EMMA'S POVI have seen that expression before. It's the same unapologetic, sadistic expression that my sister wore when she denied that she had invited me to her marking ceremony. It taught me that people will always choose riches over everything else. The big man in wrinkled servant's uniform stands way too close to us, like he is guarding us from running. His nails are broken and his palms seem rough. I am guessing that he is the gardener. They of course didn't bring him in here to introduce us. "We have three very hardworking servants and our home has been running smoothly without much difficulties. That means we only need one extra servant, not two." Kendall states looking at me like I am the only one she is addressing. "But you said we can both stay?" I remind, feeling desperate and scared once more. Why didn't they say this things when Catherine and her mother were still here? They assured them that we would all be safe here until the day I will phase."Yes, we did say you c
ETHAN'S POVThe man thought that the best place to send my mate to hide was his home, quite predictable. But if this is really the place she came, why can't I smell her scent? I don't want to think that something happened to her on the way, because I would rather die now than receive such news."Your Majesty, we have searched the entire place and there is no one inside." One of the soldiers report. I sent them in first because I didn't want to be the first face she sees after all the appalling experiences she thinks I have caused her."Have you checked for any signs that may suggest she was here?" I ask."We are not sure what to look for, sir." He answers honestly. I turn to the confused man seated behind me on the carriage. I don't intend to completely trust him like I trusted Tracy. He could simply have lied because I offered to let him go free if he knows where to find my mate. "How come your family isn't here either?" I question and he shakes his head. "I have been in prison fo
EMMA'S POVI once again spent a night in a filthy, dark room. I think my body has finally adapted to laying on the cold, hard floor because I no longer feel the discomfort I felt the first time I was locked up a prison cell. But I am starving and the wicked family is yet to bring me the food they promised. They are probably busy searching for someone sick and rich to buy my blood. They are so desperate for luxury and wealth that not even their nephew's freedom meant anything to them. They will definitely find someone to pay them a fortune for my blood. But it won't be easy considering how people of this Kingdom fear their powerful King. They may take two to three days to lure a rich Alpha or slave trader to risk angering King Ethan by secretly buying my blood. What will hurt most is living alone in this stinky cell, wishing for a quicker, less torturous death. I wonder if Lilian managed to leave, or she is still around hoping to rescue me. She already fought the best she could to p
EMMA'S POV"He didn't listen to you because you were a stranger and he trusted Tracy just like everyone. She is the that is supposed to carry the blame, not him!" Lilian literally shouts, annoying me more with her vigorous rant about how innocent my mate is. The same man that was so determined to completely destroy me that he he came to our cell with the sole purpose of letting me know what an ugly creature I am and how no one would miss me after my death. My friend is yet to meet the man in person and learn how wrong she is. Why is he still searching for me if he doesn't want me killed to lift the curse?I have seen the unbelievable pain that those affected by the curse endure before death. I am not selfish to think that my life is more precious than the hundreds that are dying. But why die in place of someone that conspired with his girlfriend to falsely accuse me of murder then sentenced me to die in his place? "Do you think he is evil?" Lilian questions in a serious tone. "He
EMMA'S POV He still smells like a Devine being despite the lies he has told and the cruelty in his heart. Now that he has found us just like Lilian had hoped he would, I wish we didn't leave prison at all. Our punishment will be unbearable and we will have achieved nothing. We have failed Stephen and his friends who risked everything to get me out of that hell. They will all be severely punished for their rebellious acts that didn't yield their intended success. Lilian unwittingly smiles at the dashing man, seeming to genuinely think he is here to save us. Guess she is soon going to learn that there is a monster beneath that flawless skin. "Your Majesty, thank you so much for finding us early. We could have starved to death in here." She says breathlessly and respectfully bows her head. My lips are shaking with fear but I frown at her submissive gesture as I know she will soon regret it. As far as I am concerned no one knows how to formulate hurtful words more than him. But h
ETHAN'S POV "I understand why you don't want to be here. I am sorry I said so many awful things to you and I failed to protect you because I trusted the wrong person. You however won't safe outside the walls of this palace." I say in the most gentle voice I have ever used. But I can see that she is too scared of me that she wouldn't believe a word I say. I don't blame her. I have put her through hell so nothing I can say will convince her that I am not a monster."I would rather be out there than in here." She responds in a shaky voice. "This is your room, right?" She questions, once more gazing at the gilded furniture and the eye-catching drawings on the walls. "No. This one is yours. I thought you would like it." I say, trying to get a positive reaction from her, but she scoffs. I feel worried because she still seems weak. She yawns and I instantly remember what her talkative friend had said. She has not eaten for days! She must be starving."I will go get you something to eat."
ETHAN'S POVI knew from the start that she would not agree to return here with me. But I could not leave her out there, not when she was already left locked up in an empty room to starve to death. I imagine no man of this Kingdom has ever endured the amount of physical and emotional pain that she has been through. I turned on her when she needed me most, now there is very little time left for me to mend everything and leave her with a good memory of the person I am.I used my blood to heal her wounds. But that's something too small to repay all the suffering she has endured because of my mistakes. I want to make things right, if only there is enough time. The curse can't wait another year to be lifted, not when over a hundred sick people have already gathered outside the gates of my palace, hoping that I can do something to save them from their pain.I wonder if my mate will ever think of me after I am gone. I would feel honoured to be remembered by her. She would definitely be happ
EMMA'S POVI hate being in this room even when he isn't here. The shimmering gold doesn't take away the hate I have for the person that slept here before. I wonder how she feels being in a cell now after sleeping in an incredible little heaven like this. She must be devastated, because if she succeeded no woman would have been greater than her. She would be the beloved wife of the powerful King Ethan. But somehow things fell apart when she least expected. I really wonder how Ethan found out she was fooling him since she seemed quite in control of the situation. I thought since he adored her so much he would not punish her for anything, turns out he is truly unforgiving.I hear the door click open and turn my nervous gaze in that direction. Before Ethan left he said that he would send someone here to keep me company and show me around the palace if I wish to take a break from staying in here. I was however not expecting that person to be an excited, smiling Lilian.She looks pretty in
EMMA'S POVI move my thick hair sideways as Ethan places the most stunning of necklaces around my neck and clasps it at the back. The mirror in front of us reflects my adorned neck and the shimmering necklace makes me look like a refined, noble woman.I have never worn jewelry before. I don't plan on adding more as that would make me look overly spangled like many royal women. The necklace has a unique design, three diamonds shaped like three stars and a crescent moon hang at the front while the rest of the beads are made of silver and are quite tinny. I think I can always wear it, with any dress. "You look stunning." My mate compliments as I turn around to face him. I believe his words, but guess who always looks more breathtaking . . . him. He never needs to wear anything or style his hair in a certain way to look like beauty personified. "Thank you for this. I am not a fan of jewelry, but I like this one." I say with a genuine smile. He has given me more gifts since I arrived h
ETHAN'S POV I feel strangely more refreshed than usual after spending the night sleeping beside my mate. Her heavenly scent was so lulling that I couldn't resist the urge to pull her closer and bury my nose into her neck. She was fretful at first, but she slowly relaxed and slipped back to sleep. She seemed grateful that I was there despite our infelicitous past. I imagine the nightmare had left her shaken, her body was quivering as I settled in the bed beside her. I was relieved when she managed to fall back asleep on her own. I watched her beautiful face for half an hour after waking up earlier than usual to make sure she has a personal servant that we can trust to prepare her breakfast. We will soon be parting ways because I need her to be somewhere safe before the day of atonement. And I want her to have someone truly loyal and caring by her side. The woman I chose used to be my nanny when I was a child, I felt closer to her than to my parents. I am sure she will care for Emma
EMMA'S POVI wake up huffing and puffing, my body sweating from the terror of the appalling nightmare. Turns out laying on a King size bed and being surrounded by gold isn't a guarantee to peaceful sleep. I have had terrifying nightmares before, but none was as chilling as the scene that jolted me awake from my sleep. My heart is still pounding hard from the frightening dream. It felt so real. I can't help worrying that it may be a warning of what I will happen to me in future. I know it was just a dream, but I saw my life being taken to lift the curse. My arms and legs were bound to the wooden table I was laying on so that I wouldn't escape. Ethan's parents and my sister stood aside watching. They all grinned deviously as a soldier with a ruthless look stepped forward, a sharp, shimmering blade in his muscular hands. I let out a scream as he raised it high up in the air then brought it down on my chest. I am quite relieved to see that it was a dream, but I may have actually scream
EMMA'S POVI may still have little love for my family, but I never wanted to see any of them again. Joanne looked like a shadow of the lady she once was. It took me several seconds to recognise her face without makeup. Unlike me she was loved by our parents and her mate, why would she run from all the sweet attention and show up here looking like the old me? I had enough troubles to deal with before, but she had to show up here pretending she is sorry. I know better than to believe her pretences, because Joanne can never regret anything she did to benefit herself. Did she find out that I am here and thought that she can come live in a bigger palace? King Ethan didn't look like he wanted her and neither do I. I wonder if she saw the sick people on her way here and still thought that this is the kind of heaven she seeks to live in. Has she also heard that I am likely to die to lift the curse? She should take her greed back to Silver moon, because she won't find the extravagant life s
ETHAN'S POV"You got banished by your husband?" I question and the Luna shakes her head. If she wasn't banished then she run away. "Did he harm you?" I ask even though I don't feel that concerned."Not physically. But he broke my heart in the worst way possible. I can never go back to him." She answers, her eyes filling up with tears. "Does this have anything to do with finding your sister?" I ask and she shakes her head once more."No. I stopped searching for my sister because he was extremely angry after that time I spoke about her in presence of our wedding guests." She responds and I feel disgusted by her selfish thinking. How could she stop searching for her sister simply because her stupid husband doesn't like it? "So what went wrong then?" "I found out that he has been having fun with other women. He didn't deny it when I confronted him. Instead he brought one of his mistresses home and introduced her like it was the most normal thing to do. When I complained he got furious
EMMA'S POVThis ornate royal structure was definitely built to convey wealth and grandeur. I imagine there is no other palace of any pack that has pieces of precious stones hammered into the wall surrounding it's massive guest hall. I am awed by the plush decor, but it's still hard to happily smile like I am home.It's true that no one seems thrilled to see me. The groups of servants we have bypassed stared and whispered amongst themselves, but their faces bore no sign of friendliness. They in fact look displeased to see me.I don't mind as long as no one is yelling out insults at me like the time I was getting dragged to the courthouse and everyone was confidently calling me names. "Don't mind their stares, they are just astounded to see you survived all the anguish and still look healthy." Lilian comforts. I nod even though I know they are staring for a different reason. They are wondering why my mate has chosen not to sacrifice me instead of his own life. He is obviously the most
EMMA'S POVI hate being in this room even when he isn't here. The shimmering gold doesn't take away the hate I have for the person that slept here before. I wonder how she feels being in a cell now after sleeping in an incredible little heaven like this. She must be devastated, because if she succeeded no woman would have been greater than her. She would be the beloved wife of the powerful King Ethan. But somehow things fell apart when she least expected. I really wonder how Ethan found out she was fooling him since she seemed quite in control of the situation. I thought since he adored her so much he would not punish her for anything, turns out he is truly unforgiving.I hear the door click open and turn my nervous gaze in that direction. Before Ethan left he said that he would send someone here to keep me company and show me around the palace if I wish to take a break from staying in here. I was however not expecting that person to be an excited, smiling Lilian.She looks pretty in
ETHAN'S POVI knew from the start that she would not agree to return here with me. But I could not leave her out there, not when she was already left locked up in an empty room to starve to death. I imagine no man of this Kingdom has ever endured the amount of physical and emotional pain that she has been through. I turned on her when she needed me most, now there is very little time left for me to mend everything and leave her with a good memory of the person I am.I used my blood to heal her wounds. But that's something too small to repay all the suffering she has endured because of my mistakes. I want to make things right, if only there is enough time. The curse can't wait another year to be lifted, not when over a hundred sick people have already gathered outside the gates of my palace, hoping that I can do something to save them from their pain.I wonder if my mate will ever think of me after I am gone. I would feel honoured to be remembered by her. She would definitely be happ
ETHAN'S POV "I understand why you don't want to be here. I am sorry I said so many awful things to you and I failed to protect you because I trusted the wrong person. You however won't safe outside the walls of this palace." I say in the most gentle voice I have ever used. But I can see that she is too scared of me that she wouldn't believe a word I say. I don't blame her. I have put her through hell so nothing I can say will convince her that I am not a monster."I would rather be out there than in here." She responds in a shaky voice. "This is your room, right?" She questions, once more gazing at the gilded furniture and the eye-catching drawings on the walls. "No. This one is yours. I thought you would like it." I say, trying to get a positive reaction from her, but she scoffs. I feel worried because she still seems weak. She yawns and I instantly remember what her talkative friend had said. She has not eaten for days! She must be starving."I will go get you something to eat."