From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Sable’s POV

Caelan led me through the hospital corridors, his hand firm around mine. Neither of us spoke until we reached his car in the parking lot.

The engine started with a soft purr. We sat in silence for a moment before he finally spoke.

“Blair’s never been like this before. His voice carried confusion. “She’s always understood boundaries, knew what was appropriate to say and what wasn’t. I don’t know how she became so… rude.”

I turned to face him. “Caelan, Blair’s in love with you. Can’t you really see it?”

He went still, hands freezing on the steering wheel. “What? You mean… that kind of love?”

“Not sisterly affection. The way a woman loves a man.” I kept my voice steady. “She sees you as her man, and I’m the intruder.”

Silence stretched between us.

“Now I know.” His jaw set with determination. “I’ll keep my distance from her, make the boundaries clear.”

I crossed my arms, suddenly feeling petty but unable to stop myself. “You didn’t say a single word to me back there. Just scooped up unconscious Blair and got in that ambulance, left me standing alone. That was really harsh.

“Sabi, I-”

*I know saving people comes first.” I turned toward the window, my voice coming out muffled. “But I’m your fiancée too. You could have at least told me where you were going.”

His hand reached for mine, warm fingers intertwining. “You’re right. I apologize…”

I pulled my hand back, still staring out the window. “Apologies and that’s it?”

He stubbornly grabbed my hand again, lacing our fingers together. “Then let me cook lunch to make amends, okay?”

19

I snorted softly, trying to pull away again. “Who needs your cooking? Maybe we shouldn’t see each other for a while. Both of us should think things through.

Caelan gripped my hand tighter, his voice taking on a wounded tone. “Sabi, you can’t be so heartless. I’m the Lycan King ability to rule? The entire kingdom could fall into chaos because of your coldness.”

I couldn’t help but glance at him sideways. “…”

–

what if my heartbreak affects my

Seeing he had my attention, Caelan immediately continued his performance. “I might waste away from missing you, then zone out during important meetings. What if I accidentally say ‘agree to declare war on the enemy nation’ instead of ‘agree to peaceful negotiations’ and trigger World War Three?”

My mouth twitched upward, but I fought to keep it down. “Stop being ridiculous.”

Sensing my resolve weakening, he became even more dramatic. “I might also fall off a cliff while touring the territories because I’m thinking about you, then hit my head and get amnesia. If I forget who I am and forget our engagement, you’ll have to marry someone else!”

I burst out laughing despite myself. “Caelan, enough!”

He seized the opportunity, bringing our joined hands to his lips for a gentle kiss. “So for world peace, to prevent my amnesia, you have to forgive me. This is your important duty as future queen.”

I was completely defeated by his antics. “Fine, fine, I forgive you. But your acting is really over the top.

Caelan grinned triumphantly. “It worked, didn’t it? So, let me cook lunch to apologize?”

1/3

The aroma of herbs and butter filled my apartment kitchen. I watched from the breakfast bar as Caelan moved around my tiny space with surprising grace, despite his large frame making everything look miniature.

“How do you even know how to cook?’ I propped my chin on my hand. “Don’t kings usually have armies of chefs?”

“I have many hidden talents.” He glanced over his shoulder with a mysterious smile. “Today you get to discover one of them.”

Steam rose from the pan as he plated the final dish. When he set it in front of me, the familiar aroma made my heart stop.

Honey lemon salmon with roasted vegetables, arranged exactly the way-

I took a bite, and then my fork clattered against the plate. “This taste… how is this possible? This is exactly like what my mom used to make!”

Caelan reached over to stroke my hair. “Do you like it? I learned your mother’s recipes.”

My voice came out shaky. “Caelan, how could you possibly cook my mother’s dishes? She only met you a few times before she died…”

Something enigmatic flickered in his eyes. “After lunch, I’ll take you somewhere.”

The small cottage sat nestled in a garden bursting with late-blooming roses and herbs. Warm light spilled from the windows as Caelan parked in the gravel driveway.

“Where are we?”

“You’ll see.”

He knocked on the wooden door. Footsteps approached from inside, then the door swung open to reveal an elderly woman with silver hair pinned in a neat bun. She wore a floral apron over her simple dress.

“Your Majesty.” She bowed her head respectfully to Caelan.

“Please, just call me Caelan,” he said gently.

Then her gaze shifted to me, and her entire expression transformed.

‘Oh my God… Sable? My little angel?”

Memory crashed back like a wave. The gentle voice that used to fill our kitchen with laughter. Hands that taught me to knead bread and fold dumplings.

‘Sarah! Is it really you?”

I threw myself into her arms. She felt smaller than I remembered, more fragile, but her embrace was just as warm.

‘Look at you,” she whispered, pulling back to cup my face. “So grown up, so beautiful. Just like your mother.”

We moved into her cozy living room. Handmade quilts draped over furniture, and the walls were covered with family photos spanning decades.

Sarah used to come to our house when I was little. She and Mom would spend hours in the kitchen together. But how did Caelan know her?

Sarah’s eyes grew misty. “Your mother was the dearest friend I ever had. She loved your father so much, and she adored you beyond words.”

Pain twisted through my chest. “But Dad betrayed her. He married her best friend the moment she was gone.”

Sarah’s expression grew pained. She leaned forward, taking my hands in her weathered ones.

2/3

\IIaPIT u

Child, about your father and Victoria… I think you should know the truth.”

My pulse quickened. “What truth?”