Chapter 3 - Caught?

- Aurelia -

“Praise the moon goddess. His majesty is out of danger and on his way to recovery.” Elder Sage announced as he pressed the wet cloth he had earlier given the Beta against the Alpha King’s sword wound.

The maids sighed heavily, releasing deep breaths that they had been holding… I resisted the urge to roll my eyes in disgust.

The only time I held my breath was when the sword was about to be pulled out, hoping it did go wrong but it didn't.

He had escaped from a bloodbath but his recovery? Not on my watch.

I watched as Beta Ilan bowed his head, his fingers formed a fists which he placed on his chest … he was paying homage to the Healer.

Elder Sage smiled and did the same, “The moon goddess will continue to protect our Alpha King.”

I smirked. No, she won't. She has given him into my hands and his death is near.

“My Lord, you also need treatment.” Elder Sage said to the Beta, who looked terrible too, he was in a bad shape yet he didn't remember himself but wanted the monster to be treated first?

Unbelievable. The Beta has to be evil too, a monster just like his friend.

But comments of his kindness rang in my ears, even Omegas spoke highly of him, telling stories about how they could report to him if the warriors bullied them or treated them inhumane and in turn he did punish the warrior and made the culprit apologize… Once again I pushed the thoughts out of my mind.

After the Beta's treatment, Elder Sage suddenly turned to our direction, his intense gaze watched us, putting everyone on edge.

He sighed and announced, “The Alpha King needs a caregiver, he needs someone to care-”

Several hands shot up, cutting the healer’s words short.

Three maids who were standing in front, with their hands up and waving vigorously suddenly got pushed aside, Mistress Donna and three other senior maids stepped forward, putting everyone behind them, their shoulders extra high.

I hear Sonia hissed behind me.

“I hate them so much.” She said.

“Me too.” Another responded, her tone bitter.

“Well, I chose..” Elder Sage paused, his eyes moved from one maid to the other. He looked away and then began setting his tools on the table, spreading them “the one who knows the exact process I just used in treating the Alpha King and what tools were used at each stage.”

Silence fell as everyone went quiet and slowly hands started getting dropped. Mistress Donna and the maids who stepped forward, stepped backwards in shame.

Beta Ilan huffed and then hissed, I saw the look of disgust and disappointment on his face.

His face showed that he clearly knew their minds weren't following the process rather it was fixated on something else - the Alpha King’s body.

“Elder Sage, let's have one of his mates do-”

I shot up my hand before I could even process it in my brain. My heart pounded in my chest.

This is my time. This is an opportunity.

“Put your hand down, you fool!” Mistress Donna snapped behind me, she took a hold of my raised hand and pushed it down.

But the healer already saw my raised hand, so he asked as he stared up at me “Oh dear, you raised your hand?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

He gestured for me to come, I obeyed.

“Let’s see what the veiled useless Omega wants to say.” Mistress Donna scoffed.

With every step I took, the thudding in my chest increased. I took deep breaths as I moved, trying to be calm.

Finally, I got to the table. The healer beckoned me to come closer, which I did.

I swallowed hard as I stood in front of the man that had been the center of my plan, the very man that made me this way… the monster who doesn't deserve to see the next dawn of day.

The very one who took my precious life and future away from me.

For fsix years, this was the closest I have ever been and just this … is enough.

“You may begin.” Elder Sage’s words pulled me back to reality, he stepped aside and gestured that I start.

My hands trembled beside me.

I closed my eyes and took a deep calming breath and when I opened my eyes, I cleared my throat and I began, “You started by…”

I explained gently and slowly, showing the tools he had used.

“And then this.” I lifted up the wet cloth which had been soaked in a warm concoction of herbal water which the healer had used in wiping the Alpha King's body.

I turned to look at the Elder, he stared at me blankly and my heart skipped.

Did I miss a step?

I am so close to getting what I want, did I mess this-

Suddenly his lips stretched into a smile and I almost released a sigh but I checked myself in time.

Elder Sage nodded at me. “I chose you.”

My heart almost leaped out from my chest in pure excitement.

“What's your name?” Elder Sage asked.

I bowed slightly and answered, “My name is Aurelia.”

“From now on until the Alpha King is fully recovered, you would be his caregiver, Aurelia.”

I bowed again. “I am honoured.”

Underneath my veil, I smirked then my lips stretched out into its evil smile.

*

I was about to pick up the wet cloth to give the Alpha's body another wipe when the Beta spoke, his words halted my actions.

“Your eyes.” He paused as he stood in front of me at the other side of the table.

My eyes? I thought in confusion as I lifted my head and stared at him, still my smile grew, still living the fact that I have just been chosen to be a caregiver.

I am so close to the Alpha King, close enough to nail his cross.

“Your eyes…” He said again cutting my thoughts.

Beta Ilan took few long strides and now, he stood just in front of me … we were just inches apart, “they look excited… dark kind of excitement.” His words came out stern, a deep frown on his face.

Immediately my smile froze under my veil, I swallowed hard, “I… my lord…” I stammered unsure of what to say.

His stern gaze studied me “You were smiling, your eyes say that.” He turned to the healer and shook his head.

Oh no!