Chapter 72: Chapter 72 A Decision Before Dawn
Phoebe’s POV
I wasn’t sure what was happening to my body, but the morning sickness had become routine. Every dawn brought the same churning in my stomach, the same parched throat that felt like sandpaper.
I’d quit taking the poison, but maybe it was already too late. The damage might be done.
"What’s happening to me?" I splashed cold water across my ashen face. My cheeks looked sunken, like I hadn’t eaten in days.
Perry had mentioned last night before drifting off that he’d take me to the Crimson Moon pack today. I had no clue what we’d be doing there.
Dizziness swept over me, my stomach still rolling, but after standing still for a moment, the nausea slowly retreated.
Darkness still cloaked the world when I emerged from the bathroom. Perry remained fast asleep. I lingered at the bathroom doorway, watching the sleeping king.
The fruit knife caught my eye from the corner of the room, and a wild thought blazed through my mind.
What if I grabbed that knife and ended him right now? Would that solve anything? What would happen next?
Escape? But where could I run? What place would be safe?
Even if I followed the Movement’s orders and the king died, I’d still have to flee.
Because I refused to fall back into Kevin’s grasp.
Step by step, I moved toward the bed. I perched on the edge, studying Perry’s peaceful face.
Could I persuade him to end the war?
Was it possible to change him? To stop his bloodthirsty instincts from driving him to kill?
Perry had hurt me, but he didn’t seem intent on murdering me. Not yet, anyway.
Elder Tricia believed I could influence the king’s murderous tendencies. But could I actually do it?
I lost track of how long I sat there, staring at him like some stalker, my thoughts spinning in chaos.
When the first golden ray slipped through the window, I reached my decision. I’d try. I’d see if there was a way to stop the war without killing Perry.
Maybe it was the sunlight, or perhaps my prolonged staring, but the king shifted in his sleep. His eyes found the empty space beside him.
The drowsiness vanished instantly from his gaze. He hadn’t noticed me sitting on the bed’s edge.
He shot upright, about to swing his legs out when he spotted me.
"You’re awake," he said, his voice rough with sleep. He dragged his hands over his face, and I moved closer, settling right next to him before stretching up to press my lips to his.
"Good morning," I murmured, which clearly startled Perry. He hadn’t expected me to initiate a kiss. Not that he minded, but I’d never made the first move before.
For a heartbeat, Perry seemed lost, unsure how to respond. Then he cradled my face and leaned in to kiss me back.
"Good morning," he whispered against my mouth. His kiss was surprisingly gentle—something I didn’t think he was capable of.
But the kiss tasted different. He didn’t detect that usual mint flavor on my lips.
---
We’d be staying at the Crimson Moon pack for two weeks—quite the journey. So I packed accordingly.
With my new wardrobe, I packed cheerfully, excited to try out different outfits later.
I chose mostly the dresses I’d picked during that shopping trip with Perry, since Timothy’s flashy selections weren’t my style.
After our shopping spree, Perry had sent even more clothes—dresses, shirts, and pants he thought I’d like. Now half the walk-in closet was full.
For this trip, Perry provided two suitcases since my old backpack wouldn’t cut it anymore.
This was the happiest I’d felt in ages, and I couldn’t explain why, but excitement bubbled inside me for this journey.
I loved traveling. My sweetest memories with my father were our business trips together. But that felt like a lifetime ago.
"You seem so happy, my lady," Mason observed, noticing my bright mood while helping me pack. "Did something good happen?"
"No, I’m just thrilled to get out of the palace," I replied honestly. That was definitely part of my good mood.
"Oh, I’m happy for you too." Mason smiled, then slipped two bottles into one of my suitcases. "Here, I’ll put the poison here. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to give it to the king."
My smile nearly cracked. I wasn’t sure how to bring this up, but I’d figure out what to tell her when I returned from the trip. "Thank you."
That afternoon, Perry and I departed with ten other cars following us, filled with warriors for our protection. As king, he was required to travel with this kind of security.
To my delight, Timothy joined us too. He flashed me a grin from the passenger seat.
"Hello, miss me?" Timothy twisted around to greet me, earning a sharp kick from the king. Perry kicked his seat, making the royal gamma jolt forward. "Hey! You don’t have to be so rough!" he complained.
But watching their banter only made me laugh. I felt lighter.
"I know some great spots in the Crimson Moon pack. I’ll show you around!" Timothy said eagerly as our driver started the engine.
"You’re not taking her anywhere," Perry growled.
"Why not?" Timothy pouted like a child, which was actually pretty cute—though I’d never say that in front of my mate.
"Because I said so."
"You’re so selfish. What are you planning when you’re in meetings? Make her wait around?"
Timothy raised his eyebrows challengingly.
"You’ll be in the meeting. I’ll take her out."
The long convoy of cars pulled away from the palace one by one, rolling down the lengthy driveway. The king’s car held the middle position.
"No way. I’m not sitting through hours of boring meetings. You should’ve brought Flynn instead of me!"
