I did this to her

[ASTER’s Point-of-View]

I couldn't sleep so well last night.

I thought it was just because of the humidity in the air or the uncomfortable softness of the bed that made me stay up all night so I spent it in one of the palace wings and stared down at the vast lands of the Empire I just conquered three days ago. I have been planning this revenge for so many years. 

Because the former Emperor was so careless for the past two years of his regime and ignored the call for help from his people about the disturbing poverty that spreads like wildfire in this State, some rebels joined forces with us and ended the tyranny of Emperor Oswald Wycliffe. All his subordinates will be facing death sentences soon for spending the tax money that they force people to pay. An unjust amount that people struggle to give as they worry about how to get food on their table the next day.

But this kind of restlessness is just too disturbing and my inner wolf was feeling so down the whole day which affects my mood and distracts me from giving orders to my subordinates. Even Emyr had noticed the gloom on my face and given me the advice to get some sleep. But it never worked. And I have to do something to make it stop.

“Emyr, come with me.”

The following morning, I asked my Beta to accompany me into the dungeon to check on the Emperor’s daughter who, unfortunately, was my mate. I despise the idea of it but I could feel that the restlessness I feel must be connected to her. I have to confirm it so I could finally move on with this annoying feeling in my chest. I cannot let myself become soft in my subordinate’s eyes by just letting go of the princess. The people will be furious once I show mercy on that poor girl.

“I am glad you finally decided to see her situation there, your Grace. Have you already decided what you will do to her?”

I massaged the bridge of my nose, not knowing what to answer, and just focused on our way to the dungeon. But I know my Beta is curious as well, “I have no idea yet. The people of this Empire are mad at the Wycliffes. Of course, they would want to see her beautiful neck hanging in a rope but that is too early to decide.”

“Did you say beautiful?” Emyr laughed at me, “You fancy her? That girl?”

I looked at him gravely from the corner of my eyes, “She is my mate, Emyr.”

Emyr was silenced and the amused look on his face changed into dread, “Damn. That is one unfortunate match.”

“Indeed,” I muttered with a heavy feeling in my chest and we headed straight down the stairs. 

When we got to the cell where the princess is, I got curious and frowned when I noticed she wasn't moving on the floor.

“Is she asleep?” I asked the guard.

“I have no idea, your Grace. Do you want me to wake her up?”

“No,” I answered and just thought of leaving her here again. Maybe my inner wolf is already satisfied to see that she is well and sleeping.

But something is quite not right and I can feel it deep in my gut, the dread I have never felt before. So I turned back and looked at her petrified state. The whole place was dark but I can see with my wolf eyes the dark patches on her arm. I focused my ears on her and I could hear her labored breathing.

“Something’s wrong with her. Open her cell! Quick!” I yelled at the guard frantically. I don’t know what is wrong with me but I can feel she’s dying!

“Aster?! What’s going on?!”

I ignored Emyr and went inside the cell as soon as the guard opened it. When I pulled her close to me, I was aghast by the large patches of black bruises she has on her arms and legs. She was wearing servant’s clothes. Her face was swelling badly and there was a bruise on her left cheek where the flesh was torn. Her eyes were deep, sunken and his lips were cracked and dry. Her one leg was bent to a sickening position.

“She’s not sleeping! She’s unconscious! Damnit!” I yelled at Emyr, angry about who did this to her. Emyr panicked but he quickly opened the cell door wide after I lifted princess Eodelle and carried her out of her prison cell.

“What happened to her?!” 

“I have no f*cking idea! Call the healer! Quick!” I ordered her, my breath fast and heavy as I ran towards the stairs. Before we ascended to the corridor, I called Emyr, “Find who did this to her and punish them all!” I snarled in anger.

I know it is my inner wolf that makes me subconsciously angry and worried about Eodelle. The hatred in me against her was still there but the mate bond is stronger than any violent emotions I have for the small lady in my arms

All the people in the corridor were baffled when they saw me carrying the princess in my arms. I screamed at all of them to find a healer and I went straight to my room where I laid her down in the middle of my bed.

I scanned her from head to foot and I cannot understand why I am feeling so scared now that she was on the verge of death when days ago, I had fun torturing her inside her cell. I suddenly felt like a horrible person to let this happen and my inner wolf was bawling out at me while I kept on pacing back and forth, waiting for the healer.

It was a five-hour wait until the healer finished patching her up and applied ointments to her bruise. Sarah is the top skilled healer in my pack and I am glad she responded as fast as she could to see what happened to her.

I let princess Eodelle rest for a while and made sure she was well attended to by the servants to bring her food and anything that she needs. 

I think you have to go and check on her yourself, Aster. Don’t torture yourself with your pride,” Emyr advised and patted me on my shoulder while I was standing in front of the door of Eodelle’s room, hesitating if I should really go inside. 

It was early in the morning and I was hoping that she was still asleep when I decided to bring her medicine and just take a quick look at her. But I was surprised when after I put the bottle on her side table, she immediately sat on her bed as if she was awakened from a horrible nightmare. 

The dread was all over her face and I know she hasn’t recovered yet from the trauma she got after receiving all those deadly injuries from the people I found out were relatives of the people her father murdered. How they got access to the dungeon, I have no idea yet. But I made sure they will be punished for what they did.

“I-I came here to bring you your medicine…” I stammered because my mind just suddenly froze after she suddenly woke up.

I expected her to curl into a ball and scream after seeing me but her eyes were just so empty as if she just met death herself. 

“Please if you want me dead, just make it fast.” she muttered, “Did you just heal me just to torture me again?” Her voice was in bad condition and her voice box must have been damaged. I can still see the red mark around her small neck that her attacker left when it strangled her.

“No, I—”

She looked at me with anguish on her face, her furious eyes glistening in tears, “If you can’t kill me, just let me go then.” she croaked in despair and anger, “I can accept if you reject me right here right now. Just let me out of this hell hole!”

I feel sick to my stomach. It was my fault. I did this to her.