His Majesty's Devious Sin

The next day, preparations were made for the trip, even though they didn't plan on staying the night, since neither of their busy schedules permitted such a thing. The visit was also kept a secret from the public, for every move of the royal family was highly publicized, especially concerning the Queen and King of Wraith.

It was a difficult journey, for the skies were gloomy and grey, signaling a storm was coming, but they still departed. The weather said it would only rain a bit.

"Your Majesty, you put me in a tough spot," James said over the phone. 

James had just received word that a mysterious private jet had landed at KST, Kastrem's airport. It was a miracle that the private jet wasn't shot down by Kastrem's military for not requesting air access prior.

"You're lucky the military recognized the private jet, Your Majesty," James told Elias. 

"Only an idiot would miss the Royal Crest," Elias scoffed.

  Their airplane ride took a few hours, and they had left early in the morning. Adeline was fast asleep beside him, her head leaning upon his shoulder, as she dozed off to dreamland.

"At least specify what you're here for, Your Majesty," James responded in a slightly irritated but humored tone. "We would've granted you access immediately."

"You would've publicized it."

"Ah, but that is expected, for you are—"

"If you don't give clearance within the next minute, it can be expected you lose your title," Elias said. 

They had just landed, but the doors weren't opening, despite the red carpet already laid out for them, and the staff waiting for their arrival. 

Elias was certain James had a sneaky trick up his sleeve. The red carpet was laid out too quickly, which meant cameras were already ready for them. 

Elias did not need the public to see how heavily pregnant Adeline was, which confirmed the suspicion that the Queen was going to give birth within three to four weeks. It would be problematic if the information landed in enemy hands.

"We have prepared a private car for you outside," James said with a sneaky smile on his face. He made eye-contact with his secretary, who already had the cameras ready.

"No need," Elias stated, just as he looked out the window to see there were actually two large black cars parked outside. 

"What are you talking about—" Elias hung up.

Elias stood up and stretched his limbs. He nodded in Easton's direction, giving him the signal. 

"Alright, I'll text them," Easton said, pulling out his phone to notify the driver. 

One of the black cars drove around the plane, to the other exit, and stopped directly there. 

Elias bent down and scooped Adeline into his arms, pleasantly smiling when he felt her weight. She was growing heavier, and he was glad. She had finally begun to eat well. 

"Hm…" Adeline grumbled, snuggling into the comfortable surface.

Elias carried her to the other exit, and stepped down the staircase. The car door was already opened, and he bent into the car, settling her down with ease. She was still fast asleep, and he would've been worried if she was dead or not, but she had stirred earlier.

Elias's phone buzzed in his pocket and he ignored it, already knowing it was a phone call from James. He got into the car with Adeline, and Easton hopped into the passenger seat with the large bouquet of flowers in his arm.

"To the Royal Burial Grounds near Rose Mansion," Easton instructed the driver. Easton couldn't believe he had to be dragged along to this trip, but with Weston in god knows where he had no choice.

Easton was still disappointed by Minerva's words yesterday. He didn't think it was true, but given the scarce rumors of her relationships, he supposed it was true. Easton was hoping this trip would distract him from his emotions that were all over the place. 

Easton truly liked Minerva, but it was mainly because she treated him differently than the other women treated him. Everyone else always fawned over him, but she gave him the cold shoulder.

"Bummer…" Easton grumbled to himself, glancing at the rearview mirror with envy. 

The King's attention was glued to his wife. The Queen was still asleep, and he had adjusted her position so that she was resting in his arms. Easton felt like he was going to die from this dog food being forcibly fed to him.

Capturing the King's sharp gaze, Easton instantly jumped and looked away. A second later, there was a quiet BANG! 

The King had placed up the black partition.

"Good, I didn't want to see it anyways," Easton pitifully sniffed to himself.

"What was that?" Adeline asked, shaken awake by the sound. She glanced at her surroundings, dazed and confused. 

"Nothing, darling. Sleep more." Elias softly said, kissing the side of her head. She snuggled into the embrace and let out a small sigh.

"Why didn't you wake me up, Eli?" Adeline grumbled, pressing her face into his neck. He always smelled divine. It was an intoxicating scent, one that calmed her nerves but fluttered her heart. He smelled like the forest.

"I didn't intend to wake you until we arrived at the Burial Grounds, darling. You're pregnant and traveling, you need the rest," Elias chided her. 

Elias didn't think he was the nagging type, until he met her. He didn't think he was a lot of things, but she proved him wrong.

Elias did not know how to love, but she taught him. He did not know compassion, but she taught him. Every gentle emotion he possessed was because of her. He didn't know what to do with himself when she was gone. Would all of his compassion disappear? Will his heart freeze over again? It was likely.

"I've rested long enough," Adeline responded, stretching a bit. She cringed at the crack of her stiff joints. Tiredly, she rubbed her hand on her stomach. Suddenly, she turned to him.

"Flowers," she said. "Where did they go?" 

Elias raised a brow. He reached forward and lowered the partition. "Give me the bouquet," he instructed Easton.

Easton immediately handed the bouquet of flowers over. He was quite impressed by the selection of white lilies, white roses, and baby breaths. They were handpicked from the garden of Wraith Castle.

"There," Elias said, placing the bouquet gently into her arms. Adeline cradled it, holding the bouquet close to her chest, a tender look on her face.

"Roses are a strange gift to give to the dead, Your Grace," Easton commented. "Of course it's because that is your surname but—"

"My mother liked white roses," Adeline said. "Not because it's my father's surname, but because they were the first flower my father had ever given her."

Adeline stroked the petals with an affectionate smile. She missed her parents greatly, and their romantic stories.

"And father loves white lilies," Adeline murmured. "Because my mother used them for the wedding bouquet, though it didn't generate favorable responses from my paternal grandparents."

Adeline had discovered her mother used lilies instead of roses because it would be cliche.

Adeline remembered her mother told her the in-laws complained about the entire wedding, but her mother didn't care. This act of defiance showed Addison's will to behave as she pleased, for she was not a puppet to the traditions created by the dead. Her mother was always a wild soul, and it was why Adeline was such an energetic child.

"Don't cry," Elias murmured, catching a tear with his fingertips and wiping it away.

Adeline blinked at his words. Memories of her youth were always bittersweet, especially when she remembered her parent's tragic suicide. If only she could turn back the time, if only she could tell her Father she forgave him for strangling her. 

To this day, Adeline regretted the frightful look she had given him afterward. He couldn't even look her in the eye after the incident, drowning himself in guilt before taking his own life.

"You didn't have to explain it to that fool," Elias said. "He won't understand it."

"I am not that dumb, Your Majesty!" Easton interjected. He felt like he was being bullied. First, he had to endure dog food, and now, these insults? No one had a more difficult job than him.

"As a matter of fact," Elias grabbed strands of her hair and tucked it behind her ears, revealing the dimness of her saddened gaze. "You never have to explain yourself to anyone, darling. You're a Queen, and your decision is law."

"You put too much blind faith in me, Elias," Adeline responded.

Elias smiled. "Not blind faith, but trust."