IVY’S POV
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst right out of my chest. The words kept echoing in my mind over and over again.
"You're my mate."
Kade had just told me I was his mate. His mate. I stared at him, my mouth opening and closing like a fish, but no words came out. What was I supposed to say to something like that?
Before I could even begin to form a response, there was a sharp knock at the door.
"Prince Kade?" a voice called from outside.
I quickly pulled away from Kade, my cheeks burning with heat. I smoothed down my dress and tried to compose myself as I walked to the door.
When I opened it, I found the King standing there with his personal maid supporting his arm. The King looked tired and worried, his face pale with concern.
"Your Majesty," I said, immediately dropping into a curtsy.
"Ivy, my dear," the King said gently. "How is my son? I had to come see for myself."
I could see the love and worry in his eyes. He had probably been pacing his own chambers, unable to rest until he knew Kade was truly recovering.
"He's much better, Your Majesty," I replied. "The worst has passed."
"Thank the gods," the King breathed, relief washing over his features.
I glanced back at Kade, who was now sitting up properly in bed, trying to look more presentable for his father.
"I should leave you both to talk," I said quickly. "Excuse me, Your Majesty."
I bowed again and hurried out of the chamber, my heart still racing from everything that had just happened. The hallway felt like it was spinning around me as I walked.
His mate. I was Kade's true mate.
Even if I wanted to leave because of the insults and jeers, knowing that the bond is there wouldn't make me do that anymore.
My feet carried me without me really thinking about where I was going. Before I knew it, I found myself in the castle gardens. The fresh air hit my face, but it didn't help calm the storm of thoughts in my head.
I started pacing back and forth along the stone path, my hands clasped tightly in front of me. My wolf, which had been so active lately, was completely silent now. Even she seemed shocked by this revelation.
"What does this mean?" I whispered to myself.
If I was truly Kade's mate, what would happen to me? To us? The court had already condemned me. They saw me as nothing more than a slave from the Northern Pack. Would they accept me as their future queen? The thought made me laugh bitterly.
"They'll never accept me," I said aloud, shaking my head.
And what about the King? He had been kind to me, yes, but accepting me as a servant was very different from accepting me as his son's mate. As someone who might one day rule beside Kade.
I thought about my past, about everything that had led me to this moment. I was the daughter of a traitor. My own pack had sold me into slavery. I had nothing to offer except my healing powers.
"This is impossible," I muttered, continuing to pace.
But then I remembered the way Kade had looked at me when he said those words. The certainty in his voice. The way he had kissed me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
"Miss Ivy?"
I spun around to find my personal maid, Pamela, approaching me with a concerned expression.
"Oh, hello," I said, trying to smile normally.
"Is everything alright, miss?" she asked, studying my face carefully. "You look upset."
"I'm fine," I lied. "Just getting some fresh air."
"I've been searching everywhere for you," she said. "It's time for you to come examine the meals prepared for Prince Kade."
I had completely forgotten. For the past few days, ever since Kade had fallen ill after his transformation, I had been checking all his meals. I would examine each dish, suggest herbs to the kitchen staff that might help restore his strength, and make sure everything was prepared properly.
"Of course," I said. "I'll be right there."
But even as I said it, I realized I was still shaking. My hands were trembling, and I felt dizzy from everything that had just happened.
"Actually," I said quickly, "could you go ahead without me? I'll be there in just a moment."
The maid looked at me with worry. "Are you sure you're alright, miss?"
"Yes, I just need another minute of fresh air," I assured her.
"Very well," she said reluctantly. "But don't take too long. The kitchen staff are waiting."
As soon as she disappeared back into the castle, I sank down onto a nearby stone bench. I put my head in my hands and tried to process everything.
Kade's mate. The words kept spinning in my head like a whirlpool.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost missed the movement in the bushes nearby. Something had shifted in the shadows, and my instincts immediately went on high alert.
I lifted my head and squinted at the thick greenery. "Hello?" I called out. "Is someone there?"
Silence.
But I could feel eyes on me. Someone was definitely watching me from the bushes. My heart started racing again, but this time it was from fear, not confusion.
I stood up slowly and took a careful step toward the bushes. "I know you're there," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Still nothing.
I blinked and moved closer, pushing aside some of the lower branches to get a better look. That's when a strong hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.
"Got you," a rough voice growled.
I found myself face to face with Silas. His grip on my wrist was painful, and his eyes held a menacing gleam.
"What do you want?" I demanded, trying to pull away from him.
"You've been causing too much trouble, witch," he snarled. "Time to put an end to it."
"Let go of me!" I shouted.
But instead of releasing me, he tightened his grip and tried to drag me deeper into the bushes where no one would see us.
That's when my training kicked in. Without thinking, I swung my free hand in a sharp arc, catching him right across the face with all the strength I could muster. The impact sent a shock up my arm, but it worked.
Silas cried out and stumbled backward, blood flowing from his nose where I had struck him. His grip on my wrist loosened just enough for me to wrench myself free.
"You'll pay for that!" he snarled, holding his injured face.
But instead of coming at me again, he turned and ran, disappearing into the thick foliage of the garden.
I stood there breathing hard, my heart pounding with adrenaline. My hand was stinging from where I had hit him, but I barely noticed the pain as the reality dawned on me.
Darius had found me again.