Caroline took my confession as expected, the girl did love gossip after all.
"What?" Caroline's jaw dropped. I'm guessing she didn't expect my answer. "What makes you say that?"
"I have my ways." I shrugged, "People talk, and that's the name they've been saying."
"That's crazy." Caroline shook her head, "Now that's some gossip people will love--"
"You can't tell anyone." I shook my head, "I don't need this flying around."
"It could endanger Bella's life." Shannon frowned, catching onto what I was doing with ease. "Her Dad's trying to find some evidence against Elena Halifax."
Caroline's mouth popped open in a little 'o', but she promised not to tell anyone. She continued pressing me for more gossip while we finished lunch, none of which I gave. Sometimes it was refreshing talking to Caroline. She never really took anything seriously. Sometimes it was annoying, others it was helpful. She could put things into perspective at times, making you
Shannon and I stayed in my bedroom until well in the afternoon. One of the servants brought the dinner cart, leaving us in silence.We talked about many things, all in our hushed tones. Beta Devin had taken up temporary residency in Viktor’s old bedroom, a fact that didn’t sit right with me. I didn’t like how easily Viktor was replaced. It was easy for everyone else; he was just a faceless bodyguard. I couldn’t imagine someone else taking Viktor’s place.Where I had once loathed the idea of a bodyguard, I would do anything to get Viktor back. I owed that to him.Shannon and I were dealing with one of our many problems, finding proof against Nikolai Aslanov.“How are we going to get proof when he’s thousands of miles away.” Shannon groaned, falling back on my bed.“I have no idea.” I shook my head, “It’s not like I can just call him up and invite him over to dinner. Dad would ha
“You have to tell your Dad.” Shannon grimaced as the two of us sat on my bed.“I don’t want to.” I shook my head stubbornly, knowing what had to be done.Shannon rolled her eyes, “You knew beforehand you’d have to tell him. Don’t chicken out now.”“I’m about to tell the Alpha King a man he hates is coming to dinner tomorrow.” I pursed my lips, “He’s not going to be happy.”“And you’re not just anybody. You’re his daughter.” Shannon frowned, “Just be honest with him.”“You’re right.” I admitted reluctantly, “Let’s do this.”‘Dad?’ I called out in the mind-link.
The three of us stared at Shannon. August and Geoff had identical looks of shock on their face, while my lips were turning up in a grin.“Let’s do it.” I grinned at Shannon, her eyes sparkling with intelligence.“Fake my death?” August sputtered, “There’s so many things that could go wrong with that.”“We’ll plan everything out before Elena and Annalise get back.” I assured him, “Everything will be planned out.”“First thing.” Shannon began, turning her honey eyes to Geoff. “We’re going to need your help directly. Elena and Annalise can’t see his body because there won’t be one. She thinks you’re clueless, so play the part.”“Is this the human assistant I heard about?” Geoff turned his gaze to mine, giving Shannon a weary glance.“I’m thinking she needs a promotion.” I mused, “But y
The three of us took our time on the balcony, sitting out there for what felt like hours. Caroline clearly needed the time away from her Mom, and I was happy to oblige. We talked and laughed like we used to, like we had before all this drama started.I couldn’t help but feel that Caroline was slowly drifting away from the two of us. I hated the feeling and wished I could suppress it but instead it remained. We had been best friends since birth, growing distant never crossed my mind before.Around two hours later, Caroline stood from the table. Her Mom had been blowing up her cellphone, even though Caroline told her she’d be hanging out with me.“I still have to convince her to let me leave tomorrow.” Caroline huffed, “But don’t you worry. I’ll be here tomorrow night.”“Good.” I chuckled, “I hope your Mom relaxes a little bit.” I added the last bit in to make Caroline feel better. I&rs
“Everything is set for tonight.” I told Viktor, clearing my mind of what I genuinely wanted. “Have you found out anything more regarding my necklace?”“Someone from inside the Aslanov Kingdom told me the necklace was sold directly to Nikolai Aslanov.” Viktor grunted, hatred swirling around in his mind.“Why do you hate them so much?” I murmured, trying to relax him through the bond. Viktor could feel my own emotions, he could feel what I was trying to do to him.“I will tell you sometime, little Princess.” Viktor responded, his accent thick. “But I will only do so in person.”“I’ll be waiting for that.” I smiled softly, “My Uncle was the one who sold the necklace, I’m sure of it.”“Perhaps there has been a mistake.” Viktor frowned. I could tell he said that for my benefit. He didn’t want to see me hurt, physically or emotion
A light tapping sounded on the window, making my heart leap from my chest.‘Dad, are the guards on my side of the house distracted.’ I murmured through the mind-link.‘Were currently in the middle of a meeting.’ Dad responded immediately, ‘Although, it was fairly difficult to come up with an excuse on why I’m holding this meeting just before midnight.’‘Did you come up with something?’ I grimaced.‘Of course.’ Dad responded, ‘Make good use of your time Bella. I’m not sure when Viktor’s name will be cleared.’‘Thanks Dad.’ I rushed out.‘Anything for you, Bella.’ Dad smiled, ending the mind-link.I clamored over to the window, yanking it open wildly. My eyes strained as I tried to see in the dark. Half of the lights outside were off, the other half on. I assumed Viktor or my Dad was responsible.A dark spot moved jus
The decision I made hit me like a ton of bricks once Viktor and I were finished. I had thrown another kink into our plans, but I couldn’t bring myself to regret anything.Viktor and I were mates, why shouldn’t I complete the process with him? I refused to let Uncle Jaspar, Nikolai Aslanov or anyone else scare me away from being with my mate. Sooner or later the truth would have surfaced.Those who knew my scent would be able to smell I had completed the mating process. Only those familiar with Viktor’s scent would know who my mate was.“Little Princess.” Viktor frowned; his dark eyes were burning into my face.I realized I had gone silent, lost in my own thoughts as I slipped the clothes onto my body.The mate bond between Viktor and I was much stronger now. I couldn’t hear his thoughts or see his memories, but I picked up more emotion from him than I had in the past.Viktor was worried, worried I regrette
I wasn’t surprised that Elena couldn’t smell my change in scent when she walked into my bedroom. My room had smelled like Viktor ever since he left. The smell had begun to fade, its intensity rising as I used Viktor’s body wash in my baths.My Dad had called everyone into the living room, Shannon and I included. Each Royal was present followed by, Uncle Jaspar, Dad, Shannon and me.Bryton Duboi gave me a hard look, one that held just a fraction of sympathy. Geoff Halifax looked haunted, like a Father who had lost his only son. Elena was playing the part of grieving Mother, not daring to show her real face in front of my Dad. Even Annalise Halifax had her own mask of sadness, though not nearly as convincing as her Mother.My heart hammered in my chest. I stood off to the side with Shannon, hoping my scent wouldn’t waft around the room. There were already many scents lingering to begin with, hopefully masking my own for the time being.
One Month LaterI stood in front of my floor length mirror, my eyes narrowing suspiciously at the dress that flowed down my body. A nearly endless sea of deep green silk rolled down my body, my hair rippled down my back in dark waves. Dad wanted to call the stylists for today’s events, but I refused. My stomach was a cocoon of nerves and knots. The last thing I wanted was a team of people fluttering around me. I had Shannon do my make-up, her steady hands putting my eyeliner on effortlessly.“The dress looks amazing.” Shannon nodded, giving it a long look as I stood in front of the mirror.“You’re only saying that because you picked it out.” I chuckled, giving her a playful eyeroll.“And I did a damn good job.” Shannon huffed, fixing the straps of her own dress.A wave of calming energy washed over me as Viktor stepped out of the bathroom. His chocolate hair was tousled, begging to have
Two Days LaterNikolai Aslanov had been true to his word. Even though I knew he was responsible for the attack at my Birthday Gala, he found evidence against Elena Halifax. This evidence cleared Viktor’s name, letting him finally come back to me.I was unsure why Nikolai wanted to give Viktor and I a chance, but I didn’t argue with it. It was clear Nikolai expected Viktor and I to fail, hoping I would come to him after the fact. Nikolai Aslanov wanted a chance with me, yet he had a funny way of showing it. Trying to have me killed on my birthday wasn’t the best gesture.Viktor was able to return with August in two days. Viktor had turned around the minute I gave the news. He was naturally suspicious of Nikolai Aslanov’s motives, not that I could blame him. I could feel Viktor’s jealousy for his younger brother as I told him that Nikolai wanted a chance with me. I told Viktor what Nikolai had told me, that they were brothers. I asked
“I never told you about that.” I scoffed, “How did you know?”Caroline’s eyes widened, her lips fumbling over words. She knew she had been caught, with what I was unsure of. Everything ran much deeper than I had anticipated.I felt like a child, trying to play a game clearly designed for adults. Just when I thought I was finally gaining the upper hand, something happened. A new twist was thrown into the mix.Instead of backtracking, Caroline’s face contorted in anger. Any friendliness or companionship had faded from her face. Her light eyes were dull and lacked warmth, her lips turned up in a sneer.“Princess Arabella.” Caroline sneered, flipping her hair behind her shoulder. “Born the luckiest girl alive and doesn’t even know it.”“I don’t see what that has to do with anything, Caroline.” My voice conveyed the confusion and hurt I felt. Caroline looked nothing like
“Big brother?” My jaw dropped. The mask I had precariously placed on my face was shattered, long forgotten. I couldn’t tell if Nikolai was lying or not. There wasn’t an ounce of deceit on his face, nor was there any other emotion.“It seems you know little about your mate.” Nikolai shook his head regretfully, “What a shame. If you were mine, nothing would be kept from you. You would never be left in the dark.”“If Viktor’s your brother, why isn’t he in line for the throne?” My eyes narrowed at Nikolai, ignoring his last comment.“Viktor—as you know him by, hate’s being in charge of others.” Nikolai smiled grimly, “Viktor’s skill is ending lives. He never possessed the tasks necessary to rule.”“There are plenty of Royal’s skilled at ending lives.” I murmured; my eyes locked on Nikolai’s. “They use others to do the
“What a special human you must be.” Nikolai Aslanov gave Shannon a friendly grin, one I could tell was fake. Shannon must have been able to tell too, as her eyes hardened at his words. “Is the Halifax family not attending dinner? I was under the impression they were residing here for the time being, same goes for the other young Royal.”“Erik.” I pointed out, pressing my lips together gently.“Yes, Erik.” Nikolai smiled at me, as though the two of us were old friends.“Geoff and Elena Halifax are in mourning.” Dad grunted; his voice laced with sympathy. “Their son recently passed.”“Is that so?” Nikolai’s eyes widened in false surprise; his voice laced with the emotion. He was an expert alright, yet I could still see the curiosity in his gaze. “And how did that happen in a house with the Alpha King?”“He took his own life.” I pressed my
Arabella’s P.o.vI let Viktor’s voice lull me to sleep, staying connected to him until the darkness had taken me over.‘Goodnight, little Princess.’ Viktor murmured, the last thing I heard before sleep claimed me.I shot up in bed as my Dad’s voice flooded through my mind.‘Bella, are you awake?’ Dad’s voice rang out.‘I am now.’ I grumbled, wiping the sleep from my eyes. Shannon was still curled up on the couch, only her mess of curls visible from underneath the blanket.‘Geoff Halifax has decided to hold a funeral pyre for his son.’ My Dad informed me, ‘This should be easy enough to complete. We will be holding it tomorrow night. The Royal’s will stay leave after its completion.’‘And are we prepared for our dinner tonight.’ I winced at the harsh light streaming through my curtains.‘Everything is prepared.’ Dad n
Viktor’s P.o.vThe mark on my neck stung against the itchy fabric of my shirt. The pain reminded me that what happened wasn’t born from my imagination.I could have never anticipated someone like Princess Arabella, or her decision to accept me. Guilt swirled in my stomach, an emotion I had experienced little. The small Princess was making me feel things I had only heard about, but never experienced.I felt true fear for the first time in her presence. Fear had been a distant memory, present in the mind of child-like Viktor. My name had been different back then, but I had also been a different person. Fear was a constant companion as a child, but it was beaten and torn from my body until nothing remained. I had felt fear in its rawest forms at the Princess’s Birthday Gala. Her life had been hanging by a thread, threatened in her need to save my life.She knew nothing of my past, nothing of the things I’ve done and yet she still acce
I wasn’t surprised that Elena couldn’t smell my change in scent when she walked into my bedroom. My room had smelled like Viktor ever since he left. The smell had begun to fade, its intensity rising as I used Viktor’s body wash in my baths.My Dad had called everyone into the living room, Shannon and I included. Each Royal was present followed by, Uncle Jaspar, Dad, Shannon and me.Bryton Duboi gave me a hard look, one that held just a fraction of sympathy. Geoff Halifax looked haunted, like a Father who had lost his only son. Elena was playing the part of grieving Mother, not daring to show her real face in front of my Dad. Even Annalise Halifax had her own mask of sadness, though not nearly as convincing as her Mother.My heart hammered in my chest. I stood off to the side with Shannon, hoping my scent wouldn’t waft around the room. There were already many scents lingering to begin with, hopefully masking my own for the time being.
The decision I made hit me like a ton of bricks once Viktor and I were finished. I had thrown another kink into our plans, but I couldn’t bring myself to regret anything.Viktor and I were mates, why shouldn’t I complete the process with him? I refused to let Uncle Jaspar, Nikolai Aslanov or anyone else scare me away from being with my mate. Sooner or later the truth would have surfaced.Those who knew my scent would be able to smell I had completed the mating process. Only those familiar with Viktor’s scent would know who my mate was.“Little Princess.” Viktor frowned; his dark eyes were burning into my face.I realized I had gone silent, lost in my own thoughts as I slipped the clothes onto my body.The mate bond between Viktor and I was much stronger now. I couldn’t hear his thoughts or see his memories, but I picked up more emotion from him than I had in the past.Viktor was worried, worried I regrette