Lucian and Amelia

A knock on the door was the first thing that triggered my subconscious, then the blinding light coming in from the window did the rest of the work. I jumped up from the bed immediately, shocked by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then I realized, I no longer lived with my stepfather.

I immediately stared at my body from hands to toes, making sure everything was still intact and I hadn’t been touched in any way. Call me paranoid, but I don’t trust that door. I felt the tender mattress beneath me, it felt so better than the rickety thing I used to sleep on back in my stepfather’s house.

The knock on the door sounded again and I groaned. I had stayed up late last night because I couldn’t fall asleep, I didn’t realize when I eventually dozed off. By my right hand, I could see the condition of the book I was reading and the oil lamp was still on.

“Miss Amelia!” I heard a feminine voice call, drawing my attention back to the door.

I stood up and walked slowly to the door, putting my ear against it to hear what was going on at the other side. It would have been so much easier if my wolf senses had activated, but I had nothing, not even a teeny little wolf.

“What do you want?” I asked loudly.

“We have come bearing gifts and a message from the King, please open the door.” One of the voices, which I believe belonged to a maid, uttered.

“No, I don’t want any gifts, I want to be left alone.” I said loudly.

“The King would be displeased by that, please open the door, my lady.” She pleaded.

I folded my arms and turned away from the door, I would not be persuaded or convinced into opening this door. I don’t trust Darius, and I don’t trust his maids either.

I turned deaf ears to their pleas. Shortly after, I heard footsteps approaching and my heart skipped; that scent was familiar. Who could it be? There was a short conversation in hushed voices and withering footsteps followed, then there was a knock on the door.

“Amelia, it is me… please open the door.”

I recognized that voice immediately. “Lucian?” I called out.

“Yes, you can open the door now, it is just me.” He responded.

“Are you certain that you are alone?” I asked, just to be sure.

I heard him chuckle softly from the other side and my heart flipped at the sound of his voice. “You can trust me, Princess. I would never trick you.” he said and I imagined him smiling.

I took a deep breath and then I opened the door. Like he promised, he was standing alone with a box in his hands. “Good morning,” he said with a smile.

I smiled back and stepped out of the way, “Please come in.”

He walked in slowly and I locked the door behind him, to ensure no one followed. I turned to face him and he dropped the box on the bed, before turning to face me as well.

“So how was your first night?” Lucian asked, with a tone of genuine concern.

I smiled, not knowing how to answer that question. “Strange.” That was the one word I could mutter.

“As supposed, don’t worry… you will get comfortable when you become familiar with the environment.” He replied.

“Hmm,” I scoffed and walked to the window. “You sound like I would be stuck here forever.”

“I don’t know about forever but the King intends to hold you here until you bear him pups.”

I scoffed again. “That would never happen.” I retorted.

He chuckled. “So I heard. Anyway, look, Amelia… I wanted to come here and apologize, I didn’t know what to say yesterday when you turned out to be you, if that even makes any sense. That is why I was silent through the whole journey back, I couldn’t find the right words, but I am sorry for the role I played in your current situation.”

I smiled and took a few steps closer to him. “It is not your fault, Lucian. You were only a messenger, but thank you anyway. I am going to get out of here anyway, one way or the other.”

He laughed as if he didn’t believe me and then he shook his head. “Well, you won't be able to do that if you keep defiling the King. This is actually the nicest he can be, so I think you should take advantage of it. Who knows? Maybe he will decide to set you free.” Lucian said.

I wrinkled my eyebrows, feeling confused. “What do you mean?”

He smiled and walked to the box that he had brought in, and then he took out a folded piece of clothing. “The maids say the King wants you to wear this for breakfast with him in a short while, so I am saying that you should do it. Put on this clothing and go have dinner with the King.”

I sighed and looked away. “Lucian, I am scared…” I whispered.

I could hear his footsteps as he came closer to me and then he placed his arm on my shoulder. I felt this sparkle of energy run through me that instant, making me turn to look into those piercing blue eyes.

“Amelia… It is natural to be scared, but you have nothing to be worried about. Darius is not a monster, it is okay if you don’t want to be his Breeder, but you have to find other ways to convince him, rather than lock yourself in here. I mean, you are going to get hungry at some point, you can't hide in here forever.”

I smiled and nodded. He was right actually, if I wanted to escape here, then I needed to familiarize myself with the environment. Hiding in this room would do me no good.

“Okay, just because you said so.” I smiled and took the cloth from him, slowly unfolding it. “What do you think of this?” I asked with eager ears to hear his opinion.

“The King’s choice can never be wrong, I don’t think there is anyone more suitable to wear this beautiful piece of clothing than yourself, Princess.” he said with a smile as he slowly turned to the door.

I laughed softly, my cheeks flushing red. “Thank you, Lucian.” I said in a whisper.

“Anytime, I will see you at breakfast.” He announced before walking out.

I stood there blushing, did he just give me butterflies in my stomach or was I imagining too much? Like I said… A character straight out of a romance book!

***

I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the gown that King Darius had sent me. It was a beautiful gown, made of the finest silk and lace. The color was a deep red, which brought out the color of my hair and hazel eyes. 

The bodice was fitted to my body, and it had a sweetheart neckline that showed off my cleavage. The sleeves were long and fitted, and they ended in a lace cuff. The skirt was full and flowing, and it fell to the floor in a graceful train.

The gown fit me perfectly, and it made me look like a princess. The soft fabric felt luxurious against my skin. I twirled around in the gown, feeling like a fairy tale princess. I couldn't help but smile. It had been a long time since I had felt so beautiful.

But then I remembered why I was wearing the gown. I was being held here against my will, as the Alpha King's Breeder. I had to be careful not to get too excited, especially around King Darius or I will give him the impression that I was happy to be here.

I walked out of the room to meet a maid, she was waiting for me on the outside and her lips curved into a smile the moment she saw me. “You are beautiful, my lady.”

I blushed, it was my first time getting a compliment from a lady. “Thank you.”

“The dining is this way,” she pointed and I nodded, leading the way.

Of course, I could find my way but I doubted her instructions included letting me out of her sight. We walked down to the dining room where the King was already seated. Surprisingly, he had not touched anything on his plate. Was he waiting for me?

His face lit with a smile the moment I stepped in and his eyes were stuck on my body. I felt so nervous but I held myself together and made it to the table. The maid pulled out a seat for me, right before Darius dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

“Welcome, thanks for coming.” He said politely.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “It is not like I had a choice.”

He chuckled. “Either way, you look astonishing… no, more like ravishing.” He said softly.

“Hmm,” I hummed, holding in the blush. “Thank you, although I would prefer to walk around in my own clothes.” I grumbled.

“If that is what you want, dear.” He replied.

I groaned inwards and clenched my fist. Why was he being so nice to me? It haunted my conscience every time something nice came out of his mouth. This isn’t how it went down with beauty and the beast, he is supposed to be mean and controlling, his kindness was killing my readiness to fight back.

“Please eat with me,” he said with a smile and began to take food off the table.

Again, I couldn’t resist the sumptuous dishes on the table, so I quickly dived into it. I needed my strength to escape from here anyways. I couldn’t however deny the fact that I was enjoying the privilege of being here. Back in my stepfather’s house, I would not be dreaming of breakfast by this time.

I heard footsteps approaching and I turned back. It was Lucian, the sight of him made my heart do that thing again. He smiled at me and I lost my breath- Truly, his smile was breathtaking. I smiled back, and then quickly looked to see if the King was watching- Darius was more concerned with his food.

Was I feeling an attraction towards Lucian?

To be continued!!