Chapter 23 - A Monster.

-Aurelia-

“Oh.” I muttered quietly as realization dawned on me.

I stared at the male domestic helpers as they transformed one of the corners of the Alpha King's chamber to a miniature room.

They were setting up a small bedframe, a bed, a stool and a table where I would use for making the herbs.

Slowly, I turned to Elder Sage and Beta Ilan.

“This was what you meant by sleeping with the Alpha King?”

Well… I guess I thought wrong because this wasn't what I had interpreted their words to mean at all.

Healer smiled and nodded, “Yes, Child. And the goddess blesses you for helping out.”

Beta Ilan gave a slight nod as he turned away, instructing the helpers

At first, relief washed over me… it was good news because I wouldn't have to think everyday about that monster touching me.

His bloodied hands, the very one that shortens lives, that turns families miserable.

The thought of those hands on me definitely makes my skin crawl. I would have hated myself forever even after I took him down.

Thank you goddess!

Beneath my veil, I smiled ….. At least my dread would never happen.

“Wait.” Elder Sage squirted as he stared at me, I watched them widen, he seemed to have realized something, “Oh moon! Child please don't tell me you thought we were talking about sleeping like ‘sleeping’ oh no!” He shook his head with a horrified look.

Beta Ilan turned to us, “What? You thought –” His face pulled in a frown.

I stepped back and bowed my head …. I hope I didn't mess this up-

“We are not evil to do or even think of doing such.” The Beta said.

I lifted my head and I could see the look of displeasure written all over his face, “We are no such people.”

I almost scoffed at that but I put myself in check just in time.

No such people indeed…. What about Luna Queen Nyx? Forced. And even cried? Oh yeah.

“We do respect and honour your devotion and your stance. We are grateful that you are helping out.” His voice was much calmer, filled with respect that could never be mistaken, making me double check if I was hearing things.

“Thank you.” He said, his voice filled with gratitude that stunned me and that wasn't all, he took a step back and bowed.

Wait? Did the Beta….? Not a slight bow, a fucking bow!

My eyes went wide in absolute shock, quickly I bowed too.

My shock wears off and then it is replaced with a smirk beneath my veil… this could only mean one thing…

That's I have successfully earned Beta Ilan trust… his very absolute trust.

Elder Sage smiled and patted my back, “You will be paid and properly taken care of, that, I assure you, dear child.”

I smiled and gave a slight bow.

“Let’s go.” Elder Sage gestured to me, I followed to the table that had just been set up and then instructions started rolling in.

But as I listened my mind drifted off to the meeting we had in the forest…

Wait a moment… Now that the intimacy we had talked and planned around isn't what they meant, what's then going to happen?

Uncle Diomar had said that intimacy must be included in love to bring Alaric to his knees but now…?

And then dread began to creep in on me… Would I succeed without the weapon of intimacy, just as planned?

How then would I bring a strong and powerful male to his knees?

Oh no!

What should I do?

I need to write to uncle Diomar and tell him about this development.

Or… do I use the fated bond to play this card? …. It would be easier that way.

No! I mentally yelled at myself immediately.

Never! I pushed the thought out of my head. It's terrible that the goddess played a cruel joke on me, but telling anyone about it, would even be more miserable.

If what you want doesn't come to you and the only way to have it is if it comes to you on its own accord, then Aurelia, you have to make it come to you.

One of my Uncle’s words filtered through my mind.

Exactly just what I need, beneath my veil, a small smile etched on my lips.

Well… if the intimacy we had thought and planned around isn't what they had in mind, then I would just make it happen.

I would have the Alpha King long and reach for intimacy with me.

I feel the corner of my lips curled up. Good.

“What is going on here?” A thundering voice asked, fastened right out of my thoughts.

Everyone in the room halted, heads turned to the direction the voice came from, only to see Alpha King Alaric, his eyes narrowed as he stared around his chambers, confused settling on his face.

I blinked once… no, twice. Huh? Maybe three times as I stared at the hulk of a male standing some distance away.

My gaze dropped to his broad, wide, muscular shoulders.

Oh, the stars! Could I even get my short arms around those shoulders?

I swallowed nothing.

Even though his chest, which, by the way, was bare, was still wrapped in bandages, there was no mistaking how broad and well-built he was beneath them.

And his arms?

Oh, the stars!

They were thick, muscular, and veined, which reminded me of just how much strength this male possessed.

This was my very first time seeing the Alpha King from a distance, standing on his feet.

My gaze went back up to his face and I was met with a frown and that shove me rudely to reality.

‘Oh goddess! Aurelia!’ I scolded myself as shame washed over me.

“I asked, what is going on here?!” He yelled angrily, Elder Sage jumped beside me.

I feel every helper go still and silent, I was sure they were even holding their breath.

Then, Elder Sage stepped forward, “Your Majesty, your caregiver would be closer to you now than before.”

“What does that mean?” He asked, his voice stern as he stared at the mini room that had just been finished and one look at his face, he didn't appreciate this at all.

“I…. I…. Uhmmm…” The Healer stammered, I could literally feel fear ooze off Elder Sage but who wouldn't, even myself, I feel frightened.

Beta Ilan stepped forward, “It means she would be here with you both night and day.”

And at the speed of lighting, his expression hardened into what I have never seen before.

His nose flared, his brows pulled together, “I beg your pardon?!”

The force in his yell had me taking several steps back, my hands trembled a bit.

“Ilan, what gives you the authority to decide that without having my approval?”

“Your majesty–” Elder Sage tried saying.

He snapped his head to our direction and pinned the Healer with a furious glare, the very one that could send a person six feet into the ground.

“Quiet! Let him speak.”

Elder Sage pressed his lips together and bowed.

I stared in surprise at what unfolds in front of me…. Realization hit me right in the gut… the male I had seen, the one that touched my eyes, the one that always tried to find my gaze… the one that I thought seemed to act odd around me ….. all of that gentleness was a mask, a façade that had slipped away.

And now…? I can fucking clearly see him for who he is.

“This was the only solution we had.” Beta Ilan said calmly, not fazed by the glare or boiling anger of the Alpha King.

“Get out. All of you. And remove all of these.” Alaric said as he stared angrily at all the arrangements.

“Your Majesty.” Elder Sage pleaded.

Beta Ilan stepped aside and said “No, we would do no such thing.”

And before any could react, a punch landed on the Beta face, I gasped and jumped in fright.

Alpha King Alaric just punched his second in command in the face, while still staring daggers at him, but on the Beta's face was a blank look as if nothing happened.

The Healer tried to step toward them but Beta Ilan shot his hand out, signaling for him to stop which he did.

“Let this be the last you ever do anything like this.” His voice came out harsher and gravier than I have even heard from anyone.

Not even from my Uncle, who I had considered the scariest during my training days.

Alpha King Alaric took long strides to the door, pulled them open, he stopped and stared back at his Beta, “You will be sorry if I get back and still meet them here.” And with that, he stepped out of the room.

And then, I heard collective sighs escaping everyone in the chamber.