The Curvy Rogue

Chapter 12

**LORRY SPRINGSTONE / KELLY THOMPSON’S POINT OF VIEW**

**THREE DAYS LATER…**

A new day has dawned since my return to the Southern clan. But tonight, with the gods’ blessing, it will be a fresh start for me and my son, Eden. Yes, my son—I’m now absolutely certain.

Over the past three days, I’ve immersed myself in Eden’s care, closely monitoring his condition and adjusting his treatment as needed. With every passing hour, I feel our bond growing stronger. The way his eyes light up when I enter the room, the trust in his voice when he answers my questions without fear—it’s as if part of him unconsciously recognizes me as his biological mother.

---

**SEVERAL HOURS LATER…**

Finally, evening arrives. As I tuck Eden in after another dose of medication, I can’t resist asking the question that’s been burning in my heart for three days.

“Eden,” I call softly, brushing his hair from his forehead, “do you like having me here?”

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips before he answers, “Yes, Dr. Lorry. You’re kind, and having you here makes me feel better.”

My heart swells with joy at his words. I take a deep breath, steeling myself to ask another crucial question that’s been tormenting me, especially because I dread a negative response. Despite my hesitation, I finally question the child.

“Eden, my treasure… would you like to live with me?” I say, my voice trembling with nervousness, secretly crossing my fingers behind my back.

Eden blinks up at me, his brown eyes—so like mine—wide with innocent curiosity.

“Live with you?” he repeats softly.

“Yes, in a warm, happy home. Where you can play and grow strong,” I reiterate, striving to keep my voice steady.

For a moment, Eden is silent, his small brow furrowed in thought. Then he looks up at me and nods.

“Yes, I’d like that,” he says simply.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I pull him into my arms, holding him close.

“Oh, my sweet boy,” I whisper, holding back tears.

“I promise to take you somewhere safe and warm. A place where you can truly be happy,” I vow.

Eden nestles against me, his small arms wrapping around my neck. For a moment, we stay like this, and I allow myself to imagine a future where we can be together, free of secrets and fear.

But reality soon intrudes. I know we can’t stay here, not with the dangers lurking in this palace. As Eden falls asleep, I refine my escape plan.

I wait until the dead of night, when the palace is quietest. The guard change at midnight will be our best chance. With trembling hands, I gather the few supplies I’ve secretly collected over the past days: some food, medicine, and spare clothes for Eden.

At 11:45 p.m., I gently wake Eden.

“My treasure,” I whisper, “it’s time for us to go on an adventure. Can you be very quiet for me?”

He nods, still sleepy, rubbing his eyes as I carefully lift him into my arms. He’s so light, so fragile against me. I wrap him securely in a blanket, murmuring reassuring words as I move silently toward the door.

The corridors are dimly lit and eerily quiet as we slip through the sleeping palace. My heart pounds with every step, alert for any sound of pursuit. But luck seems to be on our side, and we reach the servants’ entrance without incident.

As I’d hoped, the guard change gives us a brief window of opportunity. As the night patrol arrives for their shift, I slip outside into the cool night air, Eden clutched tightly against me.

The weight of what I’m doing—k********g the heir to the throne, my own son—threatens to crush me. But one look at Eden’s peaceful face strengthens my resolve. I can’t leave him here, not after all I’ve seen.

We move quickly through the palace grounds, staying in the shadows. The moon, mercifully hidden by clouds, offers extra cover. As we near the outer wall, I hear voices—another patrol. I duck behind a large bush, holding my breath as the guards pass just steps from our hiding spot.

Once they move on, I rush to the small, seldom-used gate I’d noticed during my explorations. Poorly guarded, it’s our best chance of escape. With trembling hands, I pull out the key I “borrowed” from the housekeeping stores and unlock the gate.

Slipping out into the dark streets, I allow myself a moment of hope. We’ve escaped the palace grounds undetected. But I know we’re not safe yet. It won’t be long before they discover Eden’s absence and launch a massive search.

I hurry through the quiet streets, sticking to the shadows as much as possible. Eden stirs against my back but stays mercifully silent, perhaps sensing the gravity of our situation. My mind races, planning our next move. We need to get as far from the palace as possible before dawn.

After an hour of brisk walking, we reach the outskirts of the Southern clan’s territory. I stop in the shelter of an abandoned building to catch my breath and check on Eden. He looks up at me, still sleepy.

“Are we going on our adventure now, Dr. Lorry?” he whispers.

My heart aches at his innocent question.

“Yes, my treasure,” I murmur, gently stroking his hair.

“We’re on our big adventure now. But we need to stay very quiet, okay?” I reassure the young prince heir.

Eden’s wide eyes pierce the darkness, tinged with fear and uncertainty. I hoist him onto my back, adjusting his weight to keep him secure as we venture into this perilous terrain.

Behind us, the menacing palace looms like a monstrous shadow, its walls teeming with servants and guards who would tear us apart if they caught us. But I refuse to let that happen. With every step, I push harder, relying on my wolf senses to guide us through the dark labyrinth of trees.

My heart leaps at every sound, every suspicious rustle in the bushes. We can’t be discovered now, not after coming so far. The first rays of dawn break through the sky, and a flicker of hope ignites within me. We’ve put enough distance between us and the palace that it’ll take them hours to catch up.

I pause to catch my breath. We’ve reached a secluded clearing in the woods, hidden from prying eyes. Gently setting Eden down, I offer him some food from our meager supplies.

“Are you hungry?” I ask softly, masking the worry in my voice.

Eden’s enthusiastic nod betrays his true hunger, his longing for safety and freedom. As he devours the food, I take a moment to study his face in the morning light. Despite all we’ve been through, a faint flush colors his cheeks, giving me hope. Perhaps being away from that cursed palace will finally give him a chance to heal and thrive.