From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64

“Isn’t it? A real queen should be magnanimous. Understanding. Not petty about every little interaction.”

Petty. The word hit like a slap.

“If she can’t even allow you to care for someone who’s hurt, how is she going to handle the complexities of royal life? Maybe her heart isn’t big enough for the responsibility of ruling a kingdom.”

Heat flooded my veins. Blair’s poisonous words painted me as small-minded and cruel.

She really thinks she can manipulate him against me.

“Excuse me, miss.” She gestured for me to move aside. “I need to check on the patient.”

A nurse appeared, pushing a small cart loaded with medical supplies.

I stepped back, but it was too late. The nurse’s voice had carried clearly into the room.

“Sabi?” Caelan moved to me. “You came.”

“You were standing out there listening?!” Blair’s shriek echoed off the walls.

I squared my shoulders and walked into the room.

The nurse looked between us with obvious confusion before busying herself with Blair’s IV line.

Caelan followed me in, positioning himself near the window.

“Why are you even here?!” Blair’s voice cracked with rage.

I moved to stand at the foot of her bed, meeting her glare directly. “Why wouldn’t I be here?”

“You- She glanced at Caelan, then back at me. “After what happened-

“What exactly happened, Blair? You were thrown from your horse. It was an accident.”

Her mouth worked soundlessly.

‘Or are you saying it wasn’t an accident?” I met her gaze directly. “Are you accusing me of deliberately causing your injury?”

The nurse finished her checks and bustled out, clearly eager to escape the tension.

Blair’s face crumpled as tears flooded her eyes. She looked toward Caelan with the expression of someone being forced to reveal a terrible secret.

“Caelan, I don’t want to say this, but…” Her teeth caught her lower lip like she was wrestling with an impossible decision.

‘It was Sable who kicked my horse.”

“What?” I stared at her in disbelief.

Blair’s sobs grew louder, her voice breaking with each word. “I know it sounds crazy, but I saw it happen. Sable walked behind my horse, then she kicked it in the belly. The mare spooked because of her attack.”

She pointed directly at me. “She wanted to hurt me!”

Caelan’s brow furrowed deeply.

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She actually has the nerve to lie this blatantly.

“Sable. Caelan’s voice carried emotions I couldn’t decipher. “Tell me what really happened.”

Blair immediately turned toward him. “Why are you even asking her? Don’t you trust your sister?”

Her voice cracked with fresh tears. “We’re family, Caelan. When have I ever lied to you? I’ve sacrificed everything for this family, for you…”

The family card. Of course.

‘I’m lying here injured in a hospital bed, and you’re still questioning my word?” Blair’s tears fell like broken pearls. “If even you don’t believe me, then what’s the point of my existence-”

Caelan raised his hand, cutting her off mid-sentence.

“Shh. Be quiet.”

Blair’s words died instantly. Fear flickered across her features.

Caelan turned to face me.

I drew a deep breath and met his gaze. “If I tell you the truth, will you believe me?”

Silence.

A few seconds stretched between us, but they felt like centuries to me.

He’s hesitating. He’s weighing his options. He’s deciding whether to believe his sister or me.

My heart sank into my stomach. How foolish of me to expect him to choose me over his adopted sister.

I laughed bitterly and started to turn away.

‘I will believe you.”

Caelan’s voice rang out firm and unwavering, without a trace of doubt.

I froze, turning back to stare at him in shock.

Blair is lying.” I looked directly into his eyes. “I had no reason to hurt her. Throughout the entire lesson, I was teaching her proper riding posture and warning her not to rush. She’s the one who insisted on going faster.”

“You’re making this up!” Blair’s shriek echoed off the hospital walls. “If you didn’t hurt me, then did I injure myself? I’m his Gamma-I could be called to battle at any moment. I would never disable myself and become unable to fight alongside my brother. He can’t do without me.”

Emphasizing how important she is to Caelan, is she? Does she think he’s some fragile Omega who needs her protection? Ridiculous.

“Blair Sterling. Caelan’s voice turned cold as he addressed her. ‘From the moment you first met Sable, I’ve sensed your hostility toward her. Have you forgotten your place?”

Blair’s face went ashen. Tears streamed down her cheeks without stopping.

‘I take care of you because you’re my sister, but I cannot tolerate you attacking my woman.”

Hearing him call me “his woman” made my pulse race. The possessiveness and protectiveness in his tone sent heat spiraling through my chest.

Caelan paused before continuing. “Sable is my fiancée, the future queen of this kingdom. I expect you not to disgrace the Blackwood name. I hope you understand what respect means and stop embarrassing me.”

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Blair tried to backtrack. “I’m sorry, Caelan. Please don’t be angry.”

‘I will investigate this incident thoroughly. If I discover today’s accident wasn’t really an accident…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the threat was crystal clear.

Caelan turned to me and extended his hand. “We’re leaving.”

I took his hand without hesitation.

Blair’s POV

Watching Caelan and Sable’s figures disappear through the doorway, I felt fire burning in my chest.

I thought he would protect me. I thought he would take my side. I never imagined that because of this woman’s appearance, everything would be ruined.

Since childhood, Caelan had always protected me. Anyone who hurt me faced consequences. He treated me like a real sister, gave me a sense of belonging.

But now…

Now he actually called me Blair Sterling.

He reminded me in front of that bitch that I’m not blood family to the Blackwoods.

Jealousy twisted through my heart like a poisonous snake. I pictured that woman standing beside Caelan, the triumph and victory gleaming in her eyes.

Why her? Why does it have to be her?

How much had I sacrificed to stand by Caelan’s side? I’d endured countless brutal training sessions until my body was covered in scars. I’d defeated opponent after opponent, suffering pain beyond normal human endurance.

I’d finally earned my position as his Gamma, finally gained the right to stand beside him. Finally, he could see me.

But now this coward who’d run from an arranged marriage had returned and effortlessly stolen everything that should have been mine.

I won’t let her succeed.

Absolutely not.

I slowly regained my composure, my lips curving into a cruel smile.

I had plenty of ways to make Sable Crawford disappear from this world.

My voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear:

‘Sable, your death is coming soon.”

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