Chapter 5 Showing Mercy

Ariana’s POV

My feet never stopped, it kept running, running far away from that place. It felt like if I ran long enough then maybe I’d forget, but I knew that was a lie.

With each stomp of my feet it felt like it was closer than before. My wolf was in so much pain, with each howl it felt like her claws dug in my chest, attempting to rip my heart out, unsuccessfully, and with each scratch of her claws, it made me want her to take my heart out and for my impending death to finally find its way to me.

The weight of my gown caused me to lose my breath quicker and there was a rage that bloomed inside of me, mixed with severe humiliation.

I wanted him to see me like this in this form, beautiful and proud, I did this all for him. I never felt the need to prove myself to anyone but for Jasper I would do anything just so I was worthy.

And yet…

Suddenly, I halted in my tracks and screamed, clutching my chest. My knees gave out and I sank to the ground, profusely weeping.

The pain of rejecting one’s mate was attempting to rip me to shreds. It felt like a knife had been stuck in my chest. That same knife that if I dared try to remove would only hurt the more.

After a while I attempted to stand, only to trip in my gown and fall again, scraping my arm. In surreal anger I tore off the hem of the gown, leaving it barely below my knee and in ruins.

I didn’t bother to return to the banquet hall but instead headed straight into the mansion. I couldn’t let them see me like this… succumbing to weakness.

“Ariana!” That was my father’s voice.

I halted, but didn’t bother to look back. Embarrassment washed over me, and I couldn’t face my father.

“Oh my God, Ariana!” I winced hearing my mother’s voice. She ran towards me, grabbing my shoulders and turning me towards her. “What happened to you?”

I couldn’t look up at her but from her voice I could tell the emotion written her face.

“Talk to me for God’s sake. What happened? Was it the merchant? Did he do anything to you? Why do you look like this?” Seeing my dress she gasped in horror, “My Lord, what is this?”

Seeing as I wasn’t saying anything she shook me.

“Say something!”

My mouth refused to open.

My father was now beside me. He took me from my mother’s arms and forced me to look at him. His eyes let me know I was cornered and I would be bent to his will. “Answer your mother, Ariana.”

I took my face away, bending my head in shame.

“Jasper mated with another woman and she is with his unborn child.”

My mother gasped and my father freed my hands, stepping back. Saying it out loud forced the cruel reality to fall on me and I could barely keep myself standing.

“And she has his mark, Father.”

There’d only been a few times I’d seen my father this angry and this was one of them.

“Guards!” A battalion of soldiers immediately appeared. “Get me Jasper Davis. Dead or alive.”

Before I could call him he turned, leaving. My mother held me, embracing me in a hug.

“I’m so sorry.” She said.

I didn’t want to hear that. I didn’t want to be told that, there was no need to be sorry for me. I pulled away, “I’m fine, Mother.”

“Ariana—”

“Excuse me, I need to get changed.” Without waiting for a response I left.

By the time I came back down, Jasper was on his knees, his head bowed and my father had traces of murderous intent in his eyes.

“How dare you, you filthy beta cause my daughter such disgrace!” I winced. “As long as I am alive I will make sure you have no kingdom to call your own, you and your shameful mate will live in the wilderness left to be eaten by monsters!”

“Please, your majesty! I have committed a blunder that not even my life can make up for. Your majesty, spare my life. I’d rather live as a slave but please spare me!”

“For this you will die by my claws.”

“Your maje—"

“Let him be, Father!” I spoke.

They both turned to look at me.

“Ariana, what are you saying? This man—”

“I know very well what he did, Father. I was the one who was betrayed.”

“Then what are you—?”

“After me he is the best warrior this kingdom has had and has served this kingdom with unflinching loyalty. With such rare talent it’d be a waste for this kingdom to let him die. We shouldn’t waste potential over mere things. More than anything, this kingdom deserves undying loyalty and servitude, even if that means laying your life and my pesky feelings.” I walked closer. “He should live.” The words pierced my heart, and my wolf howled in disapproval but I ignored it.

With a weary sigh, Father relented. "Very well. Jasper, you shall remain in the pack. But know this, you are under the watchful eye of this crown. Betray us again, and no plea shall stray my hand from justice, even Ariana's."

As Father exited the throne room, mother followed right behind him after giving me a sad smile. The only two people left now was Jasper and me.

"Ariana, I-" Jasper's voice was thick with remorse.

"Don't," I cut him off.

"I didn't do this for you. I did it for my kingdom."

His eyes searched mine, looking for a hint of the softness or care, but all he found was the anger and pain of betrayal he inflicted upon me. "I'm genuinely still in shock, I didn't expect you to defend me. Not after everything I did. Thank you Ariana for being so magnanimous.”

I turned away, my eyes a fortress of ice. I fully steeled my heart and made to leave the study when I heard his voice say from behind me.

"You're going to be an incredible Queen, Ariana."

His voice was filled with admiration.

I snorted, my gaze steady as I looked over my shoulder and said.

"Whether I will be a good queen or not, it doesn’t

concern you anymore, Jasper. Remember your place and your duty. That is all that should concern you now." And with those last words I walked out of the room.

****

There was nothing I hated more than weakness. It was a time where my body rebelled against me and sank beneath the earth, hopeless. And it was the simplest way I could explain what I was currently feeling.

I couldn’t sleep, and while I did, all I dreamt about was that moment, the bump on her stomach, the mark on her shoulder. It was a nightmare and I knew it wouldn’t end.

Before the day started I dwelled on my anger and let it wash over me like rain, leaving my pain to become dirt on the ground.

I ignored my wolf who wanted me to acknowledge such pain, but I wouldn’t allow it. I wouldn’t allow him turn me into this.

So when sunrise shone through the rays of my window, I stood, taking my fighting gear and walking out the palace. Seeing the shock in the face of my opponents meant they already knew. Well, word in this kingdom would spread that fast, especially for something like this.

I won’t let this take me, I won’t surrender to weakness.

“Ariana!” The voice stopped me in my tracks and the pain I was trying to conceal was beating wildly against my chest. I blinked rapidly and turned, Jasper beside me. He had a worried look on his face.

“Why do you call my name with such familiarity?”

His eyes widened and then lowered.

“I apologize, your highness, but this is a dire matter.”

“What is it?”

“My mate—” I flinched, “Lorna, I can’t find her.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“You’re the only one I can turn to, Ariana—your highness, I’m distraught and have no idea what to do. Ever since the incident last night she’s been missing. I’m afraid of what could have happened, especially in those woods.”

Eyes were already on us, peering heavily and I knew I couldn’t slip up, no matter what.

“What if she killed the poor omega?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean it’s possible, seeing how ruthless the princess can be. Didn’t you watch her training today? She resembled a monster.”

“She’s always been one.” And then laughter.

My breath halted hearing those cruel whispers from the people surrounding us. I wasn’t really surprised, most people here despised my strength, and labelled me a monster because of it.

I attempted a smile, “Come on, lets go look for her. We’ll start with the place we last saw her.”

He smiled, taking my hand, “Thank you so much, Ariana.”

The longing in my heart couldn’t help itself so I let his hand stay.

While we walked, Jasper wouldn’t stop talking to me, trying to at least and normally my wolf should be jumping in excitement but she—we were shrouded in so much betrayal that we were both quiet.

She missed him. I did too.

We stopped in our tracks on reaching the place. There were stains of blood on the ground and evidence of struggle. My breath hitched.

Jasper rushed to where the blood stain was and knelt, crying. Suddenly a wave of guilt overcame me.

I didn’t come because I was actually worried about Lorna, I came out of spite and yet… she could be dead, together with his unborn baby. In these parts of the woods, wild monsters killed out kind, especially when pregnant.

I covered my mouth, walking towards him.

“Jasper, we can’t be sure yet. She could’ve survived and managed to get away, especially since we can’t find her body—”

“Her scent is gone, Ariana!” My breath hitched.

“Lorna… she’s gone.” He cried harder.

“I’m sorry, Jasper, I really am.” Hesitantly, I placed my hand on his shoulder. He held it, turning towards him, holding me by the legs.

“Ariana, I’m all alone now, please don’t leave me, at least you’re still breathing and alive. Forgive me and I promise to be the man that you need, the man that you deserve. Just give me one, one more chance I beg you.”

He stood, closing our space, “I love you, Ariana, I always have.

My body fixated, drowning in his scent and for some reason I couldn’t think, neither could my mate.

Three years of lost affection was starting to cloud both our senses and so I remained there.

He began drawing closer, leaning in, hands still gripping my hand tightly. His hands felt rough with a surge of pain but somehow I liked it, wanted it. Made me forget how stupid I was, how stupid I’d always been.

A dark voice, something I scarily resembled, something close to ominous—the kind that promised surreal power—spoke.

“Lorna is very much alive.”

Jasper froze, face screaming of horror as we quickly sprang apart. I turned my head swiftly to the voice, my eyes revealing the annoying merchant.

“She’s not dead.” He said again. “And she’s very much alive.”