Chapter five: Begining of deceit

I awoke to a stinging pain on my lower back. I winced as I tried to sit up, my vision swimming for a moment.

Gods, what had he done to me? No one told me this was what it felt like. Even my neck hurt from the claiming bite.

My back went rigid when something moved. Slowly turning to look, I flinched back in surprise at the sight of Eilis on his knees. It suddenly felt like déjà vu. This was the second time the feral prince was on his knees in front of me.

“I’m sorry.” He said the words like it physically pained him to voice it. “You didn't deserve to be treated like that.”

I blushed as I remembered all that had transpired between us. I shifted, biting my lip as it felt like the pain spread to my foot.

“It was part of the claiming, my prince. There’s nothing to be sorry about.” My voice was small, barely audible. But that was what I could manage as I tried not to break down.

“Don't say that.” He hissed. “I knew what I did was wrong. You gave me no permission.”

I could see he was sorry by the way his expression tightened. He looked angry at himself. But what was I supposed to say? You shouldn't have claimed me? I hate you?

I opted for the truth. “I don't think you were in your right mind when you did it.”

Eilis flinched, his eyes closing as he took a deep breath. “I think I owe you this much. You're right, I wasn't in my right senses. My other half took over.”

His other half? Like he saw the confusion in my face, he answered.

“When I went feral and was cured by the priests, I didn't come back alone. A part of the feral side came back with me. I call him the wolf.

“I don't remember what he does when he takes over, but I'm sure it was bad, looking at the state of you.”

My back stiffened, a sudden flush overtaking me as I remembered the real reason I'd been in the situation in the first place.

“No one must know I still lose control.” He continued, “I'll keep your secret if you keep mine.”

The opportunity raced through my mind. This was a deal that could grant me life.

“The pack would put me down for losing control, and my father will see you hanged for the betrayal. This deal is in our favor.”

“I agree.” I said at last.

“Good.” He replied, standing up from the floor. “I have told the servants to just help with water and food. You'll wash yourself. Better to be discreet than take the risk of someone finding out.”

I nodded in understanding, not that I had servants at my beck and call in my father's house anyway.

“Continue pretending. Try to speak less, and don't stand in a place for too long. The people will stare, they'll analyze you, so you must do your best they don't find anything amiss.”

I nodded, still sitting on the bed.

“I'll send the servants in now.” He pivoted, heading towards the door.

Immediately it clicked shut, I tried to get up. At least the rumours about his bedroom activities had some truth in them.

Denis arrived a while after I'd taken my bath, his face a ray of sunshine in the otherwise gloom of my own mind.

Calani had dressed me in a silk blue gown that flowed all the way to the floor and covered most parts of my shoulder except the claiming bite. At least it covered the marks and bruises.

“I'm so glad you survived your first night. How are you feeling?”

Was he to be trusted? Could I be free with him? I shrugged, going for friendly.

“I feel fine, just tired.”

My right hand trailed to my neck, stopping just beside the claiming bite. Denis’ eyes followed it, his eyes dimming into what seemed like pity.

“Wow, that's… that's rough.”

I frowned. Did it look that bad?

“Don't get me wrong, it's great… it's just—it looks like a vigorous claiming. It's screaming possessiveness, and that's a good thing.”

Why did I feel like he was lying to make me feel better? My neck suddenly started aching again, despite the fact that Calani had put in soothe cream to reduce the pain for me.

“The wolves would know to stay away from you.” He grinned. “We'll start with court training today, cause I'm sure the king will throw a ball to welcome the prince’s mate into the family.”

“Lesson one.” Denis started, as we sat opposite each other, his legs spread across the chair, while I attempted to maintain my image by sitting as still as possible in order to avoid triggering the pain in my ass.

“Do not, for anything, show fear.”

“I think I'm managing alright.” I shrugged.

He scoffed. “It reeked of you last night.”

Yes, maybe because I was going to get claimed like an animal. I didn't say that though. I didn't know if Denis was a potential friend or enemy.

“Lesson two.” He continued, “Never question Eilis in front of an audience, no matter how much you want to protest.”

I blinked. Did that mean he could do anything he wanted and I could do nothing about it?

“He's your prince first and foremost, the mate comes after. Think of it like this: If the kingdom were to be in danger and Eilis is asked to choose between his mate and the kingdom, he's expected to choose the kingdom.”

I snorted before I could stop it, like the prince cared about me anyways.

“Lesson three: no matter how much someone pisses you off and you just want to tell them to shove their opinion up their ass, you have to do it politely. For example.” Denis brought his legs down from the chair to face me fully. “You say: I appreciate your concern, but I will consider it in private.”

“Isn't that the same thing?”

“Exactly.” He said pleasantly. “It's just wrapped in silk.”

“And if I don't?” I had to ask.

His smile was slow and sharp. “Then they decide you're impulsive, dangerous and unfit to be by the prince's side.”

“Your back is too stiff, you should try to relax more.” Calani muttered as she tightened the corset.

“Says the person who told me the rumours in the first place.” I said under my breath.

Calani was helping me get ready for the ball. Denis had been running right. The king was throwing a ball to welcome me to the family.

“At least you survived the night, that's a good beginning. Now you just have to survive your first court session.” Calani argued.

I shivered. “They're going to eat me alive.”

I'd heard the nobles used the opportunity of court to get under one's skin, and I had a lot of garbage under mine. What if someone notices I'm not a woman?