The guards at the palace gates nodded when I gave my name. I walked through the massive stone archway, my hands trembling with barely contained rage as I approached the king's private study. Four years ago, I had stumbled into his world during a drunken night at the tavern near the border. Now, our son Cody connected us forever, whether Jack Thornridge wanted it or not.
The heavy oak door creaked open. I stepped inside and found him standing with his back to me, staring out the window at the kingdom below. The afternoon sun highlighted his broad shoulders and dark hair. He wore simple black clothing that somehow made him look more powerful than any crown could.
"Jack Thornridge, I want my son back."
He remained silent, hands in his pockets. I could see the tension in his spine, but he refused to turn around. The Alpha King, too proud to face the woman he had tormented.
"You have no right to my son," I continued, my voice rising. "Give Cody back to me. Find yourself another heir and leave mine alone."
Still nothing. My anger flared hotter.
"Have you gone mute? Turn around and face me."
Slowly, he turned. His silver eyes locked onto mine with that same cold expression he always wore. I held my ground, refusing to look away. He studied me for a long moment, and I wondered what he saw. The broken woman he had destroyed, or someone stronger than he expected?
"Why are you doing this?" I demanded, stepping closer. "You took everything from me four years ago. My innocence, my pride, my dignity, my very sense of self. You even blocked me from working anywhere in this kingdom. But I let it go because meeting you was my own mistake. Now you take the one thing that gives my life meaning. I can lose everything except my son."
His jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
"I forced myself on you that night," I admitted. "I was drunk and stupid. But I paid you for your services, no matter how small the amount. So why are you punishing me by taking Cody?"
A cruel smile twisted his lips. "You think that pathetic silver coin you left was payment? You walked into my chambers and dared to treat me like some common wolf for hire?"
"That is what you were to me," I shot back. "I needed someone to take away my pain, and you did. I paid you fairly."
"Do you know who you are talking to?" His voice dropped dangerously low as he moved closer.
"I know exactly who you are, and I am not afraid anymore."
He closed the distance between us in three long strides. I forced myself to stand still as he loomed over me, his scent overwhelming my senses. He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear.
"You should be afraid. I could make you vanish from this kingdom forever."
My eyes closed instinctively. I expected violence, but he only whispered that threat before walking away. He dropped into his chair behind the massive desk and propped his boots on the polished wood surface, looking every bit the arrogant king he was.
"You cannot do anything worse to me than what you have already done," I said, finding my voice again. "I will tell everyone what kind of man their king really is. How you prey on drunken women in taverns and force yourself on them, then steal their children years later without remorse. How many others are there, Jack? How many women did you ruin? How many children do you have scattered across this kingdom?"
"Get out of my study." His voice was ice.
"Give me my son."
"I said get out."
"My son, Jack. I want my son back!"
He reached for the bell on his desk. Within seconds, four royal guards rushed through the door.
"From this moment forward, I am issuing a royal decree against this woman," Jack announced. "If any of you allow her onto palace grounds again, you will lose more than your positions. You will face the dungeons."
The guards paled. They knew the Alpha King never made empty threats. One of them grabbed my wrist gently but firmly.
"No," I protested. "You cannot do this. I have rights to my own child."
But they were already pulling me toward the door. I twisted back to look at Jack one last time. He sat there like a statue, cold and unmoved by my tears.
"You will regret this," I said.
He rang the bell again, summoning his secretary. The woman appeared instantly.
"Send word to Counselor Dalton," Jack ordered without looking at me. "Tell him to meet me at two o'clock. It is urgent."
The guards escorted me through the palace halls and out the main gates. People stopped and stared as I was removed from the premises like a common criminal. When we reached the outer courtyard near the fountain, one guard spoke quietly.
"Miss, if we see you near the palace again, we will have no choice but to arrest you. Please, for your own safety, stay away."
I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. They released me and I stumbled into the crowded street, tears streaming down my face. Once again, Jack Thornridge had won simply because he held all the power in this kingdom.
At exactly two o'clock, Counselor Dalton entered the king's study. I imagined them sitting together, plotting against me.
"I need a royal decree," Jack would say. "Keep this woman away from me and my son."
"What are the terms, Your Majesty?"
"Twenty years. I never want to see her face again."
And with those simple words, my fate would be sealed. No judge would question the Alpha King. No court would hear my plea. I had challenged him, insulted him, and now I would pay the price.
Twenty years without Cody. Twenty years of emptiness. The decree would be official by morning.