Emily’s POV. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until my back hit the bed. The next thing I knew, it was morning. “Good morning,” a voice said. Startled, I sat up on the bed and saw him sitting on the couch, casually reading a newspaper. A gasp escaped my lips as I glanced around, disoriented. “It’s morning?!” I murmured, mostly to myself than to him. “I didn’t know you were such a deep sleeper,” he said, his eyes fixated on the paper. “For a moment, I thought you’d slipped into a coma,” he added, not looking up. “I was exhausted,” I defended and slugged my feet out of bed. “You have no idea.” “Clearly. That explains why you snored all night, chasing sleep from my eyes.” “What?!” I gasped and lurched to my feet. “I? Snore?!” “Yes.” “I do not snore!” “Yes, you do. Or rather, you did,” he said, folding the newspaper and placing it on the couch beside him, and then he looked at me, holding back a smile. “But don’t worry. I’m still very much attracted to you,” he
Emily’s POV. Reluctantly, I took her hand and she gave me a gentle tug. “Come on! You will enjoy it!” she gingered. I rose to my feet and she steered us toward the door. They foyer opened up to us, the terrace, and lastly the courtyard. Letting go of my hand, Leia spread her arms, closed her eyes and inhaled the air. “Ah!” Smiling, she reopened her eyes and stared at me. “Nothing beats the morning’s fresh air,” she said. A faint smile touched my lips. I glanced around the courtyard; at the guards scattered about the place. Leia and I exchanged glances and resumed strolling down the pathway. We walked in companionable silence, the crisp morning air brushing against my skin. The courtyard was vast, as usual, lined with manicured hedges and blooming flowers in vibrant hues. The sunlight filtered through the high castle walls, casting a warm glow on the cobblestones. Leia led the way, her steps light and easy, while I couldn’t shake the tension lingering in my
Emily’s POV.In the moments following, I walked to the bed and threw myself in. I tried not to overthink it but recalling how I’ve been bullied by almost everyone lately—from Madame Severine to the handmaids, brought tears to my eyes.All of a sudden, the bedroom door came open and my mate walked into the room.“Bella?”I tried to wipe the tears but too late, he saw them. I sat up on the bed and a reticent smile played on my lips.“Hi... You’re back!” I stuttered.“Yes.” He shut the door behind him and stepped toward the bed. “I’m so sorry I had to leave without telling you. Something urgent came up and required my attention.”He covered the distance between us and cupped my face. His fingers brushed against my skin, sending warmth to my body. Closing my eyes, I reveled in the awe of his presence; letting his intoxicating scent soothe me.“Did anything happen while I was away?” he asked and I reopened my eyes.‘And who do you think he’d believe? A mad maiden or three loyal subjects?’
Emily’s POV. Han nodded and bolted out of the room and almost immediately a bell resonated through the walls of the castle. The already tense atmosphere of the laundry room became even more apprehensive. It seemed I was the only one in the room who didn't know what bell was ringing. Guards trooped into the room only then did Calix released his grip on the handmaids. Ivy collapsed on the floor, next to Rose, and both wheezed, coughing with bulging eyes. “Take them away, all three of them!” Calix commanded and the guards swung into action. “Please, my lord, please!” Theresa begged. They were bundled them out of the room and another deadening silence fell in the room. “Bella, is there anyone else in this room that has defied you?” Calix asked. His eyes were still glowing green but softened as he gazed at me. The rest of the servants in the room cowered at his question, they bowed their heads and avoided my gaze. But none of them has ever bullied me. “No.
Emily’s POV. Each step cued me into further anxiety as we headed to the tiltyard; a sickening knot tying in my stomach. It felt like the night of my eighteenth birthday ball when I was first introduced to the public. Calix’s hand holding mine was the only thing steadying me now, giving me the strength I needed. “Are you sure you can do this?” Calix asked, his voice soft. “I can.” I nodded. He glanced at me, his eyes searching mine for any hint of indecision, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. The air shifted as we approached the tiltyard. I could almost hear the low hums of the people gathered inside. Instead of the usual entrance of the tiltyard, Han, Calix, and I walked down a corridor, and then a grand staircase appeared ahead shielded by a canopy. Somehow, this tiltyard was familiar with the one in Azalea, with a special entrance to royalties. I caught a glimpse of the guards flanking the area and the entrance of the gallery. Clim
Calix’s POV. A growl rumbled in my chest. My late father's best friend was the last person I wanted to set my eyes on. “I may not have enough evidence to pin the accusation that he wrote to the Nirian parliament, but I have a strong feeling it's him.” “Could it be he’s here to admit to his crimes?” Han asked. “Mr. Westley? Admit to his crimes?” I scoffed. “Nobody admits to treason certainly not Mr. Westley. He’s smarter than that,” I replied and climbed down the stairs. “So what should I do?” Han asked, joining me. “Send him away.” I glanced at my beta. “Tell him I’m in no mood for visitors.” “Yes, my lord.” Han bowed and doubled his pace down the stairs but curiosity rippled through me. “Where’s he?” I asked. We both halted in our tracks and Han turned around. “I didn’t let him inside. He’s waiting on the terrace,” he said. A smile touched my lips—once again, I was proud of having him as my beta. He knew better not to let an
Calix’s POV. The sight of her was a perfection. My mate stood in the soft glow of the candlelight, her silk nightdress clinging to her curves in ways that left my breath hitching in my throat. Her black hair spilled loosely past her shoulders, the strands catching the warm light and framing her delicate face, highlighting her blue eyes. My gaze involuntarily dipped lower, tracing the curve of her collarbone and lingering on the swell of her cleavage visible above the delicate neckline of the gown. The contrast between the silk dress and her soft skin was maddening. A growl rumbled low in my chest, willing me to close the distance, but I fought against it. If I go to her now, I wouldn’t hesitate to take right there which might be frightening for her. The fire she was unknowingly eliciting in me, was so wild and raw I was afraid if I ravaged her right now, I might leave her with bruises—like the handmaidens. I dragged my gaze back up to her face, willing myself to focus on
Emily’s POV. The sheets were still warm where he had been and his scent lingered—a sign that it hadn’t been long since he left. “Calix?” I called out and sat on the bed. A wave of sadness swept through me as I realized I was all by myself—again, and then I heard the faint sound of water trickling in the washroom. Movements followed and the door swung open. He stepped into the room, droplets of water slid down his damp hair, trailing over his shoulder, down to the hard planes of his stomach where a white towel clung. “Where you looking for me?” he asked and I recollected myself. “Yes. No. I thought you left,” I stuttered. A smug smile spilling on his lips, he crossed the room and sat next to me. “I’d never leave without saying goodbye unless it's inevitable,” he muttered and planted a passionate kiss on my lips, one that left me closing my eyes and leaning into him as he deepened it. Painfully, the kiss ended and he cupped my face. “Good morning,” he greeted. “A good
Calix’s POV. After letting go of Thane, we released the Azaleans we held prisoners, and then retreated to our vessels. “Weigh anchors!” Han’s voice clamored, resounding in the night breeze. The lead vessel lurched forward as we set out for Tyr. Inside the Great Cabin, I carefully cleaned my mate with warm water. She whimpered and flinched at my touch, shrinking away as if expecting pain. My jaw clenched. Weeks of torture had made her fear even the gentlest of hands. She believed everyone who came near only meant to hurt her. Sighing, I reached for the bowl of soup on the table, scooped a spoonful, and brought it to her lips. “Here, have something to eat.” She hesitated, and then finally parting her lips, she took a sip and chewed slowly. “The stars.” She giggled. “There are stars in the soup.” “What?” She pointed at the vegetables in the soup. “I like the stars. Do you like them too?” I wavered for a second. “Y-yes. I like them too.” To prove it, I took a scoop of the
Calix’s POV. “Land Ho!” the lookout man hollered. I was in the Great Cabin with my officers, finalizing battle strategies should Alpha Thane try to prove stubborn, when suddenly the cry echoed through the ship. We finished and I pushed back my chair. I strode to the deck of the ship, my officers falling into steps behind me. Behind the wheel of the lead vessel, stood Han, steering the ship and dishing out instructions. “Prepare for docking. We make landfall, and we move in formation!” he bellowed. A radioman passed the information to the captains of the other ships. I stretched forth my hand and an officer handed me a spyglass. Stepping toward the bow of the ship, I glimpsed the island called Azalea. Azaleans were already running helter-skelter towards their city gates, mothers clutching their children, merchants abandoning their stalls. Guards rushed out to man the fortress walls. The city bell tolled in frantic warning in a distance as soldiers poured onto the ramp
Calix’s POV. I hated the slight tremor in my hands as I stepped away and read the letter. The first paragraph spoke of how he missed her. The next confirmed they had arrived safely in Azalea—and that my mate was truly sick. A growl rumbled in my chest as I read about my mate’s suffering at the hands of the same people who were supposed to protect her. Unbridled fury crashed through me and I closed the letter. “No! That's not possible!” I raked my fingers through my hair and paced the room. “If she’s really going through this suffering, how come I am not feeling it too through our mate bond? At least, we’ve marked and still remain fully mated to each other.” “Randolph cannot lie to me,” Leia defended, cradling her stomach. “He might have kept a truth from me, once, the letter Princess Emily wrote to him while they were still here. But he would never lie to me!” she stressed. “I never said he was lying.” “Then what are you trying to say?” she asked. Sighing, I stoppe
Randolph’s POV.“Land Ho!” the lookout man hollered.I took out my spyglass and glimpsed at the island ahead.It's been hours since we left the shores of Tyr, hours since I left Princess Emily in the Great Cabin, having watched over her until she slept off, and joined the crew on the main deck.The captain had inquired about our my destination, and I told him Azalea. Now, at last, there she stood. Above us, silhouettes of birds flitted across the sky as first stars twinkled into existence. “Prepare the lines!” the captain’s voice rang out. “Ease the sails and slow her down!” The crew sprang into action, uncoiling the thick ropes and securing the sails. Soon, the ship glided forward, hauled by the gentle current.The salty breeze thickened with the scent of damp wood and seaweed as we neared Azalea’s harbor.“Drop anchor!” the captain called.A heavy splash followed as the heavy metal plunged into the depths of the sea, sending ripples across the water’s surface. The ship ro
Calix’s POV. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the half-empty bottle in my hand. I had been drinking for hours, pouring glass after glass, hoping the burn of the wine would drown out the ache in my chest. But it only dulled it—never erased it. The sun had long since set, replaced by a moon that peeked through the narrow window, casting a pale glow over the room. The bottle tilted as I brought it to my lips again, the last remnants of wine sliding down my throat. “I love you.” Her words echoed in my head. A bitter laugh rumbled in my chest. Love? Was this what love felt like? A twisting knife in the gut? A slow, suffocating betrayal? I had spent nights blaming myself, thinking I had failed her as a mate, as her alpha. I had torn myself apart searching for answers, wondering what went wrong. And all this time… she had been lying. Pretending. Manipulating me into letting her go. Snarling, I rose to my feet and hurled the bottle against the wall. The impact echoed th
Emily’s POV. “Princess Emily!” “Princess Emily, where are you?” Leia’s voice echoed in the distance. A raspy groan escaped my lips as I rolled on my back. My eyes fluttered open, and I welcomed nothing but the blurry scenery of the forest. It slowly blurred to focus and a sharp pain, seared through my chest, settling triumphantly in my head. I whimpered from the pain. “Leia?” My voice was so tiny I could barely hear myself. “Leia?” Footsteps rushed toward me, and suddenly, Leia emerged from the trees, a handful of warriors behind her. A gasp slipped from her lips and her eyes widened with shock. “Your Highness?” Leia darted to my side and plummeted to the floor. “Your Highness, what happened to you?” “Thank goodness you’re here,” I panted, struggling to push myself up. “She took a strand of my hair.” “Who?” Leia grasped my arm and helped me to my feet. “A witch. She had a dagger—she tried to hurt me. When I overpowered her, she turned to dark magic instead.” Lei
Emily’s POV. The forest quickly enveloped me as I followed the narrow path, forging towards the unknown. The whisperings continued, growing louder with each step that I took. And there was a distant laughter growing closer with every passing second. An eerie feeling washed over me and my heart began to thump in my ears. Wait. What am I doing here? I shouldn't be this far away from the training grounds. I turned to leave, when suddenly, the whisperings and laughter stopped, and another sound reached my ears. Footsteps within the trees. “Who’s there?” I asked. A sudden breeze rustled the branches and leaves of the trees, and suddenly, a shadow flickered past. “Show yourself!” I commanded. “Hello, Emily Blakesley.” A feminine voice said within the trees. “I said, show yourself!” I repeated. “Then you’ll be afraid,” the voice said. Suddenly, a woman emerged from the trees, not so old, not young either. She was draped in a black dress and cloak, the tattered hem of her r
Emily’s POV. The room fell into utter silence at the question. My heart pounded against my ribs as all eyes turned to me. I glanced at Calix from the corner of my eye. He was perfectly still, his gaze locked on me. I could feel the tension in the way his fingers brushed mine. Taking another deep breath, I nodded. “Yes, I love him,” I answered with all sincerity. A few chuckles echoed around the room and Calix exhaled slowly, lifting my hand to his lips. He pressed a kiss against my knuckles. “I love you too, my Luna,” he whispered. The others purred, Leia leaning into Randolph for a kiss, while Han rolled his eyes. As for me, guilt gnawed at my chest. I had hurt him in a way no lover should. Randolph and I exchanged knowing glances and a thought occurred in my head. “What about you, Han? What about your mate?” I suddenly asked. “Yes, that’s true,” Calix chipped in. “What happened to the red-haired you danced with the first night we arrived here? For a moment, I w
Emily’s POV. It was supposed to be simple. I was supposed to pretend to be sick until he got irritated and sent me away. It was supposed to be that simple. But instead of loathing me, the mate the Moon Goddess gave me cared for me. He stayed with me. He made sure I lacked nothing while I unraveled in the false world of madness I had created. The harder I tried, the more determined he became—his care unwavering, his protectiveness suffocating me in its sincerity. Even to the point of losing himself. This morning, watching him reveal his deepest family secret, and his declarations to our bond crumbled the walls of my defense. Guilt clawed at my chest, squeezing so tightly at my lungs that I could barely breathe. But why? Why did he hide the truth about Randolph from me? Why did he make me feel like a pawn in his game? Made me feel like whatever that we had was a lie? Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. One slipped away anyway, and he wiped it with his t