Lola's eyes reddened, and she apologized over and over.
"I'm sorry, Alaric. He found out you exist. Based on the timing, the child could be yours. He won't allow anyone to threaten his position."
So she laced the pastries I loved most with the Barren Elixir, and I never suspected a thing.
"Lola, my stomach hurts so badly. I just swallowed it, there's still time. Please, go find a physician."
She didn't move. My voice cracked raw with panic. "I won't marry you, alright? I won't. I don't want to live like this, worse than death. Once I'm better, I'll leave. I'll go far away. I won't stand in your way, I swear."
No matter how I begged until my throat gave out, Lola didn't flinch.
She held out her arm. "Bite down on me. It won't hurt as much."
I shoved her arm away. "Go find a physician. I'm begging you, Lola."
"Alaric, stop talking nonsense. No royal physician is going to treat someone of your station."
"The drug's already taken hold. It's too late. Just be good. Even if you can never have children again, my child will still call you father."
I gripped her hand so hard my knuckles went white. "Lola, listen to me. I am the Crown Prince. The King's own son. Go find a physician to save me. Now."