Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 156

Perry’s POV

Before me, Marcela shifted restlessly, her discomfort palpable. Despite our many discussions, my presence still managed to unsettle her.

“The healer spoke with me about her recent conversation with Phoebe concerning her fertility issues,” she began, her tone tinged with regret.

“She specifically requested that I teach her the fertility remedy,” Marcela continued, her voice betraying the weight of the situation. “I attempted to explain that she isn’t ready to begin yet, but I fear my reasons won’t hold up for much longer.” She shared the rationale she had provided.

“What exactly did you say to her?” I asked, my jaw clenching instinctively. “Did you let anything slip about her true condition?”

“Not in the slightest, my king. That’s precisely why I’m here—Lady Phoebe brought it up again just recently.”

Marcela took a deep breath, gathering her courage to press on. “I truly believe you need to be forthright with her. The agony will only deepen if she discovers that you’ve been keeping secrets from her.”

I nodded, fully understanding her perspective. Deception was not the foundation on which I wanted to rebuild our relationship. We had been granted a second chance, and I couldn’t tarnish it with lies that could ultimately tear us apart.

Another fracture might be our undoing.

Yet, how could I possibly unveil such a devastating truth? The mere thought of it weighed heavily on my chest—it would break her heart irreparably.

I could already envision the devastation in her eyes, and what if she withdrew from me once more?

“Allow me some time to think this over,” I finally replied, my voice steady but strained.

“In the meantime, please remain silent. Don’t drop hints or give her any clues about what’s truly happening. Let her revel in the joy of the ceremony.”

Marcela bowed her head respectfully. “As you wish, my king.”

Once she departed, I lingered in the war room until dawn’s first light broke through, unable to bear the thought of lying beside her, looking into her eyes while knowing the truth of her desires.

A family.

It was the same dream that stirred within me. A small family of our own. Children with her features, or perhaps mine.

We both yearned for the same future, but at what cost?

Still, I couldn’t bring myself to shatter her hopes.

*[You didn’t return last night.]* Phoebe’s note slipped into view as we shared a meal with the elders and other dignitaries of the kingdom.

“There’s so much to arrange to ensure your ceremony is perfect. How are the preparations coming along?”

Phoebe scrunched her nose, clearly disliking the fuss but secretly relishing it. This was a celebration crafted just for her.

Dressed in a stunning gown, she commanded the attention and respect of those around her. She had never envisioned herself reaching such a pinnacle in her life.

Two years prior, when she had been ensnared in Kevin’s grip, if someone had foretold that she would one day be celebrated as this kingdom’s queen, Phoebe would have laughed in disbelief.

That afternoon, Perry made yet another small sacrifice for me—not the first, and surely not the last.

“Don’t worry, you’re not that heavy,” he said with a teasing smile as I accidentally stepped on his foot again—honestly, I had lost track of how many times it had happened.

Frustration welled up within me as I frowned, trying to focus on my footwork.

“Excellent progress, my lady,” Jocelyn chimed in, encouraging me. As my dance instructor, she reminded me that tradition dictated the king and I should lead the opening dance.

She was breathtaking—blonde hair cascading down her shoulders and blue eyes, though not as vivid as Perry’s; hers leaned more toward a greenish hue.

With the ceremony only two weeks away, I had only just begun to grasp the basics of dancing about a week ago.

Three weeks of lessons, and I still struggled to master the movements.

If this were medical training, I would have excelled by now, but why was it so challenging to coordinate my body?

Once again, I stepped on Perry’s foot, feeling annoyed with myself for my clumsiness.

As Jocelyn began to speak, Perry raised a hand to silence her. He stepped closer, gently lifting me.

“If you’re going to keep stepping on my feet, why not do it intentionally from the start?” he joked, wrapping his arms around my waist and allowing me to stand on his feet as he guided us through the movements.

In this way, I didn’t have to worry about anything at all.