Alpha King Ozar.Again.She has put an edge between us but I don’t blame her for it. I blame myself for hurting eery time she does it. I have done it times without number but I have finally gotten to a point where I can no longer treat her like she doesn’t exist. I could have seen the paleness on her face and walked away, I could have…but the mate bond kept me grounded like a pillar. And now, I am waiting outside the dowager’s court like a man who is not a dragon wolf blood.As soon as the door opens, I turn to see her and it is Mehera I see first.“Your majesty, what are you still doing here?” She asks and just as I open my mouth.“I—” Yeri comes out and I am even more perplexed by the look of her face.“Are you sure you are okay?” Camille asks as they come out together.“Of course.” She says and her eyes falls on me.She forced a smile, a brittle attempt to reassure Camille but the stark contrast between her forced cheer and the ashen hue of her skin is a betrayal. My heart pounds i
Princess Yeri.“And why would you tell him that!?” Diana yells at Alice.“I—” Alice stutters, unable to speak.“Say something, Alice.” Beth says.“I couldn’t help myself. That lady Mehera was there and it was her servants that framed me for stealing her jewellery.” Alice says, sniffing.I am standing at the large mirror, staring at m reflection. I have taken at least two cups of jasmine and moringa tea. And just as the physician said, it helped my mood and my face isn’t as ghostly as it was this morning. Needless to say, I am still in a bad mood. My fingers skilfully braids my long, silken hair, working swiftly. When the physician told me that I would get better just by drinking the tea, I thought she was lying until I vividly saw my face getting colour. Regardless, I concentrate on getting my hair out of her face. Each braid tightens, an attempt to bring some semblance of order to the chaos around her and within her.Behind me, the room is buzzed with tension. Alice, Beth and Diana s
Alpha King Ozar.“What are you doing here?" I ask, my voice is carrying effortlessly over the sound of the waterfall. There is a hint of something more in my tone—perhaps concern, perhaps profound joy to find her here. I don’t know, you tell me.Yeri, momentarily caught off guard, hesitates. She glances back at the waterfall, then at e, as if considering her response."I... I'll leave," she stammers, feeling suddenly out of place in this unexpected encounter. She turned, intending to head back to her horse.But before she could take more than a step, I begin to walk towards her."Stop.” I commanded. I say it in a firm manner but it is not unkind. There is a note of urgency in his words for I cannot bear to let her slip away so quickly. The sun glints off my damp skin, highlighting the contours of my frame.Yeri pauses, caught by the authority in my voice.“Why are you evading me? Why are you making my touch burn?” I ask.“Because it does.” Yeri answers, her face has colour once again
Princess Yeri.I reach up and cup Ozar's face with both hands. His skin is warm under her touch, the texture of his beard brushes against my palms. I look deeply into his eyes, seeing a mix of confusion, hope, and longing. Then, with a sudden, fierce resolve, I leaned in and crush my lips against his. Our kiss is electric, a powerful clash of passion and desperation. I delve my tongue into his mouth, exploring, tasting, and claiming. Ozar responds with equal fervour, his hands instinctively wraps around my waist and pulls me closer. We breathe heavily and out bodies are pressed together as if we are trying to meld into one. The world around me has blurred, fading away and leaving only the raw, visceral connection between us.In a rush of impulsive energy on my part, I push Ozar back. He stumbles, and we both end up on the ground, the grass softens our fall. I have been frustrated earlier today, needing him and thinking of him at every chance that I got. Ozar looks at me in surprise a
Lady Mehera.“There is no sight of Yeri or his majesty.” My maidservant says to me and I exhale.“Do not let it show on your face.” Bertha reminds me in a swift manner.“What do I do? Pretend like I don’t know that Yeri is probably having intimacy with the king right now as we speak?” I say, trying to reduce my voice and my hands are shaking.“They are here.” My maidservant tugs at my sleeve and I look back.Yeri and King Ozar steps through the heavy oak doors, the servants were hiding and they only showed themselves after they stepped in. Yeri's eyes widens in surprise as the castle’s entrance erupts into a burst of confetti. The confetti explodes from hidden cannons positioned strategically around the hall, showering the space in a cascade of bright, multi-coloured paper.Camille stood at the center of the room in excitement. I watch as Yeri and the king make their entrance. Around her, the servants and her maidservants, gathered, clapping and cheered, their voices creating a cheerf
Princess Yeri.“He what!?” Diana says.“Will you accept?” Beth asks.“Princess?” Alice adds.“I have accepted.” I say and they gasp. After they gasp, they stare at me in a manner that says everything they are thinking. I can see Diana’s face, it carries the most shock or is it shame, debauchery, blasphemy? I cannot tell. She struggles to maintain her composure. Her hands, which usually moves with gentle assurance, trembles slightly, and she instinctively clasps them together in front of her, as if trying to steady herself. The depth of her distress is evident in the subtle quiver of her lips and the tightness around her eyes.The color has drained from all their faces.Diana appears lost for words, her mouth opens and closes as she struggles to find a response.“And why would you do that?” She asks.“To save Elanor.” I state.“And to lose yourself!?” She snaps at me and I jolt by the second. I do not say another word.“It is bad enough that we are tainted by these barbarians but to bo
Alpha King Orizon. I cannot keep it in my chest. I want to tell everyone. I want to make it known that I have asked for Yeri’s hand. Therefore, I asked that we all have dinner together. The dowager is going to join in any second, she will be witness to the decision that I shall make. I will apologize to Mehera, I will do my best to pacify her. But tonight, everyone will get to know that Yeri is my mate. The bond that lives in between and inside of us is stronger than hate. I have learnt to let go of one, and hold onto the other. “You are quite early for dinner…you usually come last, are you that famished?” Camille asks. I am on my feet, watching the entrance. Asher and Kaine walk in. I do not give a reply to Camille yet for I am afraid that if I were to turn my mind somewhere, I would not catch Yeri as she makes her way in. Mehera is next to walk in, she curtsies before me and I nod. I shift my eyes from her when I see Yeri approaching. Her walking step is of composed grace; she i
Mehera.“The king was about to tell the dowager.” I murmur, my head is laid at top the pillows and my maidservants are gathered around me.“My lady, you are going to become sick if you continue this—”“He was going to propose.” I murmur, all over again.“You cannot do anything if you become sick. Your temperature is rising—”“Shut up! I yell, digging my hands into the sheets of the bed. I have dug my fingers so hard that I can hardly feel my own knuckles anymore.“Just shut up!”“King Ozar is going to send me back to my father, empty handed…the whole capital will come to know about my fallen alliance. My friends, relatives…they are all going to look at me in disgrace. The king married his enemy, didn’t even glance at her despite living in his castle. I cannot even scream or yell as much as I want to for the castle has its own ears and eyes.”“What do I have that she doesn’t? Who am I kidding? She is the king’s mate.” I utter.“Where is Bertha?” I ask, looking at them in displeasure.“
Alpha King Ozar.As I pass through the courtyard, I sense the chill of the night. It clings to the castle walls like rain on leaves. My mind, though weighed with thoughts, is pierced by the sound of laughter—her laughter. Yeri's voice floats through the shadows like a melody, unrestrained and untouched by the bitterness between us. I pause and my eyes settles on her figure just beyond the archway.Oh, has her date with Theodric come to an end already?However, this is different.She is walking a small puppy. Her laughter is soft, with one hand resting on her stomach as though to steady herself from the joy spilling out. What could be joyful with everything that has been happened between us? I scoff and my chest tightens at the sight. That must be another gift from Theodric? Of course, it must be. He showers her with trinkets, and this puppy is no different.The puppy, a clumsy thing, tips the rope in her hand and dashes off on its own, its tiny paws clatters against the stone path. I
Alpha King Dimitrio.After announcing her arrival, the dowager strides into my study with a gown that rustles against the stone floor. I lift my eyes from the paperwork before me for I am slightly surprised by her presence. Ever since the wedding, she’s kept her distance, not even so much as a glance in my direction or the castle. And yet, here she is. There must be a reason. The dowager never does anything without reason."Since you haven’t dethroned her, I’m guessing you have your reasons. King Magnus has our people, and therefore, Yeri has to hold the seat for now they have the upper hand." she begins, calculating as she takes a seat across from me. She lowers herself gracefully to sit, back straight with hands folded in her lap.I find myself admiring, grudgingly, how well she understands the situation. "You know it all," I say."Is that all there is to it, Ozar?" Her eyes pierce through me, and I can already sense she’s digging deeper. "What did Collins tell you that made you b
Queen Yeri.King Ozar storms into my chambers with a force that makes my hands freeze mid-stitch. My maidservants immediately scatter, eyes wide with fear, sensing the fury that has just entered. Only Kiesta remains, standing still like a sentinel beside me.I glance at her briefly.“Leave us,” I say, despite the feel of my heart thudding against my ribcage.Kiesta hesitates for a moment, flickering between Ozar and me, but then nods and steps out, closing the door behind her.A scoff escapes his lips before he even speaks, his anger radiating off him like heat from a forge. I stop what I’m doing, setting the fabric aside, and slowly rise to my feet, but before I can steady myself, he strides forward and shoves me back down onto the couch. I gasp, my breath caught in my throat as I look up at him.Ozar towers over me like the man that he is and his shadow casts me in darkness.“Explain yourself…” he growls, thick with annoyance.I press my lips together, drawing a slow breath to calm
Queen Yeri.“Her attendants are processing her for a night with the king.” Camille says and I huff, looking at her with an emotion I cannot give a name yet. I accused Ozar of being jealous but right now, the expression of my emotions is more than jealousy.“He kept me in the castle because he is jealous of my relationship with Theodric. Yet, he wants to completely wither me by spending a night with Mehera.” I lament, pacing back and forth in Camille’s room. Camille, ever composed, is pouring herself a drink as if my world isn’t on the verge of crumbling.“Do you think he’ll do it?” I ask, betraying the fear that’s tightening around my chest.Camille barely glances at me and her lips curls into a wry smile. "Fuck his consort? Yeri, before you came, the king was swimming in a harem filled with women of all shapes and sizes. Of course, he’ll do it."I freeze, my hand flying to my forehead, my skin is hot to the touch. I’m sweating, and my heart is pounding so violently I fear it might b
Alpha king Ozar.“What do you want me to do?” Clipper asks.I don’t know what to say. I scratch my forehead in a worried manner.“I am worried.” I confess.“So, what? You want to find a way to stop her. If she cannot go today, she will go another day. Plus, Theodric is a married man. You shouldn’t have to worry about him.” Clipper ensues.“But have you seen Yeri? The council officers who are all married men were gawking at her the other day. She is mischievous and is capable of wielding her hand.” I say to Clipper but he may never understand. I know what prompted me to push Yeri to consort, then leave her as queen. Was it when she stroked my manhood at the time where she was a consort? Or was it how she sojourned me in the tents? Yeri just has to make a smoke, and the rest will result in fire.“Okay, I will leave now.”“No—let there be a spy that has been found in the capital. Send gammas to the capital to search for the spy and because of that, no royal is to step out.” I say.Clipp
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
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 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 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