Chapter Fourteen

Ava

“I… I can't Queen mother” I forced out. “My life is tied to your son. If I leave, he said he'll find me and kill me , too.

She laughed coldly. “Oh, you really believe he would do that, My son doesn't care for anything except himself, he would be even less bothered if you are here or not ” Her laugh died down. “Just take them. Don't waste time arguing, get out of my sight!”She commanded.

What if this was a trap and what if I fell miserably for it? I wasn't sure, but I knew I could never be caught doing something like this.

“I can't queen mother, please”

“What did you just say?” her tone changed completely. There was a dark aura around her now. She glared at me as her face grew closer, and I involuntarily backed away. Her face twisted into a vicious expression as I took a step backwards until my back hit the wall.I trembled, terrified as I gazed deep into her eyes which were burning with rage.

“You dare to defy me?” She growled.

“Queen mother…” I didn't get a chance to complete my words when she struck me in the face.

She grabbed me by my collar, almost lifting me off the floor. How strong was this woman? She was clearly stronger than she looked.

She shook me violently as I struggled weakly in her grip.

“Listen, girl. You don't speak when I am speaking to you, do you understand? ” She hissed between clenched teeth, her nails digging into my neck.” Do I make myself clear? ” she shouted with fury, lacing every syllable. Her hand loosened up momentarily.

“Yes, queen mother” My voice was muffled, and I coughed before regaining my breath.

“Mother,” The king's voice rang behind us and I tensed.Queen mother looked over her shoulder and let go of me immediately, taking a step back, but not turning away from the king.

“Son,” She replied coolly.

“What are you doing?” He asked, looking between us.

I couldn't see him clearly, so I turned to look at him.

“She insulted me, son. Can you believe that? All I wanted was to tell her the dos and don'ts of this castle and she attacked me” The queen mother broke into sobs immediately to match her accusations.

“Is that true?” the king turned to me.

“No your majesty, I didn't attack her. She did it to me” I defended, trying to hide the tears welling in my eyes.

“Are you calling me a liar!” The queen mother shrieked, enraged. “I would never do such a thing! You are the one who started all this nonsense.” She glared at me furiously.I lowered my gaze.

There was no need to press on, he’d never believe me, no one ever did.

“That's enough! Go back to your room, wash up and mother, I would like to have a word with you” I nodded, and slowly, my shaky legs carried me away before giving up and falling to my knees.

When I returned to my room, I broke down in tears .

He didn't believe me. I had my bath but my neck still stung from where the Queen mother’s nails dug in earlier. I was surprised that it was not healing fast.

Were wounds left by Lycan’s different from that of werewolves? Was it normal? Why was I unable to heal easily?

I decided to try to sleep it off. Hopefully it won't hurt this badly again tomorrow.

There was a knock on the door and when I opened it, the Lycan King was standing before me, I was too stunned.

I stepped aside to let him in.

“How are you?” he asked cautiously.

“Fine” I lied, not wanting to talk about it with anyone.

He seemed to be lost in thought for a while, his eyes searching mine. Then he finally spoke:

“You've been crying?” It came out like a question.

“It's just the scratch on my neck” I answered quickly, hoping to change the subject. He nodded understandingly and his eyes lingered there.

“They will be gone by tomorrow,” He said suddenly.

“Huh?” I hadn't expected him to say that.

“Your scratches. They will be gone by tomorrow” He continued as if we hadn't just discussed something insignificant before. “Mother is a bit handful sometimes but she means well.”

I smiled weakly, my heart twisting with pain. I wanted to tell him she offered me money to leave, I wanted to tell him his mother scared me but what need was it? He scared me too , what if he would react the same way as the queen mother did. No, this would not happen, I couldn't let that happen.

But I knew this was just the beginning, the queen mother was not going to stop, especially now that I had given her a reason to be upset with me.

“Ava!” I was immediately brought back into reality by his voice.

“I am sorry Your Majesty, I got distracted” I muttered softly, trying to hide my disappointment and embarrassment.

He looked at me and sighed, his face didn't soften, instead I could feel it pierce the bottom of my soul, leaving me bare . I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

My wolf stirred inside of me with need, she wanted me to reach out and touch him, I resiste, pushing back my wolf’s feelings. I couldn't let that happen.

He turned immediately to leave.

“Go back to bed.” He ordered.

“Yes Sir” I replied, bowing slightly.

When his hand reached the door knob, I called him back. “Your majesty?” This was my only chance to save myself from the wrath of the queen mother.

His hand paused at the door frame, his blue irises flickering to meet mine before he turned around, facing me fully.

“I…” My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat, forcing it to calm down. “I accept your offer. An heir for my freedom” My voice quivered a little as I spoke those words, feeling a sting rising inside me.

He walked back towards me slowly, his eyes roaming my eyes in search of any trace of hesitation. He stopped right in front of me and I saw him inhale sharply.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I bowed my head.

He studied me carefully before asking. “You won’t regret this?” His voice held an uncertain note.

I didn’t answer him. He stared deeply into my eyes. A shiver ran down my spine at the intensity of his look. I averted my gaze.

He surprised me by lifting my chin with one hand and pulling me towards him. His lips pressed against mine.