Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will-Chapter 254: HER OTHER SIDE

Rhynera could be seen well dressed in her fine attire, silk flowing softly around her body, jewels resting neatly against her skin.

She looked untouched by the chaos spreading through the realm, even though it was clear that the whole palace was far from a state fit for feasts or celebration.

The halls were quiet, tense, filled with unease. Lumina had been sleeping for days.

The poison in her body refused to loosen its grip, and no matter how many times Alexis had sent word, ordered messengers, or even raised his voice in fury, Ashen continued to refuse to answer the King’s summons. He did not come.

Rhynera saw it clearly as the time to show herself. After all, her lovely mother-in-law was sick as well.

Three maids followed behind her as she walked through the long stone corridors leading to the Cold Palace.

This was the place the King had ordered the Queen to stay for the time being, far from the main palace, far from watchful eyes, far from comfort.

The air there was colder, heavier, and carried a strange stillness that made even footsteps sound out of place.

"Your Highness," Rhynera whispered sweetly as she crossed the threshold.

Inside, she found Adam seated beside the Queen’s bed, he looked tired and also lonely.

His shoulders were slumped, his hands clasped tightly together as he stared at his mother’s pale face.

The Queen lay quietly, her breath shallow, her strength clearly fading. Adam had been there for hours. That much was obvious.

Rhynera took a moment to observe him, of course, his father had not bothered to come.

After all, the King only ever cared about his throne, not the woman who once stood beside him. As for his brother, it was written plainly on Ashen’s face that he had no interest in this place or the woman lying on the bed.

He had gone to her thinking he could make his wife save her but it turned out all worse, even his wife turned out sick.

Only Aurelia came from time to time to check up on her.

"My lovely prince," Rhynera called softly as she moved closer. Her steps were slow, careful, almost respectful.

She lowered herself gracefully, squatting beside the Queen, her expression gentle, her eyes filled with what looked like concern.

"How is she?" she asked quietly.

Adam let out a long sigh and stood to his feet, looking down at Rhynera.

"Why are you here?" he asked, his voice tight.

"Did I not tell you to be careful with your steps and protect the child you carry?"

Rhynera lifted her gaze to him and smirked lightly, not offended in the slightest.

"I am well and fine," she replied calmly. "My parents sent the best medical help for my baby. You didn’t truly expect me to ignore my mother-in-law just because I am pregnant, did you?"

Adam looked away from her.

It was strange how he had treated her worse than anyone else, and yet she remained the only woman still standing beside him, still trying to help him hold together what was breaking apart.

She reached for the tray carried by one of the maids.

"Among the medicinal effects my parents sent," she continued, "they told me this would work for the Queen."

Her fingers brushed the edge of the covered tray.

"I spent hours preparing it. That is why I came late."

Adam glanced back at her, relief flickering briefly in his eyes, though he tried not to show it.

"Then... carry on," he said quietly.

He paused, then added, "I need to return to the palace. I can take care of matters there in the meantime."

Rhynera smiled at him.

"Of course," she replied smoothly.

Adam leaned down, pressing a small kiss to his mother’s forehead. His hand lingered for a moment before he turned and walked out of the room.

The door closed and the smile on Rhynera’s face disappeared instantly.

The warmth drained from her expression, replaced by something unreadable.

She straightened slowly and turned to the three maids.

"You three," she said coolly. "Go and stand outside. Keep watch. I want the Queen’s treatment to be private."

The maids hesitated for only a second before bowing their heads.

"Yes, my lady." They walked out quietly, leaving the room silent once more.

Rhynera’s smile did not reach her eyes as the door closed behind the maids.

The room fell into a heavy silence.

The Queen lay weak on the bed, her breath shallow, her skin pale from long days of sickness and isolation.

The cold palace lived up to its name. The air itself felt abandoned, as though even warmth had been ordered away.

Rhynera stood there for a moment, simply watching her then she laughed softly.

"So this is how you look now," she whispered. "The mighty Queen of Drakonis, left in the cold. Forgotten by your own husband."

She stepped closer, her fingers brushing the edge of the first tray. The faint glow from its contents lit her face from below, casting strange shadows on her smile.

"You should feel honored," Rhynera continued calmly. "Not everyone gets personal care from their daughter-in-law."

The Queen stirred weakly, her eyes fluttering open as her gaze met Rhynera’s.

Fear flashed instantly as she couldn’t find Adam anywhere close. Rhynera leaned down slowly, her voice lowering.

"Ah... you are awake. Good. I hate when people miss their lessons."

The Queen tried to speak, but no sound came out. Her lips trembled. Her body refused to respond to her will and Rhynera’s smile widened.

"You see?" she said softly. "Your body already knows to obey."

She lifted the container from the first tray.

Whatever was inside moved with faint light, alive in a way that made the room feel wrong.

"This," Rhynera explained calmly, "is to make sure you stay still. No screaming, struggling, or calling your sons."

She moved closer, one hand pressing gently but firmly against the Queen’s jaw. "Don’t bother trying because it won’t work so be good," she murmured.

"This will be easier if you are good."

The Queen’s eyes widened as Rhynera forced her mouth open and tipped the contents inside slowly, patiently, as though feeding medicine.

The Queen’s body stiffened as her breath thudded hard.

A sound tried to escape her throat, but it died before it could be born. Her fingers twitched uselessly against the sheets.

Rhynera watched closely, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

"Yes," she whispered. "Just like that."

When it was done, she stepped back, setting the empty container aside with care.

The Queen lay frozen, her eyes wide, tears sliding silently down her temples. Her limbs felt heavy, unresponsive, like they no longer belonged to her.

Rhynera clapped her hands softly.

"Perfect," she said. "Now we can talk."

She moved to the second tray.

This one did not glow. It was dark, heavy, and radiated quiet menace.

Rhynera lifted it without hesitation.

"You remember this feeling, don’t you?" she asked, her voice suddenly sharp. "Pain that burns but leaves you alive and reminds you who is in control." She leaned over the Queen.

"This is not punishment," Rhynera continued. "Punishment is quick. This is education. After you trained me also." She brought the tray close, not rushing, not hesitating.

The Queen’s eyes filled with terror.

Rhynera applied it carefully, deliberately, never once breaking eye contact.

The Queen’s body shook as silent agony tore through her. Her mouth opened in a scream that never came.

Her chest heaved violently, but her voice remained trapped inside her.

Rhynera straightened slowly.

"You see?" she said softly. "Even pain listens to me." She began to walk around the bed, her steps unhurried.

"You should remember this," she went on. "Remember it every time you think of speaking to my husband. Every time you imagine whispering poison into his ear."

She stopped beside the Queen’s head.

"If you ever try to turn Adam against me," Rhynera whispered, bending close, "I will not stop at you."

Her fingers brushed the Queen’s hair almost tenderly. "I will only hurt what you love," she said gently. "And I will smile while doing it."

The Queen’s eyes squeezed shut as tears streamed down her face.

"This," Rhynera continued coldly, "is for the maid Adam killed."

Her voice hardened.

"She begged, cried, and was the only close one I had but he killed her off like an animal." Rhynera returned to the tray and continued her so-called education until nothing remained.

Only then did she move to the third tray.

This one was smaller and even looked harmless in appearance as Rhynera lifted it slowly.

"This," she said, "is the final lesson."

She leaned down once more.

"This will make sure you remember everything," she whispered. "The pain, fear, and who holds your life."

When she was finished, every tray stood empty. Rhynera stepped back and looked at the Queen’s still form.

She straightened her dress, smoothing imaginary creases.

"You will live," she said calmly. "But you will never forget this." She leaned close one last time.

"And remember," she whispered, "I am watching." The door opened.

Rhynera turned, her expression soft, gentle, the perfect picture of concern.

When the maids returned, they saw only a devoted daughter-in-law sitting quietly by the Queen’s side, holding her hand.

"She is resting now," Rhynera said sweetly. "Do not disturb her."

No one noticed the tears nor the silent scream still echoing in the Queen’s chest and this made Rhynera smile.