, fast asleep. He stifled a laugh and tiptoed past him. As Nova walked past Winnie's room, he saw Hael leaving it. He looked around as if to make sure no one saw him, Nova jumped behind a pillar and hoped Hael didn't smell him. Apparently not since he continued on his way. He looked from the direction Hael went then to Winnie's room. Putting his desire to go out and shift on hold, he walked over and entered her bedroom.

　　 Nothing seemed out of place. She was sleeping. Her face was thin, and tired, despite how much she slept. Next to her bed on a dresser was a tray of hot tea. It seemed strange to bring her a fresh pot of tea this time of night. Nova walked over and reached for the steaming cup of tea. He brought it to his nose, it smelled like tea, but there was a faint scent that didn't quite match. The smell was strangely familiar.

　　 He took another deep breath, trying to focus on the peculiar scent. That time, he got it. It sent his mind buzzing back to a time he was in his cell in River's Edge. Every time, after an attack, they'd come into his cell and give him this in a tea. In low doses, it just dazes you. A high enough dose can kill you. Wolfsbane. Nova gathered the tea set and ran it to the king's quarters. The warriors standing guard tried to stop him from banging on the door, but he refused to listen.

　　 He didn't stop banging until the door opened, and a perturbed king stood before him.

　　 "Nova?"

　　 Nova held up the cup of tea and had him sniff it. The king knew what it was right away. He took Nova to his office and had him explain everything while he mind-linked anyone else who needed to be present, of course, that included Luca.

　　 "You tried to poison her!" Aliceaccused as soon as the King told her what happened. She jumped towards Nova, and even Nova was surprised when Luca grabbed her and held her back.

　　 "I didn't do it," Nova assured.

　　 "Do you know who did?" Luca asked, for once addressing him without hostility.

　　 Nova looked down and nodded.

　　 "Who?" The king's voice sent shivers down his spine.

　　 "I'll tell you," Nova promised. "But please, don't kill them. It...It doesn't make sense. I know they aren't bad so I just—"

　　 "Who?" the king demanded.

　　 Nova wanted to protect his friend; he did. He wished he could ask him why first, but he couldn't betray the king and his mate. Not again.

　　 "I saw Hael leave her room."

　　 "Hael? The omega?" Triston asked.

　　 "He's always been...so quiet. And loyal," Jax said.

　　 "I'm sure he still is! There must be a reason!"

　　 "Be quiet!" The king sat on his desk with his chin in his hand and thought a moment. "So, we have traitors in the kingdom." He sighed. "But why, Winnie? It doesn't make sense."

　　 Nova didn't get it either. Who would want her dead? Why was Hael involved? He bit his lip and closed his eyes. All he wanted to do was shift into his wolf and run. It had been years, and even though he had finally escaped the River's Edge pack, he somehow felt they were still here. Watching him. Suffocating him.