"Your Grace," Stella said, entering the room after knocking.

Stella had been informed by the King earlier that a doctor was needed for the Queen. She wasn't surprised by the large crowd in the room, for she was already used to their gatherings right now.

"The doctor has arrived," Stella stated, continuing to stand by the door. Even though the doctor was just outside, they were most likely intimidated by the King who was also standing outside, but was observing the window.

"This late?" Adeline asked, blinking in surprise, but then she looked around her room, filled with people. She didn't realize how much time had passed since everyone came in.

"Oh, I should get going then," Lydia said, standing up.

At her words, Weston immediately looked in her direction. He was originally peering over the cribs, adjusting the blankets of the sleeping babies. They were adorable. He couldn't get enough of them.

"I'll escort you out," Weston said, appearing beside her in the blink of an eye. He peered down at her figure, amused that such a small woman had that much power and wealth.

Lydia pressed her lips together, but didn't voice a protest. She bent down to give Adeline a hug. "Please keep me updated on your condition. If there is anything that I can help with, don't hesitate to reach out to me Addy."

Adeline nodded with a smile.

"I'll come and visit you again," Lydia said. "Or maybe when you're feeling better, we can visit this place that makes molding of a position. For example, you can make a mold of the babies footprints and—"

"I-I don't think I can visit that place," Adeline said, her brows tugging together in worry.magic

Lydia tilted her head. "Why not?"

Adeline's smile slipped away. "I can't feel my legs."

Lydia gasped and Weston looked away. Her attention went from Adeline to Weston, and then Easton. It seemed no one knew about this, but everyone had predicted as much. Everyone but Lydia. Was this how bad it was for a Pure-Blood and a human to mate?

"I'm not sure if I am permanently paralzed, but we'll have to ask the doctor," Adeline stated.

Lydia shakily nodded her head. She was worried for her friend, but felt helpless. Was there really nothing she could do for Adeline?"Thank you for coming today, Liddy, your presence always makes me happy, and that's all I ever ask of you," Adeline said. She had noticed Lydia's melancholic expression, and was worried her friend was beating herself up.

"I can say the same for you," Lydia responded.

Weston placed a hand upon Lydia's waist and began to escort her out, accompanied by Easton who had said nothing this entire time. His cheerful demeanor had dimmed, and he seemed equally disappointed by the news.

The three walked past the King whose face was cold and indifferent. No one could tell what was on his mind. But everyone knew, he too, was not pleased by the discovery.

- - - - -

Seeing Lydia's glum expression the entire time Weston walked her to her car, he knew there should be a distraction.

"Do you have plans tomorrow night?" Weston inquired as they stopped at her car. The door was held open by Asher, who only seemed to recognize Lydia.

The King had informed Weston of what happened—Asher's memory was completely wiped in front of the Queen. It must've been a traumatic sight.

"I do," Lydia said. "With a man."

Who? William?

Weston raised a brow, one side of his lips curling in amusement. Was she playing hard to get again? Didn't she know she was already hard to get in the first place? Glancing into her mischievous eyes, he knew she was fooling him.

"Then cancel them," Weston calmly told her.

Weston knew she liked to make him angry. She was a brat who wanted to see him riled up for her. That was fine, he'd dominate that trait out of her soon enough. He was beginning to predict what kind of woman she was in bed, and how teasing she'd be.

"No—"

"Do you still live in that condo near your office?"

"How did you—"

"Great, I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow night."

Lydia stared at him like he was crazy. Before she could even protest, he shoved her into the car and slammed the door on her. She gaped at him and rolled down the window.

Lydia loved a man with a plan, and his behavior only made her heart flutter. She guessed there was a fine line between romantic and creepy."What should I wear?" Lydia asked, uncertainty in her voice.

Lydia hated how handsome Weston was when he smirked. He was already handsome as it was, but right now, her stomach was churning. He was a soothing sight for sore eyes.

"Anything that won't sink your feet into the grass," Weston hinted.

Lydia blinked. Now, she was curious. "So… casual?"

"No."

Lydia gawked at him. "At least tell me where we're going—"

"See you tomorrow," Weston mused.

Seeing her riddled up with confusion, Weston was even more humored. He turned and walked off, leaving her irritated by his words. Good, pay back hurts. She liked to poke with his emotions, so he'd do the same to her. That was how a relationship worked, wasn't it? You give and you take.

- - - - -

Adeline swallowed. "Thank you, doctor," she said.

The doctor warmly smiled at the Queen, her face filled with compassion. She never liked to deliver bad news, but who'd ever like that? "This is the referral to one of the best physical therapists that I know, Your Grace."

The doctor handed a card to Stella who took it with two hands as a sign of respect. "For now, Your Grace, it's best for you to practice walking as much as you can. Preferably with someone's guidance."

Adeline's heart sank even lower than previously, but she continued nodding. "I will."

At her words, the doctor bowed her head and left the room, knowing there was an NDA she'd have to sign. When she saw the secretary behind her, she already knew the contract would be given soon. In the corner of her eyes, she saw the King finally enter the room. What happened after that, she did not know.

"What did the doctor say?" Elias instantly asked. He noticed she had changed positions. Previously, she was sitting in the center of the bed, but now, she was at the edge of it. He strided to her, ready to help her with anywhere she wanted to go.

"My legs aren't fully paralzed," Adeline said. "But I-I'd need practice walking with them again. She said…"

Adeline found it difficult to continue onwards. She glanced at her sleeping children. It was a miracle they hadn't woken up.

"She said I might never run or jump ever again."

Elias's face went blank. He turned to look at the culprit of this mess, his children innocently asleep in their crib, oblivious of their crime. He felt a rage boil deep within his chest, clawing to get out. Suddenly, she grabbed his hand and pulled him close, leaning her forehead upon his arm.

"I'd need the guidance of someone strong…" Adeline whispered. "When I practice walking, someone has to catch my fall. Will you do that for me, Elias? I know it's so much to ask, with your work and—"

"I'll do it," Elias instantly said, caressing the back of her head. She pulled away and peered up at him, fear tucked in the folds of her forest green eyes. They had dimmed, like the spooky forest at night.

"I'll be there, every step of the way, darling. And no one can tell me otherwise."