Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 266

**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**

**Chapter 266**

Rania turned to Eli, her curiosity piqued about Karin, the healer residing in the palace. She wanted to know more about Karin’s expertise with plants and how they could be beneficial.

“Ah, my queen, are you familiar with the Red Scale leaves?” Eli inquired, her previous hesitance evaporating, replaced by a spark of enthusiasm that warmed Rania’s heart.

“Indeed, I am,” Rania replied, nodding thoughtfully. “When combined properly with Green Leaves, it can alleviate fevers. Though it’s uncommon for shifters to fall ill, it can be especially useful for children still developing their healing abilities.”

“Yes, yes,” Eli responded eagerly, but Rona nudged her gently with her elbow, a subtle reminder to maintain decorum. Eli lowered her head, a sheepish smile playing on her lips. “I apologize, my queen.”

Rania chuckled, finding the exchange delightful. “What do you have to apologize for?” She began to meander through the greenhouse, taking in the lush greenery surrounding her. Though the space was modest, her gaze fell upon a particular plant that stood out, vibrant and well-cared for. “Have you been tending to this plant?”

Eli shifted nervously. “Yes, my queen,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

“This is a Dragon Seed,” Rania remarked, gently brushing her fingers over the plant’s leaves, instantly recognizing its significance. “Is there a specific reason you’ve chosen to nurture it here?”

Eli glanced at her sister, as if seeking guidance on how to respond. This hesitation puzzled Rania; why would such a simple question provoke fear?

“Hanna is sick,” Eli admitted softly, her eyes downcast. “My daughter is unwell.”

Rania’s heart tightened. “How old is she? Dragon Seed can bolster vitality, but it’s not suitable for a child.”

“She is six years old,” Eli replied, her voice tinged with worry. “Dragon Seed is the only plant that grows easily, and I could only acquire its seeds.”

“Six years old?” Rania mused, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “She’s too young to consume Dragon Seed.” Her gaze sharpened as she scrutinized Eli. “And how old are you? You seem far too youthful to have a daughter of that age.”

“I am… twenty, my queen,” Eli stammered, her cheeks flushing crimson as she bowed her head, her chin nearly touching her chest in embarrassment.

Twenty! And she had a six-year-old daughter!

Rania’s mind raced as she calculated the timeline, disbelief washing over her. Eli must have been pregnant at thirteen! How could anyone allow such a thing to happen to a girl so young?

A surge of anger bubbled within Rania. Maximus had been right all along, and she despised that reality. It was a bitter truth she wished to deny—that the women in this realm had endured such horrific experiences.

“What kind of illness does your daughter have?” Rania asked, concern lacing her tone. “Is she doing alright now?”

“She is… fine,” Eli replied, but Rania could sense the uncertainty in her voice. There was a hesitation that spoke volumes.

“You really shouldn’t be here, my queen. Your dress…” Eli fretted, her eyes widening at the sight of mud splattering the hem of Rania’s pants.

However, Rania brushed off the concern with a wave of her hand, as if to say it was of no consequence.

“Why don’t you live in the omega’s quarter?” Rania asked as they passed through that area, but the three omegas quickly steered her away from it.

“Because we can’t live there, my queen. We are not permitted,” Rona replied, her tone growing a bit more relaxed as they walked together.

Rona fell half a step behind Rania, allowing for a conversation, while Eli and Aria followed closely, with Lucian bringing up the rear. The presence of numerous warriors was palpable; each time they spotted Rania, they offered her a respectful nod, acknowledging her status.

“Not allowed?” Rania frowned, her mind racing with confusion as she looked at Rona. “What do you mean by not allowed?”

Rona shifted uncomfortably at the question, and Rania felt the urge to press further, her curiosity insatiable.

“We are too old to live in the omega’s quarter,” Rona replied curtly, but Rania’s desire for understanding only intensified.

“Too old? What do you mean by too old?” Rania recalled the numerous omegas she had seen in that quarter.

“Because… they have used us…” Rona’s voice dropped to a whisper, laden with unspoken pain.