Chapter Six

Celine

For the first time in a long time, I woke up on a soft bed, the warmth of the blankets cocooning me as a small smile tugged at my lips. I snuggled deeper into the comforter, savoring the softness, the safety, the quiet peace of the moment. But as my mind slowly began to clear, the memories of last night came rushing back, and my smile faltered.

I sprang up, panic clawing at my chest as I realized where I was—Kaiden’s room. The events of the previous night came flooding back in vivid flashes. His eyes, burning with possessiveness. His kiss, was fierce and claiming. The sensation of being claimed, of being made his. Over and Over again.

My face flushed with embarrassment, as I noticed the absence of Kaiden. The room was still, quiet, and yet there was a lingering tension in the air, as if his presence still held dominion over every inch of the space. I hastily wrapped the comforter around my naked body, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable, despite being alone in this large room.

But there was no denying the pull between us. His words, his touch, they had driven me to a place I hadn’t thought I would ever feel. I had read it in books, but nothing prepared me for the real experience.

Nothing could have prepared me for Kaiden. My heart raced, and the memory of melting into his arms, of kissing him so deeply, was enough to make my pulse quicken and my core throb.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave: my mate wanted me. I wanted him too. A part of me had feared it would be different, that he hated me, or that he would turn his back on me. But in that moment, as I had given myself to him, something had shifted in me. My mate was mine.

I stood and I gingerly made my way toward the full-length mirror across the room, unable to stop the pull to see the mark he had left on me. My breath caught in my throat as I saw it—his mark, glowing faintly on my skin just below my collarbone.

I traced my fingers gently over the mark, my heart pounding in my chest as I stared at the reflection of my face. I barely recognized the woman in the mirror—the woman who had willingly given herself to Kaiden, who had become his in the most primal way. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, about the fact that I had surrendered to him. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, and I was torn, because I was still his niece’s slave.

There was a part of me, a small, lingering voice, that told me to be cautious. I had no choice now. His mark had sealed us together in a way that couldn’t be undone. But what did it mean for me? For us?

I pulled the comforter tighter around myself, leaning against the mirror for support. Would things change now that I was marked?

I looked around the room, but the silence seemed to echo louder now.

I had no idea what I was supposed to do now.

But there was no going back now.

My gaze landed on the clock and my eyes widened in alarm. I was late!

Immediately I rushed to put my clothes on, mentally berating myself for sleeping in when I was still a maid.

But when I opened the door to leave, I was met with a set of guards in front of the door.

“I need to leave. May I be granted access?” I asked as they refused to budge even after seeing me.

The guard closest to me barely glanced at me before refusing. “No, we were given orders not to let anyone leave this room.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. “What? You can't leave me here, I have a job! It’s a misunderstanding.”

The guard barely shrugged before saying. “I’m also doing my job here, miss. The king’s order was to not let anyone in or out. I would let you out when I get direct orders from the king.”

I sighed as I closed the door. The King’s orders? Was there a reason Kaiden would leave me locked up with guards protecting the exit?

Was it because I tried to break out? Oh goddess, was it because of Neil?

He did seem jealous of him.

I let out a sigh as I sat on the bed, patiently waiting for Kaiden to return.

A noise suddenly broke my train of thought, and I turned my gaze to the window.

Out of curiosity, I reached out to the window to investigate the sound. I moved towards it, pulling back the curtain slightly to see what was happening.

What I saw sent a shock through me. There were several carriages parked outside, far more than usual. It looked like some kind of event was taking place. I could only guess that a large gathering was being held today. But why keep me locked up if there was something significant going on?

Before I could think too much more about it, a screech came from the other side of the door, then the door to the room suddenly burst open, and in walked Princess Anya. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.

Her eyes narrowed with disgust as she stormed towards me. “You slut! What are you doing in my uncle’s room? How dare you lay your filthy hands on him?”

My breath caught in my throat as I sprang up to me feet. “P-princess Anya, its not what it looks like!”

Anya sneered as she looked me over. “You think you can become Luna Queen by climbing into your uncle's bed? A wolf less thief like you? You're not even worthy of being my uncle's sex slave!”

Her words felt like a slap on my face, and my eyes filled with tears, but she wasn’t done.

“He already has a queen, his wife is going to be announced at the banquet today, that’s to show you that you may be his mate, but you are nothing but a fling!”

My heart shattered within my chest. Wife? Queen? Kaiden had a wife?

Tears gathered in my eyes as the weight of the betrayal descended on me. Was I just for sex? Was yesterday night a lie? Was this mark a lie? Did I not mean something to Kaiden? Was this all just a joke?

She backed me into the wall, “You are nothing but a wolf less, stupid slut, and the last time I checked, still my slave! So put this on, and go and serve people who matter at the banquet. That’s all you are good for!” she flung the uniform in my face, then dragged me out of the room, forcefully pushing me into the hallway. The guards didn’t stop her.

Princess Anya gave me one last scathing look. “And the next time I see you near my uncle, I'll make you regret breathing in his direction.” Then she walked away, leaving me broken on the floor.