Rayna’s POV:Brian took up the duty to show me around in the palace. Alexander was still not back, and I needed something to kill my time.I was already missing him. Brian took me to the back quarters of the palace where there were kids of different ages, and they were being taught in groups.Some were learning sword handling by using those fake wooden swords, some were busy making science projects, and a few were sitting in the reading corner holding books.“I never got the chance to see this part. Where did you hide them all this time?” I said in pure fascination, “Who are these kids?”“Majority of them are orphans. King Samuel started the construction of this building because he wanted a separate place for such kids who had no parents or were growing up under single parent's care. He wanted them to live with like-minded kids so that they could share their ideas, imaginations, and the feelings they had after losing a parent.”There were teachers taking rounds, helping t
Rayna’s POV:“YOU sent Lola? Why would you do that?” The question was not out of curiosity, it was more like an investigation.“I'm sorry for making you upset, my queen. She was sentenced to prison because of me. That's the reason I asked Brian to free her. When I am safe… sound and standing here in front of you then there was no reason to keep her imprisoned.”This time instead of responding to me her eyes flicked to Brian, “Rayna doesn't hold any position in this palace to pass such orders. Do you know it, Brian? I can easily send you to the same dungeons where Lola was residing. As a beta, it's not your duty to tell anyone when the orders should be passed or who is supposed to pass it.”“I'm sorry, my queen," Brian addressed her politely, “with due respect, Lola's condition was not good and she needed to be out of there before anything serious could happen to her.”“You should have come to me then…”“I came … I came to you, my lady… but you said Alexander is not listening to you…”
Rayna’s POV:“I usually do that, Rayna but today I needed some privacy with you,” Lola reached for the tea bags and dropped them into the mugs, the aroma of vanilla and rose filling the air.“Sugar?” I gave my head a subtle shake as I saw her stirring the spoon in her cup, the clinking sound echoing softly in the room, “I like my tea with sugar. I can have black coffee without any sweetness but not tea.”As she handed me the cup, I wrapped my hands around it, feeling the warmth through my fingers, “you wanted to talk to me? Is it something important?”Instead of answering me, she took a seat by the study table and started sipping her drink. For a few moments, I thought that maybe she didn't hear me.We kept drinking our tea in comfortable silence.“If you can make it quick, Lola then that would be awesome.”“Why? In a hurry to join him in the room? He hasn't even returned yet, Rayna.”“I know,” I smiled softly, “I want to sleep,” my nostrils flared when I tried to suppress the yawn.
Lola's POV:I was humming with happiness and had another cup of tea to celebrate after Rayna left. I owed this to myself. What did he think when he sent me to those dungeons?I was young and ambitious, and that was the reason for my rejection. It was nothing personal. How dare he thought, he could punish me for helping Rayna as if she were a small baby and couldn’t make her own decisions? I didn’t want that crown now. Not anymore.Revenge was the only thing on my mind. When there was a knock at the door, I hummed to let the person in.“Ma’am. You called?” a maid came inside and bowed her head.“Please arrange a meeting for me with the queen. It will be best if its early morning BEFORE breakfast. But if that isn't manageable then after breakfast will also do.”She nodded gently, “Sure. I’ll let you know when it’s confirmed. Anything else?” I thought for a moment and then my lips curled up, “Can you please bring me some beer cans?” she blinked as if I had lost my mind.I was already d
Alexander’s POV:“What …” I trailed off when I saw her face.“I am asking, who was your fated mate, Alexander?” the words that came out of her mouth were unexpected for me.She didn’t look like her usual self. The panic and this fear …. A feeling I never knew I would ever experience started making its way into my heart. I didn’t know a thing about this emotion. My mom raised me to be a fearless warrior. But she never mentally prepared me to avoid this emotion… this fear that my beloved … my Rayna might leave me.***Rayna’s POV:The silence from his side was giving me heart palpitations. Why was he taking this long to answer me? Please, Alexander! Say something.Don’t stay quiet.At least lie to me.“Rayna… I… this whole … I mean…” I had never seen him this uncertain. Was Lola winning again?Her sister got mated to my fated mates, and now she did the same to my second chance chosen mate. Just when I admitted my love to him, she told me… they used to be fated mates.“I … I w…wanted to
Rayna’s POV:“Not exactly a plan… it was never done intentionally. I liked you and I started enjoying her facial expressions whenever I used to give you extra care or show you affection.”I nodded and started heading towards the door.“Rayna…”I reached the door and twisted the handle, “Right now I can’t stay with you in this room Alexander. I need to get away from you. I need some time… Please.”I wanted to be alone so that I didn’t have to show him my tears. However, his hand covered mine and he didn’t let me open the door, “If that’s the case, I’ll leave the room, Rayna. You stay here.”I tried to push him away, “No need. This is your room. You should stay.”But he didn’t even budge from his position, “Take your time, Rayna. Don’t worry about me. Nobody from the palace will know about it. I’ll use the guest quarters.”I was still rooted to the spot when he picked up his phone and scurried, “Would you mind telling me what difference it makes?” he asked me before stepping out, standi
Rayna’s POV:People say, goodbyes are sad, but I never believed them. A few months back, I left my pack very happily.Because over there nobody loved me, nobody made me feel that I was important to them. But today while leaving the Royal palace, I couldn’t say the same thing.The nights we spent on this bed, the laughter we shared over meals, and the long, meaningful conversations we had. All those moments, I spent with Alexander came rushing back to me.I was leaving but could feel this heaviness on my chest. Alexander spoiled me, he made me realize that I could be important to someone.I was precious to him. If only… he could be honest with me. Was it too much to ask? I didn’t bother to meet anyone from the royal family before leaving. Not even Nora.They all were already dealing with their own set of problems and believe me. They wouldn’t even miss me. Ha-ha.The person who would miss me the most didn’t show his face ever since he allowed me to leave the palace.I had nothing to pac
Rayna’s POV:“Please stay!” I almost pleaded with Megan but then saw the same request in her eyes. She might be my friend, but she couldn’t risk her job by not following Lola’s unsaid order.I nodded in understanding and gave her a tightlipped smile, “Go…”“So… you are leaving… at last…” Lola sighed as if she was too sad for me. I knew her better.“Yeah. I’m,” Just to keep myself busy I started placing the things, I wasn’t planning to carry, in my suitcase. “My my … Look at this…” she picked up my necklace from the mattress, Alexander once slipped around my neck in my sleep. It had a silver chain, at the center of which hung a dazzling Sapphire, “this is a masterpiece. Are you taking it with you?” She raised it above and observed its blue hues catching the light and shimmering in her hand like an ocean. She attached it to her collarbone and looked around for a mirror.Hurriedly heading to one, she gave herself a once over, “This is exquisite. I would like to keep it, Rayna.”Oh, no. N
(Two years later)“Your Highness. There is a woman who wants to meet you,” I closed the book, I was reading in my library, and looked at the little bundle of joy sleeping peacefully in my arms.I mind linked the governess to come and get the baby and wait for me here. “Keep her here. No need to come out,” I instructed her after kissing the small forehead and went to the guest area. I knew who my visitor was.That was the reason I passed some special instructions to my servants.When I reached there, I found a red-colored, huge, georgette cloth hanging in the middle. The woman was sitting on the other side of the cloth wrapped in a black shawl hiding more than half of her face.The shawl belonged to only one woman.No servants or maids were accompanying her. She was not wearing any fancy gown but a simple cotton skirt with a mismatched blouse.I took my seat on this side and waited for her to speak. I had somewhat guessed that she would come to meet me one day.“Alexander… I… I’m here
(NOTE:It’s a free chapter for my dearest readers as it was too short to post. Love you all!)Lola’s POV:Sigh! I was back in the cell and was trying to decide if this time I should seduce the guards or the strong man who usually brought meals for me.This time I was chained but there was almost no physical abuse. Orion passed the order of my arrest because someone told him that I attempted to kill Alexander.And why would I do that? I love him!I kept screaming at the top of my lungs that I was innocent and then…Then someone told me that Liam heard me talking to the witch.My own flesh and blood were the ones who spoke against me. When I kept doing all those evil things, nobody could even harm a hair on my body.But this time when I was really innocent, I was thrown into the dungeons. I didn’t say a word after that. Trust me.The person who loves you most can give you the worst pain. In my case, it was Liam. Every bad thing I was doing to others was because of him.I wanted the thro
Zara’s POV:(Trigger warning for physical abuse and rape, but not too graphic)There wasn’t a moment I didn’t miss my friend. As Omegas, all of us always had great respect for her. None of us could tell her that. She was always so strong-headed and knew how to stand and speak up for her rights. Nothing about her was odd. Do you know, why?Because she was the firstborn of the beta of the pack. As powerful and as strong-willed as a beta should be. Her father, her stepmom, his mates, Violet… all of them tried to take away something she deserved.And then didn’t like it when she took a stand for herself and protested. Eric must have realized what a gem he lost.But the shitty-headed man didn’t want to accept it with an open heart. Apparently, a man is someone who knows how to suppress a woman and finds it insulting to apologize for his mistakes.His ego is bigger than his di*ck.That day when Rayna went to take a shower because she was too excited about her upcoming date with King Alexan
Rayna’s POV:“What is my wife thinking!” I gasped and then smiled when his arms wrapped around my waist kissing the nape of my neck.“I was missing my husband,” I leaned back my head to his chest, forgetting all my worries knowing full well he was there to take care of everything.I trusted him and was sure he would be a great father to our child.“How is our son doing?” his hand slid under my top and I laughed hard when it settled on my bo*ob. “The baby doesn’t reside here, mister,” I gestured using my eyes towards his hand that was under my clothes. “Umm hmm. I know. His food is. I was just checking if there is enough to fill his tummy,” I felt his nose getting in my hair. “Ahan! His food or your food?”“Both!” he chuckled when felt my shoulders shaking with mirth.“You keep saying his, him, he… what if it’s a daughter?”“Lycans of royal lineage usually have sons as their firstborn,” he informed me huskily, “And we don’t prefer ultrasounds too unless it’s an emergency.”In werew
Rayna’s POV:My eyes fluttered and I felt like I was waking up from a deep sleep. With a frown, I opened my eyes and found Alexander’s face leaning on me.“Welcome back!” I felt his lips on my forehead. “Alexander!” I raised my hand to trail my fingers on his face, “Y…you … you are alive!” He turned his face to kiss my palm, “Very much. Just get well soon, so that I can punish you for what you did,” He murmured and kissed my cheek.“Punish?” my hand quickly flew to my belly when saw tears in his eyes.“He is safe, sunshine. Don’t worry. He is my son and he made it.”His image blurred when my eyes well up with tears, and he started wiping my face, “Whatever you did was quite risky, Rayna.”“I was fighting the Moon Goddess, Alex. What’s the use of these hands and the healing power when I can’t bring you back.”He leaned his cheek against my face, and I felt his tears falling on my face, “If I tell you,” He spoke, “that I’m done with taking care of this kingdom and no more want this th
Orion’s POV:“The baby is safe,” the moment the doctor announced it, a loud cheer erupted in the hospital corridor. Till a few minutes back, everyone was concerned for Rayna and the baby’s health but now all of us were beaming with joy.“Orion,” I heard Nora behind me, “Why is Mom not coming to visit Alexander? Don’t you think she is behaving a lot weirdly, lately?”The same question kept disturbing me for the past few days. Why was Mom not paying him any visit? She always took him as her son to the point that I felt jealous. And now when I had made peace with it, she had started acting strange.My security department had arrested several people from the palace, but our investigation faced a dead end.According to the guards who were on duty, only Mom was the one who visited Alexander so that meant only one thing.Whoever this murderer was, didn’t use the main entrance.Nobody forced Mom to see Alexander in the hospital because with age she wasn’t handling a few things quite well.We
Rayna’s POV:Right after the surgery, I was taken inside where his lifeless body was lying on the bed. His chest was wrapped in bandages, and he was kept alive by all those beeping machines.I raised my hands and there was no itching or any hue there.“What’s the matter?” I whispered to myself.“Ma’am,” a nurse spoke to me, “if you need anything then please press this button,” when she left the room, I sat on the edge of his bed instead of taking the nearby seat.“I don’t need any switches. I want nothing but you,” I said to him, without knowing if he could hear me or not.“I don’t have anyone in this world. My mother died. Father never thought of me as his own. My best friend broke up with me yesterday…” I held his hand gently, “Lola was a nutcase. Liam and Grace do love me, but they are too little to understand me. All I have got is you… and this little life growing inside me.”I slowly laid his hand on my belly, “Here. Your child, Alexander. Our child. Just when it was time to spoi
Orion's POV:We all were gathered in the grand hall of the palace that was reserved strictly for Royal ceremonies. While standing on the stage, the incidents that happened seven years ago, kept playing in my mind like a movie.Just like that day, my family was seated in the front row, their eyes devoid of any happiness. Nora, Stella, and Ruby were observing the ceremony solemnly but there was no excitement in those eyes that was there seven years back.Yet, my mom was the same. She had pride when she saw me all ready to take the oath to become the king of the Aradia Kingdom. She was wiping her tears, and I was aware of her mental state.She must be disturbed by Alexander’s condition but had to put up the face for people’s sake because apparently a queen is supposed to stay composed in public.The most senior cleric brought the Holy book and raised it on both hands, with his head bowed in respect.I placed my right hand on the book and repeated the words said by the him,“I, Orion Iron
Rayna’s POV:Most of my packing was done, however my basic stuff was yet to be placed in the bag. Beta Brian must be crazy to wake me up at this ungodly hour. The poor guy seemed to have multiple personality disorder.After brushing my teeth, and washing my face, I placed my leftover stuff in the bag and knocked my door loudly from inside.It was a sign to the one waiting outside that I was done. It was a way for royals to tell their servants that they were needed inside.When Brian came inside, I was busy suppressing the loud yawn. I had to squeeze my eyes several times to get rid of my sleepy head.“Can we get coffee? I’m too sleepy to walk…” This time I couldn’t control the yawn and quickly covered my mouth with my hand.“You can sleep in the car,” He muttered and then didn’t wait for my answer and left the room with my bag.“What’s the rush by the way?” I tried to catch up with his long strides, “No breakfast. No coffee. Alexander might not like it.” I said with a pout causing hi