From Substitute To Queen

Chapter 207 Chapter 207 When he noticed me in the doorway, concern flickered across his weathered features. Caelan's head snapped up. For just a moment, desperate hope blazed in his eyes. "Morning, Queen Sable," Dr. Reynolds stood immediately. "Please, sit. I need to examine you." I nodded, my voice coming out like sandpaper. "Thank you, Dr. Reynolds." Caelan opened his mouth, but only air escaped. No words came. He closed it again, jaw working silently. ࿐ 85%t Dr. Reynolds guided me to the armchair across from Caelan.

His examination was thorough but gentle-checking my pulse, blood pressure, listening to the baby's heartbeat with his stethoscope. "The baby is doing well," he said finally. "Strong heartbeat, normal development." I nodded. "His Majesty told me about the severance ceremony you're planning." Dr. Reynolds's expression grew somber. "I'm very sorry to hear this. He's asked me to ensure both you and the baby remain safe throughout the process." He reached into his bag and withdrew a small white pill.

"This medication will help minimize the physical trauma of breaking the mate bond without harming your pregnancy." My hands trembled slightly as I accepted the pill. Caelan started to rise, instinctively wanting to help me, but the movement pulled at his wound. He sucked in a sharp breath and fell back against the cushions. I glanced at him involuntarily, then forced myself to look away. The pill tasted bitter on my tongue. I swallowed it down with a grimace. Dr. Reynolds maintained his professional demeanor throughout, asking no questions, offering no judgment.

When I'd taken the medication, he packed his supplies efficiently. "Your Majesty, please monitor your wound carefully. No strenuous activity." He paused at the door, looking back at me. `Queen Sable, if you experience any discomfort, contact me immediately." The door clicked shut behind him. Silence settled over us like a suffocating blanket. Caelan sat with his hands braced on his knees, staring at the floor. I focused on a single wilted rose in the crystal vase on the coffee table, its petals brown and curling. Ten minutes passed.

Neither of us spoke, I watched him from my peripheral vision. Several times he started to lift his head, as if to speak, then thought better of it. Finally, I drew a deep breath and stood. "Let's get this over with." My voice was hoarse but steady. No hesitation. No doubt. 2/3 *+ M ||| O < སཾ ཏཱི 85%u 12:13 Fri, 22 Aug PM. Chapter 207 Caelan's entire body went rigid. His fingers dug into the leather sofa cushions. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. Then he rose slowly and walked toward the door. We maintained three feet of distance between us. Him leading, me following.

We passed through the hallway lined with our photos. Wedding pictures. Vacation shots. My pregnancy announcement photo where I was glowing with happiness. Caelan stopped in front of one frame-the picture taken when I was three months pregnant. I was laughing at something he'd said, one hand on my barely visible bump, pure joy radiating from my face. "Don't waste time," I said coldly. He continued walking. At the ceremony room door, his hand gripped the brass handle but didn't turn it. "Sabi... are you absolutely certain?" "Don't call me that anymore." My tone could have cut steel.

He nodded once and pushed open the heavy oak door. Chapter Comments LIKE Write Comments SHADE 12:13 Fri, 22 Aug PM