Mehera. My eyes take in the sight of Yeri's gown, a regal dress that unmistakably signifies royalty—a lineage of queens. The embroidery and insignias are those of someone who has ascended to the highest station. Even the pendant, the pendant on Yeri's forehead is one, once worn by the dowager herself. It is a symbol of favor, a token of honor passed down, from one queen to another. It should be on my forehead. It should be resting in between my eye, not hers! It hasn’t even been three days since Yeri fooled everyone. Yet, the proximity between her and Ozar does not tarry. They stand close, far too close for mere acquaintances or political allies. The king's gaze, once filled with anger and hatred for Yeri, now holds something else entirely. Where is the fury that once burned in his eyes? Where is the disdain that he had openly shown? Has he forgotten what he saw? I stare at Yeri. There is a conveying in her eyes, a silent message that cuts deep: as if she were telling me that I stan
Queen Yeri.When I step out from the hall, Ozar stands in front of me. Mehera follows behind, heading out to cry or throw herself down the castle windows—I do not care."I have to make a decision. And this is only if you are willing to accept it, Mehera. I know you do not wish to return home, nor do you want to give up on us. Therefore, are you willing to become a consort and stay in the castle?" Ozar preludes.I can feel my heart drop—it is a sense of devastation washing over me as I look at him. The words he just uttered are incomprehensible."Excuse me?" I manage to ask, waiting for him to meet my gaze, to clarify the words that are still echoing in my mind.But instead of the reassurance that I hope for, Ozar’s next words cut again like a knife. "I wasn’t talking to you," he says, devoid of any warmth and he turns his to face Mehera. "I am speaking to Mehera. So, what is your decision? If you wish to go back home, I will support you. If you wish to find another marriage that woul
Alpha King Ozar.My boot echoes off the stone walls as I stride into the corridors of the prison. The guard leads me deeper into the fortress's bowels. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and aged iron, a proof of centuries of confinement. Yet, the prison has seen advancements with thicker iron bars, reinforced doors, and locking mechanisms.The ceilings arch high, supported by columns. They are cavernous, devoid of any sanctity. As we descend further, the guard occasionally glances back at me. Finally, we reach a massive iron door, rusted with age yet formidable in its design. The guard pulls out a large key from his belt and inserts it into the lock. With a creaking groan, the door swings open, revealing the cell where Collins is being held. The room is sparse, its only furnishings are a narrow cot and single window, barred and set high on the wall—allowing a sliver of gray light.Collins is at the edge of the narrow cot with his posture slouched. His face is gaunt from th
ContdAlpha King Ozar.“Ozar—” Yeri says but I have seen the color of her nipples and the slope of her breasts. To my notice, because I used to be in total awe of her body—they looked fuller, bigger.“I wasn’t told you were here,” Yeri says, her voice trembles slightly as she fidgets with the robe in her hands, hastily tying it across her body. Her fingers move quickly, though not quickly enough to hide what I’ve seen. She pulls the fabric tighter closer and I walk towards her. At once, I tower over her.I do not say a word—I think my silence is more imposing than anything I could utter. I notice of her damp hair, the curls clings to her neck and shoulders, still fresh from the shower. The scent of bubbles and soap lingers in the air and she places a hand on her chest, instinctively pushing the fabric higher to cover her exposed skin.“You’re—”“You are injured.”Yeri’s gaze softens as she notices the fresh scar marring my face. She lifts her hand to touch it but before she can make c
Queen Yeri.I lay still on the bed, face buried in the pillows. I have been like this since last night—my despair pulls me deeper into the sheets, refusing to release me. I saw when the morning light crept into the room as Alice opened the windows, letting in a soft breeze that stirs the curtains but did nothing to stir me. Kiesta stands at the foot of the bed."Your Majesty, there is a court meeting. You need to get up and dress. It is the first time you will appear as queen to the officials of Orizon."Alice moves to the side; her voice is gentle but with a sense of urgency. "I’ll start boiling water.""I will pick out her dress," Beth adds, as if the right gown might somehow revive the queen's spirit.I do not move. And my voice, when it finally emerges is faint. "I don’t feel well.""No, you just feel hate. Don’t beat yourself, Your Majesty. He is dragon wolf blood; he’s quite powerful." Kiesta says, it is a subtle encouragement but I do not want to see Ozar’s face.Kiesta sits on
Alpha King Ozar.I watch as she laughs softly with King Theodric. Her fingers lightly tap his shoulder, and the man respond with a playful tilt of his head. I don’t know what is funny but the both of them are seemingly lost in a private jest. I was quite surprised when he decided to get up and choose her side. It is a true fact that Lord Theodric is known well for his intelligence. Most of the council officers are quick to stand with him—it his influence and the quickness of his actions. By taking Yeri’s side, he has bought her a lot of followers in court already. However, I cannot help but be annoyed. Before I can dwell further on the scene, Clipper discreetly clears his throat, a subtle reminder to refocus. I blink, tearing my eyes away from the pair“Lord Daniel is approaching,” Clipper murmurs.Heaven only knows how long I have been staring at Yeri.I shift back to the stoic expression that I wear like an armor. Lord Daniel stops before me and bows. "Your Majesty," But before
Queen Yeri.I glide into my private bedroom, feeling the soft embrace of the space as the door closes behind me. I kick off my shoes, letting them fall unceremoniously to the floor. The sensation of freedom spreads through my toes, and I waste no time in collapsing onto the couch, reclining in a manner that would scandalize the court—a manner entirely unbecoming of a lady.But I don't care. Not tonight.A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, slow and wicked, as I replay the events of the day in my mind. Satisfaction curls within me like a contented cat. The image of Ozar, his eyes locked onto me in anger, is a delicious memory. While I spoke with Theodric, I could almost feel Ozar’s far breath.There is something intoxicating about knowing I commanded his attention so completely, despite all his gruffness and reserve. How could I forget? I have done it so well against him in the past. I stretch out on the couch and I can’t help but chuckle softly to myself. The day has gone in my fav
Alpha King Orizon.I enter the dining hall for breakfast at the grand table. To my surprise, Camille is the only one around the table. So, my eyes have no choice but to instinctively find her. Her gaze lifts to meet mine as I approach. The memory of last night hangs between us like a thick, unspoken cloud.Yesterday, she came into my bedroom, half-dressed and bold in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Her request was clear, her intent was undeniable. She asked—no, she practically begged—for me to take her. I wasn't expecting it. The surprise, the sheer audacity of it all, left me momentarily speechless. I didn't know what to make of it.In truth, I am still grappling with it now. How did it come to this? Where once I was sure of myself, confident in my desires, I now find myself adrift. The ordeal ended with me escorting her out—a conversation that I have no desire to revisit. But the question gnaws at me, persistent and unyielding: What is wrong with me? I have shared my bed with women befo