4

Alpha king Ozar.

“I can give you everything you want being my mistress, my whore.” I say, moving in with the conversation despite the clear tears and anger in her eyes.

“I would like respect.” There is a purity to the timbre of her voice, as if it is untouched by the stains of cynicism or doubt.

“Respect? The women in my harem are well respected and they are not to be touched by anyone.” I answer and she looks away from me. She can never seem to hold a gaze, but I don’t have a problem doing so. I look at her, high, elegantly arched brows, eyes that are of the deepest sapphire. Her nose is slender and graceful, with a slight tilt that adds a touch of whimsy to her regal countenance.

I cannot fully admit how many times I have looked at her lips, full and sensuous, the colour of ripe pomegranates—one that I could kiss from morning to dusk. With a mere curve of her lips, she could disarm the most hardened of hearts, not mine though. I am not a slave to any woman. Crowning her head isa cascade of lustrous black hair, woven with threads of gold. As Clipper took her to the carriage, I saw how it came out of her cloak and created loose waves down her back, it is a testament to her royal lineage and unrivalled beauty.

Without shame, my eyes stay fixed on the swell of the breasts, which rises and falls with each breath that she takes.

“Except you, isn’t it? That is not the kind of respect I’m asking for.” She says, placing one hand over her chest and I chuckle.

“You are my slave; you do not get to ask…”

“However, if I am satisfied with you, I can give you your heart’s desire.” I say.

“Even if I were to ask for my kingdom, your majesty?” She asks, and I can see the subtle quiver on her lips as she asks this particular question.

“Yes.” I say and the carriage comes to a stop. After gazing at her, I get off in a swift manner and I open the door, waiting for her to come out. Bending lowly, she comes out of the vehicle and I look forward to the line of servants that have come out of the castle.

“Welcome back, your majesty.” Agnes, the head of housekeeping says to me.

“Agnes, take this one to the harem. Bathe her, put clothes on her, put food in her belly and bring her to the celebration this evening.” I say, before walking away.

Despite the weight of my armour, I move with a grace and agility that belied my imposing stature. My eyes are sharp and piercing beneath the visor of my helmet, surveying the courtyard with a keen intensity, and taking in every detail with a strategist's eye.

As I cross the threshold of the castle entrance, there are torchlight flickered against the ancient stone walls and Clipper joins me.

“Any update on Magnus?” I ask.

“No, your majesty but we think he has crossed the border to the kingdom of Aphillus. His uncle’s terrain.” Clipper says.

“Make sure you spread the rumours wild and far that I have taken Princess Yeri as my slave and consort.” I say, my eyes stark with the need for revenge.

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Also, be at alert during the celebration. If Magnus has any seed of braveness in him, he would come for his poor sister.” I say to Clipper as we enter the antechamber where in front of us, I can see Prince Collins, my brother —the one who joined hands with Magnus to take me off my throne. I would have thrown him in jail but there are advisors in court that are on his side, claiming he knew nothing about the plot of treason against my throne. I can already guess what he is here for.

Along with him are nobles of my realm and court, their garments resplendent with colours and symbols of their houses. Rich silks and velvets drape elegantly over their frames, adorned with intricate embroidery and precious jewels that catch the light with every movement. Courtiers, both young and old, mingle in small groups, engaging in hushed conversations and exchanging polite nods of acknowledgement.

I make my way into the throne room to make it easier for them to lay their complaints that I will not be paying mind today. Flanking the throne are braziers filled with smouldering embers, their flames casting a warm, flickering light that dances across the throne room. The air is thick with the scent of burning wood and incense.

I take my seat upon my throne which is fashioned and crafted from the horns of mighty beasts and bound with iron bands. It has the finest hides of fur, soft and plush beneath the touch. From this lofty perch, I rule over his kingdom with a firm hand.

“Report, will you?” I say, sensing the silence that is unwarranted for.

“Brother.” Collins begins.

“It’s King…” I interrupt him and he flexes his shoulder, if there is one thing—it would be that he cannot hide his hate for me and neither can I.

“Princess Yeri…”

“Is mine.” I interrupt once again.

“Her brother gave her hand in marriage to me.” Collins says, his jawline twitches and I chuckle.

“Magnus committed treason to my seat as King and I have replied him, she is my captive and I can do as I please with her. Is it your army that took over Elanor?” I ask, and Collins places his eyes on the ground, not because it is a sign of respect but to hide his ferocity.

“You plan to make her a woman in your harem? She is a princess.” My eldest brother and the first born, Kaine asks.

“And I’m a king…it’s a fucking honour to be fucked by me.” I say and the court advisors start whispering between each other.

“Whether Magnus gave you her hand in marriage or not…it’s of no use to this day. She is no longer a princess as I have ownership and power over her kingdom. You already have a mate, Collins. Why don’t you marry her?” I ask and Collins lifts his head.

“Likewise to you, your majesty…you already have many women in your harem.” Collins says.

“Yet, none is my mate.” I reply, connecting his gaze with mind and I stand from my seat.

“Are we done here?” I ask, increasing the tremor of my voice.

“Your majesty, we still have to talk about the instalment of a queen since you haven’t found a mate for many years now. The Kingdome of Orizon needs…”

“Old man, not this again… do as you please, find me a woman with a strong wolf and I will place the crown on her very head.” I say, cutting off the advisor and walking out of the throne room.