Half an hour later, I had cleaned the table, unable to stop my cheeks from burning in embarrassment. Just thinking of what he- we had done was mortifying. The feel of his tongue remains, and my core clenches just thinking about it. I have just showered before donning some pyjamas as I wait for him, wondering what he wants to talk about.
After a short while, he re-enters, and he’s only wearing a pair of sweatpants. He walks over to the bed, sits down, and leans against the headboard.
“Sit down. I want to talk to you about the tournament.”
My heart thuds, and I look up at him sharply. “Yes, you said about-”
“I know you don’t seem to have much faith in yourself, but I truly feel you are capable of far more. Taking part in the Luna Trials will be difficult and competitive. It may also be a disadvantage, considering you are wolf-less. Still, you are smart, educated and seem to have a way with things.”
I disagree. I’ve done nothing for him to think like that. He observes me for a second, his eyes hardening before he looks toward the window.
“No common omega would have the courage to try to run away from me, to disobey me, but you did. No one would be able to look the Queen, let alone me, in the eye, yet you did-”
“T-that’s because I don’t have a wolf, maybe the command-” I stutter nervously.
“No, even humans are slaves to our commands. Agree to become my Luna, and I assure you it will benefit you, too.”
I frown, looking down at the rich cotton bedding and slowly running my hand over it. It makes no sense. I look up slowly, brushing my wet locks from my face. “Are you asking me? Why not command me?” I ask nervously, my heart thumping as I wait for his wrath.
“Forcing you won’t make you perform well. I need you to want to win because if that crown becomes mine, I assure you it will be for the best. There’s something at work, and no one takes it seriously." His eyes flash, and I can feel his anger. “They all put it down to rogues or strays. There’s something more going on.”
Does he actually want to help the kingdom? That shocks me. Or is he lying? What does he mean? Something more is going on? Nothing that I knew of was at odds. Everyone says he is a monster, but is he? I don’t know, not after what Lucia had told me. It just doesn’t seem to fit.
“I don’t have all day, Little Mouse,” he growls, snapping me from my thoughts.
I look up, a sudden thought coming to my mind. “If… if I help you, and you win the crown… then can I ask for something in return?” I whisper.
“Go for it.”
“Will you then let me go?”
His eyes flash red as he looks at me, an unreadable expression on his face, his jaw taut. “You will hold the title of Queen, and instead you want to leave?”
I nod slowly, “I want to go away somewhere where I’m free. Somewhere I can be… I don’t want to stay here,” I whisper, feeling sadness wash over me.
He scoffs, and I look up sharply, my heart pounding. His eyes are cruel and cold as he looks at me with contempt. “Fine. Marry me, and if I win that crown, I will let you out of this marriage. You will be free to leave the city or go die in hell. I don’t really care.”
I’m not bothered by his harsh words, my heart leaping as I look at him. He agreed! Goddess, there is a way out!I can’t help but smile, and I nod. “Okay! I will try my best," I promise, but rather than be happy with my answer, he just looks at me with an expression of pure hatred.
“Then your training starts at dawn.” With those words, he turns and leaves the room. Leaving me alone with the glimmer of hope for a future that I had given up on.
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"Please don't!" I scream, tumbling backwards. Something hits the back of my leg, making me buckle, and I fall onto the enormous bed. I grab the deep purple curtains hanging from the canopy of the four-poster bed, the fabric burning my hands as it slips through my grasp when he pushes me flat onto my back.
His eyes glow red, and his fangs are out as he grabs me by my throat. His dreadlocks frame his face as he looks at me with emotions I can't focus on. For a second, it turns too dark and hazy to see anything.
What…Then I feel it, the blade plunging into my chest.
I cry out as pain tears through me, only for him to pull the blade free, agony making it harder to breathe. He doesn't stop, now stabbing it into my stomach.
I cry out. "Stop! Stop this! Stop!" I shriek, choking in pain as tears burn my eyes.
"Too late," he snarls.
"No!" The power in my voice is unrecognisable. I don't think I've ever screamed like that.
The terrifying, blistering rage and hatred I feel for him swirl around me as I try to fight him off. Still, he doesn't stop his assault as he plunges the knife back into my chest… again and again.
I'm dying. I can feel my life ebbing away. Feeling the pain engulf me, I grapple weakly at his wrists. Both of us are covered in blood. My hands slip from his, and I find myself looking into those burning red eyes. Something wet hits my face, and I look up at him, only for him to pull back, dropping the knife as he plunges his hand into my chest.
I scream in pure agony as I jolt upright in bed. My heart drums against my ribcage, and I scan the room, trying to control the terror consuming me. Looking around, I realise I am in the Prince's bedroom, and this is not the same bed.
I'm drenched in sweat, and the ghostly pain lingers as I touch my chest and stomach.
I'm okay! Thank the Goddess!That nightmare.I place a hand on my forehead, taking deep breaths. I'm still trembling.
It felt so real.Kicking the blanket off, I stumble out of bed. Glancing out the window, I see it's still early. I go to the bathroom and turn on the sink tap, splashing my face with cold water. I stare at my reflection, and for a second, my reflection distorts, and I feel like I'm looking at myself covered in blood. I gasp, stumbling back, only for it to return to normal. I let out a shaky breath.
It was Zedkiel. His hair and clothing were different, but it was him.
Why was he killing me? Was this a premonition of what was going to happen soon? When I become his Luna or before then?I turn the tap off and grab a towel, wiping my face. I place it down and slowly look out to the bedroom. An eerie, ominous feeling washes through me, and I shudder, staring at the bed. Flashes of my nightmare replay in my head, and I stay frozen in place.
On a bed… he kills me in a bedroom.I wrap my arms around myself, wishing I knew what my dream meant.
Perhaps I could ask the Oracle? But she is for the royals, surely she won't wait, I'll be Luna soon. As Zedkiel's wife, maybe she will listen to me and offer me advice.It makes me the most uneasy. He is the man from my nightmares that have plagued me for years. I walk to the window and look out. It's foggy, and I know the sun won't appear today.
I can see one or two people walking out in the yard, starting on their day, and I cast my gaze to the mountains, the very same ones I had tried to drive down and escape.
He said my training begins today, and if I truly want freedom, then I need to make sure I do my best in whatever training he is going on about. Maybe I'll have an early breakfast and then prepare for the day. I need to be at my best.
Washing up, I brush my teeth before I pick out light blue fitted jeans, which had torn patches in a few places. It is strange to have jeans that were made to look like this instead of my old ones that had torn due to how old they were… and here, people pay to have torn clothes.
I squeeze into them, feeling they are a size too small. Perhaps I need to eat less.'I like a woman with meat.' My cheeks burn, and I pause. Does he actually like me?'You will beg for me.' His words ring in my mind.
No, I will not!There is nothing special about me.I am wearing my black bra that makes my boobs look bigger. I slowly zip my jeans up and pull my hair back into a ponytail until Alistair fixes it. I put a red halter top on it, leaving my back open like he ordered.
I sigh before I fix the bedding and quickly message Alistair on the tablet that I will have breakfast and then come to see him. He replies instantly, and I smile.
I like him. I leave the quarters, heading to the kitchens for a bite to eat.
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