A mother's anger

LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S / KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

After exchanging with the head housemaid Tina regarding the arrangements of a permanent room for me within the castle, Jason shifts back his focus on me. However, he takes me aback with an even more thunderous offer.

He suggests it would rather be better if I stayed with Eden in the royal chamber so that I can monitor the latter closely throughout the night. For a while, I'm stunned by the proposition, totally unsure how to respond to it.

"I... I'm not sure that's appropriate, Your Majesty," I stammer while trying to maintain my professional demeanor.

"Perhaps it would be preferable if I dwelled nearby, but not in the same room I think," I then clarify.

Jason shakes his head firmly.

"No, Doctor Springstone. I insist. Eden's health is paramount, and I want you right here if anything changes during the night. There's a comfortable chaise lounge by the window where you can rest. Please, for my son's sake, stay!" the South pack's ruler begs.

I glance at the sleeping pup, my heart clenching at how small and fragile he looks in the massive royal bed. Despite my reservations, I know I can't refuse.

"Very well, Your Majesty," I thus concede.

"I'll stay with him tonight,” I affirm.

Jason nods, relief evident in his eyes.

"Thank you, Doctor. I'll have Tina bring you anything you need." He declares, his voice filled with gratitude before adding softly, "I... I haven't seen Eden this calm in months. Your presence seems to soothe him."

I feel a lump forming in my throat at his words, but I manage a small nod and reply: "I'm glad I can help, Your Majesty."

With a final glance at his sleeping son, the Alpha King Jason reluctantly turns to take the door.

"I'll be in my study if you need anything. Please, don't hesitate to wake me if there's any change in his condition," he underscores while standing at the threshold.

As Jason finally closes the door behind him, I'm left alone with the toddler Eden whom I have less doubt now is my son. The silence of the room is broken only by the latter's soft breathing. I move closer to the bed, my eyes scanning his small form.

In the dim light of the bedside lamp, I notice things I hadn't seen before - the way his chest rises and falls with each labored breath, the slight tremor in his hands even as he sleeps.

I then gently brush a lock of hair from his forehead and as I do so, my fingers graze something unexpected - a small, raised scar just above his eyebrow. Frowning, I lean in for a closer look. The scar is faint, but unmistakable. How had I missed this before?

With growing concern, I carefully pull back the covers, my eyes searching for any other signs of injury or mistreatment. To my horror, I discover several more small scars scattered across Eden's arms and torso. They're old, mostly healed, but clearly visible against his pale skin.

My mind races, trying to make sense of what I'm seeing. These aren't the typical scrapes and bruises of an active child. Some of these marks look deliberate, almost surgical in nature.

A wave of fury washes over me as I gently cover Eden back up. What had happened to my sweet, healthy pup? The rumors I'd heard over the years painted a picture of a thriving young prince, doted on by his father and the entire pack. But the reality before me tells a very different story, a dramatic one.

How could this have happened? I left my son in Jason's care, trusting that he would be safe and loved. Instead, I find a sickly, scarred child who bears little resemblance to the robust infant I remember.

My mind races, conjuring up terrible scenarios. Had Jason neglected our son? Or worse, had he allowed others to experiment on him, desperate to cure whatever mysterious ailment plagued the young heir? The thought makes my blood boil.

I pace the room, trying to calm my racing heart. Everything I thought I knew about the past six years seems to crumble around me. The carefully constructed facade of the caring father Jason presented earlier now feels hollow and false. How could he let this happen to our child?

As the night wears on, I find myself watching Eden's every breath, terrified that he might suddenly stop breathing. My fury at Jason and the situation gradually gives way to an overwhelming protective instinct. This child - my child - has suffered enough. I won't let him endure another moment of pain or neglect.

By the time dawn breaks, I've made my decision. I can't leave Eden here, not when I've seen the evidence of his mistreatment with my own eyes. Whatever the consequences, I have to get him away from this place - away from Jason and his entourage.

As the first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, Eden stirs and slowly opens his eyes too. His gaze finds mine, and a small smile touches his lips.

"Good morning, Doctor Lorry," he says softly with a bit of surprise.

"Where are my father and Nanny Tina ? Did you stay with me all night?” the young heir then inquires.

I simply nod, forcing a smile despite the turmoil in my heart before answering only his second question, avoiding deliberately the first one.

"I did sleep here, little one,” I replied while trying to hide my anxiety.

“How are you feeling this morning?” I ask him in return.

Eden considers for a moment before taking the floor.

"My tummy doesn't hurt as much as yesterday but I'm still tired," he reveals.

"That's good that the pain is less now,” I excitedly utter, gently brushing his hair back.

"We'll keep working on making you feel better, okay?" I thereafter add before beginning my morning examination.

As I start the medical assessment, checking his vitals and looking for any changes, I can't help but marvel at Eden's resilience. Despite everything he's been through, there's still a spark of life in him. This reality somehow boosts my low moral.

And suddenly, someone knocks at the door and without waiting for my permission -obviously it's not my room- enters holding a plate of steaming food. It's Tina, the head housemaid, carrying a breakfast tray.

"Good morning, Doctor Springstone, young prince. I've brought some light breakfast for you both," she says cheerfully.

"How is our little Eddy doing this morning?" she thereupon questions, calling the Alpha heir Eden by the nickname she has apparently invented for him.

I step back from the bed, allowing her to set the tray on the bedside table.

"His pain seems to have lessened, but he's still quite fatigued," I report, keeping my voice neutral despite the suspicion now coloring my every interaction.

Tina nods, her face etched with concern as she looks at Eden.

"Poor little lamb. But I'm sure with your care, doctor, he'll be right as rain in no time," she affirms.

I force a smile, even as my mind races.

"Does Tina know about Eden's scars? Is she complicit in whatever has been happening here?" I wonder silently as I observe her fussing over Eden.

Tina's piercing gaze locks onto mine with a knowing smile, and I feel my heart skip a beat. She interrogates me with a casual tone, but I can sense the underlying suspicion in her voice.

"Doctor Springstone, is everything alright?" she asks innocently.

My mind races as I try to come up with a convincing response. I can't let her catch on to my true intentions.

"Yes, of course. Just didn't get much sleep last night," I reply, hoping to dismiss any doubts she may have.

Tina's smile falters for a moment before she quickly recovers and offers to take over watching the young prince so I can freshen up and eat breakfast. My instincts scream at me not to leave Eden alone, but I know I have to keep up appearances.

"Thank you, Tina. That's very kind of you," I say through gritted teeth, forcing a grateful smile.

Time will reveal my next move. For now, all I can do is fake a calm exterior while searching for a breakthrough.